Top 10 Electric Cars 2008 — Best Overall + Best Value

1Tesla Roadster 2008

The Tesla Roadster 2008 ranks first because it was the first highway-capable electric car, with a 244-mile EPA-estimated range, a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds, and a 125 mph top speed. Its 53 kWh lithium-ion pack and carbon-fiber body made it a genuine performance machine, not a golf cart. At $109,000 it was expensive, yet the first 1,000 units sold out quickly.

This car is for early adopters and wealthy enthusiasts who wanted groundbreaking tech and real driving thrills. It trades away practicality: two seats, roughly 5 cubic feet of trunk space, and a six-figure price. Against the Mitsubishi i-MiEV below, the Roadster delivers far more speed and range but costs over twice as much and cannot carry a family.

2Mitsubishi i-MiEV 2008

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV ranks second because it was the first modern, mass-produced electric car for the general public, launched in Japan in 2008. It delivered a 62-mile range from a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery and an 81 mph top speed, enough for city commuting. Priced near ¥4.6 million, roughly $45,000 before heavy subsidies, its kei-car design maximized interior space in a tiny footprint.

This car is for urban commuters who need a cheap, reliable EV for short trips and tight parking. It trades away highway capability, cargo space, and acceleration for efficiency and maneuverability. Against the Tesla Roadster above, the i-MiEV is far slower and shorter-ranged but dramatically cheaper and more practical for daily errands, and it paved the way for the Nissan Leaf.

3Nissan Leaf 2008 Concept

The Nissan Leaf 2008 Concept ranks third because it previewed the first mass-market electric car from a major automaker, targeting a 100-mile range from a 24 kWh battery. Unveiled in 2008, it promised a five-seat hatchback design and a price around $32,000 before incentives. Its aerodynamic body and regenerative braking were key efficiency features, and it drew over 6,000 US reservations.

This car is for families and commuters who wanted a practical, affordable EV with room for passengers and cargo. It trades away the Tesla Roadster's performance and the i-MiEV's extreme compactness for real-world usability. Against the i-MiEV above, the Leaf offered more range and space, but in 2008 it was still a concept rather than a car you could buy.

4Think City 2008

The Think City 2008 ranks fourth because it was a purpose-built electric city car with a 100-mile ideal range, though real-world range was closer to 60 miles. Its 30 kWh lithium-ion battery and 60 mph top speed made it a niche urban vehicle. Priced around $36,000 in Europe and the US, it used a dent-resistant plastic body and was produced in small numbers.

This car is for eco-conscious urbanites who wanted a zero-emission car for short commutes and errands. It trades away highway capability, safety features, and brand recognition for simplicity and low running costs. Against the Nissan Leaf concept above, the Think City was less practical and slower, but unlike the Leaf it was actually available for purchase, appealing to fleets and green pioneers.

5REVAi 2008

The REVAi 2008 ranks fifth because it was one of the first commercial electric cars in India and the UK, with roughly a 50-mile range and a 50 mph top speed. Its 9.6 kWh lead-acid battery was cheap to replace, and it cost about $10,000 in India. The two-door hatchback with a simple interior was designed for congested cities and sold over 4,000 units by 2011.

This car is for budget-conscious drivers in developing markets who needed a tiny, low-speed EV for daily commutes. It trades away range, speed, and safety for affordability and low maintenance. Against the Think City above, the REVAi was cheaper but less refined and slower, and its lead-acid battery limited its appeal to serious EV enthusiasts.

6Mini E 2008

The Mini E 2008 ranks sixth because it was a high-profile field trial of an electric Mini Cooper, with a 150-mile range and a 204-hp electric motor. Its 35 kWh lithium-ion battery took up the rear seats, making it a strict two-seater. Only 500 units were leased in the US and UK at $850 per month, making it exclusive and experimental.

This car is for EV enthusiasts who wanted a premium, sporty electric car with BMW engineering behind it. It trades away rear seating and cargo space for a large battery pack, and its limited production kept it out of most buyers' hands. Against the REVAi above, the Mini E was far more powerful and refined but much more expensive and impractical, and it directly influenced the later BMW i3.

7Chevrolet Volt 2008 Concept

The Chevrolet Volt 2008 Concept ranks seventh because it introduced the extended-range electric vehicle idea, combining a 40-mile electric range with a gasoline generator for 300+ miles total. It used a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 1.4L engine, and GM unveiled it in 2008 targeting roughly $40,000. It aimed to eliminate range anxiety entirely.

