10 ELECTRIC CARS THAT ARE USING OLD TECHNOLOGY
Electric cars benefit from some of the best and newest technologies and innovations, thanks to high investments and expansive research and development strategies. Automotive companies around the world have been spending big on ensuring that their EV products stand out from the crowd so that they can capitalize on the most market share possible. Despite spending billions on designs and infrastructure, there are a handful of electric cars that may not be as modern as you think underneath their futuristic exterior designs.
This isn't to say that these brands are releasing ancient technology to the public, as most electric cars in the new car market are typically far more advanced than their ICE counterparts. Brands have had to rush some electric models out so that they can meet the strict legislative requirements of the world in a bid to rapidly decrease our overall carbon emission figures. These electric cars feature older technologies in relation to their rivals, and that's only by a couple of years.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. We've ranked the models based on their starting MSRP, from least to most expensive.
2024 Nissan Leaf: An Overlooked Electric Vehicle Perfect For First-Time EV Buyers
The Nissan Leaf has matured into a practical and reliable option for urban commuters seeking an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Nissan Leaf
Starting MSRP: $28,140
The second-generation Nissan Leaf hit the market in 2018, making it one of the oldest electric cars currently available on the new market. However, it sources a lot of its parts from the first-generation model, which the Japanese brand introduced to the world in 2010. It was one of the first mass-market electric cars. As per Consumer Reports, it's not the most posited electric car experience you can enjoy, with it only earning a 57/100 overall score.
Performance Specifications
| S | SV Plus | |
| Price | $28,140 | $36,190 |
| Powertrain | Single Permanent-Magnet Motor | Single Permanent-Magnet Motor |
| Horsepower | 147 HP | 214 HP |
| Torque | 236 LB-FT | 250 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Driveline | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Battery | 40 kWh Net | 60 kWh Net |
| Range | 150 Miles | 215 Miles |
| Fuel Economy | 30 kWh/100 Miles | 31 kWh/100 Miles |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.4 Seconds | 6.7 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 89 MPH | 92 MPH |
This is exactly why the Leaf is sold with such a small battery and only one electric drive unit option. Its chassis, which is essentially based on an ICE platform, can't accommodate the same level of equipment that newer EVs with dedicated architectures can. This also plays a noteworthy role in why the brand is able to offer it at such a competitive price.
Mini Cooper SE Electric
Starting MSRP: $30,900
The Mini Cooper SE Electric that the brand currently sells in the U.S. is essentially a remodeled BMW i3, which started its life cycle in 2013. This is one of the first electric-specific platforms for the mass market, but was still limited to some design restrictions. Technically speaking, we still have access to the previous-generation model, which is likely to be the case until the next-generation model arrives in 2027.
Performance Specifications
| Trim | SE |
| Price | $30,900 |
| Powertrain | Single Permanent-Magnet Motor |
| Horsepower | 181 HP |
| Torque | 199 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Driveline | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Battery | 49 kWh Net |
| Range | 114 Miles |
| Fuel Economy | 29 kWh/100 Miles |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.9 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 99 MPH |
The all-new example will still sit on BMW's UKL1 chassis, but with substantial mechanical upgrades to make it a more accommodating and practical electric car option. While specifications are improved, it will stick to its brief of being an urban-specific EV option that prioritizes compact packaging.
Fiat 500e
Starting MSRP: $32,500
The Fiat 500e is a subcompact electric hatch option based on the brand's ICE model. However, in this case, Fiat sources the platform from the previous-generation model, which only featured ICE options. The 500 sits on a very compact chassis dating back to 2007, so the brand is only able to fit a small permanent-magnet motor and 37 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Performance Specifications
| Trim | Inspi(RED) |
| Price | $32,500 |
| Powertrain | Single Permanent-Magnet Motor |
| Horsepower | 117 HP |
| Torque | 162 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Driveline | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Battery | 37 kWh Net |
| Range | 141 Miles |
| Fuel Economy | 29 kWh/100 Miles |
| 0-60 MPH | 8.2 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 93 MPH |
The 500e forms part of Stellantis's expansive electric vehicle strategy, which also includes upcoming EVs from the likes of Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, and more. Like the Mini, the 500e is better suited for dense European-like cities , where lots of interior space and long driving distances aren't really a requirement.
The 2024 Polestar 2 Dual Motor Performance Drives Like A Volvo S60R From The Future
The Polestar 2 Dual Motor doesn't yet dance like a German sports sedan, but it's just as quirky as the great Swedish performance machines of yore.
Polestar 2
Starting MSRP: $49,990
Technically speaking, the Polestar 2 is a dedicated electric sedan with no ICE alternative, but it sits on the Geely-Volvo-based CMA platform, which dates back to 2017. The Lynk & Co 1 sedan is the first car to sit on this configuration, but it also underpins the Volvo XC40 and other ICE models sold only in China. J.D Power issues the 2024 model with a 69/100 overall ranking, which isn't a bad result but not necessarily a class-leading one either.
