Most Luxurious Electric Cars
While they’ve attracted a dedicated following of enthusiasts, electric cars are still carving out their niche and flirting with the mainstream. However, there are enough models now in production that we can single out some of the more luxurious examples.
To do so, we consulted John Filiss, publisher of the online automotive resource Serious Wheels. The resulting list runs the gamut from sporty electric vehicles to luxury sedans to recreation vehicles. It also includes one concept car that doesn’t exist outside of its prototype but which Filiss predicts is likely to come into production.
We’ll also look at one hybrid car that deserved inclusion because it is sometimes thought of as a full electric car. As Filiss pointed out, “For those who only travel short distances, it really is a full electric car.”
By Colleen KanePosted 29 February 2012
Rimac Concept One
MSRP: N/A
Range: 373 miles
0 to 60: 2.8 seconds
Top Speed: 190 mph
Behold the electric supercar. The Concept One debuted last fall at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, but it won’t be available until 2013 — and then, just 88 will be sold.
“One of the most ambitious projects for an electric car in recent years, the Rimac Concept One is an extreme supercar producing over 1000 horsepower,” says Filiss.
PG Elektrus
MSRP: about $320,000
Range: 217 miles
0 to 62: under 3 seconds
Top Speed: 186 mph
The sleek PG Elektrus from Dusseldorf auto designer Michael Fröhlich unveiled its devilish grinning grill at the beginning of 2012. Fifty units will be made.
The Elektrus is based on the lightweight Lotus family of British sports cars. If that doesn’t add sufficient appeal, Fillis says, “Brad Pitt is said to have one on order”... ladies.
Tesla Motors Model S Signature Performance
Base Price: $97,900
Range: 300 miles
0 to 60: 4.4 seconds
Top Speed: 125 mph
With three electric models on the market, Tesla is a decorated veteran. The S luxury four-door, pictured here, is being built in California, with 2012 models going into production this summer. The run of 5,000 is sold out, and of that number, the first 1,000 of S models are the upgraded limited Signature edition with leather interiors, special color options and enhanced performance (pictured here).
Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric Vehicle
MSRP: N/A
Range: N/A
0 to 60: under 8 seconds
Top Speed: 99 mph
This electric example from the venerable luxury car manufacturer Rolls-Royce is still only a concept, but the prototype took a world tour in December 2011 to gauge interest and feedback.
Says Filiss: “The decision of one of the world’s great luxury auto manufacturers to produce an experimental study is perhaps telling, as the extreme smoothness and quietness of electric transport are perfect attributes for a luxury car.”
Garia Mansory Edition
MSRP: N/A
Range: N/A
0 to 60: N/A
Top Speed: N/A
Welcome to the golf cart as status symbol. This little number is the result of a collaboration between Garia and Mansory, which bring to the world such supercars as the Aston Martin and Bentley. Customizable features include teak flooring, waterproof leather interiors and a stereo system.
Intended uses are for tooling about the golf course, gated communities or simply touring one’s private grounds. It’s also available in street-legal form for urban use, but it’s not a car for the highway. “While the Garia is noted as a manufacturer of high-value leisure cars, the carbon fiber Mansory edition is frankly the ultimate expression of the concept,” says Filiss.
Fisker Karma
Base Price: $96,895
Range: 300 miles (50 electric)
0 to 60: 5.8 seconds
Top Speed: 125 mph
Filiss notes that while the Fisker Karma is a hybrid, “in the popular mind, they are often linked to pure electric cars, like another American startup company Tesla."
The hybrid design allows the car to operate as a pure electric vehicle for the first 50 miles between charges, and then it converts to a normal hybrid vehicle for extended range, similar to the Chevy Volt.
Venturi America
MSRP: N/A
Range: about 185 miles
0 to 60: N/A
Top Speed: N/A
The French manufacturer Venturi has been producing visionary electric cars for some years now, notes Filiss. Combining elements of a sports car and a dune buggy, Venturi bills the America as their “high voltage buggy.”
