How electric vehicles took the spotlight in movies and TV

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way from science fantasies to cinematic realities, and now a reality. While the concept of EVs didn’t come into existence due to their use in pop culture, it certainly did help boost the hype around them.

Here are a few notable EV appearances in pop culture that have helped turn the dream of electric transportation into reality on screen:

1. Vin Diesel’s Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee Concept EV — Fast & Furious 10 (2024)

Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) takes the wheel of the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee EV in Fast X. A muscle car using electric power proving that EVs can bring the thrills to action movies.

2. Margot Robbie’s Pink Electric Chevrolet Corvette — Barbie (2023)

In Barbie, Margot Robbie hops around Barbieland in a bright pink electric Chevy Corvette, adding a fun pop to the EV scene.

3. Tesla Models' Frequent Cameos — Multiple Films and TV Shows

Tesla is the go-to electric car on screen. The Model S has popped up in 300+ titles, including, but not limited to, Kingsman, Entourage and Fifty Shades of Grey. Model 3 and Model X also show up often as slick rides for main characters.

4. Tom Cruise’s Lexus 2054 Fuel Cell Car — Minority Report (2002)

Tom Cruise drove this concept electric car fueled by hydrogen fuel cells instead of batteries, showing a near-future vision of electric cars in action scenes.

5. Robert Downey Jr’s Electric Audi R8 e-tron and Audi Q4 e-tron — Iron Man 3 (2013) and Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Tony Stark switched to electric supercars, notably the Audi R8 e-tron showcased not only in the film but also at premieres.

The Audi Q4 e-tron was later featured in the Marvel franchoise making electric supercars part of the superhero package.

6. Electric Motorcycles in Marvel Films — Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) and Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers rode a Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle in Age of Ultron, continuing the Marvel trend of integrating EVs into high-stakes chase secnes. From the quiet, high-tech hum of The Jetsons’ flying car in the 1960s to today’s electric supercars and bikes racing through urban landscapes, pop culture has envisioned the electric future long before it arrived on real roads. Films like Back to the Future predicted an electrified era, and now EVs have become more than just props—they are co-stars, symbolising innovation and environmental change.