Electric powered cars and trucks have come a long way from the clunky offerings in the early 1900s, which preceded gasoline vehicles by several years. Those models were extremely heavy, traveled no faster than 15 MPH, and needed almost weekly maintenance and charging. Today, after a burst of scientific advancements in the late 1990s, the freshest batch of EVs include some eye-popping rides, muscle cars, commercial vans, plug-in hybrids, e-motorcycles, pickup trucks, and customizable kit cars for advanced hobbyists. What are the most popular products in the exciting niche of electrified transport? Here are details about a few of the best sellers among the 2022 and 2023 versions.
1. Muscle Cars
At least two major automobile manufacturers have already announced muscle car models of long-time consumer favorites will be on the market in 2023. While passenger vehicles are the most common candidates for electrification, the idea of high-powered engines sporting EV propulsion is relatively unique. The biggest challenge for sellers is marketing, as the core demographic who formerly purchased muscle models are big fans of gas-powered transportation. It will be instructive for other makers to see what happens as the all-electric street rods arrive in showrooms. Prices are expected to be high, but so is demand. By mid-2023, dealerships will have a clear idea of whether the e-muscle vehicles are profitable or not.
2. Commercial Vehicle Fleets
Many modern business and commercial fleets are transitioning to electric power for at least part of their newest round of buying. That means 2023 and beyond will be an intense period of growth for this new form of power that is not only better for the environment but offers owners lower long-term maintenance expenses and cheaper per-mile transportation costs. Fleet management is a challenging and demanding field in which supervisors are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve safety, save money, and take advantage of new technology.
Not only are EVs a cleaner way to drive, but the entire alternative fuel industry is a giant step in the right direction for long-term environmentally sustainable transport. The main benefit of EVs, from a fleet manager’s point of view, is fuel efficiency. That’s probably why so many municipal, commercial, and private fleets are converting to non-fossil fuel power and boosting their profitability at the same time.
3. PHEVs
There are many interesting facts about electric cars and plug-ins are a halfway solution for fleet managers who want to convert to electricity as their main form of power. However, there are already several major automakers that produce more than one PHEV. The cars, trucks, and vans in this category feature both combustion engines and electrical motors. The driver can decide when to use either one, and the battery is rechargeable via a simple wall outlet. For the 2023 model year, there are at least a dozen top-selling makes and models in the PHEV lineup, and prices are coming down compared to the first versions that appeared on the retail market in 2011.
4. DIY Pick-Ups
For hobbyists, the entire range of DIY vehicles is exciting. That’s because virtually anyone can order a leadacid battery-powered EV built for them. Buyers usually choose small, latemodel pickup truck bodies and fill the back with about 50 standard car batteries for propulsion. The market for these unique E-trucks has slowly gained followers over the past few years. Some consumers buy all the parts and build their own cars, while others order already-assembled E-trucks, complete with lead-acid batteries and the pickup shell of their choice.
5. E-Motorcycles
E-motorcycles, as opposed to smaller e-bicycles, have been gaining market share for at least a decade as more of the big-name manufacturers are starting to offer more choices of models. Prices tend to be higher than for the standard motorcycles, there are pros and cons but the main advantage of the new versions is that they require much less maintenance, make almost no noise, and can travel long distances without needing to top off the battery. Unlike EV cars and trucks, motorcycles are much lighter and can travel for hundreds of miles on a single charge.
6. Racing Style KitCars
For those with mechanical skills, some of the latest kitcars feature classic bodies with all-electric propulsion. Costs are reasonable, but it’s important for buyers to have access to a full garage or complete set of automotive tools in order to build these DIY kit vehicles. Sellers usually offer a wide range of body choices along with several different sizes of motors, all at varying price points. It’s smart to ask dealers about all the construction details before buying. That way, you’ll have a better idea of how long it will take you to complete the project.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
