10 Electric Cars That May Become Future Classics – TopSpeed

Electric cars are a fairly new phenomenon that introduces a host of exciting and ingenious products. Manufacturers across all regions are spending massive capital to create the next iconic car, but as history dictates, only a few examples are destined to become collectible classics. High-performance EVs with large sticker prices and limited production runs are likely to always retain value, but there are some special edition models that we think will evolve into collectible obscurities, based solely on their production run.

The classic car game has always been a complex and intimidating market to approach. Timing is always key, and as we’ve seen with some models, even the most mass-produced cars suffer from surging prices as they evolve from undesired mass-produced cars to cult classics. Low production numbers almost always play a factor in values over time, which is why we think you should add the cars below to your watchlist if you want to capitalize on a good profit in decades to come.

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1 DeLorean Alpha5

Production Run: 4,000 Examples

The DeLorean Alpha5 appears to be a long way from production, but it’s likely to be an instant hit, just like its DMC-12 predecessor. The brand suggests you’ll be paying up to $125,000 for one of its 4,000 proposed units, but it’s possible this example will be worth a lot more as time progresses, simply thanks to its moniker. Based on the images alone, we can tell that the Alpha5 is a visually striking EV, with sleek and modern lines and gull-wing doors, which perfectly honor the original DeLorean.

Performance Specifications

DeLorean has been somewhat silent on the exact specifications, but it has decided that the upcoming EV will feature a series of electric motors that produce 1,000 horsepower with a 2.99-second 0-60 MPH claim and 155 MPH top speed. The cockpit adopts a 2+2 seater layout with a host of digital features, premium materials, and a bespoke customization program.

Pros

• Perfectly honors the past
• Amazing performance claims
• Bespoke customization facility

Cons

• It’s going to be much more expensive than its rivals
• It may honor the DMC-12, but it doesn’t quite follow the same design
• We’re still waiting for more official specifications

2 Rolls-Royce Spectre

Production Run: 2,500 Examples Annually

The Rolls-Royce Spectre is a mass-produced car by the brand’s standards, as it plans to assemble 2,500 units every year. In the broader market, it’s likely to become a highly desirable classic, as it’s the brand’s first-ever fully electric product. Furthermore, it’s based on its in-house developed platform, rather than adopting BMW-derived components, protecting its prestige. Older Rolls-Royce models don’t tend to hold their values well, but they can fetch some high prices as you look beyond the 1950s.

Performance Specifications

The Spectre takes a conservative approach to performance, as it adopts a pair of electric motors to produce 577 horsepower. This affords it an impressive 4.4-second 0-60 MPH time and a 155 MPH top speed. Rolls-Royce only offers this model to its exclusive clients, with an estimated $422,750 starting price before you start specifying more expensive materials, paints, and upholstery options.

Pros

• Built on the brand’s bespoke platform
• Introduces Rolls-Royce to the EV era
• Looks the part

Cons

• Rolls-Royce wants to increase its production run
• No four-door option yet
• Insane starting price

3 Mini Cooper SE Resolute Edition

Production Run: 1,969 Examples

The Mini Cooper SE Resolute Edition may not look like a particularly special model, but it’s bound to be a highly desirable model in a few decades. This is because it’s the last of its kind that will be assembled at the brand’s UK plant. Only 1,969 units were built for the global market, with each example featuring a unique Rebel Green exterior paint with Resolute Bronze accents. Within the cabin, you’ll find exclusive black and gold detailing, with premium materials and digital instrumentation.

Performance Specifications

In true Mini fashion, the SE prioritizes low-performance driving fun with a modest single permanent-magnet motor sourced from the BMW i3. This generates 181 horsepower, granting it a 6.0-second 0-60 MPH time and a limited 93 MPH top speed. When it was introduced to the market in 2022, Mini charged a rather hefty $38,750 MSRP before options. There’s a chance this investment may pay off, as the Resolute Edition truly is a unique iteration of the mass-produced EV hatch.

