Electric vehicles (EVs) are more common than ever, with many automakers offering all-electric options across their lineups. While you may be familiar with popular EV models like the Tesla Model 3 or Ford Mustang Mach-E, there are several surprising vehicles that have also gone electric. Let’s take a closer look at five cars you didn’t know were available as EVs.
1. Kia Soul SUV EV
The Kia Soul SUV has become known for its unique design and fun driving experience, but did you know that it’s also available as an electric vehicle? The Kia Soul SUV EV takes everything people love about the compact rig and adds the benefits of an electric powertrain. With a range of over 200 miles on a full charge, the Soul EV is perfect for urban driving and short road trips alike.
Drivers can enjoy the spacious interior and cargo versatility of the standard Kia Soul, with the added bonus of zero emissions and lower operating costs. It’s an excellent option for those who want to go green without sacrificing style or practicality.
2. Toyota RAV4 EV
Many people know the Toyota RAV4 as a reliable and versatile SUV, but Toyota has also experimented with electrifying this popular model. The Toyota RAV4 EV has been produced in two different versions, with the first hitting the market in the late 1990s. This early version offered a modest range of 95 miles, making it a great eco-friendly option for short-distance drivers.
The second iteration of the RAV4 EV, released in collaboration with Tesla, improved both performance and range, offering over 100 miles per charge. While the RAV4 EV is no longer in production, it remains a unique piece of Toyota’s EV history. Modern drivers can grab the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid that provides the best of both gas and electric worlds.
3. Ford Ranger EV
You might not expect a rugged pickup truck like the Ford Ranger to have an electric counterpart, but from 1998 to 2002, Ford offered the Ranger EV. This compact truck was built with a rear-wheel-drive electric powertrain, making it ideal for those who needed a reliable, eco-friendly work vehicle.
The Ranger EV had a range of up to 115 miles, depending on driving conditions. While it wasn’t widely known, the Ranger EV was a trailblazer in the world of electric trucks long before the arrival of more recent electric pickups like the Rivian R1T.
4. Chevrolet S-10 Electric
Chevrolet was also an early player in the electric truck game with the S-10 Electric. This EV version of Chevy’s popular compact pickup truck debuted in 1997 and offered a range of about 45 miles with its original lead-acid battery pack. Later models used a more advanced nickel-metal hydride battery, doubling the range to 90 miles.
Though its limited range made it less practical for long hauls, the S-10 Electric demonstrated Chevrolet’s early commitment to exploring electric vehicle technology. Luckily, Chevy truck enthusiasts can soon bring home a Silverado EV.
5. Honda EV Plus
The Honda EV Plus was one of the earliest fully electric cars to be offered by a major automaker in the 1990s. This small city car was built with efficiency in mind, offering a range of around 100 miles per charge. While the EV Plus wasn’t widely known or available, it represented Honda’s initial foray into electric vehicles and set the stage for future electrified models.
Honda’s Prologue is currently all the rage of this popular automaker.
Discover the Future of EVs
As electric vehicle technology continues to improve, more and more automakers are offering EV versions of familiar models. Whether it’s the versatile Kia Soul SUV or a classic like the Ford Ranger, these cars prove that electric vehicles come in all shapes and sizes. By keeping an eye out for these unique EVs, you might just find your next eco-friendly ride.
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