Electric cars with retro charm: five fascinating models
It doesn't always have to be high-tech or SUVs: Some electric cars look specifically into the past to stand out from the competition. In this article, we introduce you to five retro e-cars that are based on old classics in terms of design. Of course, the technology has been completely redesigned.
Electric cars in retro design offer a fascinating mix of modern technology and nostalgic aesthetics that appeals to many people. No wonder: Vehicles such as the ID.Buzz or Honda e use classic shapes and designs that are familiar from past decades. We took a look at what's behind the retro wave.
The new retro wave in e-cars?
Many modern e-cars look as if they come from the future. But with the Fiat 500 or the new Renault 5, exactly the opposite is true: At first glance, some models look very similar to their namesakes, which were produced decades ago and still drove exclusively with a combustion engine. This raises the question: Why are some manufacturers resurrecting the heroes of the past?
Perhaps it is because many people feel reminded of a positively connoted past by the familiar appearance, of seemingly "quieter" or "better" times. Or they can simply enjoy the combination of a classic look and modern technology – a combination of the "best of both worlds", so to speak. However, the popularity may also lie in the fact that the retro models visually stand out from the often very similar-looking, modern electric cars. These focus primarily on aerodynamics and efficiency.
However, there are also limits to this strategy. It becomes critical when the transfer of well-known model names to products that have no real connection to the original core. This can be seen, for example, in the e-car brand MG. Under Chinese management, the company is now building electric SUVs that have very little in common with MG's classic cult roadsters. The retro name seems inappropriate.
But this is the exception. Below, we present some of the most interesting electric car models with a retro feel.
Honda e: Cuddly retro small car
The Honda e enchants with its retro design, which is reminiscent of the first Honda Civic of the 1970s. With its circular LED headlights and friendly, cheeky appearance, the car looks likeable and playful. The nostalgic look, combined with modern elements, appeals to both lovers of classic designs and tech-savvy customers.The market launch was in 2019, but the electric car was not a great success. Sales in Europe ended at the end of 2023. However, if you still want to be on the road in the likeable Japanese, you can look around the market for used electric cars.
Technical Highlights
- Recessed door handles and cameras as exterior mirrors to reduce drag and reduce blind spot
- Digital displays across the entire width of the dashboard that provide information about navigation, entertainment and the electric drive
- Digital interior mirrors that show a broad picture of the traffic behind the car
- Standard panoramic roof and a spacious cab that also offers enough space for taller people
- Electric range of up to 222 kilometers (with 17-inch wheels) and a battery capacity of 35.5 kWh
- Fast charging capability up to 50 kW with a charging time from 10 to 80 percent in about 42 minutes
- Sporty handling with rear-wheel drive and an optimal weight ratio, which enables agile and safe driving dynamics
Small, agile, cuddly and with electric drive, but unfortunately not a bestseller: the Honda e (Image: © 2024 Honda Motor Europe Ltd.).
Renault 5 E-Tech Electric: Ane Legend Returns
Announced some time ago, the French manufacturer presented the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric once again as a concept car at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show. But the concept car was also impressive: with a charming retro design that picks up on elements of the classic R5, such as the bright paint finishes and the striking bumper design. The interior is modern with pop art flair, including two horizontal screens and a 10-inch multimedia touchscreen that displays information in various colorful alphanumeric characters. The retro Renault will be available from 2025 in five equipment variants.
Technical highlights:
- Two battery options: 40 kWh and 52 kWh for up to 400 km range
- Bidirectional charging: Support for both V2L (vehicle-to-load) and V2G (vehicle-to-grid)
- Engine power levels: Three variants with up to 150 hp
- Advanced multimedia features: Google multimedia system with access to over 50 apps
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: Including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Driver Assist
- Innovative charging options: DC charging allows the battery to be charged from 15 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes
- Attractive price: from 25,000 euros, produced entirely in France
With iconic design and state-of-the-art technology, the electric Renault 5 is expected to cause a stir (Image: © Renault Group 2024).