Pros

• A significant moment for Mini
• Low-speed fun driving characteristics
• Still looks trendy and iconic

Cons

• Limited practicality and range
• Doesn’t really add much to the overall car
• Brings an end to British-built Minis

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4 Cadillac Celestiq

Production Run: 700-1,000 Examples

The Cadillac Celestiq is an instant classic, despite not even hitting dealership floors yet. The brand isn’t clear on how many units it’ll be producing, but we can expect to see anywhere between 700 and 1,000 units by the time its life cycle ends. The Celestiq is Cadillac’s triumphant return to large and bold sedans, emphasizing dramatic exterior designs and luxurious interior fittings. Its $340,000 starting price tag also makes it one of the most costly models you’ll find on this list.

Performance Specifications

The Celestiq leverages GM’s impressive dual-electric motor technology, resulting in a 600-horsepower output, which gets the large sedan from 0-60 MPH in just 3.6 seconds. Cadillac limits the top speed to 126 MPH. The all-new electric model will also benefit from a hand-built production, ensuring the best quality and attention to detail that the brand hasn’t quite enjoyed over the last few decades.

Pros

• Cadillac’s return to glory
• Hand-built construction
• Distinctive exterior design

Cons

• Production is still a long way ahead
• It won’t be as exclusive as some owners may prefer
• The price rivals more affluent badges

5 Lucid Air Dream Edition

Production Run: 520 Examples

The Lucid Air Dream Edition was the brand’s celebratory and inaugural electric car, limited to just 520 units. This allocation sold out almost immediately, as it introduced an all-new moniker build and designed by an experienced team. The Dream Edition costs $170,500, but it comes loaded with a broad selection of features and high-quality interior appointments. The Dream Edition stands out from the rest of the range with its exclusive design elements, including unique 21-inch wheels, distinctive badging, and the Eureka Gold exterior paint color.

Performance Specifications

The Dream Edition also features a unique dual-motor powertrain producing 1,111 horsepower to all four wheels. The result is a hypercar-rivaling 2.5-second 0-60 MPH time and 168 MPH top speed. Real-world conditions may slow this time down by 0.1 seconds. Even with this crazy power output, it remains a luxury sedan that comfortably carries five people.

Pros

• A stellar market introduction
• Pristine and contemporary exterior design
• Unique motor configuration

Cons

• The 1,111 horsepower output isn’t available for the rest of the range
• Doesn’t benefit from the Sapphire’s more athletic abilities
• The starting price was very high

6 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Edition One

Production Run: 250 Examples

The Mercedes-Benz EQS Edition One celebrates the official market launch of the German marque’s all-electric EQ sub-brand. Only 250 units were produced, 50 of which made their way to the U.S. at an undisclosed price. This special trim featured an exclusive two-tone exterior paint scheme and distinctive blue accents, setting it apart visually from other EQS models. The cabin boasts high-end materials and bespoke design elements, such as Edition One badging, and unique contrast stitching patterns.

Performance Specifications

Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz based this edition on the EQS’s base 450+ trim, which features a single rear-mounted electric motor that produces 329 horsepower and 417 pound-feet, resulting in a modest 5.9-second 0-60 MPH time and 155 MPH top speed. The brand classifies the EQS as an all-electric S-Class alternative, meaning it offers a high level of comfort and luxury. Independent tests reveal that you can get this down to 5.7 seconds.

Pros

• Represents the brand’s new era
• Distinctive two-tone paint
• Comfort and exclusivity matches the S-Class

Cons

• Limited to the base trim
• The specification doesn’t offer much variety
• You might enjoy the AMG option more

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7 Polestar 2 BST 230

Production Run: 230 Examples

The Polestar 2 BST range is split into two derivatives, namely the 230 and 270. The former is technically a lesser trim, but the Swedish brand subjects it to a more exclusive 230-unit production run. Based on this, we think it’ll be a more sought-after model in years to come. The 230 BST is still available, at $80,900 a pop. This is quite a bit more than a standard Polestar 2, but the unique model includes an Öhlins-developed sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a unique set of 21-inch alloy wheels.

