Electric cars are coming, and they’re coming fast, right alongside an entire design movement that embraces the past. The combination of style and substance is hard to beat; throw in some modern muscle to go with the looks and you’ve got something special. And instead of trying to hide the fact that it’s not really what it looks like, manufacturers are finding new ways to retain some of the style and substance of vehicles of yesteryear.
Automakers are drawing heavily on their heritage, translating iconic historic models into modern electric vehicles for contemporary roads. From tiny city cars and practical microcars to powerful muscle cars, these retro-inspired EVs show how different generations of automotive design can work together. Examining these revivals reveals how legendary styling cues continue to shape the future of driving while giving familiar names and concepts a new role in the zero-emission era.
1. 2009 Mini E
In 2001, BMW replaced the original 1959 Mini and its 40-plus-year production with a retro-modern interpretation. Then in 2009, BMW announced a lease-only limited experimental electric car based on the second generation new Mini. Less than 1000 Minis were created, each with a 35-kWh battery pack, delivering a range of 160 km (100 miles). It was an evolutionary approach that sought to combine retro-look with cutting-edge electric technology.
Mini E’s Early Electric Journey:
- Based on second-generation Mini
- Used a 35kWh battery
- Offered 160km range
- Fewer than 1,000 built
- Lease program proved popular
The first Mini cars were sold under the Austin and Morris badges before becoming the best-selling British car of all time. It was also ahead of its time in being a truly clever design that led to a huge impact on the automobile industry. The original Mini was a genuine innovative design that influenced countless subsequent cars. The Mini E lease scheme came to be extremely popular, generating demand for zero-emission hatchbacks and proving that customers accepted the concept of an electric Mini. In 2019, Mini introduced an electric Cooper in production, taking the concept even further. The current electric Mini can offer a range of 400km (250 miles).
2. 2012 Fiat 500e
When the California and Oregon states legislated for zero-emission vehicles, Fiat partnered with Bosch to create the 500e from its 2007 reborn city car. With a 24kWh battery pack on board, the small Fiat could manage a range of 130km (80 miles). An early experiment turned into a huge hit, with 27000 Fiat 500e electric cars being sold. This retro modern electric car had a certain appeal, making electrics seem less intimidating.
Fiat 500e’s Retro Roots:
- Revived Fiat 500 inspired design
- Used a 24kWh battery
- Offered 130km range
- Sold 27,000 units
- Bosch handled electric conversion
Many retro modern cars borrow design elements from the legendary Nuova 500 of 1957, which had a 9.7kW (13hp) engine. This little car’s impossibly cute tail fins defined a generation. The 500e electric Fiat is set to receive a much-needed update in 2020. It will get a 320km (200-mile) range, while the new hot-hatch Abarth is also set to appear, inspired by the performance versions of the original 500 of 1957.
3. 2023 Fiat Topolino
For those who think the Fiat 500e is too big and too powerful, Fiat introduced another retro-modern electric car inspired by the 500Jolly. The Topolino is small and simple, with a 6kW (8hp) motor and a range of 76km (47 miles), the cheapest electric car Fiat has to offer. It is made in the style of a modern-day classic. Compared to the many large and powerful electric cars nowadays, this cute Fiat is unique with its simple electric formula.
Topolino’s Tiny Electric Formula:
- Uses a tiny electric motor
- Produces 6kW of power
- Offers 76km range
- Based on Citroen Ami
- Inspired by Fiat 500 Jolly
Built on the modern-day Ami by Citroen, the Topolino is essentially a smaller and cuter sibling to the Fiat 500e. It takes styling inspiration from the Fiat 500 Jolly, a concept car first seen back in 1959. This particular model was doorless and roofless, making it even sportier. The Topolino modern microcar is a retro-modern design that recalls the fun spirit of the original 500. By taking design inspiration from such a cute Fiat model, the Topolino becomes another example of a retro-modern electric vehicle.
4. 2020 Honda e
Honda announced the urban EV concept in 2017, which was so popular that it went into production. In 2020, the first cars appeared, with the retro-modern design being very reminiscent of the 1976 Honda Civic. It was a cute small electric car with a range of 220km (137 miles) and an accessible price. However, the 220km range and higher price than many competing EVs limited its appeal.
Honda e’s Retro City Character
- Inspired by 1976 Civic
- Began as Urban EV
- Reached production in 2020
- Offered 220km range
- Sold 12,500 units
The Honda e is a retro-modern electric car model that is inspired by the 1976 Honda Civic. The Civic marked Honda’s debut on the world automotive market. The production version of the Honda e electric car was announced in 2020, with sales following in Japan, Europe, and other regions. Sales were strong but lower than expected, with only 12,500 units being sold in total. Production of the Honda e electric car ceased in 2024.
5. 2022 Volkswagen ID Buzz
Volkswagen ID Buzz concept was so popular that VW decided to produce the electric van. The electric van has many variations, from a short to a long wheelbase, and a cargo version. In addition, VW will also unveil a California campervan version. The electric van offers versatility while also retaining the look that made it so popular at the concept stage.
ID Buzz Carries Classic Heritage:
- Inspired by Volkswagen Type 2
- Offers multiple body configurations
- Uses rear-wheel-drive layout
- Produces 286 horsepower
- Weighs over twice more
Designers of the Volkswagen ID Buzz electric car drew inspiration from the iconic VW Type 2 Bus, also known as Kombi or Transporter. The air-cooled flat-four engine in the original Beetle produced 18 kW (24hp). Meanwhile, the electric motor in the ID Buzz produces 210 kW (286hp). This electric car has a lot in common with its classic counterpart, as both use rear-wheel drive. However, the ID Buzz weighs more than twice as much as the original Type 2 model.
