There was a time when Tesla represented the only company producing viable electric cars – but that’s all changed. As larger OEMs turn their attention to EVs, and the technology becomes easier to manufacture for smaller firms, Tesla is facing a barrage of both big and small competitors.

The new Thunder Power Sedan sits firmly in the second category. Seemingly out of nowhere, a brand-new startup has produced a car with the specs and style to cause a splash in the growing EV market.

Thunder Power Sedan

Making its worldwide debut at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the Thunder Power Sedan combines Taiwanese backing with European technology.

Built as an EV from the ground up, just like the Tesla Model S, the Thunder Power will come in either 230kW or 320kW versions, and Thunder Power says it offers a class-leading range of 650km – or 300km on a 30-minute quick charge. At the same time, the Thunder Power Sedan should be quick too: The higher powered 320kW version is tipped to take just five seconds to get from 0-100km/h – and should have a top speed of 250km/h.

The Sedan is the culmination of five years of research, with help from the likes of Bosch, Dallara, and the Italian Zagato designing house – but Thunder Power expects cars to first hit the road in 2017.

To demonstrate the sheer power of the specially developed EV platform, the Taiwanese startup is also displaying an AWD “Race” version of the Sedan at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

CEO and chairman Wellen Sham said: “The electric vehicle industry is constantly evolving and we are making sure that we are one step ahead. Our range of electric vehicles will push the boundaries.” Dr Peter Tutzer, chief technical officer added: “It is not a question of if, but when electric vehicles will go ‘mainstream’ and take over from the internal combustion engine cars.”

The new face of EVs

Although the Sedan’s specs need to be taken with a pinch of salt, it still represents the new face of EVs. Unlike traditionally powered cars, EVs often don’t require the same amount of infrastructure or investment to produce, and as the technology matures, that effect is only going to grow.

The result? The EV market is going to be even easier to get into. We’re only just starting to see the weird and wonderful world for EVs from startups like Thunder Power, and when combined with the clout of Porsche, BMW and Toyota’s investment in the electronic vehicle technology, the EV market is set to be a very interesting place over the next few years.