I asked our readers earlier this week which gasoline-fueled cars they wish were electrically powered. While the industry trend has been for the most expensive or best-selling models to go electric first, the consensus among commenters is that the cheapest and most mundane vehicles should be the first to be fitted with electric motors. Although, many still put their own fantasies ahead of utilitarianism. Here were the most interesting picks:
I’m tempted to petulantly say, none at all.
However.
I think big rigs. Semi trucks should all be electrified. Not only would it be a massive savings in CO2 emissions, it would spur the industry to improve infrastructure and charging times, and it would ensure that the damn drivers had to actually get some rest once in a while instead of driving exhausted all the time.
Submitted by: skeffles
I’ll do you one better: trash trucks and mail vans. I absolutely hate being woken up by the CNG scream of the sanitation guy flooring his Peterbilt from house-to-house at 5 AM, or the racket of a LLV cranking and failing to start after being shut off at every house. Even if you’re not looking at tailpipe emissions, ICE powerplants are horrific in terms of noise pollution.
Submitted by: Amoore100
Ford Maverick. I want a small EV pickup that can carry a load when I need it, but I can also park and drive in a city easily. And while half a dozen start-ups have promised something along those lines, none have made it to production, and none even look like they will be any time soon.
I’d be even happier if they made one with a single row of seats and longer bed, but they’re not even really making that right now for ICE cars.
Submitted by: Ben Grimm
The 86 wouldn’t be too shabby as an EV. perfect size, weight would probably be around 3500lbs, but since Toyota wanna be hp shy with the 4-banger, maybe we’ll get a 300hp EV variant.
Submitted by: darthspartan117
The 2005 Astro Van. See so many trades guys running around with these. An EV version would be perfect.
Submitted by: thisismyid2
The Honda Element
(a) Because that means we get a new Honda Element.
(b) Because it’s design seems perfect for lots of big, flat, low, batteries under the big, flat, low floor.
(c) It was never about driving enjoyment and more about immense practicality - which is enjoyable in its own way. A e-Element (E-lement) plugged into a solar powered charging station would be just about the perfect day-to-day practical runabout. Efficient, cheap to operate, and useful.
Submitted by: TheWalrus
Three words: Oscar Meyer Weinermobile.
I’m guessing there’s plenty of room in the yellow ‘bun’ area for a huge battery stack and motors at each wheel.
Submitted by: Earthbound Misfit I
The first-gen AMC Javelin brought back by Stellantis as an EV.
You want to point to a pony car that still looks great to this day, that would be these first gen Javelins—truly clean styling. And with the Charger EV clocking in at nearly 3 tons, another sporty car with a more reasonable price combined with less weight could be just the ticket. Keep the same styling or go for a strong homage—the Javelin’s look deserves being resurrected.
Submitted by: the1969DodgeChargerFan
Camry, Accord, Corolla, Golf/Jetta, Civic, Mirage, Sentra, and all CUVs and mini SUVs that nobody ultimately give any crap about. Allow me to explain, by using a Camry as an example. A Camry is just a Camry, nobody seriously invested into automobiles give a toss. It’s just a car, a very good car that is more than: fast enough, comfortable enough, useful enough...it’s just more than enough. It has an engine that is perfectly adequate. Simply, an electric car is so much better at being more than good enough and adequate, and nobody, I mean nobody (other than people who use them in a demolition derby in 15 years time) will miss the ICE in a Camry. Or CR-V. Or RAV4. Or that thing that Buick sells.
One more thing - Civic Type-R has a wonderful engine. Rest of the Civic has a fine engine, just fine. Electrify it and we don’t have to suffer from fart can anymore.
Submitted by: jb21
Sienna (or really any minivan):
1. Nothing seems to bring the a-hole out of other drivers and their desire to cut you off than a minivan. Being able to even up the acceleration game is a welcome change.
2. The Previa, its grandparent, had the engine under the floor. Power under the floor should be a tradition it carries one.
3. Just look at it — the shape is perfect for a large battery floor!
Submitted by: DLu
Bring back the Fiesta as an electric, and boom, Ford’s answer to the Chevy Volt. (Which for some reason, Chevy stopped making?)
A lot of people would love to switch to electric, but many of us don’t need a SUV or crossover, and would prefer to stick with our small and agile compacts.
Submitted by: Knyte
Ford Bronco. Imagine electric motors at each hub; ground clearance goes way up. Integrated solar panels for charging out in the boonies. Solar inverters and a control unit that parcels out power for camp needs.
Submitted by: JohnnyWasASchoolBoy
Every vehicle on sale in the US today that is not an EV should be a PHEV. Every single one. There is no excuse for a modern car or SUV to get less than 50 miles per gallon, and there is no excuse for a full-size truck to get less than 30. It is trivial for a modern PHEV to have 25 miles of electric-only range with today’s systems. The technology to do this has existed for almost 30 years. If we are serious about controlling CO2 emissions, this should be mandated immediately.
Submitted by: union-hardrolls