Once a far-fetched dream from the echelons of science-fiction, electric cars have come a long way over the last few decades and in recent years in particular have become commonplace on our roads, representing over 20% of new cars purchased in the UK and Ireland by the end of 2022. While many familiar cars are now available in an electric version, there are some electric vehicles which just take things to the extreme. Here’s our top five to look out for in 2023.
Tesla Cybertruck
Ever since the world’s former richest man unveiled his plans to build this beast of a truck back in 2019, the world has been waiting. Well, the good news is the wait is almost over and the great big Twitter distraction does not seem to have got in the way of a 2023 launch. While the Cybertruck’s production is significantly later than originally planned, rumour has it that Musk’s Texas Gigafactory has been prepared for “early production,” and the plan apparently is to gradually ramp up output to full by the end of 2023. If the utility vehicle really is able to deliver the promised 14,000 pound towing capacity, sub-three-seconds zero-to-60 time, and 500 mile range there will certainly be some happy customers.
Jeep Avenger
This entry may not be as far-fetched as most of this list, but definitely merits a mention given it’s iconic status as a brand. The original American 4×4, Jeep apparently has its sights set on European domination this coming year, with its new Avenger hitting the roads imminently. Although the initial specification only offers 150 bhp and front-wheel drive, a four-wheel-drive version is supposedly not far behind. Comparable to the Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Mokka, it will be manufactured in Poland, now a major manufacturing hub for small SUV’s and offers a range in the region of 250 miles.
Lotus Eletre
There’s a lot that is unique about the latest 600 hp all-electric offering from Lotus but there is one particular feature that has certainly caught the attention of many – a grill that “breathes” thanks to interconnected triangular panels at the front which close when the Eletre is stopped, but automatically open to scoop air to the radiator to cool the electric motors, battery pack, or front brakes when needed. The innovative active grill also “breathes” as the illuminated flush-fitting door handles deploy, opening and closing the vented panels. If you’d like a soundtrack to the breathing grill, you won’t be disappointed either – the standard KEF sound system is a 1,380-Watt, 15-speaker affair, while you can upgrade to the 2,160-Watt, 23-speaker “Reference” version if that’s not quite enough decibels!
Rolls-Royce Spectre
When it comes to motoring, Rolls-Royce are the indisputable king of the road – however it has taken them longer than most to dip into the electric market. The all new Spectre has been designed from the ground up as an EV, including a new aluminum chassis to ensure the familiar quiet yet powerful ride owners of the brand’s cars are used to. An anticipated 300-plus miles of range and a zero-to-60 time of 4.4 seconds are impressive for a car nearly 5.5 meters long and weighing almost 3 tons. Despite the immense size, the Spectre is the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever produced.
DeLorean Alpha5
After a 40-year hiatus following the sad demise of the original DeLorean, fans of Back to the Future will be extremely excited to know that an all new fully electric version is coming out soon! The reinvented Delorean promises zero to 60 mph in just under three seconds, with a projected top speed of 155 mph. The Alpha5 is also sensitive to its film-star predecessor, with a louvered rear window and gull-wing doors. However, the DMC-12’s blocky, wedge shape has made way for a smoother styling that reduces drag enough to help it achieve the 300-mile range DeLorean claims. Like the Lotus Eletre, it also promises something special when it comes to the onboard sound system too.
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