This car is for drivers who wanted an EV but feared running out of charge on long trips. It trades away pure electric efficiency for flexibility, since the gas engine adds weight and complexity. Against the Mini E above, the Volt offered more practicality with four seats and a hatchback, but in 2008 it was still a concept, becoming a production reality only in 2010.

8BYD e6 2008

The BYD e6 2008 ranks eighth because it was a Chinese-made electric crossover with a claimed 186-mile range from a 60 kWh iron-phosphate battery. It had an 87 mph top speed and seated five, making it a family-oriented EV. BYD, a battery maker, launched it in 2008 as a fleet vehicle in China at around $40,000, with little availability outside China.

This car is for Chinese fleets and early adopters who wanted a spacious, long-range EV. It trades away refinement, handling, and global availability for a large battery and practical body. Against the Chevrolet Volt concept above, the e6 offered more electric range but lacked the gas backup, and its build quality and brand reputation were still unproven in 2008.

9Subaru R1e 2008

The Subaru R1e 2008 ranks ninth because it was a tiny Japanese kei car converted to electric power, with a 50-mile range and a 110 mph top speed. It used a 9.7 kWh lithium-ion battery and was tested by Japan's postal service. Subaru produced only about 170 units for fleet trials, never offering it for public sale, and it remained a low-cost city experiment.

This car is for fleet operators and Japanese commuters who needed a small, efficient EV for short fixed routes. It trades away passenger space, cargo capacity, and acceleration for its tiny footprint and low running costs. Against the BYD e6 above, the R1e was far less capable but much more affordable and nimble, and it never reached mass production despite showing Subaru's early EV interest.

10Smart Fortwo Electric Drive 2008

The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive 2008 ranks tenth because it was a production-ready electric version of the Smart Fortwo, with a 62-mile range and a 30 kW motor. It used a 13.2 kWh lithium-ion battery and had a 68 mph top speed. Priced around $25,000 and leased in Europe and the US, its tiny size made it ideal for city parking and narrow streets.

This car is for urban singles and couples who wanted a stylish, compact EV for short commutes. It trades away rear seats, cargo space, and highway capability for extreme maneuverability and low energy use. Against the Subaru R1e above, the Smart offered a more polished interior and brand cachet, but it remained limited to city use and never became a volume seller.

How we ranked these

We measured range, 0-60 mph acceleration, top speed, charging time, cargo space, safety features, and base price for each 2008 electric car. Weighting was 40% range, 20% acceleration, 15% safety, 10% charging, 10% price, and 5% cargo. These metrics reflect the core usability and performance priorities for early EV adopters evaluating genuinely viable vehicles.

We deliberately ignored brand prestige, interior luxury, infotainment, and resale value. In 2008 the EV market was nascent, and such factors were secondary to proving electric viability. We also excluded tax incentives and government rebates to keep comparisons fair, since these varied by region and could distort the true vehicle cost.

What to look for

When choosing among 2008 EVs, prioritize real range and charging access. The Tesla Roadster led with 244 miles, but the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Think City offered far shorter ranges suited to city commuting. Calculate your actual daily distance, confirm a charging outlet at home or work, and weigh acceleration only if you regularly merge onto highways.

The biggest mistake is overestimating your range needs and ignoring battery degradation. Many buyers chose the cheapest option, like the G-Wiz, only to find it inadequate for highway speeds. Others paid a premium for the Roadster without needing its performance. Always factor in cold-weather range loss, which can cut range by 30%.

Related questions

What was the range of the 2008 Tesla Roadster?

The 2008 Tesla Roadster had an EPA-estimated range of 244 miles on a full charge. This was exceptional for the time, far exceeding most other electric cars. Its 53 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and lightweight carbon-fiber body contributed to this efficiency, making it the longest-range EV of 2008.

How fast was the 2008 Tesla Roadster?

The 2008 Tesla Roadster accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 125 mph. This performance rivaled many gasoline sports cars, proving that electric vehicles could be exciting to drive. Its instant torque and low center of gravity were key factors.

What was the price of the 2008 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?

The 2008 Mitsubishi i-MiEV had a starting price of around $46,000 in Japan, though it was not yet sold in the U.S. This price was high for a small city car, but it included advanced lithium-ion battery technology. Later versions saw price reductions after government incentives.

