Since the introduction of the first mass-market electric vehicle in the mid-2000s, hundreds of different models have become available to buy.
While many electric cars introduced genuinely game-changing technology, unseen levels of performance and formed the next generation of day-to-day travel, it’s fair to say not all of them were universally well-recieved.
Some new electric cars have been criticised for their size and weight, while others have been condemned for outlandish design philosophies.
Some were just plain disappointing to drive, while others were condemned for taking the name of iconic, beloved models that were previously retired.
But which electric cars have proven to be the most controversial over the years? We’ve compiled a list of some of the most contentious, so read on to find out more…
Jaguar Type 00
Jaguar’s Type 00 concept was revealed in December 2024 and represents the British car maker’s brand overhaul. No more will we see torquey diesel saloon cars and petrol SUVs.
Unveiled alongside a new logo and brand motto, the concept (and its marketing) drew a strong response from the public on both ends of the spectrum.
The fact is, Jaguar needed a big change, and the Type 00 concept is the representation of years of development of a next-generation, luxury brand.
We’re still waiting for specification details, but Jaguar is promising at least 1000bhp with all-wheel drive, with a battery measuring around 120kWh. The range is estimated to stand at around 643km.
Tesla Cybertruck
When the Tesla Cybertruck first hit American roads, it stood out thanks to its space-age design and huge size.
While it is actually a reasonably good electric vehicle to drive, many buyers and reviewers were critical of the pick-up’s polarising visuals and build quality.
Elon Musk initially suggested the Cybertruck would go on sale at a price tag of $39,990 (£29,293.94, €33,863.77), but those high expectations were quashed by production delays. The Cybertruck’s entry price would subsequently rise to $60,990 (£48,150 / €56,380).
The range includes a dual-motor all-wheel drive model with 592bhp and 525 lb-ft of torque that’s good for a 0-100kph (0-60mph) time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 180kph (118mph).
The range topper is the Cyberbeast, which adds a rear motor for a combined 833 bhp and 864lb ft. The 0-100kph (0-60mph) is a barely believable 2.6sec considering the 3113kg kerb weight.
BMW iX
The BMW iX is one of the best luxury electric SUVs money can buy, but when it first arrived, it drew some controversy.
Many were shocked at BMW’s design decisions, which can fairly be described as ‘distinctive’. It was a big step away from the more traditionally designed SUVs in the car maker’s range.
Beneath the controversial looks, though, is a brilliant car to live with. The iX is one of the most comfortable in its class, with exemplary technology and impressive driving dynamics.
Even the cheapest iX cars get a 94.8kWh battery with a range of 601km (374 miles), while top models get a 109kWh battery with 685km (426 miles).
Hummer EV
The Hummer EV first went on sale in 2021, and its arrival prompted wider questions about the size, weight and safety of larger electric cars.
This huge car weighs 4119kg (9063lbs), making it one of the heaviest cars of any kind on sale today. The Hummer’s 217.7kWh battery alone measures 1325kg, which is around the same as a Volkswagen Golf.
Despite its weight, it can produce as high as 1000bhp, and can sprint from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in just 2.8 seconds.
Some critics of the electric Hummer suggest the car is unnecessary and uses far too many resources. Others say the sheer size and weight of the model, plus its supercar performance, means other road users and pedestrians could be at risk.
That said, the car is proving a popular buy in the US. The company sold 15,789 of them in 2025, and it’s certainly a practical option with plenty of room for the entire family.
Ford Capri
The Ford Capri returned in 2025 after a 40-year hiatus, but not in the form many drivers remember it.
Ford decided to transform the fastback coupe into an electric crossover SUV, which was controversial for many drivers who admired the classic car.
The new Capri is built in Cologne, Germany. It is based on the MEB platform from German car giant Volkswagen, using the company’s batteries and motors.
Battery sizes range from 52kWh to 79kWh. The extended range car provides a driving range of up to 390 miles, while power can reach up to 282bhp.
While the Capri won’t win over traditional driving enthusiasts, it’s still a decent car to drive. We thought it offered strong performance and acceleration, along with good steering and body control.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s first electric car was the Mustang Mach-E, which arrived in 2021 to a mixed response from buyers and reviewers.
