Top 7 Coolest Electric Supercars from the Early Days of Innovation
Voltage Royalty- In the fast-evolving world of transportation, electric cars are no longer just a niche—today, they represent a revolution. With climate change concerns and the growing need for cleaner energy, electric vehicles (EVs) have taken center stage. Most of what we see on the roads today are compact EVs built for everyday practicality.
Top 7 Coolest Electric Supercars from the Early Days of Innovation. (Image Reimagined by ChatGPT | Prompt by EKA)
But tucked away behind the scenes is a much more exciting story: the daring early efforts to build all-electric supercars. These weren’t just about going green—they were about redefining what performance, speed, and design could look like in the electric age. While the mainstream manufacturers hesitated, small teams of dreamers and engineers pushed boundaries, creating futuristic concepts that still spark our imagination.
7. Eliica One such trailblazer was the Eliica, short for Electric Lithium-Ion Car, a bold and futuristic project developed by Professor Hiroshi Shimizu and his team from the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies at Keio University in Japan. What made the Eliicainstantly stand out was its striking design—featuring eight wheels and a slightly chubby body that looked more like a high-tech pod than a traditional car. But underneath that unique exterior was serious engineering aimed at the needs of modern urban mobility.
Eliica came in two variants: the Speed model and the Acceleration model. The Speed version was designed to push the limits of electric vehicle performance, aiming to challenge even gasoline-powered speed records with a top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph) and a range of 200 km (120 miles). On the other hand, the Acceleration modelwas better suited for city streets, with a slightly lower top speed of 190 km/h (120 mph) but offering a longer range of 320 km (200 miles).
As of 2005, only two Eliica prototypes had been built, each with an eye-watering production cost of around $320,000. Despite the high price and its concept-stage status, the team behind the Eliica was determined to take it further. Their goal was to produce up to 200 units and bring this bold electric vision to reality—with corporate sponsorship as the next big step. 6. AC Propulsion tZero
Crossing the Pacific, the AC Propulsion tZero emerged as one of the earliest electric sports cars developed by the U.S.-based company AC Propulsion. Launched in January 1997, the tZero was built on the Piontek Sportech kit car platform, which used a lightweight fiberglass body over a reinforced steel space frame. It featured a double wishbone independent suspension system and rack-and-pinion steering for sporty handling. What set it apart was AC Propulsion’s AC-150 drivetrain—a single-speed electric system with a 9:1 gear ratio—that delivered strong and smooth performance.
The tZero’s electric motor produced 200 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.07 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kph (155 mph). Despite its impressive stats, only three prototypes were ever built before the project was shelved in 2003. Even so, the tZero left a lasting mark—it captured the imagination of early EV enthusiasts and played a key role in inspiring what would eventually become Tesla’s groundbreaking journey into the electric car world. 5. Li-ion Inizio
Next on the list is the Li-ion Inizio, a bold blend of electric technology and aggressive sports car styling developed in the United States. The Inizio stood out for its aerodynamic shape and unique design influences—borrowing interior cues fromthe Dodge Viperand exterior elements from Ferrari. This visual mix gave it an exotic, high-performance appeal rarely seen in early electric vehicles. Built with an advanced chassis and battery system, it aimed to prove that electric power could be just as thrilling as its gas-powered counterparts.
Produced in limited numbers—around 2,500 units per year—and priced at $139,000, the Inizioclaimed the title of the world’s first electric supercar. Its performance lived up to the hype, accelerating from 0 to 97 kph (60 mph) in just 3.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 274 kph (170 mph). Beyond its stylish appearance, the Iniziorepresented a serious push toward bringing all-electric excitement to the mainstream sports car market, even though the Li-ion Motors brand itself remained relatively under the radar. 4. Peugeot EX1
Europe stepped into the spotlight with the Peugeot EX1, a stunning all-electric concept car from the iconic French automaker. Designed as a compact race-inspired machine, the EX1 was powered by two electric motors—one on each axle—delivering a combined output of 340 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque. This setup created a unique all-wheel-drive experience, pushing the limits of what an electric car could achieve in terms of raw performance and driving excitement.