VW ID.Buzz: The "Bulli" for the 21st century
The VW ID.Buzz has built a visual bridge between the past and the future with its modern interpretation of the classic VW bus, also known as the Bulli . The design features, such as the large window front and the characteristic two-tone paintwork, are reminiscent of the iconic previous models, while the interior of the VW electric car offers modern amenities and technologies, such as touchscreens and inductive charging stations for smartphones.
Technical highlights:
- Battery capacity of 77 kWh with a range of up to 400 km
- Fast charging function: Can reach up to 187 kW at an HPC station
- Flexible space: Offers plenty of interior and trunk space, with optional configurations for up to seven seats in the long-wheelbase version
- Driver assistance systems: Including Car2X communication and proactive occupant protection
- Driving experience: Relaxed and responsive driving thanks to electric drive with 150 kW (204 hp)
- Adaptable interior design: With electric sliding doors and a modular storage system
- Price: From just under 65,000 euros
The VW.Buzz is reminiscent of the "good old days" that customers associate with the Bulli (Image: © Volkswagen 2024).
Luka EV: Retro electric car from the Czech Republic
The design of the Luka EV, manufactured by MW Motors from the Czech Republic, charmingly combines retro style with modern technology. Visually, the extraordinary electric caris reminiscent of classic car designs of the 50s and 60s, as you may still know them from the James Bond films with Sean Connery or Roger Moore. However, the Luka EV's look is complemented with contemporary accents such as LED lights and a clear flat screen behind the steering wheel. Inside, the retro electric car offers another touchscreen for infotainment and a minimalist, round control element for selecting the direction of travel. A drop of bitterness: The start of production, originally planned for the end of 2022, was postponed shortly before in order to comprehensively revise the electric car once again. Since then, it has become quiet around the Luka EV. Whether and when the e-car will be available is currently not certain.
Technical highlights:
- Two drive variants: a classic single motor and an innovative version with four motors, one in each wheel
- Space efficiency: The motors integrated into the wheels create more space in the interior and for luggage
- Advanced suspension: Minimizes vibrations and increases ride comfort
- Fast charging capability: DC charging allows an 80% charge in just 30 minutes; full charge in about 55 minutes
- Energy efficiency: Consumes only 6.8 kWh per 100 km, which is remarkably economical
- Lightweight construction: Combination of aluminum and carbon reduces weight and improves performance and range
- Low environmental impact in production: No new factories are built; existing halls are used, which saves resources
- Price: From 30,000 euros for the variant with an electric motor and from 40,000 euros for the variant for the version with four electric motors, one in each wheel
The James Bond of the 60s would also have felt at home in the Luka EV (Image: © MW Motors).
Microlino: Here comes the Isetta 2.0
The Microlino recaptures the charm of the iconic BMW Isetta and combines it with modern electric technology, making it an eye-catching city vehicle. The design of the two-seater remains true to the original cabin scooter concept with a characteristic front door and a rounded shape. The aesthetics are complemented by modern elements such as LED headlights and a compact, functionally oriented cockpit with digital displays. The manufacturer promises a "unique experience" in urban areas for this retro vehicle. The Microlino is now available as a Pioneer variant from 19,990 euros in Germany.
Technical highlights:
- Engine power: 12.5 kW / 17 hp, ideal for city traffic
- Top speed: Up to 90 km/h
- Battery capacity: 10.5 kWh for a range of about 177 kilometers
- Charging time: Fully charged in about three hours
- Design: Compact dimensions with a length of 2.52 metres and a width of 1.47 metres
- Ease of use: Easy to use through touchscreen and minimal physical controls
- Safety features: Despite the minimalist design, improved crash structure compared to previous models
- Price: from 19,990 euros
Time travel to the 50s: The Microlino is reminiscent of the legendary BMW Isetta (Image: © Microlino AG).
Conclusion: An electric car doesn't always have to look futuristic
A look at the models presented shows that electric cars don't always have to look futuristic. If you are looking for an extraordinary vehicle that stands out from the mass market, you will also find it in this segment. These are mainly smaller electric vehicles, which are comparatively cheap. With the ID.Buzz from Volkswagen, there is also a larger vehicle, but it is also correspondingly more expensive.