12 most innovative and eccentric electric cars

Part of the beauty of electric cars is they can redefine what’s possible. Without needing space under the bonnet for a big engine and gearbox, a fuel tank or other bulky mechanicals, they allow designers’ imaginations to run riot.

Here are our picks of the most innovative and eccentric electric cars…

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S was the car that really put the firm on the map. Unlike other electric cars, the Model S isn’t a striking machine: in fact, it’s all rather conventional from the outside. That all changes as you reach for the door handle, which powers out of the door, and climb inside.

There’s acres of space, but the huge portrait-orientated tablet-style touchscreen dominates. It controls almost all of the car’s features, and thanks to an always-on internet connection, provides the last word in connectivity. So much in fact, that it can receive software updates 'over the air' that can deliver new features without the car ever needing to venture inside a dealership.

And then there’s the performance. The flagship Model S, the P100D, is capable of 0-62mph in just 2.7 seconds, making it among the fastest-accelerating cars on the planet. Not bad for a big hatchback that can carry seven.

The Model S is very clever, but it’s not where it all started for Tesla. Find out on page 2.