In 2016, 1.3% of all new cars on UK roads were electric. That may not sound like much but it represents a huge surge for battery-powered technology. As prices fall, range improves and more manufacturers enter the electric car market, it seems as though the 2020s could be the decade in which the petrol-powered car finally meets its match. With that in mind, here are some of the latest electric cars turning (petrol)heads in the showrooms.
Hyundai Ioniq
The innovative Hyundai Ioniq launched in late 2016 with two models – a hybrid and an electric. In 2017, these will be joined by a plug-in hybrid. This new model will offer up to 31 miles of emission-free driving which should be perfect for the daily commute. The 45kW electric motor can be charged while the vehicle is powered by the 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine or by plugging it in like a regular EV.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is probably the most eagerly anticipated electric car of all time. This model has the potential to transform Tesla from a specialist manufacturer into a household name. It’s a premium saloon that puts Tesla in direct competition with BMW and Mercedes-Benz and it comes with a price tag of just $35,000. Tesla has a reported 400,000 pre-orders to fulfil, which means the Model 3 is already sold out until at least 2018. Deliveries are expected to begin at some point in 2017, but there’s no firm date as yet. This huge demand has put Tesla’s manufacturing processes under some scrutiny as their maximum output up to now has been around 80,000 cars per year. Every new Tesla also comes fully equipped with the latest automated driving technology, meaning drivers will be ready for the new era as soon the tech is approved.
Jaguar I-Pace
Joining the race to dominate the premium electric vehicle market is Jaguar, with the I-Pace. The electric SUV was unveiled at the 2016 LA motor show and has a claimed range of 300 miles on a single charge from its 90kWh lithium ion battery. While it shares much of the technology with the F-Pace, it’s a new design with a lower centre of gravity and a longer wheelbase mounted on an aluminium platform to accommodate the batteries. The I-Pace is expected to launch in 2018 so expect to find out more about the final specifications towards the end of the year.
BMW i3
BMW looks set to launch a refreshed version of the i3 in late 2017 with a slightly sleeker design and an increased battery capacity. There will also be added features with new colours and trim options. The most exciting development will be the introduction of a sportier model, the i3S. The German manufacturer is also expected to compete with Tesla’s Model 3 with the development of a fully electric 3-Series set to launch in 2018.
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
It’s been 20 years since the Toyota Prius launched in Japan, bringing hybrid cars to the mainstream for the first time. In 2017, Toyota will launch the new version of the Prius Plug-in (known as the Prius Prime in the US). There have been plenty of cosmetic changes with new styling and an updated interior, however few buy the Prius for its good looks. The new car has doubled the electric-only driving range, taking it to 30 miles, albeit with a longer charge time of two hours. It can also hit speeds greater than 80 mph using its electric drive, a huge improvement over the predecessor. The fuel economy is estimated to be an impressive 282 mpg, which will make this bridge vehicle hugely appealing when it arrives in showrooms in spring.