Sing the Body Style Electric: A Look at the Latest EV Concepts
As the winds of the industry shift, nearly every automaker is clamoring to add an electric vehicle to its lineup, and many of those that haven’t already debuted an EV are doing the next best thing: making concepts. Concept cars don’t always lead directly to production vehicles, however; sometimes they’re “design studies” meant to demonstrate an automaker’s future styling principles. In other instances, a concept is more of a “noncept” and very nearly production-ready. When it’s the latter, we tend to pay more attention, as that vehicle — or something very much like it — will be on sale soon.
But given the changing industry landscape, we thought it a good idea to collect some of the more fanciful EV concepts shown in recent times to better inform shoppers about what’s on the way in the next few years. Below are some of the latest EV concepts from manufacturers around the world.
Related: Jeep Adding 4 EVs to Lineup by 2025, Starting With Recon and Wagoneer S
Acura Precision EV Concept
Acura revealed its Precision EV Concept just before announcing its first production EV would resurrect the ZDX model name. While the implication was that the new ZDX would borrow heavily from the Precision EV Concept, it’s worth noting the original ZDX had more of a coupeified silhouette, while the concept is a more traditionally styled SUV.
The Precision EV Concept’s exterior styling indicates the likely direction for production EVs from Acura, with a stunning grille design and lighting elements, including within the grille itself. We can hope its 23-inch wheels might shrink slightly but wouldn’t mind if the stylish floating roof design survives.
Like many concept cars these days, the Precision EV Concept purports to be a vehicle meant for a future where autonomous driving is not far-fetched, with a “Spiritual Lounge” mode that retracts the (square, of course) steering wheel and aims to let passengers and the driver relax.
Audi Sphere Concepts
Audi’s trio of electric concepts with “sphere” suffixes — the Grandsphere sedan, Skysphere convertible and Urbansphere definitely-not-a-minivan — highlight the brand’s potential next generation of EVs.
The first two concepts prioritize luxury and autonomous driving. Audi compares the Grandsphere’s cabin to a luxurious private jet, while it says the Skysphere offers more of an “interactive experience.” The Skysphere is the most enthusiast-oriented of the lot, with a variable wheelbase that can change the driving experience from grand touring to sporty. The Urbansphere, meanwhile, is meant for business people looking to work while commuting, with what Audi says is the most interior room of any vehicle it’s built to date and the ability to become a mobile office or lounge.
Lexus All-Electric Concepts
Lexus, like Audi, revealed a trio of EV concepts in the All-Electric Sedan, SUV and Sport concepts. The sedan looks like a futuristic take on the IS, while the SUV has squarer lines than we’ve seen from a Lexus that isn’t the LX or GX, with proportions that look somewhere in the realm of the RX or three-row RX L.
The concept we’re most excited for, however, is the Electrified Sport, which Lexus says is the “spiritual successor” to the cult-favorite LFA. While it won’t have the LFA’s screaming V-10 – and probably won’t make it into production at all — Lexus says it could have a sub-2.0-second 0-60 mph time and 430 miles of range. If the hype surrounding Dodge’s Charger Daytona SRT EV concept is any indication of the public’s appetite for cool, non-SUV EVs, Lexus should seriously consider making the All-Electric Sport Concept an Electrified Production Vehicle.
Lincoln Model L100, Star Concepts
Lincoln’s Model L100 Concept celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 1922 Model L and is a modern take on the long and low luxury vehicle of days gone by. Unlike those cars of old, the Model L100 Concept uses softer metallic paint and frosted acrylic instead of chrome, as well as a “satin digital ceramic tricoat” with color-changing properties. The doors and canopy open, as well, ensuring every entrance and exit makes a statement. Inside, the interior uses recycled and animal-free materials for a modern take on luxury. Lighting also plays a significant role in the Model L100 Concept’s style, with a digital floor, welcoming light show and wheel covers that use light to convey motion.
Perhaps closer to production potential, the Lincoln Star Concept has a silhouette that evokes a futuristic version of the Aviator. On the outside, as in the Model L100 Concept, lighting plays an important role in the Star Concept’s presence. The doors open up wide with reverse-hinged rear doors, and not only does the hood lift up, but the grille slides forward. Inside, transparent A- and D-pillars have stylish latticework and open up the feel of the cabin, while the seating is meant to be extremely comfortable and lounge-like. Three “moods” (Coastal Morning, Mindful Vitality and Evening Chill) combine interior lighting, sounds, scents and more to enhance occupant comfort.
In the Related link above and in the collection of links below, check out even more of our coverage of recent EV concept cars that might be more likely to make it to production.
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