Quick answer: The electric DeLorean car — officially the DMC-24 Alpha5 — was announced by DeLorean Motors Reimagined in 2022 with an estimated 300+ mile EPA range, a ~100 kWh battery, and a 0-60 mph time under 3.0 seconds. As of early 2026, the Alpha5 remains in pre-production / announced status, with no confirmed deliveries, final EPA certification, or firm MSRP. Buyers considering a deposit should treat all specs as preliminary and compare against available alternatives like the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, or Lucid Air.
The Electric DeLorean Car: What Is It, Really?
When people search for an "electric DeLorean car," they're usually thinking of the DeLorean Alpha5 (DMC-24), a four-seat grand-touring EV unveiled in May 2022 with concept renderings by Italdesign. The design retains the iconic gull-wing doors of the original DMC-12 but stretches the proportions into a full-size coupe with a louvered rear hatch and an aggressive fastback silhouette.
DeLorean Motors Reimagined — a Texas-based entity led by Scott Gilbert, separate from the defunct 1980s DeLorean Motor Company — positioned the Alpha5 as a halo product to relaunch the brand. The company also teased a broader lineup: the Alpha5 Plasmatail (a sedan variant) and an eventual lower-priced model. However, from 2023 through early 2026, concrete production updates have been sparse, and no Alpha5 has been independently tested, EPA-certified, or delivered to a retail customer.
What this means for buyers: You cannot currently buy, test-drive, or take delivery of an electric DeLorean car. Any reservation or deposit carries startup-EV risk — the same risk that sunk Fisker Inc., Lordstown Motors, and Canoo.
Alpha5 Preliminary Specs: Battery, Range, and Charging
Because the Alpha5 has not reached production, the numbers below are announced/estimated figures from DeLorean's 2022 reveal and subsequent press statements. None have been verified by the EPA or independent testers.
| Specification | Alpha5 (Announced / Preliminary) |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity | ~100 kWh (usable, estimated) |
| Battery chemistry | Not confirmed (likely NMC) |
| EPA range (claimed) | 300+ miles (target) |
| 0-60 mph | ~2.99 seconds (claimed) |
| Top speed | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
| DC fast charge (peak) | Not confirmed (target: 150+ kW) |
| Level 2 charge rate | Not confirmed |
| Charge port / connector | Expected CCS1 or NACS (unconfirmed) |
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor AWD (claimed) |
| Seating | 2+2 (four seats) |
| MSRP | Not finalized (estimated $85,000–$100,000+) |
| Battery / powertrain warranty | Not announced |
Real-world range reality check: Even if the Alpha5 hits its 300-mile EPA target, expect ~240–260 miles during sustained highway driving at 70+ mph, and potentially ~200–220 miles in freezing temperatures. This is typical for a 100 kWh NMC pack in a performance coupe — the same physics that affect a Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S.
How the Electric DeLorean Compares to Proven EVs
Since the Alpha5 isn't available, here's how its announced specs stack up against production EVs you can actually buy in 2026. This comparison matters because anyone depositing on an unproven startup should weigh that risk against proven alternatives.
| Metric | DeLorean Alpha5 (Announced) | Tesla Model S (2026) | Porsche Taycan 4S | Lucid Air Pure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPA range | 300+ mi (claimed) | 402 mi | 288 mi | 419 mi |
| Battery (usable kWh) | ~100 | ~95 | 83.7 | 88 |
| 0-60 mph | ~2.99s | 3.1s | 3.8s | 3.4s |
| Peak DC charge | Unconfirmed | 250 kW | 270 kW | 200+ kW |
| 10-80% charge | Unknown | ~25 min | ~22 min | ~30 min |
| Base MSRP | ~$85K+ (est.) | $74,990 | $92,350 | $69,900 |
| Availability | Not in production | Available now | Available now | Available now |
| §30D tax credit eligible | Unknown | Partial (trim-dependent) | No (MSRP > $55K sedan cap) | No (MSRP > $55K sedan cap) |
Key takeaway: The Model S delivers 33% more verified range at a lower price. The Lucid Air Pure offers 40% more range for $15,000+ less. The Taycan has Porsche's dealer and service network behind it. The Alpha5's value proposition rests entirely on its design heritage — not on specs or ownership infrastructure.