The car’s design was anything but conventional. Measuring just 1.77 meters in length and only 0.90 meters in height, the EX1featured a futuristic, low-slung body with an ultra-lightweight structure. Its advanced suspension system—double A-arms in the front and a floating axle at the rear—helped it stay grounded during aggressive driving. Acceleration was equally impressive, sprinting from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.49 seconds. While not built for everyday use, the EX1was a bold showcase of electric innovation, built purely to demonstrate the thrilling potential of zero-emissions engineering. 3. Jaguar C-X75
Meanwhile, Jaguar marked its 75th anniversary with an electrifying concept—the C-X75, a car that beautifully blended cutting-edge technology with signature British elegance. Equipped with four electric motors, one at each wheel, the C-X75 delivered a total of 780 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of over 320 kph (200 mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds. What set it apart was the integration of a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (RE-EV) system, using micro gas turbines to recharge the battery on the go, extending the driving range far beyond typical electric cars of the time.
In pure electric mode, the C-X75 could travel up to 110 km, but with the turbine-assisted system, it offered a remarkable range of up to 900 km (559 miles). With carbon dioxide emissions rated at just 99 g/km, it was as environmentally conscious as it was powerful. Despite its innovation and excitement, Jaguar officially canceled plans for mass production in 2012 due to unfavorable global economic conditions. Still, the C-X75 remains one of the brand’s most visionary projects—an ambitious concept that hinted at the future possibilities of sustainable performance.
2. Shelby Supercar Ultimate Aero EV
Then came the SSC Ultimate Aero EV, a bold leap into electric speed from Shelby SuperCars. Based on the record-breaking SSC Ultimate Aero, this electric version wasn’t just a nod to sustainability—it was built to dominate. Powered by twin electric motors generating a jaw-dropping 1,000 PS and 110.6 kgfm of torque, the car could sprint from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 334 kph (207 mph), making it one of the fastest electric vehicles of its time.
What made the Ultimate Aero EV even more impressive was its advanced battery system. It could be fully charged in just 10 minutes and offered a driving range of approximately 241 km (150 miles) on a single charge. The project introduced Shelby’s All-Electric Scalable Powertrain (AESP), showing their intent to stay at the forefront of electric innovation. While built in extremely limited numbers, this high-voltage beast carried the DNA of a hypercar, proving that electric power didn’t have to mean compromise. 1. Koenigsegg NLV Quant At the pinnacle of this electric dreamscape stands the NLV Quant, a groundbreaking concept born from a collaboration between Koenigsegg and NLV Solar. More than just a supercar, the Quantrepresented a fusion of science, performance, and futuristic aesthetics. It was powered by a unique hybrid energy system that combined a redox flow cell with a conventional battery pack—an advanced pairing rarely seen in automotive design.
This four-seater electric marvel delivered an astonishing 805 horsepower and an incredible 1,500 Nm of torque. Thanks to a full carbon chassis, the car maintained a relatively low weight of around 1,680 kg, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.8 seconds. The top speed? A blistering 377 kph (234 mph)—figures that placed it firmly among the fastest electric cars ever envisioned at the time.
Interior view of Koenigsegg NLV Quant. (Picture from: GTSpirit)
But performance wasn’t the only headline. The Quant turned heads with its distinctive gullwing doors and sleek, flowing body lines wrapped in a thin-film solar coating developed by NLV Solar. This innovative surface helped capture and convert sunlight into additional energy, reinforcing the car’s environmentally conscious engineering. More than a concept car, the Quantwas a symbol of what could be achieved when technology, sustainability, and design excellence come together in perfect harmony.
