Home Cars Retro Icons Electrified: Classic Cars Making a Modern Comeback
Cars

Retro Icons Electrified: Classic Cars Making a Modern Comeback

Jimmy adeel July 12, 2025

The automotive world is witnessing a fascinating trend where beloved classic cars are being reborn with cutting-edge electric powertrains. This fusion of nostalgia and innovation allows drivers to experience the charm and timeless design of vintage models while enjoying the benefits of zero-emission technology and modern performance.
Here’s a look at some of the most exciting retro-inspired electric vehicles making waves, each carrying a rich heritage into a sustainable future.

1. Renault 5 E-Tech

1
Renault

Originally launched in the 1970s, the Renault 5 became a symbol of quirky practicality and affordability. The modern Renault 5 E-Tech retains its classic boxy silhouette but is updated with modern LED lighting and sharp design touches. Underneath, it features a 52 kWh battery that delivers a WLTP range of 248 miles and supports fast charging up to 80% in 30 minutes, making it an accessible and eco-friendly nod to a French icon.

2. Microlino

2
Wikimedia Commons

Drawing inspiration from the 1950s BMW Isetta bubble car, the Microlino revives the compact and quirky spirit with a modern twist. Weighing just 535 kg, it offers battery options that provide up to 142 miles of range. Its retro styling, including the distinctive front-opening door, is complemented by modern LED lighting and digital displays, making it a stylish and sustainable urban mobility solution.

3. DeLorean Alpha5

3
DeLorean

The DeLorean DMC-12 earned legendary status thanks to its distinctive gullwing doors and pop culture fame, despite its original performance limitations. The new DeLorean Alpha5 honors this legacy with the return of its signature gullwing doors, now paired with a fully electric 100 kWh battery offering over 300 miles of range and a blistering 0-60 mph time of around 3 seconds. Its sleek, aerodynamic design reimagines the classic for a high-performance, futuristic era.

4. MINI Cooper Electric

4
Ev Database

The classic Mini Cooper, launched in 1959, is cherished for its compact size and spirited personality. The MINI Cooper Electric preserves the iconic shape and playful character while replacing the petrol engine with a 54.2 kWh battery that provides 249 miles of range and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds. For purists, companies like Recharged Heritage also offer conversions of original Minis into reliable electric vehicles, blending vintage charm with modern technology.

5. Ford Capri EV

5
Ford

The classic Ford Capri coupe, a beloved European muscle car of the 1970s, returns as the Ford Capri EV, a modern electric SUV with retro-inspired styling. It offers battery capacities ranging from 53 kWh to 77 kWh, delivering up to 390 miles WLTP range. This model combines nostalgic design elements with advanced electric performance, appealing to enthusiasts of both heritage and innovation.

6. Volkswagen ID. Buzz

6
Wikimedia Commons

The iconic Volkswagen Microbus is reborn as the fully electric ID. Buzz, combining classic van charm with modern technology. It features a spacious interior, advanced connectivity, and an estimated range of around 300 miles, making it a practical and nostalgic choice for the eco-conscious driver.

8. Fiat 500 Electric

7
Fiat

The beloved Italian city car, the Fiat 500, now comes fully electric with a 42 kWh battery offering approximately 199 miles of range. It retains its retro-inspired design while incorporating contemporary safety and infotainment features, blending heritage with modern urban mobility needs.

Conclusion

8
Renault

The resurgence of retro cars as electric vehicles represents a compelling convergence of past and future. These models honor their storied histories through iconic design while embracing the sustainability and performance of modern electric technology. From the Renault 5 E-Tech’s accessible charm to the DeLorean Alpha5’s futuristic speed, these vehicles prove that classic style and green innovation can drive hand in hand into the future.
This trend not only satisfies nostalgia but also reflects a broader shift towards environmentally conscious driving, ensuring that the spirit of these timeless classics continues to inspire generations to come.

.article-content-img img { width: 100% }
Advertisement
Please wait 5 sec.