Performance Specifications
| Single-Motor | Dual-Motor | Dual-Motor Performance | |
| Price | $49,990 | $47,800 | $53,300 |
| Powertrain | Single-Permanent-Magnet Motor | Dual-Permanent-Magnet Motor | Dual-Permanent-Magnet Motor |
| Horsepower | 299 HP | 421 HP | 455 HP |
| Torque | 361 LB-FT | 546 LB-FT | 546 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Direct Drive | Single-Speed Direct Drive | Single-Speed Direct Drive |
| Driveline | Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Battery | 79 kWh Net | 75 kWh Net | 75 kWh Net |
| Range | 307-320 Miles | 266-276 Miles | 247 Miles |
| Fuel Economy | 111-115 MPGe | 102-106 MPGe | 95 MPGe |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.9 Seconds | 4.3 Seconds | 4.0 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 127 MPH | 127 MPH | 127 MPH |
Compared to the other models on this list, it is a much younger platform and was specifically developed for ICE and EV applications. In relation to the current electric car industry, however, it is a bit of an older chassis, so we have to include it here via a technicality. The next-generation of Polestar's products, like the 3 and 4 , sit on the revised SPA2 chassis.
BMW i4
Starting MSRP: $53,975
The BMW i4 is directly based on the 4 Series Grand Coupe design, which sits on the highly acclaimed CLAR platform. The brand introduced this platform in 2015 with the current-generation 3 Series range with the intention of creating ICE, HEV, PHEV, and BEV sedans, crossovers, and SUVs.
Performance Specifications
| eDrive35 | eDrive40 | xDrive40 | M50 xDrive | |
| Price | $53,975 | $57,900 | $62,300 | $70,700 |
| Powertrain | Single-electrically excited synchronous motor | Single-electrically excited synchronous motor | Dual-electrically excited synchronous motor | Dual-electrically excited synchronous motor |
| Horsepower | 282 HP | 335 HP | 396 HP | 536 HP |
| Torque | 295 LB-FT | 317 LB-FT | 443 LB-FT | 586 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic | Single-Speed Automatic | Single-Speed Automatic | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Driveline | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Battery | 66 kWh Net | 81.5 kWh Net | 81.5 kWh Net | 81.5 kWh Net |
| Range | 252-276 Miles | 283-301 Miles | 279-307 Miles | 227-269 Miles |
| Fuel Economy | 110-120 MPGe | 100-109 MPGe | 99-109 MPGe | 80-95 MPGe |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.8 Seconds | 5.4 Seconds | 4.9 Seconds | 3.5 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 118 MPH | 118 MPH | 124 MPH | 140 MPH |
BMW will continue to use the CLAR platform alongside the Neue Klasse until its existing range of EVs reaches the end of their life cycle. Again, we mention this model as a technicality as the architecture is one of the more advanced examples available for the new electric vehicle market today.
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Genesis Electrified G80
Starting MSRP: $74,375
The Genesis Electrified G80 is a literal EV transplant project that's based on the ICE G80 sedan. This was introduced on the all-new M3 platform back in 2016, but similar to the CLAR chassis, it was designed with ICE and EV applications in mind. Genesis does make use of the more modern and EV-specific E-GMP chassis for the GV60, but this doesn't cater to a sedan of the G80's caliber.
Performance Specifications
| Trim | Electrified G80 |
| Price | $74,375 |
| Powertrain | Dual Permanent-Magnet Motors |
| Horsepower | 365 HP |
| Torque | 516 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Battery | 82.5 kWh Net |
| Range | 282 Miles |
| Fuel Economy | 87 MPGe |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.9 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 140 MPH |
Genesis has acknowledged that its EV catalog in the U.S. has been substantially slower than what it initially expected, which is why it confirmed that it will introduce more hybrid and PHEV options to its lineup. Based on this statement, there's a strong likelihood that the M3-based G80 will remain for quite some time, but with new variations.
The Street Value Of A 10-Year-Old Tesla Model S
Older electric vehicles can scare people away, but Tesla has proven to be a reliable choice over time and the pricing reflects that sentiment.
Tesla Model S
Starting MSRP: $74,990
The Tesla Model S is the oldest electric car in its class and sits on the same platform that the brand designed back in 2012. The model has been subject to monumental upgrades and refinements, but mechanically speaking, it's still a 12-year-old design. Tesla has made it clear that it has no intention of scrapping or replacing the Model S, so this is unlikely to change for quite some time.
Performance Specifications
| Model S | Model S Plaid | |
| Price | $74,990 | $89,990 |
| Powertrain | Dual Permanent-Magnet Motors | Dual Permanent-Magnet And Rear AC Induction Motors |
| Horsepower | 670 HP | 1,020 HP |
| Torque | 755 LB-FT | 1,050 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Single-Speed automatic | Single-Speed automatic |
| Battery | 99.3 kWh Net | 98 kWh Net |
| Range | 405 Miles | 396 Miles |
| Fuel Economy | 120 MPGe | 116 MPGe |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.1 Seconds | 1.99 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 MPH | 200 MPH |
Having said that, we have to point out that the Model S is one of the more accomplished electric cars in its segment , as it still offers the best combination of performance, range, and value. Tesla continues to make consistent refinements and upgrades to all of its electric cars, so this is an advantage that the Model S is unlikely to lose for the foreseeable future.
