Eight EV Variants I’d Most Like to See
By Edward A. Sanchez — June 10, 2024
Traditionally, creating new vehicle variants was an intensive process of engineering that sometimes required a ground-up redesign to address packaging issues such as structural integrity, powertrain, or component placement, or shorter or longer wheelbases. With purpose-designed EVs, this process can hypothetically be a little less resource intensive. In addition to computer-aided modeling and prototyping (which also applies to ICE), the “skateboard” approach means the underlying chassis structure can remain essentially identical, with most of the resources directed toward the design of the “top hat” or body.
Of course, this is a massive over-simplification of the process. But the prospect of this streamlined development makes me excited at what interesting EV variants we could see in the coming years. Below are a few I’d like to see. Meanwhile, one of them is actually in production, but not offered in the U.S.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 Shooting Brake
The vehicles based of the Hyundai Group’s E-GMP platform are some of the most competitive and advanced on the market, including the Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60. The Ioniq 6 is an eye-catching sedan aimed squarely at the Tesla Model 3. Being a Model 3 owner myself, I have looked at the Ioniq 6 with interest. The one thing I wish my car had was a liftback. I have had hatchbacks and small wagons in the past, and their practicality and versatility is nearly unmatched.
The Ioniq 6 sedan is a strong EV contender. But a wagon variant could perhaps up the ante. (Image courtesy Hyundai)
Hyundai already has the Ioniq 5 for those looking for a more practical package, but what I’d really like to see is the Ioniq 6’s svelte, sleek lines with a wagon package, or a “shooting brake” in current parlance. Yes, I know – purists will say true shooting brakes are two-doors. But now that the term “coupe” is liberally used to describe fastback four-doors, I’m going to use it here.
I feel the Ioniq 6’s styling would lend itself well to a wagon variant. If and when one ever happens, it will most likely happen in Europe first, possibly exclusively. If Hyundai representatives are listening, please consider offering an Ioniq 6 wagon variant in the U.S.
Ford Maverick Lightning
The Ford Maverick has turned out to be one of Dearborn’s biggest hits in the last few years, in some quarters out-selling the Ranger, and in some months even the Toyota Tacoma. It turns out the Maverick’s combination of versatility, fuel efficiency, and a “just right” size checks all the boxes for a lot of consumers.
There’s a solid argument for the functionality of EV trucks the size of the Ford Maverick. (Image courtesy Ford)
If I didn’t have my Model 3, I might consider a Maverick. But there are a few additional features I’d like to see. First off, a full EV variant. Call it the “Lightning” if you will. Like The Autopian’s Jason Torchinsky, I am also a fan of the idea of a midgate on the Maverick, extending the truck’s short 4.5-foot bed into a more useful 6-ish feet. A midgate-equipped Maverick EV with a 250-mile range might tempt me to trade.
Dodge Magnum EV
Long before the LX-chassis Dodge Charger got its reputation as a star of sideshows and favorite of flexing Alpha Bros, the first Dodge variant of the LX platform was the Magnum, an aggressive-yet-practical muscle wagon, at least in Hemi form. Just before its discontinuation, it was offered in a performance-oriented SRT8 variant with a 425hp 6.1L Hemi V8.
I am enthused and excited that the new Charger Daytona coming to market is a liftback, which is halfway toward a wagon. But if Stellantis went that far, why not a full-fledged wagon? Who knows, it may be on the drawing board now, and will be revealed at an upcoming show. Here’s to hoping…
The Dodge Magnum could live a second life as an EV. (Image courtesy Dodge)
Volkswagen Golf GTI EV
This may be closer to reality than we may think. Volkswagen’s ID. 2all concept showed a Golf-like front-wheel-drive EV concept. It was followed shortly thereafter by the ID2.GTI variant. VW has acknowledged the popularity and nostalgia of the GTI brand, saying that the GTX brand will likely be phased out over the next few years to bring GTI back to prominence.
Perhaps it’s time for VW to go all-in on EVs, turning its iconic hot hatch Golf GTI into an EV. (Image courtesy Volkswagen)
Despite some of the mechanical headaches I experienced with the Mk4 GTI I owned in the early 2000s, it was indisputably fun-to-drive and practical. Assuming Volkswagen has improved its quality since then (which by some indications, it has) I would be interested in a GTI EV.
Volkswagen ID.7 Wagon
This is a model that is actually in production and on-sale in Europe. Like the Charger, the ID.7 is a liftback sedan, effectively replacing the Arteon. Since the ascent of SUVs in the ‘90s and ‘00s, wagons have generally fallen out of favor with the U.S. market, with only a small handful still sold in the U.S., and often dressed up in crossover-ish cladding and a higher ride height. I would be happy with the ID.7 wagon to come stateside as is, without gimmicky packaging. But if it must come as an “Alltrack” variant, so be it.
The ID.7 Wagon would be a lovely addition to VW’s U.S. lineup of EV. (Image courtesy Volkswagen)
Mazda MX-5 Miata EV
I have written a post about this before. My feelings haven’t changed. Much like the original Tesla Roadster captured enthusiasts’ imaginations, and proved that EVs didn’t have to be dull, golf cart-like appliances, I feel a carefully engineered EV variant of the Miata could engage enthusiasts and increase the focus on lightweighting in EV development.
Electric Mazda Miata? Yes please! (Image courtesy Mazda)
Chevrolet Trax EV
Walking around my neighborhood, I stumbled across a handsome crossover with a bowtie badge on it. From a distance, it was hard to judge the size. I assumed it was a Blazer, Chevy’s handsome midsize crossover. As I got closer, I could see it was slightly smaller, and I looked closely at the tailgate, seeing the “Trax” badge. I said to myself, “That’s a good-looking car.”
A Chevy Trax EV might be a smart move for General Motors. (Image courtesy Chevrolet)
I have a feeling we may see this, but possibly not badged as a Trax. I have a hunch the next-generation Bolt will have more of a crossover form, building upon the popularity of the EUV variant released before GM unadvisedly decided to discontinue to Bolt, only to reverse that decision a few months later after an outcry from current owners, and strong sales.
Buick Regal TourX EV
The Regal TourX was one of those once-in-a-generation anomalies enabled by GM’s (at the time) global reach with its ownership of Opel. The TourX was built in Germany and imported into the U.S. I am an owner of an older Regal wagon, which I’m hoping to someday do an EV conversion to. Unfortunately, as part of GM’s post-bankruptcy, belt-tightening, and strategic realignment, Opel was sold off first to the PSA Group, which ultimately merged with Fiat to form Stellantis. The TourX was one of the unfortunate casualties.
Is it time for a Buick Regal TourX comeback, this time as an EV? (Image courtesy Buick)
Now that GM has the Ultium platform, there’s no reason the TourX, or something like it, couldn’t make a comeback. If it were to be offered for a reasonable price, I would certainly be interested in a revived Buick wagon.
