New electric cars arriving in 2019
Don’t be afraid to go electric: they’re easy to drive and being built with increasingly usable ranges. And in case you were in any doubt about the electric car revolution, here is a list of exciting new models due this year from a wide variety of manufacturers, demonstrating their commitment to this (almost) silent revolution.
It’s here: Audi’s first all-electric car is the accomplished e-tron. We like it’s refinement, built quality and promise of up to 241 miles in range.
We’re struggling to fault the new Kia e-Niro. It is comfortable, roomy, promises up to 282 miles on a full charge and it’s also rather rapid.
Tesla hasn’t just paved the way for electric cars, it has helped drive the rapid charging infrastructure. The new Model 3 is Tesla’s first model pitched for higher volume sales. It has supercar performance and a very usable 329 mile range.
It is hard to believe the ZOE has been with us since 2012 but it is due for major update later in 2019. We are promised faster charging, longer range (242 miles) and improved performance.
Moving into the SUV-coupé crossover space, the more striking lines of the e-tron Sportback show the ease of manufacturing flexibility once the underpinning technology and design are sorted. This rather striking looker is likely to sit high on the desirability stakes.
We have seen four-door Porsches with hybrid technology but the Taycan goes all-electric and adds the drama of rear-hinged ‘suicide’ back doors.
MG’s latest model, the ZS becomes electrified this autumn. Prices and range details yet to be made available.
The EQC isn’t just Mercedes-Benz’ first all-electric car, it also evolves the company’s design language with this sleek, hunkered-down SUV. 259 miles on a charge.
Kia’s first EV, the Soul, has undergone a full ground-up re-design and will be available with the company’s latest battery technology to increase its range and performance.
A small number of electric MINIs were first produced a decade ago to help drive EV research. The first ones openly available to buy - with a Cooper S performance slant - will roll off the production line in Oxford this autumn.
DS sits at the top of the PSA Group pecking order and therefore receives the electric variant first. A range of up to 200 miles, 80% charge in half an hour and a 100kW motor promises decent performance.
Volvo is aiming for half of its sales to be all-electric by 2025 and the first is the stylish XC40 which uses the CMA platform, already designed to accommodate batteries and electric drive.
Electrification brings new life to the long-standing Mii model. The Mii has always been a pleasing little car and the prices of the Mii electric are likely to be low enough to bring real world affordability with a modest 160 mile range.
ID is Volkswagen’s electric branding and the ID.3 is set to be their new people’s car. There are hints of the iconic Golf design in the ID.3 but it is fresh, full of innovative features and promises up to 260 miles on one charge.
We have seen the concept car and now the name has been released: Honda e. It’s one of the cuter electric models with clean, unfussy design from nose to tail.
Peugeot’s design department is creating some absolute delights. The e-LEGEND concept, the 508 and now the stunning new 208. And yes, this new 208’s going electric too.
2020
Electric models will continue to arrive apace and the Škoda e-Citigo plus Vauxhall e-Corsa are just two more we’ll see on our streets next year.
Note, while these models should be available to order in 2019, some deliveries may start in 2020.