Electrification isn’t just about mainstream autos; some of the most intriguing products of the last 12 months took modern batteries into new territories, from travel trailers to motorbikes, speedboats, pick-up trucks and even classic car conversions. Find out more in our top 10 transport design stories of 2023…
Top 10 transport design stories of 2023
01. TELO Pick-Up Truck
Telo EV by Fuseproject
One of the USPs of fuseproject’s TELO is that it’s tiny, relatively speaking, cramming go-anywhere practicality into a stubby EV frame that’s shorter than a (modern) Mini.
02. New compact camper vans
Volkswagen California Concept
The renaissance in camper van and RV culture continued apace throughout 2023, with compact designs that double up as everyday drivers making a particular impact.
03. Living Vehicle HD24
Living Vehicle HD24 Travel Trailer
Californian company Living Vehicle launched the HD24, a home from home that also doubles up as an office on the move. Meticulous multi-functional design make this machine a highly desirable mobile des-res.
04. Electrogenic 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II
Rolls-Royce Phantom II by Electrogenic
Electrified classics are everywhere right now, but kudos to Electrogenic for applying the tech to a true vintage machine. This one-off 1929 Rolls-Royce has been transformed over 18 months, replacing the original monstrous engine with a battery pack without compromising its majestic stance.
05. Bentley Blower Jr
Bentley Blower Jr by The Little Car Company
At the other end of the scale is this pocket-sized Bentley, shrunk and electrified by the Little Car Company. At 85 per cent scale, it’s still a sprightly two-seater.
06. Fuell Fllow Motorbike
Fuell Fllow Motorbike
Electric touring motorbikes have yet to have their moment, but Fuell’s futuristic Fllow was a bright sign of things to come, mixing fast charging with a long range and plenty of performance.
07. Fiat Topolino
Fiat Topolino Dolcevita
Fiat’s tiny Topolino has yet to go on sale, but we’re eagerly awaiting a go. Based on the cracking little Citroën Ami, the Topolino truly captures the spirit of small Fiats of the distant past.
08. Pebble Flow
Pebble Flow Electric Travel Trailer
If there was an award for the most sophisticated travel trailer of the age, the Pebble Flow would snap it up. With embedded electric power – to lessen the load on the tow vehicle – the four-berth Flow would light up any weekend away.
09. Renault Twingo by Sabine Marcelis
Renault Twingo x Sabine Marcelis
Renault continues to play with its icons and Sabine Marcelis’ take on the classic original Twingo followed Mathieu Lehanneur’s Renault 4 based Suite N°4, and Pierre Gonalons’ stylish Renault 5 Diamant. The French manufacturer will soon return to its roots as the king of small cars.
10. Candela C-8 Polestar Edition
Candela C-8 Polestar Edition electric hydrofoil
As a way of showcasing their power packs, Polestar fitted out the Candela C-8 hydrofoil with its hefty batteries. The resulting Polestar Edition blazes a trail for luxury electric watercraft.
-
French bistro restaurant Maset channels the ease of the Mediterranean in LondonThis Marylebone restaurant is shaped by the coastal flavours, materials and rhythms of southern France
-
How ethical is Google Street View, asks Jon Rafman in CopenhagenIn 'Report a Concern - the Nine Eyes Archives' at Louisiana Museum of Art, Copenhagen, Jon Rafman considers technology's existential implications
-
Next-generation jeweller Rosalie Carlier is one to watchThe young jewellery designer creates sensuous but bold pieces intended to ‘evoke emotion in the wearer’
-
All hail the compact new Renault Twingo E-Tech – the city car is back in styleRenault continues to pay homage to its heritage by combining it with 21st-century technology. The new Twingo E-Tech is another winner
-
Around London in sybaritic silence with the majestic all-electric Lunaz Phantom VClassic electrifier Lunaz has turned its skilled hands to the Rolls-Royce Phantom V. We sample the ultimate in zero-emission luxury on the streets of London
-
Fancy owning a piece of French automotive history? Bid in The Renault Icons AuctionRenault is paring back its substantial collection of historic automobiles by auctioning off duplicate models. We present 14 of the finest lots
-
Niels van Roij Design's newest project is this perfectly tailored Rolls-Royce Shooting BrakeHenry II is a hand-crafted Shooting Brake created from a 1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche coupé. Commissioned by its long-standing owner, the car has been upgraded into a true grand tourer
-
All the new electric cars and concepts revealed at Munich’s IAA Mobility 2025Munich’s alternative motorshow is now in its third iteration, combining a traditional exhibition space with a conference and large-scale public activations on the streets of the city
-
EV start-up Halcyon transforms a classic 1970s Rolls-Royce into a smooth electric operatorThis 1978 Rolls-Royce Corniche is the first fruit of a new electric restomod company, the Surrey-based Halcyon
-
Polestar’s performance DNA is pushed to the fore by the new Arctic Circle collectionDesigned for scything across snowy race circuits, the three modified models that make up the Polestar Arctic Circle collection show the company’s sporting abilities to the full
-
Rolls-Royce Phantom Dragon crosses cultures with a highly crafted approachThis one-of-one Phantom Extended has been built as a celebration of the outgoing Year of the Dragon, overseen by Rolls-Royce’s Shanghai Private Office
