The future of the motoring world is electric – and nearly all manufacturers are working on some very exciting EVs.
Electrified vehicles won’t just save you money on fuel, but they can be quicker than even the most powerful cars on sale today.
Conventionally-powered cars are quickly losing favour throughout the world, with the reputation of diesel falling day by day. That’s not to mention consumers are clambering over one another to get in an electric vehicle.
As a result, there are more electric cars on the cards than ever before. We’ve taken a look at what’s coming up, and picked out 10 of the most interesting set to hit the streets.
Honda Urban EV
Infused with retro design cues, the Honda Urban EV concept certainly looks interesting enough to convert die-hard petrol fans into electric car lovers.
However, don’t think that this is just some show-ready concept which will never see the light of day – Honda has confirmed that a production version of the Urban EV will be available in Europe in 2019.
Nissan Leaf
The bread-and-butter of the electric car world, the Nissan Leaf is the world’s best-selling electric car. It’s a package of practicality and low running costs that has found favour with a lot of buyers – and now there’s a new one!
Capable of travelling 235 miles on a single charge, it even boasts a host of semi-autonomous assistance systems make it safer than ever. It goes on sale in the new year.
Tesla Model 3
Designed to be more affordable than any Tesla currently on sale, the Model 3 is an all-electric alternative to the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. And it’s no slouch – Tesla claims that it’ll hit 60mph in around five seconds.
With an estimated range of 220 miles, it’s just as useable as any other Tesla on sale today – though an optional long-range battery can bump this up to 310 miles. Deliveries of the Model 3 are expected to commence in Europe next year, but the manufacturer has been plagued with production problems, so they’ll have to solve those first.
Jaguar I-Pace
This latest Jaguar SUV has been going through its final testing phases ahead of its full reveal next year. The I-Pace is all-electric, but has plenty of performance on its side – Jaguar claims it’ll hit 60mph in around four seconds.
The British manufacturer also says you’ll be able to recharge the I-Pace to 80 per cent in just 90 minutes with a high-power connection. Though only set to be revealed next year, it’s likely that the I-Pace will be on the streets shortly after.
Polestar 1
Polestar, once the performance arm of Volvo, has recently been revealed as a new standalone electric performance brand. Its first car is this – the Polestar 1.
A two-door, 2+2 seat grand tourer, it uses a hybrid powertrain for the best combination of low emissions and performance.
Unfortunately, it’s going to be a little while until we see this Polestar 1 hit the roads. The factory where it’s made in China isn’t even finished yet. However, it’s a staggeringly cool looking thing, so it’s definitely worth the wait.
Porsche Mission E
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015, the Mission E is the first all-electric four-seat sports car ever made by Porsche. It’s a real looker, bringing futuristic styling and next-level technology to the market.
Two electric motors combine to produce close to 600bhp, allowing it to crack 60mph in under 3.5 seconds. Porsche claims it’ll return 310 miles on a single charge. It’s expected to go on sale in 2019.
Tesla Roadster
It’s unsurprising that there’s two Teslas on this list – the company is at the forefront of electric car development, after all.
The Roadster, a progression of the very first car the manufacturer produced, has a claimed 0-60mph time of just 1.9 seconds – making it the first car to accelerate to that speed in under two seconds.
It’s also claimed to have a 620-mile range – close to double that of conventional electric vehicles. You’ve got a little while to wait before you see whether these claims can be verified – the Roadster isn’t set to arrive until 2020.
Honda Sports EV
Here’s another retro-styled electric car from Honda that took the Tokyo Motor Show by storm. It sits on the same platform as the Urban EV, making it a compact two-seater alternative.
One of the best features is its illuminated bonnet badge – something rarely used on cars. Whether or not this will carry through to the production version remains to be seen, though that’s not likely to happen until 2020.
Aston Martin RapideE
The RapideE will be the first all-electric car made by Aston Martin – a huge step forward for what is a very combustion-engine proud company.
Set to enter production in 2019, it’s going to be limited to just 155 cars, but shows an indication of the British manufacturer’s move towards electrification.
The four-door sports car’s conventional V12 engine will be replaced by an all-electric powertrain. Don’t fear it will lack performance, though. Given the crest on the front of the car, expect it to still offer a huge amount of thrills.
Mini Electric
The regular Mini has proved to be hugely popular, offering involving driving characteristics and character in spades.
Now an all-electric Mini, which uses a lithium battery for the best possible range, will be arriving in 2019. Built at the firm’s Oxford plant, the fact it looks like a conventional car could prove popular with buyers.