Porsche Taycan
Starting MSRP: $99,400
The Porsche Taycan is the first car to ride on the Volkswagen Group's EV-specific J1 platform, which dates back to 2019. Technically speaking, we can't call this an old technology product, but now that Volkswagen's PPE architecture production is in full swing, this is an older-generation EV option.
Performance Specifications
| Taycan | Taycan 4S | Taycan Turbo | Taycan Turbo S | Taycan Turbo GT | |
| Price | $99,400 | $118,500 | $173,600 | $209,000 | $230,000 |
| Powertrain | Single-AC Synchronous Motor | Dual-AC Synchronous Motor | Dual-AC Synchronous Motor | Dual-AC Synchronous Motor | Dual-AC Synchronous Motor |
| Horsepower | 402-469 HP | 523-563 HP | 671 HP | 751 HP | 777 HP (1,019 with Launch Control) |
| Torque | 254-263 LB-FT | 472-479 LB-FT | 627 LB-FT | 774 LB-FT | 988 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Two-Speed Automatic | Two-Speed Automatic | Two-Speed Automatic | Two-Speed Automatic | Two-Speed Automatic |
| Battery | 71-84 kWh Net | 71-84 kWh Net | 84 kWh Net | 84 kWh Net | 97 kWh Net |
| Range | 242 Miles | 199-235 Miles | 238 Miles | 222 Miles | TBA |
| Fuel Economy | 83 MPGe | 83 MPGe | 81 MPGe | 75 MPGe | TBA |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.1 Seconds | 3.8 Seconds | 3.0 Seconds | 2.6 Seconds | 2.1 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 143 MPH | 143 MPH | 162 MPH | 162 MPH | 180 MPH |
All this highlights how fast electric technology is advancing compared to the ICE industry. Regardless, the Taycan remains one of the best driver-engaging electric car offerings you can enjoy thanks to the brand's ability to merge its historically renowned handling characteristics with the new age of efficient and powerful electrification.
Audi E-Tron GT
Starting MSRP: $135,150 est.
The Audi E-Tron GT sits on the same platform as the aforementioned Taycan, so we include it here for the same reason. With the recently introduced set of refinements and upgrades , it's certainly one of the more advanced electric car options, but the J1 platform is technically older than the underpinnings of some of its rivals. Audi introduced the E-Tron GT in 2021, so the model line itself is a much younger product that benefits from some of the best battery and electric drive unit technology.
Performance Specifications
| S e-Tron GT | RS e-Tron GT | RS e-Tron GT Performance | |
| Price | $135,150 est. | $158,200 est. | $172,150 est. |
| Powertrain | Dual Permanent-Magnet Motors | Dual Permanent-Magnet Motors | Dual Permanent-Magnet Motors |
| Horsepower | 671 HP | 845 HP | 912 HP |
| Transmission | Two-Speed Automatic | Two-Speed Automatic | Two-Speed Automatic |
| Battery | 97 kWh Net | 97 kWh Net | 97 kWh Net |
| Range | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Fuel Economy | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.4 seconds | 2.8 seconds | 2.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 MPH | 155 MPH | 155 MPH |
The E-Tron GT is a halo model in Audi's catalog and is only in the middle of its overall life cycle, so it could be with us up until 2028 at the latest. After this, it's highly likely that the brand will introduce the next-generation model on its PPE platform, which will highlight just how relatively old the J1 architecture is.
2025 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore: Everything Confirmed So Far
Maserati's electrification journey continues with the launch of the fully convertible electric superstar called the GranCabrio Folgore.
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore
Starting MSRP: $193,995
The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore is probably the only electric GT that sits on an ICE platform available in the U.S. today. Being a Stellantis-based brand, the newcomer falls in line with the group's electrification strategy, but it's a rare case within its catalog that it enjoys both ICE and EV options. Due to this, the Italian marque builds it on the Giorgio Sport architecture, used for the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio duo . This dates back to 2017, so it's not the oldest system, but it's still not as modern as the STLA-based options.
Performance Specifications
| Trim | Folgore |
| Price | $193,995 |
| Powertrain | Triple Permanent-Magnet Motors |
| Horsepower | 818 HP |
| Torque | 995 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Driveline | All-Wheel Drive |
| Battery | 92.5 kWh |
| Range | 240 Miles |
| Fuel Economy | 87 MPGe |
| 0-60 MPH | 2.7 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 186 MPH |
Having said that, the new GranTurismo is a much more modern iteration when compared to the previous-generation example, which had a 12-year production run. The Folgore is a low-volume and exclusive electric car option with supercar-level power outputs, so anyone who gets behind the driver's seat is unlikely to mind the fact that it sits on an ICE-based platform.
2024-09-04T03:07:18Z dg43tfdfdgfd