Which early EV will become the first classic car of the electric era?
Why it matters: The emergence of classic EVs signals a maturing market and growing appreciation for electric vehicle history.
- The GM EV1 is strongly favored as the first classic EV due to its visibility, cult following, and extreme rarity, with one non-running model recently selling for $104,000.
- Early pioneers like the Consulier GTP, US Electricar, and AC Propulsion tzero roadster are recognized for proving performance capabilities before more well-known models.
- The original Tesla Roadster and GM EV1 are often cited as the starting points of the modern EV era, though the article argues they were not the absolute first.
- GM's restrictive ownership contracts for the EV1 were reportedly broken by a legal chain of events surrounding an impounded and auctioned unit, allowing it to be sold publicly.
The quest to identify the first classic electric car of the modern era sparks debate, with many pointing to the GM EV1 or original Tesla Roadster, though earlier, lesser-known pioneers like the Consulier GTP and AC Propulsion tzero predated them. The GM EV1, despite its limited availability and GM's efforts to destroy most units, is emerging as a strong contender for classic status due to its cultural relevance, cult following, and a recent auction sale of a non-running model for over $100,000.