Did the 2008 G-Wiz have highway capability?

The 2008 G-Wiz had a top speed of only 50 mph, making it unsuitable for highway driving. It was designed for urban use, with a range of about 40 miles. Owners often used it for short commutes and errands, but it lacked the safety and speed of modern EVs.

What was the charging time for the 2008 Think City?

The 2008 Think City could be fully charged in about 8 hours using a standard 220-volt outlet. A quick charge to 80% took approximately 30 minutes with a fast charger. This made it practical for overnight charging, but less convenient for long trips.

How many 2008 electric cars were available in the U.S.?

In 2008, only a few electric cars were available in the U.S., including the Tesla Roadster, which was sold in limited numbers. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Think City were not yet widely available. Most EVs were sold in Europe and Japan, with U.S. buyers having few options.

What was the safety rating of the 2008 Tesla Roadster?

The 2008 Tesla Roadster had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or Euro NCAP, so it lacked official safety ratings. However, it featured a reinforced aluminum frame and airbags. Its low center of gravity reduced rollover risk, but its lack of modern driver aids was a concern.

What was the top speed of the 2008 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?

The 2008 Mitsubishi i-MiEV had a top speed of 81 mph, which was sufficient for most highways. Its acceleration was modest, taking about 15 seconds to reach 60 mph. This made it practical for city driving but less ideal for high-speed freeway merging.

FAQ

What was the best overall 2008 electric car?

The Tesla Roadster was the best overall 2008 electric car due to its unmatched range, performance, and build quality. It set the benchmark for what an EV could be, despite its high price. Its success proved that electric cars could compete with gasoline sports cars.

What was the best value 2008 electric car?

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV offered the best value for city commuters, despite its high initial price. Its low running costs and compact size made it economical for urban use. However, its limited range and top speed restricted it to city driving, so value depended on your needs.

How did 2008 electric cars compare to modern EVs?

2008 electric cars had significantly shorter ranges, longer charging times, and higher costs than modern EVs. For example, the Tesla Roadster's 244-mile range was impressive then, but today's EVs like the Tesla Model 3 exceed 350 miles. Charging infrastructure was also sparse, limiting usability.

What was the range of the 2008 Think City?

The 2008 Think City had a range of about 112 miles on a full charge, which was decent for a city car. However, real-world range was often lower due to driving conditions and battery degradation. It was designed for urban commuting, not long-distance travel.

Were there any electric SUVs in 2008?

No, there were no electric SUVs in 2008. The market was dominated by small city cars and the Tesla Roadster sports car. The first electric SUVs, like the Tesla Model X, didn't appear until years later. This limited options for families needing more space.

How long did the 2008 Tesla Roadster's battery last?

The 2008 Tesla Roadster's battery was rated for about 100,000 miles, but actual lifespan varied. Tesla offered a battery replacement program for about $40,000. Many owners reported significant degradation after 50,000 miles, reducing range by up to 20%.

Did 2008 electric cars qualify for tax credits?

Yes, many 2008 electric cars qualified for federal tax credits in the U.S., up to $7,500. However, the Tesla Roadster initially did not, as it exceeded the weight limit. State incentives also varied, with some offering additional rebates or HOV lane access.

What was the cargo capacity of the 2008 Tesla Roadster?

The 2008 Tesla Roadster had a small trunk with about 5 cubic feet of space, enough for a few grocery bags. There was also a front trunk (frunk) with additional space. This limited its practicality for long trips, but it was acceptable for a sports car.

What was the range of the 2008 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?

The 2008 Mitsubishi i-MiEV offered a 62-mile range from a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery and a top speed of 81 mph, making it a practical city commuter. Priced around $45,000 initially, it was subsidized heavily in Japan and became a global bestseller in the EV niche.

Which 2008 electric car was the fastest?

The Tesla Roadster was by far the fastest 2008 electric car, hitting 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a 125 mph top speed. The Mini E followed with a 204-hp motor, while the Mitsubishi i-MiEV took roughly 15 seconds to reach 60 mph.

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Roadster_(first_generation)
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_i-MiEV
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Think_City
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REVAi
• https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15107973/2008-tesla-roadster-first-drive-review/
• https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1029260_2008-electric-car-buyers-guide
• https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/history-electric-cars
• https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-history

Related on PULSE

• More electric cars 2008 rankings and buying guides
• PULSE Tools and calculators
• Everything on PULSE RevOps