The electric storm is looming over the horizon. It seems as though there's a new EV coming out every day, either from a startup company or from one of the major established automakers. Everyone is putting huge investments into EV technology, resulting in some highly anticipated cars, and more and more beloved models from big automakers seem to be getting the boot in return.
Even though a lot of these models are slowly, but surely going out of production, they would actually make perfect sense if they were given a new lease of life as electric cars. They would still follow the ethos of the old model, but with updated technology, designs, and of course, powertrains.
10 Volkswagen Scirocco
Launched back in the 1970s, the Scirocco was VW's entry into the sport compact market. It was based on the Golf underneath, but it was given a more suitable sporty exterior and improved dynamics. Over the years, the Scirocco evolved into one of the most successful VW sports cars of all time.
In 2008, the Wolfsburg giant brought back the Scirocco, with the same concept as the original model. It was a gorgeous sports compact with Golf underpinnings, but improved dynamics and a spicy R version. The Scirocco went out of production in 2017, and even though Volkswagen hasn't expressed interest, it would be awesome revitalized as an EV.
9 Ford RS200
Back in the mid-1980s, the Group B class of rally cars was thriving. Though it was very short-lived, it led to some of the most exciting and craziest rally cars and events of all time. Ford threw their hat into the Group B battle ring with the bespoke RS200.
The RS200 was a mid-engine, AWD, purpose-built rally car that despite having "only" a 4-cylinder engine, could produce around 444 hp in its race suit. Even though the days of Group B and purpose-built machines like this are way in the past now, bringing the RS200 as a mid-level electric sports car or even an entry-level supercar would be really, really awesome.
8 Volkswagen Beetle
This concept is actually very likely to happen, as VW has already expressed interest in bringing back the Beetle as a four-door EV, and the E-Bugster concept from a few years ago definitely adds credence to that.
The Beetle remains one of the most iconic and beloved automobiles in all of history, and with the Fiat 500 recently receiving an electric makeover, a new Beetle would fit the bill perfectly. It would also fit right at home with the likes of the Honda e. A retro electric compact with a slight nuance of silliness would be a great EV that would make enthusiasts all over the world happy.
7 Mazda REPU
This one also has very high potential of happening, even though Mazda has never spoken about it. Even though Mazda is not ready to abandon the internal combustion engine yet, their latest electric crossover, the MX-30, uses a rotary engine for range extending duty.
Now imagine that identical setup, but underpinning a light-duty pickup truck. It could still be called the REPU due to using the "spinning Dorito" as a range extender, and it would fit right at home with all the upcoming EV pickup trucks. What's more, Mazda could put some emphasis on the off-roading aspect, putting it in line with trucks such as the GMC Hummer EV, albeit with less power.
6 Peugeot 504
Peugeot clearly knows that the 504 in all body styles is one of their most well-known and loved models. That's why they showcased the e-Legend concept in 2018. The e-Legend is a gorgeous two-door coupe with 504 Coupe-inspired styling, an electric powertrain, and fully autonomous driving capabilities.
With Peugeot also getting serious about plug-in hybrid and full-electric powertrains, a 504 tribute like the e-Legend, complete with an EV powertrain could be a fantastic halo car for the brand and one that proves retro styling can be done just right.
5 Audi Quattro
Back to Group B rallying once again, the Audi Quattro is probably the most successful car in the class, and certainly one of the most successful in the entire sport. The homologation special road car is worth a ton of money these days, and all with good reason.
With Audi inching closer and closer to releasing the RS e-tron GT, which is their take on the J1 platform that also underpins the Porsche Taycan, removing the two rear doors from the big four-door GT and extending the hood could potentially be considered a brand new Quattro, and it can also act as Audi's halo model for their increasingly intriguing electric car lineup.
4 VW Type 2
Unlike some of the other cars on the list, Volkswagen is actually bringing their absolutely iconic van back. Previewed by the I.D Buzz concept from a few years ago, the legendary Kombi is finally being brought back after years of requests as an electric minivan.
It makes perfect sense, because not only is Volkswagen bringing back by far one of, if not the most recognizable nameplate under their belt, it's almost certainly going to be more reliable and easier on fuel (or electricity, in this case) than its 70-year-old ancestor.
3 Kaiser Jeep M715
We all know that Chrysler and other Mopar brands aren't all that interested in electrification at the moment, but with the arrival of trucks like the GMC Hummer and the Rivian R1T, this would be an awesome model to bring back.
The Kaiser Jeep M715 was popular in the 1960s, and it was mostly relegated to military duty. A retro pickup with similar styling and an electric powertrain that would sit above the Gladiator in Jeep's lineup would be a perfect answer to all the new electric pickup trucks that are getting everyone talking.
2 Citroën 2CV
A modern interpretation of the 2CV that runs on electricity would sit right at home with the new electric Fiat 500 and the rumored electric Beetle. Even though the 2CV was a utilitarian vehicle at its core, it still has a massive cult following nowadays.
It was cheap, reliable, easy to fix, and laughably slow. A retro body that hearkens back to this curious little French car built on top of a dedicated EV platform would definitely be a cool throwback, even though Citroën hasn't really shown interest in doing such a thing.
1 Aston Martin Lagonda
We do know that Aston Martin brought back the Lagonda name for a huge, slightly overpriced luxury sedan built for the Middle Eastern market, and we do know that they will be bringing it back again for an ultra-luxurious SUV in the not too distant future.
With that in mind, a full-size electric sedan to sit alongside the new SUV in the revitalized Lagonda brand would work perfectly. Aston Martin is definitely showing keen interest in electrification, with the electric Rapide and the aforementioned Lagonda SUV, so it definitely makes sense to follow up with a full-size luxury limo as well, one that could potentially rival the electric Jaguar XJ and even the Cadillac Celestiq.