The EV1, General Motors' pioneering electric vehicle, may have been revolutionary in technology, but its design was an acquired taste. The enclosed rear wheels and almost nonexistent trunk space added to its peculiar charm, making it a vehicle that was hard to ignore but easy to poke fun at.
The design of the EV1 was such a miss that few could even imagine wanting to drive an EV anytime soon, ultimately giving electric cars a bad reputation for many years - at least in terms of aesthetics. Still, despite its odd appearance, the EV1 was a trailblazer in EV technology.
BMW's i3 was a quirky blend of eco-friendly innovation and head-scratching design. With its boxy silhouette, skinny tires, and oddly proportioned windows, the i3 looked more like a compact city cube than the sleek, stylish ride you’d expect from the luxury brand.
Its unconventional design was further accentuated by the contrasting colors and futuristic interior, which included an open, minimalist dashboard. While its sustainable materials and unique approach to urban mobility deserved praise, the i3's exterior often left onlookers puzzled.
The ZENN Electric Car, from Canada, featured a simplistic, ultra-compact design, which looked like a golf cart that wandered too far off-course. Its design was the epitome of minimalism, featuring a small, boxy body that barely fits two people.
With its bare-bones appearance and toy-like dimensions, the ZENN was built for practicality and efficiency rather than style. Although it was an affordable and environmentally friendly option for city dwellers, its appearance often led to chuckles, as many couldn't help but see it as a glorified golf-cart for the eco-conscious.
The Honda E was a nod to retro-futurism, with its rounded, boxy, compact shape and eyeball-like headlights. It almost looked like an uglier version of the Mini Cooper, but as if it lived in the world of Thomas the Tank Engine.
The cartoonish design relied on a minimalist approach with flush door handles and a symmetrical front, giving it a unique look that stood out in a crowd. The vehicle was only available in Japan for a few years before it was discontinued.
The Nissan Leaf, one of the first mass-produced electric vehicles, has a design that prioritizes functionality over flair. Its somewhat unorthodox shape, with a tall roofline and bulbous front end, often draws mixed reactions.
The large headlights and distinctive grille add to its unique visage, making it look like it's perpetually surprised. While the Leaf's practical design choices support its efficiency and spacious interior, its appearance has been humorously likened to a friendly, bug-eyed creature straight out of a Pixar movie.
The Citroën Ami is a quirky microcar that challenges conventional design norms with its unapologetically boxy shape and diminutive size. Resembling a toy car brought to life, the Ami's symmetric design, featuring interchangeable panels and identical front and rear ends, adds to its playful, albeit puzzling, appearance.
With its compact two-seater interior and minimalist dashboard, the Ami is designed for short urban hops rather than long road trips. Its unique style miight not win beauty contests, but it certainly captures attention as a bold statement in minimalist urban mobility.
Much like the Nissan Leaf, the Chevrolet Bolt's design is practical and straightforward, with a stubby hatchback shape that emphasizes utility and throws flair right out the window. Its slightly awkward proportions and tall roofline give it a compact yet chunky appearance, often making it look like a crossover that's been squished from the sides.
The Bolt's design doesn’t scream luxury, but it quietly boasts a spacious interior and impressive range. While it may not win accolades for aesthetics, its unassuming, functional look has made it a favorite for those prioritizing practicality over panache in their electric vehicle choice.
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV was an EV that was odd in so many ways. Its egg-like shape, high, rounded roof, and narrow stance made it look like it was designed for Humpty Dumpty.
The i-MiEV's compact dimensions and unusual bubbly appearance made it the subject of much ridicule and further supported the notion that electric cars are “ugly.” While its petite size and efficient design made it perfect for urban environments, its whimsical look ensured its drivers would stand out in the worst way possible.
The Myers Motors NmG, formerly known as the Corbin Sparrow, was a single-passenger electric vehicle that looked like a duckbill. Its three-wheel design and narrow, elongated body made it look like a futuristic pod racing down the streets.
While it would have been perfect for Darkwing Duck, it was just about the silliest EV design you could imagine for anyone else. The Sparrow's distinctive look has made it an icon among those who appreciate a dash of eccentricity in their commute.
Tesla's Cybertruck is a polarizing marvel of edgy design, resembling a cross between a Mars rover and a prop from a dystopian movie. With its angular, stainless steel exoskeleton, the Cybertruck defies conventional automotive styling, opting for a futuristic, armored appearance instead.
Its sharp lines and flat surfaces make it look like it was designed in Minecraft. While it is undeniably bold and conversation-starting, it has also spurred countless online memes, cementing its place as one of the most intriguing and divisive EV designs of all time.
