I recently watched a review video of the original Tesla Roadster, and wow, it was an exciting car. Almost 250 miles of range on a first-gen EV, and it had a regular car interior—not the all-touchscreen setup we see now. It was one of the only electric sports cars released. Nowadays, everything, even from legacy automakers, is just SUVs with Tesla-style interiors and no buttons for basic things like HVAC. Oddly, lower-end EVs are more likely to have traditional interiors.
For me, the lack of buttons for things like AC kills the excitement. And why are we only seeing new EV SUVs? Hardly any sedans or smaller cars.
@kwame
Yep, it’s definitely a car I’d love to own if I could afford it. Wish there were more EV sedans, coupes, and sports cars with traditional interiors.
@Michael
Lucid has cool sedans, but they’re way out of my budget. I like Polestar somewhat, but the Polestar 2 isn’t great on interior space and still lacks physical HVAC controls. None of those brands are making two-door sports cars right now.
Edit: Just saw a Lucid Air review, and it does have physical HVAC controls.
@Gabriel
Two-door sports EVs will probably come in time. They’re niche, just like EVs were at first. As EV adoption grows, we’ll likely see more variety, including two-doors.
Only the windshield, dashboard, front wishbones, rear-view mirrors, and removable soft top were carried over from the Elise. Tesla’s former VP of sales said they only shared 7% of parts by the end.
EVs are still exciting, but now they’re practical for millions of people who use them daily.
My “basic, boring” Model 3 RWD is honestly more fun to drive than any BMW, VW, Honda, or Toyota I’ve had. It’s always improving and has way lower ownership costs—all stock, no mods needed.
@Michael
That’s fair. Most people need a crossover or SUV, but some of us still want sedans, coupes, and roadsters. Porsche is making an EV Boxster, but it’s going to start at $80k+ USD.
I’d love a Mazda MX-5 EV—doesn’t need a huge battery, maybe 250-300 hp in a light body with 45-55 kWh.
@Robert
My Model 3 is a sedan, and it’s great! Model S, Lucid sedans, Porsche… there are options. The demand for SUVs comes from consumers more than automakers, unfortunately. But as the EV market grows, niche options like sporty two-door EVs should emerge.
Totally agree on the RWD, lower-battery fun machines idea!
@Michael
I think the Model 3 drives well, but I personally couldn’t get used to controlling everything through a touchscreen—even side mirrors. I’d get frustrated fast.
Gabriel said: @Michael
I think the Model 3 drives well, but I personally couldn’t get used to controlling everything through a touchscreen—even side mirrors. I’d get frustrated fast.
I get it, but you’d probably adjust after a few days. I was big on tactile controls too, but I got used to it quickly, and now it feels seamless.