5 EV Prototypes We Can’t Wait to See Hit the Road

With many major OEMs promising new electric models by 2025, an impressive array of upcoming prototypes excite us for the potential of the future.

Year after year we continue to move toward a new and exciting electrified future. As leading manufacturers worldwide allocate increasing funds and effort into their EV lineups, we are interested in the unique opportunities these innovations present.

There isn’t a major automotive outlet that isn’t promoting their dedication to electric vehicles. Some concepts out there are more impressive than others. We present you with a list of 5 upcoming EV prototypes that have stood out and sparked our interest.

1. BMW iX

BMW has long been a pioneer in EV technology. They demonstrated some of the strongest directive of any OEM when they took the initiative in releasing “Project i” featuring the novel i3 and i8 models back in 2013.

The mainstream automotive industry wasn’t ready for these innovative models back then, but today’s landscape shows they were ahead of their time. Can BMW continue to innovate with their latest EV offering, the new iX compact SUV?

Set for release as a 2022 model, the iX will offer all-wheel drive and 516 HP in its lowest trim. Inventive materials such as carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic drop the curb weight allowing this model to have a range of about 300 miles on a charge.

Serious competition will come in this segment from BMW’s national rivals of luxury, Mercedes, Audi, and Porsche. Along with the new i4 sports sedan, these two models should prove the German brand’s strength moving forward.

2. Porsche Macan EV

Porsche has stirred up the EV market since their release of the Taycan model back in 2019. Since then, the brand has demonstrated they care both about the futuristic technology and their overall sustainability.

Not shy to impress, Porsche’s latest offering is to electrify their popular crossover, the Macan. They have been diligently working on this project for over four years and on-road testing of the prototypes has begun.

Their goal with this new generation will be to be “the sportiest model in its segment.” The Macan will be the first to be built on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE), whilst utilizing the Taycan’s 800-volt architecture.

Set to enter the market in 2023, we are excited to see what kind of refinement this long-term development and testing will produce.

3. Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX

Mercedes has not been slacking on their commitment to an electrified future. By 2025 and on, all design architectures will be electric-only with a possibly all-electric lineup by 2030.

One of their most intriguing soon-to-be offerings is known as the Vision EQXX. Their goal with this flagship saloon is to provide a real-world range of 621 miles per charge.

This will be achieved by revolutionary “energy-dense” battery tech which allows for serious efficiency gains. This innovation is being developed by a dedicated group of individuals including a team from their dominant Formula 1 division.

This range, if realized, will set the standard for EV battery technology by a long shot. Other manufacturers should be on watch when we see an official release of the vehicle by 2022.

4. Tesla Roadster

The company that made electric vehicles cool must be discussed in this list. Tesla had done a full reveal for their impressively-styled sports car, the Roadster, back in 2017.

The $200,000 vehicle was supposed to be released as a 2021 model, however, there has been no official confirmation of production even beginning this year.

Boasting a 1.9 second 0-to-60 and 250 mph top speed, will this model be the true successor to the original Roadster model that put Tesla on the map?

With a price even steeper than the original, the California-based brand has a lot to prove. We hope to see some updated guidance on the status of this vehicle in early 2022.

5. Hyundai RM20e

Our final choice for this list is without a doubt one of the most interesting of the bunch. Hyundai has come to combine their racing technology with the modern need for electrification.

The result is known as the RM20e, a rear-drive sports car based off a two-door racing variant of the Veloster N hatchback. Power output is serious, 810 HP and 708 ft/lbs of torque from the 800V motor.

Hyundai still hasn’t confirmed they will produce a road-going model based on the current motorsport-focused body. However, they are committed to creating high-performance N electric vehicles.

Development has been on-going since 2012 and this is currently the fifth iteration of Project RM. We should the new motorsports tech trickle down into the N line to create an eco-friendly and high-performing model by 2025.