With new startups popping up right and left, it truly feels like we are in a time that's rife with innovation. This is certainly true in the automobile industry, where many newcomers have entered the market and made their mark.
We are in a time when electric vehicles are just starting to become more popular, and thanks to advancements in technology, there are many startups doing interesting, innovative things that might change the way we live.
Updated November 2022: So much has happened in the automotive world since we originally made this post. Hence, we've revisited these up-and-coming, largely unknown car companies to provide you an update of their progress in the automotive industry, while highlighting some of their most exciting projects.
Have you heard of Waymo, for example? Basically, it’s currently working on a robo-taxi service, which is basically a fully-automated Uber - without a driver. It has even begun testing in Arizona and will appear in more American states soon.
In addition, there is a startup creating an all-electric vehicle with solar panels on the roof, and one that will provide electric vehicles for the shipping company UPS. Hence, we have compiled a list of 10 up-and-coming car startups doing interesting things in the industry. Let’s get right to it!
Related: These Are The 10 Fastest-Accelerating EVs On The Market In 2022
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10/10 Waymo
Waymo is a Google subsidiary offering the first-ever robo-taxi service. It’s currently in its testing phase, with over 20 million miles driven on public roads. Its fleet comprises Chrysler Pacifica minivans and the Jaguar I-Pace, two-fully electric, self-driving vehicles. Also, Waymo has a great opportunity to become the Uber of the future.
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Notably, as of 2022, after a series of internal tests performed by employees, the company unveiled the Waymo One Trusted Tester program for residents in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Waymo has also revealed its partnership with Uber, where it deploys its autonomous tech into Uber's freight truck service.
9/10 Workhorse
Workhorse is certainly a company to watch out for. It is the electric truck startup behind the W-15, their first plug-in electric pickup truck, and they are now working on a second all-electric delivery van, the C1000. Also, Also, reports has it that the startup is building 950 electric delivery vans for the well-known shipping company UPS.
As of the second quarter of 2022, Workhorse has solidified its base, setting a proper foundation by strengthening its operation and financial position in key areas. The company hired people into key top positions and signed a manufacturing agreement contract with Tropos Technologies in Union City.
8/10 Bollinger Motors
Bollinger Motors is the Michigan-based electric truck startup behind the B1 Sport Utility Truck and the B2 Pickup Truck that began production last year, with first deliveries taking place in 2021. It has recently announced its prices, and it doesn’t look good; the B2 pickup truck, for instance, is $40,000 more expensive than the Tesla Model X SUV.
But, there's probably a good excuse for that. Bollinger claims it's doing more than just electrifying trucks, but "reinventing" them. A company that was founded due to Robert Bollinger's dissatisfaction with his cattle farm's truck, Bollinger Motors has now partnered with Mullen Automotive for the production of what they claim will be the world's best trucks.
Related: Here's What You Should Know About The New Bollinger B2 Electric Pickup
7/10 Faraday Future
Faraday Future has quite an interesting story. Some years ago, many predicted that the California-based electric-car startup would take over the world. It had huge investments coming from China, as well as executives from massive companies such as Tesla, Audi, Lamborghini, Volkswagen, and more.
Notably, Faraday Future's first production vehicle as well as flagship model is the FF 91. An autonomous-ready, all-electric SUV, the FF 91 has what the company calls a "future-forward design" which makes it sure a unique vehicle.
6/10 Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus
In 2015, American boutique car marker Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, founded by Ferrari fanatic Jim Glickenhaus, made headlines as it unveiled renderings for a beautiful, curvy supercar called the SCG 007.
Going by the company's assertion, Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus doesn't really build cars, they build dreams. And they're right, because all Scuderia does is produce cars that compete in the most grueling races in the world, and then build road going versions for driving enthusiasts. Dream!
5/10 W Motors
W Motors is the first Arab company producing hypercars, and in 2015, the automakers unveiled their first model, a beautiful robotic-looking car that looks like it belongs to Batman. The Lykan Hypersport is an absolute monster that comes equipped with 900 horsepower, and only seven of them were produced in total.
Being the first manufacturer of high-performance luxury hypercars in the Middle East, W Motors is undoubtedly a trailblaizer. Furthermore, among others, the company also produces the GHIATH Smart Patrol. It's an SUV designed and built for the police, and it's also the first W Motors vehicle to be fully produced in the UAE.
4/10 Techrules
In 2018, Chinese startup Techrules presented its Ren-RS, a track-focused electric supercar, at the Geneva International Motor Show. The company has its own powertrain known as the Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV), and it has recently signed a deal to supply a fellow Chinese company with its technology for buses.
Other Techrules models include the AT96 and the GT96. Notably, the AT96 is an unconventional electric sports car that churns out 1030 hp, and 6,372 lb-ft of torque, and is capable of speeding from rest to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds.
Related: 10 Brand-New Manual Sports Cars Every Gearhead Should Drive
3/10 Lyons Motor Car
You are probably not familiar with Lyons Motor Car, but that may be about to change soon. It was founded by Kevin Lyons, and with its first vehicle, the LM2 Streamliner, its aim was to create an "American hyper-performance sports car company." One that's able to compete with European companies such as Pagani, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bugatti.
Also, as a follow-up to the LM2 Streamliner, Lyons Motor Car has unveiled plans for the production of amazing sport car models called the Streamliner Super Sport and the Streamliner Elm, relegating the LM2 Streamliner to mere concept car status.
2/10 Devel Motors
In 2013, Devel Motors shocked the automobile world when it announced that it was building a 5,007- horsepower supercar. In 2017, it presented its final concept version, the Devel Sixteen, and it will be available in three different configurations: a 2,000 horsepower V8, a 3,000 horsepower V8, and a 5,000 horsepower V16 reserved for track use.
With its monstrous 81 mm Qaud Turbo 12.3-liter V16 engine, the Devel Sixteen is sending out a massive power output that is equivalent to that of several supercars, combined.
1/10 Elio Motors
Elio Motors claims to be the next big thing, with the aim of transforming and revolutionizing American transportation. It plans to reinvent how Americans commute with low-cost vehicles. Unfortunately, they have constantly delayed the production of their vehicles, and it has been reported that they have zero cash flow, which creates big doubts about the future of this company.
However, the company's focus on producing an electric version of its famous three-wheeler, which is also set to become the most affordable entry level EV in the industry, makes it one to forward to. Called the Elio-E, the EV is targeted to have a base price of $14,900.
Sources: Elio Motors, Devel Motors, Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, Workhorse