These early electric supercars were more than just fast—they were fearless. Created during a time when electric vehicles were still seen as quirky or impractical, each of these machines proved that clean energy didn't have to mean boring performance. While most never saw full production, their impact was undeniable. They sparked ideas, broke records, and inspired the electric cars we see today. And perhaps more importantly, they reminded the world that innovation doesn't always come from the biggest players—but often from the boldest dreamers. *** [EKA [20092013] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTSPIRIT | INHIBITAT | TOPGEAR | ULTIMATECARPAGE | POPARA.MK | TELSTARLOGISTICS ]
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Top 7 Coolest Electric Supercars from the Early Days of Innovation
Crossing the Pacific, the AC Propulsion tZero emerged as one of the earliest electric sports cars developed by the U.S.-based company AC Propulsion. Launched in January 1997, the tZero was built on the Piontek Sportech kit car platform, which used a lightweight fiberglass body over a reinforced steel space frame. It featured a double wishbone independent suspension system and rack-and-pinion steering for sporty handling. What set it apart was AC Propulsion’s AC-150 drivetrain—a single-speed electric system with a 9:1 gear ratio—that delivered strong and smooth performance.
Next on the list is the Li-ion Inizio, a bold blend of electric technology and aggressive sports car styling developed in the United States. The Inizio stood out for its aerodynamic shape and unique design influences—borrowing interior cues from the Dodge Viper and exterior elements from Ferrari. This visual mix gave it an exotic, high-performance appeal rarely seen in early electric vehicles. Built with an advanced chassis and battery system, it aimed to prove that electric power could be just as thrilling as its gas-powered counterparts.
Europe stepped into the spotlight with the Peugeot EX1, a stunning all-electric concept car from the iconic French automaker. Designed as a compact race-inspired machine, the EX1 was powered by two electric motors—one on each axle—delivering a combined output of 340 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque. This setup created a unique all-wheel-drive experience, pushing the limits of what an electric car could achieve in terms of raw performance and driving excitement.
Meanwhile, Jaguar marked its 75th anniversary with an electrifying concept—the C-X75, a car that beautifully blended cutting-edge technology with signature British elegance. Equipped with four electric motors, one at each wheel, the C-X75 delivered a total of 780 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of over 320 kph (200 mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds. What set it apart was the integration of a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (RE-EV) system, using micro gas turbines to recharge the battery on the go, extending the driving range far beyond typical electric cars of the time.
Then came the SSC Ultimate Aero EV, a bold leap into electric speed from Shelby SuperCars. Based on the record-breaking SSC Ultimate Aero, this electric version wasn’t just a nod to sustainability—it was built to dominate. Powered by twin electric motors generating a jaw-dropping 1,000 PS and 110.6 kgfm of torque, the car could sprint from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 334 kph (207 mph), making it one of the fastest electric vehicles of its time.
At the pinnacle of this electric dreamscape stands the NLV Quant, a groundbreaking concept born from a collaboration between Koenigsegg and NLV Solar. More than just a supercar, the Quant represented a fusion of science, performance, and futuristic aesthetics. It was powered by a unique hybrid energy system that combined a redox flow cell with a conventional battery pack—an advanced pairing rarely seen in automotive design.
At the pinnacle of this electric dreamscape stands the NLV Quant, a groundbreaking concept born from a collaboration between Koenigsegg and NLV Solar. More than just a supercar, the Quant represented a fusion of science, performance, and futuristic aesthetics. It was powered by a unique hybrid energy system that combined a redox flow cell with a conventional battery pack—an advanced pairing rarely seen in automotive design.
But performance wasn’t the only headline. The Quant turned heads with its distinctive gullwing doors and sleek, flowing body lines wrapped in a thin-film solar coating developed by NLV Solar. This innovative surface helped capture and convert sunlight into additional energy, reinforcing the car’s environmentally conscious engineering. More than a concept car, the Quant was a symbol of what could be achieved when technology, sustainability, and design excellence come together in perfect harmony.
These early electric supercars were more than just fast—they were fearless. Created during a time when electric vehicles were still seen as quirky or impractical, each of these machines proved that clean energy didn't have to mean boring performance. While most never saw full production, their impact was undeniable. They sparked ideas, broke records, and inspired the electric cars we see today. And perhaps more importantly, they reminded the world that innovation doesn't always come from the biggest players—but often from the boldest dreamers. *** [EKA [20092013] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTSPIRIT | INHIBITAT | TOPGEAR | ULTIMATECARPAGE | POPARA.MK | TELSTARLOGISTICS ]