Performance Specifications

Aesthetic upgrades set the BST 230 apart from the standard Polestar 2. Exclusive touches include an exclusive matte Space and Nebula or Thunder exterior paint color options with distinctive racing stripes. The interior boasts premium materials and special edition details, including yellow seatbelts, unique badging, and MicroSuede upholstery with bespoke silver contrast stitching. The highlight of the package is its upgraded dual-motor configuration, producing 476 horsepower, resulting in a claimed 4.5-second 0-60 MPH time and 127 MPH top speed.

Pros

• Polestar returns to its high-performance roots
• The bespoke paint gives it attitude
• Revised suspension gives it the edge it needs

Cons

• Some of these parts aren’t available for the standard Polestar 2
• The stripes may be a bit much
• The 270 is technically the better package

8 Audi RS e-Tron GT Ice Race Edition

Production Run: 99 Examples

The Ice Race Edition is essentially a very exclusive manufacturer-backed livery for the Audi RS e-Tron GT. 99 examples were made exclusively for the European market, where the brand partakes in some pretty intense ice racing motorsport events. Each example costs just shy of $192,000. Justifying this premium is an exclusive Ice Race graphic set covering its Glacier White paint and high-gloss black elements. Special decals and red accents round off the unique appearance. Of course, you could easily replicate this with a wrap, but that wouldn’t be an authentic example.

Performance Specifications

You’ll find more exclusive touches in the cabin, including Ice Race Edition designations and Diamond Silver leather upholstery with contrast purple stitching. The car retains the RS e-tron GT’s dual-motor setup producing 637 horsepower, which gets it from 0-60 MPH in 3.1 seconds. Audi limits the top speed to 155 MPH.

Pros

• A wild exterior design
• Luxurious and futuristic interior setting
• Highlights Audi’s Ice motorsport feats

Cons

• The design may be too bold for some
• It’s not really made for driving on ice
• you can’t get it in the U.S.

9 Porsche Taycan GTS Hockenheimring Edition

Production Run: 99 Examples

The Hockenheimring Edition Porsche Taycan GTS celebrates the brand’s historic 90-year partnership with the iconic German racetrack. Again, this is a European-exclusive model, limited to just 99 units for just under $195,000 a piece. Porsche covers the exterior with a unique Stone Gray paint, with custom black accents and Hockenheimring anniversary logos subtly placed around the body. The unique 21-inch Mission E Design wheels complement its striking and historical appearance.

Performance Specifications

The interior boasts special Hockenheimring Edition badging, along with bespoke black leather upholstery and Crayon contrast stitching. Carbon fiber trim elements and exclusive floor mats further elevate the cabin’s luxurious feel. Although it may not be a Turbo model, the Taycan GTS offers plenty of performance thanks to its 590-horsepower dual-motor setup. This gets it from 0-60 MPH in just 3.5 seconds and its 155 MPH limited top speed. Porsche appears to be conservative with its times, as some publications have decreased its sprint time to 3.2 seconds.

Pros

• Celebrates an amazing partnership
• Great exclusive touches that aren’t too bold
• Promotes the impressive GTS trim

Cons

• The color choice is questionable
• No suspension improvements
• Only available in Europe

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10 Meyers Manx 2.0 EV

Production Run: 50 Examples

The Meyers Manx 2.0 EV is likely to be one of the most sought after classic EV cars in years to come, as the brand only pledges 50 production units to its life-cycle at $74,000 each. This peculiar EV buggy retains the original model’s silhouette that made it an icon in the 1960s. You can personalize your Manx 2.0 EV with various customization options, maintaining the tradition of individuality that the original dune buggies were known for. This means that each example is likely to be completely unique, further promoting its potential as a future classic.

Performance Specifications

The Manx features two electric motors positioned on the rear axle, generating a combined 202 horsepower. Using this, you can get from 0-60 MPH in just 4.5 seconds, primarily thanks to its lightweight construction. Meyers also designed this car to be extremely proficient over sand and gravel. Just don’t forget to bring your goggles.

Pros

• Probably the coolest EV money can buy
• Rear-wheel drive entertainment
• Enjoyable open-top driving experience

Cons

• Limited usability
• Quite expensive for what you get
• Small battery translates to poor range