by It’s hard to believe, but over 100 years have passed since electric cars first appeared on the streets. Of course, they disappeared almost as quickly as they came, but here we are today, witnessing their dramatic return. Over the past decade, electric cars have evolved by leaps and bounds, leading us to ask a question we can’t ignore: which of these modern electric vehicles will one day be considered collectible, say, in 20 years?
To be clear, there are already a few rare and historic electric cars that have secured their place in the collector’s world. For example, a well-known owner of a 1909 Baker Electric has even modified it. But beyond these niche classics, the broader electric car market is not yet seen as a treasure trove for collectors, at least for now. But who knows? Perhaps the next wave of electric cars will change that.
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The original Roadster 2.5, which started Elon Musk’s brand history, could be a perfect example. While it’s easy to point out its flaws—from range anxiety to questionable build quality—the Roadster was ahead of its time. It played a key role in launching the electric car revolution, and without it, the Model S, and possibly the entire Tesla brand, might not exist. It may not be perfect, but it changed the game.
And if we’re talking about Tesla, don’t forget other contenders that might one day become collector favorites. For example, , completely shattered established views on what an electric car could be.
There’s also the Model Y, Tesla’s bestseller, which undoubtedly played the most crucial role in spreading EVs worldwide. And don’t forget about . Love it or hate it, its design makes it impossible to ignore, cutting through a sea of otherwise similar-looking cars.
Of course, it’s not just about Tesla. The Nissan Leaf deserves a mention as one of the most influential electric cars in shaping the EV market, especially for those seeking an affordable option. was the first electric pickup. The original might be the first sign to everyone that even major established brands were willing to abandon internal combustion, at least to some extent.
If I personally had to choose one, it would be the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It seems poised to go down in history as the first EV that truly combines with supercar-worthy performance. Looking back, these two factors rarely came together in an electric car that the general public could afford. That’s what makes the 5 N so special.
And while some traditional car enthusiasts may still be deeply skeptical of the idea that electric cars could ever be collectible, don’t forget that a new generation is on the horizon. This group won’t have the same biases. They’ll grow up with electric cars as the norm and won’t hold the same prejudices against them.