6. 2022 Ora Ballet Cat
Volkswagen is not planning to produce an electric Beetle, but this cute Chinese EV hatchback is the next best thing. Built by Ora and Great Wall Motor, the Ballet Cat is a retro-modern electric car that is set to debut in China. The Ora Ballet Cat is extremely interesting as it does not just resemble a modern electric hatchback with electric powertrains under the skin. Its inspiration came from an entirely different era in automotive design.
Ballet Cat’s Classic Inspiration:
- Built by Great Wall Motor
- Designed and sold by Ora
- Uses nostalgic styling cues
- Resembles classic Beetle proportions
- Targets electric retro enthusiasts
While VW has no intention of building an electric Beetle, the Ora Ballet Cat is a retro-modern take on the classic Beetle’s silhouette. The electric cat has a similar design language to the original Beetle, with its silhouette being reminiscent of the 1938 Volkswagen Beetle. The Ballet Cat’s design is an excellent way to target the nostalgic appeal and the unique design of the original Beetle. It is an interesting take on an electric car, as it manages to capture the essence of the original Beetle while also being a completely different product.
7. 2022 Microlino
The Microlino quadricycle is the latest in a long line of innovative microcars from Switzerland and Italy. This ultra-compact electric vehicle can offer the practicality of a microcar, including two seats, two doors, a boot, and a roof. The long-range version has a 12.5kW (17hp) motor, and it can go up to 230km (140 miles) on a single charge. With its practicality and small size, it is a great addition to the growing number of electric vehicles.
Microlino’s Tiny Retro Formula:
- Classified as a quadricycle
- Offers two passenger seats
- Includes a practical boot
- Produces 17 horsepower
- Offers 230km range
The Microlino is a retro-modern electric car made in the style of the 1953 Iso Isetta. This microcar was also the first of its kind, opening up a new niche for families of European countries who wanted a more affordable mode of transport. The new Microlino electric car is an evolution of a post-war bubble car. With its retro-modern design, the Microlino is set to keep the legacy of the ISETTA microcar alive and well. It is a practical and efficient zero-emission vehicle with fascinating design roots.
8. 2024 Dodge Charger
The eighth-generation Dodge Charger is all-electric and utilizes twin electric motors, producing up to 370 kW (503hp) or even 500 kW (679hp) when the 100kWh battery pack is in use. The new electric Dodge Charger can provide an entirely different form of performance than the gas-powered predecessors. However, Dodge has managed to capture the same spirit that has made the Charger so popular for decades.
Electric Charger Keeps Muscle Alive:
- Uses dual electric motors
- Produces up to 679hp
- Uses a 100kWh battery
- Generates 126dB artificial noise
- Inspired by 1966 Charger
To recreate the soundtrack of the iconic V8 engine, the new electric Charger uses an artificial 126dB sound generator. The exterior design is largely inspired by the 1966 Charger, most notably the fastback muscle car profile. By combining this retro-modern Dodge Charger design with cutting-edge zero-emission performance, Dodge manages to keep the spirit of the ’60s while also promoting sustainable technologies. It is an innovative approach as it manages to recreate the Dodge Charger’s iconic sound while being an all-electric vehicle.
9. 2024 Renault 5
After a spectacular initial reveal in 2021, the much-awaited Renault 5 production model has arrived. The new electric Renault 5 delivers 400km (250 miles) of range on a single charge and has excellent driving dynamics, with sweet handling. It has fantastic design details on both the exterior and interior, offering a blend of a small hatchback and modern zero-emission technology.
Renault 5 Revives A Classic:
- Concept debuted in 2021
- Offers 400km electric range
- Delivers sweet handling
- Inspired by 1972 Renault 5
- Uses distinctive retro details
The Renault 5 electric car is a retro-modern interpretation of the original 1972 Renault 5. The original Renault 5 was a global bestseller, being popular in all continents and selling in astronomical numbers until 1996 when it was discontinued. The new Renault 5 electric car manages to recapture the charm of the original. It keeps the iconic looks that made the original Renault 5 such a beloved car. In modern times, the electric Renault 5 is able to provide a fantastic driving experience while also utilizing a zero-emission powertrain. The Renault 5 is a great example of a retro-modern car that combines the old and the new.
10. 2024 Mika Meon
Mika Meon is a light electric vehicle designed by Robin Hall. Robin Hall set out to create the world’s lightest legitimate electric vehicle. The Mika Meon is a new way to look at electric fun. Traditional EV development has focused on increasing battery size, power, and range. The Mika Meon takes a different approach by using structural battery packaging, making the car lighter.
Meon Reimagines Electric Fun:
- Designed for recreational driving
- Uses structural battery packaging
- Focuses on lightweight construction
- Inspired by Meyers Manx
- Revives open-air buggy fun
The Meon captures the fun appeal of the original Meyers Manx but makes use of modern zero-emission technology to create a unique driving experience. It is an innovative approach to building electric cars that have a certain personality and style. This concept shows that electric vehicles can offer character, style, and fun just like traditional internal combustion cars. The Meon concept is a great reminder that the fun factor should not be lost in the transition to zero-emission automobiles.