Most drivers are familiar with the Mustang name, but not on an electric SUV. When you think of Mustang, you think of V8 muscle cars, Californian sunshine and burnt rubber.
Similar to the Capri, some traditionalists didn’t like the shift from a muscle car to an SUV and saw the move as disrespectful towards the model’s legacy, which spans more than 50 years.
Fortunately, the original Mustang still exists - so there realistically shouldn’t be much to complain about.
Polestar 4
When the Polestar 4 was first revealed, some drivers were confused. Here was a perfectly usable car, but without one key feature: a rear window.
Instead, the Swedish car maker opted for a digital rear-view mirror, which naturally would take drivers some getting used to in the real world.
In the real world, the decision proved to be far more polarising. Many drivers who bought a Polestar 4 actually claim to prefer the digital mirror, with Polestar suggesting that “80% of the customers get used to it very quickly, and then they like it”.
However, not everyone is a fan. Some reviewers suggest that the digital mirror is not as clear as a real-life window, finding it difficult to judge distance and depth perception.
Vinfast VF8
The Vinfast VF8 is an electric SUV that went on sale in 2023, with customers in the USA a clear target.
However, in early reviews from journalists, it was revealed that the car was severely lacking in the driving dynamics department.
Some questioned the car’s handling, while others noted its terrible ride quality and poor interior materials.
Some updates have been made to the vehicle since, but reviews are still negative. Still, with 503km (313 miles) of range and 402bhp, the VF8 will suit some drivers.
Fisker Ocean
When Fisker detailed the Ocean SUV back in 2020, many heads were turned. Expectations were high and, unfortunately, things soon came crashing down.
From the outset, the Ocean’s on-paper statistics were highly impressive. Entry-level cars were priced from €42,883 (£35,970, $46,396) and were equipped with a 75kWh battery. Range stood at 273 miles. Big battery cars received a much higher range of 708 km (440 miles).
Over its production, the Ocean was affected by more than 100 loss-of-power incidents. These, plus other technical problems, prompted three investigations and several recalls by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the US.
In March 2024, production of the Ocean stopped. Just three months later, Fisker filed for bankruptcy and production ceased. Just 11,193 Oceans were built. What could have been…
Skywell BE11
The Skywell BE11 goes by many names, including the Elaris Beo in Germany, Imperium SEV in North America and the Skywell ET5 in Poland.
This car is an electric crossover first launched in China in 2021. There are a few battery options available with a range measuring between 410km (255 miles) and 620km (385 miles).
Despite some decent equipment and enough performance for most drivers, the car was heavily criticised elsewhere.
Many reviewers criticised its poor refinement, wayward handling and uncomfortable ride. It’s also slow to charge when compared with its rivals, and its infotainment is frustrating to use, too.
Dodge Charger Daytona EV
Like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the first electric Dodge Charger was always going to kick up a fuss with V8 traditionalists and purists of the muscle car world.
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV swaps out its sonorous V8 for a pair of electric motors that produce 630bhp and 627lb ft of torque as standard. The Scat Pack version gets 670bhp, and can hit 0-100kph (0-62mph) in just 3.3 seconds.
The range varies depending on the version: the R/T achieves 510km (317 miles), and the more potent Scat Pack delivers 418km (260 miles).
As well as losing its V8 engine, the electric Dodge has received criticism for its reliability, with some drivers in the US reporting 12V battery failures, software bugs and even bricked vehicles in the worst cases.
Citroën Ami
The Citroën Ami shocked drivers when it was revealed all the way back in 2020. More of a quadicycle than a car, the Ami was one of the smallest EVs money could buy.
The Ami is actually named after a car of the same moniker. It was initially a front-wheel drive family car produced from 1961 to 1978.
While we are fans of the Ami, we found it painful to drive on most roads, barring the slowest of urban areas. Baggage space is limited, and it’s hard to see in and out in rough weather.
The Ami is driven by a single electric motor producing 8bhp, with power coming from a tiny 5.5kWh battery. Range stands at a claimed 46 miles.
