The most unusual electric cars of 2010

One of the most notable aspects of the Nissan Leaf electric car, which goes on sale in March in this country, is that in appearance it is every inch the modern family car; the world’s first mass-produced electric car deliberately distinguishes itself from the many weird and wonderful electric vehicles that have come before it.

Here we salute our favourite unusual electric cars from the last year.

With snowy conditions on British roads a continuing challenge for many motorists, a Korean car manufacturer has this week launched an electric car designed to tackle most conditions on land and water.

CT&T is well placed to build the Multi Amphibious Vehicle – it claims to have more electric vehicle manufacturing capacity than any of its rivals. The Multi Amphibious Vehicle has a modest top speed of 40mph on land and an estimated 10mph on water, but for many urban commuters this performance would suffice. The vehicle’s six wheels are driven by an electric motor, as are the twin propellers it uses when on water. If you can overlook its three-wheel configuration, lack of a conventional steering wheel and absence of any doors then the £4,000 BugE on display earlier this year at the Detroit Motor Show is a good candidate for the title of cheapest electric car in the world.

The BugE has been in development for three years and is currently available in kit form for £4,000 and fully assembled for £12,000 The latest electric car promises not only to cut emissions and reduce fuel costs, but save on the cost of gym membership; the HumanCar Imagine converts the rowing motion of the driver and up to three passengers into speeds of up to 25mph. The rowing action provides the car’s occupants with brisk exercise whilst at the same time charging a battery that powers an electric motor.

American artist, Justin Shull has built an electric vehicle from recycled trees that overcomes many of the problems faced by car drivers today. Virtually indistinguishable from a well-trimmed privet hedge, the Terrestrial Shrub Rover is inconspicuous so could, in theory, be parked with impunity on any area of grass. The electric-powered Rover may not have a high top speed, but its batteries cost very little to re-charge. And far from adding to the visual clutter of parked cars, the Shrub Rover adds much-needed greenery to the urban jungle.