Top 5 From cheap pick-ups to 1500 hp monsters: we're missing these electric cars
New e-cars appear every week - but many remain in China or the USA. However, some concepts would also be really exciting here. Here are five models that we miss in Europe.
The range of e-cars is growing rapidly. It feels like a new model is being introduced all the time. However, these new models are often not even planned for Europe.
We think that's a shame. After all, ideas are emerging in China and the USA that would bring a breath of fresh air - from affordable minimalism to technology shows. These are our top 5 e-cars that we would also like to test in Switzerland.
5th place: Slate car - radically cheap, radically simple
Slate aims to buck the trend. Cars are becoming more and more expensive and complicated - Slate wants to make it simpler.
The idea is to leave out everything that is not absolutely necessary. Instead of huge infotainment, there is just a holder for a tablet or cell phone. And those who like it really purist can even order manual windows.
Originally, a price starting at around 20,000 dollars was being discussed - albeit including an e-car subsidy. This subsidy has since been canceled. The entry-level price is therefore more likely to be around 27,000 dollars.
According to the concept, this comes with 150 kW power, 120 kW charging power and a range of around 240 km. Up to 380 km should be possible for an additional charge.
Of course, without subsidies, the offer is less spectacular. Nevertheless, we like the approach. Fewer frills could be exactly what many people want.
The pick-up is due to be available in the USA from 2026. Whether it will ever come to Europe remains to be seen.
4th place: Xiaomi SU7 Ultra - one number says it all: 1548
This entry is on the list because of a single number: 1548 hp.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra shows how extreme the price-performance ratio can be in China. In the domestic market, it is expected to cost the equivalent of around 60,000 francs. By comparison, a Porsche Taycan Turbo GT starts at around 280,000 francs - and has around a third less power.
Even if the SU7 Ultra were more expensive in Europe, it would almost certainly remain significantly cheaper than the Porsche. And that's exactly what makes it so interesting.
It is still unclear whether this uber-e-car will come to us. If it does, that would be a must for the GO! team: then we want to know whether the Xiaomi is more than just an announcement of horsepower.
3rd place: Rivian - the US favorite that finally wants to fit in with us
Anyone who has been to California in recent years will be familiar with the brand. It feels like Rivian is on every corner there.
Rivian has been established in the USA since 2021. On offer: a seven-seater SUV and a pick-up. Mighty big - exactly to US taste.
The batteries are also not sparing. Even the smallest battery should have over 100 kWh and a range of over 430 km. The large version even has 150 kWh and should be able to cover around 700 km.
But it's not just the size that's exciting. Rivian is considered to be cleverly designed, practical and sensible - and for many, much more convincing than the Cybertruck, which is perceived by many as more of a flop.
From 2027, Rivian will also be launching smaller models that are better suited to Europe. We are already looking forward to it.
2nd place: Alpha Motor - retro look meets e-mobility
Alpha Motor wants to show that electric cars don't always have to look the same. The Americans rely on modular platforms and flexible technology.
The goal: electric vehicles in very different shapes - with a retro look. From an 80s off-roader to a 60s coupé, many things should be possible.
The key data sounds reasonable rather than exaggerated: a range of around 400 km and less than 6 seconds to 100 km/h. For us: absolutely enough - if the price is right.
Alpha Motor quotes an entry-level price of around 36,000 dollars. This is to be made possible by standard components and a modular design.
Whether these promises in terms of price, variety and performance will ultimately be kept will only be seen when the cars are actually on the market. But the idea has charm - and Europe could do with a brand like this.
1st place: Yangwang - swim, jump, marvel
BYD's luxury brand Yangwang comes in at number 1. Not because of a single model - but because of technology that is almost unheard of.
Take the U8 SUV, for example, which can swim. It moves independently in water up to 1.40 meters deep - via the four individually driven wheels. It is not an amphibious vehicle, and the function is intended more for emergencies. But technically it is impressive.
Even more striking is the U9 sports car. It can actually bounce. The ingenious suspension is actually designed to iron out potholes. Jumping is more of a party trick - but one that puts the technology perfectly in the spotlight.
And this is where it gets exciting for Europe: there is a good chance that Yangwang will actually come to us. BYD is already active in Europe and also wants to attack the premium segment.
More courage would do Europe good
These five models show just how different the world of electric cars has become. Sometimes it's about radical simplicity. Sometimes it's about absurd performance. Sometimes it's about technology that almost looks like science fiction.
It's a shame that much of this hasn't reached us yet. But that could soon change for some of them - especially Yangwang and Rivian. And then things will get really interesting.