The Real Cost of Owning an Electric DeLorean (If It Ships)
Let's model what ownership could look like, using the announced ~$90,000 midpoint estimate and comparing against a Tesla Model S Long Range. All figures assume 15,000 miles/year, a home Level 2 charger, and average U.S. electricity rates of $0.16/kWh.
| Cost Category | DeLorean Alpha5 (Projected) | Tesla Model S LR (2026) | BMW M440i xDrive (Gas baseline) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | ~$90,000 | $74,990 | $82,000 |
| Federal §30D credit | Unknown (unlikely — MSRP/sourcing) | $0–$7,500 (trim-dependent) | $0 |
| Annual energy / fuel | ~$750 (est. 3.3 mi/kWh) | ~$720 (3.5 mi/kWh) | ~$2,400 (25 MPG @ $4.00/gal) |
| Annual insurance (est.) | $3,500–$5,000 (startup risk premium) | $2,800–$3,500 | $2,000–$2,500 |
| Annual maintenance | Unknown (no service network) | ~$300 | ~$800 |
| 5-year total cost (est.) | $120,000–$135,000+ | $92,000–$100,000 | $102,000–$110,000 |
Insurance is a wildcard. Startup EVs with no crash-test data from NHTSA or IIHS, no established repair network, and scarce parts typically face insurance surcharges — or outright coverage refusals from some carriers. Factor this into any deposit decision.
Charging at Home: What an Alpha5 Owner Would Need
Assuming a ~100 kWh battery, here's what charging infrastructure would look like:
| Charging Level | Power (kW) | Miles Added / Hour | 0-100% Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V outlet) | 1.4 kW | ~4 mi/hr | ~72 hours |
| Level 2 (240V, 48A) | 11.5 kW | ~34 mi/hr | ~9 hours |
| DC Fast Charge (150 kW peak, est.) | 150 kW peak | ~450 mi/hr (peak) | 10-80%: ~35 min (est.) |
A Level 2 home installation typically costs $800–$2,500 if your electrical panel has capacity, or $3,000–$5,000+ if a panel upgrade to 200A is needed. Always get a quote from a licensed electrician before committing — never assume your panel can handle a 48A continuous load without verification.
Critical note: kW (kilowatts) measures the rate of charging — like water pressure from a hose. kWh (kilowatt-hours) measures total battery capacity — like the size of the tank. A 100 kWh battery charged at 11.5 kW takes roughly 8.7 hours. Confusing these two is the single most common mistake new EV buyers make.
Myths vs. Facts About the Electric DeLorean
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| "The electric DeLorean is available to buy now." | No. The Alpha5 remains in pre-production. No units have been delivered to retail customers as of early 2026. |
| "It's made by the original DeLorean Motor Company." | The original DMC went bankrupt in 1982. The current entity, DeLorean Motors Reimagined, is a separate Texas-based startup with no manufacturing track record. |
| "It will qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit." | Highly uncertain. IRS §30D rules cap sedan MSRP at $55,000 (the Alpha5 will far exceed this), require North American assembly, and impose battery-sourcing and critical-mineral thresholds. Even if reclassified, eligibility is far from guaranteed. |
| "The gull-wing doors are just for show." | The Alpha5's gull-wing doors are functional design elements, but they add weight, complexity, and potential repair cost. Gull-wing mechanisms historically cost $2,000–$4,000 to repair on specialty vehicles. |
| "It'll be as reliable as a Tesla." | There is zero reliability data. Tesla has 15+ years and millions of vehicles in the field. DeLorean Motors Reimagined has none. Startup EV attrition rates are extremely high. |
Should You Put Down a Deposit? A Decision Framework
If you want a reliable, available EV today with proven range and service support: Buy a Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, or BMW i5. These are in production, EPA-certified, and backed by dealer/service networks.
