Top 10 New & Upcoming Electric Cars for 2020
As we approach the end of a busy 2019, it’s time
to look around the corner at what’s new and exciting for 2020. In particular,
which models will be economical to run?
Of course we can’t prescribe the perfect car for
everyone: whether a particular vehicle will be economical to run for you will
be determined by your driving pattern. A plug-in hybrid could be the ideal
solution for those with a shorter commute (or where charging is available at
the workplace) but won’t be as effective if you regularly drive beyond the
electric range. And clearly a large SUV will use more electricity or fuel than
a smaller car but each driver’s needs vary.
So whether your motivation is to reduce
emissions for the environment or simply keep spend on fuel down, here are our
10 favourite economical cars for 2020.
Vauxhall Corsa-e
The fifth generation Corsa has really stepped-up
in terms of looks. But more importantly, it’s 10% lighter than the outgoing
model which will help economy. A 205 mile range also makes the electric version
- the Corsa-e - very usable. Also see the Peugeot e-208 and DS 3 Crossback
E-Tense which are built on the same platform.
ŠKODA CITIGOe iV
The diminutive CITIGO isn’t new but it has been
refreshed and electrified. It is powered by a 61kW motor and should be good for
a 170 mile range. Also consider the other Volkswagen group variants, the Seat
Mii electric and VW e-Up!
SEAT el-Born
Essentially the same as Volkswagen’s
all-electric ID. 3 but with a splash of Spanish flair, the el-Born is a
medium-sized family model with a sensible 260 mile range to make this a
flexible and striking all-rounder.
Fiat 500e
Fiat’s cute 500 will move to a new platform and
become electrified as the 500e. It will be shown to the public for the first
time at the Geneva Motor Show next year. (Here’s a regular 500 until official
pics of the 500e become available.)
MINI Electric
Adding some excitement to the electric drive,
MINI Electric will have a spirited 0-62 mph of 7.3 seconds, roughly in line with
a Cooper S petrol model but still have a range between 124 and 144 miles.
Honda e
The Honda e embodies the Japanese kei car
culture in this contemporary design. Available in the spring, it has a 125 mile
range and will achieve 80% of charge in just 30 mins at a fast charger.
Toyota Yaris
Toyota has been building respected hybrids for a
couple of decades so the new 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system in the
next Yaris promises to be extremely efficient. Due in in the second half of
2020, the car is built on an all new platform.
Honda Jazz e:HEV
We’re just at the photos stage but the
forthcoming Jazz is likely to be a strong rival for the Yaris. The familiar
Jazz profile is retained and the new model and will feature two-motor hybrid
technology as standard.
Volvo XC40 Recharge
If you are after an economical SUV, the plug-in
hybrid Volvo XC40 has a range of up to 28.6 miles. And British buyers will
benefit from a year’s free electricity to charge their car courtesy of Volvo -
available on all hybrid models purchased up to the middle of 2020. Also available will be the fully electric
version, with up to 249 miles available on a single charge.
Hyundai i10
If you don’t have a charging point and you still
seek great economy, a small petrol engine in a small car is still a good
choice. The all-new Hyundai i10, shown for the first time at the Frankfurt
Motor Show this year promises to be a great all-rounder.
About the Author
Andrew is a freelance motoring journalist with a background in IT and the vehicle leasing industry. With a lifetime’s passion for all things automotive, he can be found behind the wheel of everything from vans to supercars. In addition to reviewing the latest vehicles and technology, Andrew also runs a couple of classic British motors. He lives at the edge of the Peak District with his son and cat.
Andrew Wright @theMotorWriter