If you're a DeLorean enthusiast willing to accept startup risk: A small refundable deposit may be worthwhile as a "reservation lottery" — but only if (1) the deposit is fully refundable, (2) you have a backup vehicle, and (3) you can afford to lose the time-value of that money if production never materializes.
If you need a daily driver with home charging: Do not plan on the Alpha5. Its timeline is unknown, and you'll need reliable transportation now.
If you're drawn by the design and heritage: Consider an original DMC-12 as a collector vehicle ($50,000–$80,000+ at auction) paired with a practical daily EV. You get the DeLorean experience without betting on an unproven startup.
First-Time EV Buyer Essentials
If the DeLorean Alpha5 is your introduction to electric vehicles, here's what every first-time EV buyer should understand before committing to any EV — startup or established:
- Home charging access is non-negotiable for most owners. Over 80% of EV charging happens at home. If you live in an apartment without charging access or can't install a Level 2 charger, public-charging-only ownership is expensive ($0.30–$0.50/kWh vs $0.12–$0.16/kWh at home) and time-consuming.
- Cold weather reduces range 15–30%. A 300-mile EV may deliver 210–255 miles in sub-freezing conditions due to battery chemistry and cabin heating demands. Heat pumps help but don't eliminate the loss.
- Charging curves taper above 80%. A "250 kW peak" charger doesn't sustain 250 kW for the full session. Expect the average rate to be 60–70% of peak, which is why 10-80% times are the more useful metric.
- Battery degradation is real but manageable. Most modern NMC packs lose 8–12% capacity over 5 years / 100,000 miles. Federal law mandates a minimum 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty (10 years in CARB states), but a startup's ability to honor that warranty is uncertain.
- Federal tax credits have strict rules. The §30D credit requires the buyer to meet income caps ($150K single / $300K joint), the vehicle to meet MSRP caps ($55K sedans / $80K SUVs/trucks/vans), and battery components and critical minerals to meet phased-in domestic-sourcing thresholds. Always verify current-year rules at irs.gov and consult a tax professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy an electric DeLorean car in 2026?
No. The DeLorean Alpha5 (DMC-24) remains in pre-production / announced status. No retail deliveries have occurred. Reservations may be available, but production timelines remain unconfirmed.
How much will the electric DeLorean Alpha5 cost?
DeLorean Motors Reimagined has not published a final MSRP. Industry estimates place it between $85,000 and $100,000+ depending on trim and options. At that price, it exceeds the IRS §30D sedan MSRP cap of $55,000, making federal tax credit eligibility highly unlikely.
What is the real-world range of the Alpha5?
With an announced 300+ mile EPA target and ~100 kWh battery, expect approximately 240–260 miles in real-world highway driving and 200–220 miles in cold weather (below 32°F). These are estimates based on comparable 100 kWh performance EVs, not tested Alpha5 data.
Is the electric DeLorean the same company as the 1980s DeLorean?
No. The original DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) was founded by John DeLorean and went bankrupt in 1982. DeLorean Motors Reimagined is a separate entity founded around 2021, based in Texas, with no direct corporate continuity to the original. The DMC-12 intellectual property and brand have a complex legal history involving multiple entities.
Should I wait for the Alpha5 or buy a different EV?
If you need a vehicle now, do not wait. Proven alternatives like the Tesla Model S (402 mi range, $74,990), Lucid Air Pure (419 mi, $69,900), or Porsche Taycan 4S (288 mi, $92,350) offer verified specs, established service networks, and immediate availability. The Alpha5 is a speculative purchase suitable only as a secondary/enthusiast vehicle with full acceptance of startup risk.
Will the Alpha5 have access to the Tesla Supercharger network?
This has not been confirmed. As of 2026, most new EVs from established brands are adopting the NACS connector for Supercharger access. Whether DeLorean Motors Reimagined will adopt NACS, CCS1, or another standard — and whether they'll negotiate Supercharger access — remains unknown.
