The most anticipated electric cars of 2021

 

 

 

 

 

Although relatively small, the share of electric car sales is increasing substantially each year. After 2020 marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the many models expected this year should further stimulate registrations. The opportunity to take stock of the most anticipated electric cars of 2021.

The electrification of cars is now a given for all manufacturers, even the most reluctant. A strategy which is notably dictated by the strict environmental standards imposed by the European Union. Thus, the share of electrified vehicles in deliveries of new cars in Europe should reach 25% for 2021 alone. And from 2030, half of registrations will concern hybrid and electric vehicles. Unsurprisingly, the supply of 100% electric cars is set to expand even further this year. The proof in particular with the following models.

 

 

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Audi Q4 e-tron

 

 

 

After an Audi e-Tron that managed to find its audience despite certain defects, the German manufacturer is expected to expand its 100% electric proposal with the Audi Q4 e-tron. The concept of this compact SUV equivalent to the thermal Q5, was unveiled last year and exhibited at various shows including the CES in Las Vegas and Geneva. The serial version is expected in the coming months.

This will be the very first Audi model based on the modular platform dedicated to electric vehicles from the Volkswagen Group. It will be equipped with an 82 kWh rechargeable battery that should give it a range of up to 450 km. Audi announces a classic charging time of 30 minutes to regain 80% capacity with a maximum power of 125 kW. Finally, the two engines (one on each axle) will develop a power of 300 hp will allow it to achieve a 0 to 100 km / h in 6.3 seconds.

 

 

 

Audi e-tron GT

 

 

Another electric novelty expected at Audi this year, the e-Tron GT will be long overdue. Presented at the end of 2018 at the Los Angeles auto show, it is based on the same technical basis as the Porsche Taycan which was marketed last year. This large sports coupe 4.96 m long will adopt all-wheel drive, again with two engines integrated on the front and rear axles. They will deliver a power of 440 or 590 hp depending on the version. Enough to send the 0 to 100 km / h in just 3.5 seconds. The electric motors will be powered by a 93 kWh battery which is expected to give the Audi e-tron GT a range of 400 km WLTP.

Like the Porsche Taycan, the other German electric coupe will also be equipped with two connectors at the front. A Combo CCS 800 volts connector on the right which theoretically admits a power up to 350 kW (80% load in 20 minutes), and a standard connector on the left. The price of the Audi e-tron GT should be lower than that of the Porsche Taycan but above 100,000 euros.

 

 

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BMW iX3

 

 

BMW has acquired a solid experience in the field of electric cars thanks to its famous BMW i3 launched in 2013. The manufacturer, which converts most of its models to the hybrid, will also offer two new electric cars this year. The BMW iX3 is an SUV based on a platform common to all engines: electric, therefore, but also thermal for the BMW X3 and X3 hybrid launched last year. The newcomer has already been tested by the press before arriving in concessions next March at a price of 69,950 euros before bonus for the Inspiring base finish.

As a result of using a single platform, the interior and exterior design of the BMW iX3 is identical to that of the thermal version. Only a few blue inserts, the full grille and the absence of an exhaust pipe betray its emission-free engine. This is characterized, once is not custom, by a propulsion with an electric motor of 210 kW (286 hp) installed on the rear axle. It is powered by an 80 kWh battery (74 kWh useful) for an advertised WLTP range of 459 km. BMW also specifies that the construction of the iX3 requires 2/3 less cobalt, that the engine is without rare earths and that the production will be carried out with carbon-free electricity.

 

 

 

 Citroën ë-C4

 

 

Available in dealerships when you read these lines, the Citroën ë-C4 is one of the electric cars that displays the most atypical look to date. A habit for the manufacturer who had also distinguished himself with the AMI which was launched last year, and which now offers a vehicle halfway between the sedan and the SUV, with a touch of coupe. The newcomer is based on the PSA group's e-CMP platform, the same as the Peugeot e-2008, the DS3 Crossback e-Tense or the future Opel Mokka-e. Larger than the latter, the Citroën ë-C4 adopts a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor which is installed on the front axle. The manufacturer announces a 0 to 100 km / h in 9.7 seconds in sport mode, and a top speed of 150 km / h.

With a useful capacity of 46 kWh, the battery gives a range of 350 km WLTP to the Citroën ë-C4 which is well helped by a weight of 1,500 kg. In addition, the car can count on an on-board charger of 7.4 kW (or 11 kW as an option) for a complete recharge in 7:30. A CSS Combo connector also makes it possible to recover 80% of the capacity in 30 minutes on fast charging stations with an admissible power of up to 100 kW. Several versions are available which differ only by their finish, from 35,600 euros excluding ecological bonus.

 

 

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CUPRA el-Born

 

 

Launched in 2018, CUPRA is an independent Seat brand that focuses on sportiness. It is not immune to electrification and will market its CUPRA el-Born this year. Already seen at the Geneva Motor Show under the Seat badge, it reinforces its sporting attributes with tighter lines and many copper elements characteristic of the brand. A cousin of the Volkswagen ID.3 which was launched last year, the CUPRA el-Born is based on the same MEB platform which will also equip the next ID.4.

We will also find the same battery with a capacity of 82 kWh (77 kWh useful) for an announced range of 500 km. In addition, 30 minutes of direct current charging will allow you to set off again for 260 km. On the other hand, Cupra did not communicate on the power of the electric motor, content to announce an acceleration from 0 to 50 km / h in 2.9 seconds. Produced on the same line as the Volkswagen ID.3 at the Zwickau plant in Germany, the CUPRA el-Born is expected to hit our roads in the second half of 2021.

 

 

 

Dacia Spring

 

 

After the electric Renault Twingo launched last year, and while waiting for the future Mégane eVision, it is the Renault group's Dacia brand which will take center stage in the electric sector this year thanks to the Dacia Spring. With a weighty argument: its price which, if it has not yet been communicated, should be the most affordable on the market. We were able to discover this new model at the end of 2020 during the Renault eWays days. Unsurprisingly, the Dacia Spring is a compact SUV that displays dimensions of 3.73 meters long and 1.62 meters wide.

Note its turning radius of only ten meters. The vehicle achieves a range of 225 km WLTP using the 26.8 kWh battery, and even up to 295 km according to the WLTP City cycle during strictly urban use. The engine develops 33 kW (44 hp) and 125 Nm of torque. Due to its capacity, the battery requires only one hour of recharging to regain 80% capacity once the Dacia Spring is plugged into a simple Wallbox (maximum permitted power of 30 kW). If so, it will take 14 hours to be fully charged from a household outlet.

 

 

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Ford Mustang Mach-E

 

 

 

Ford surprised everyone by naming its first electric car Mustang. Even so, it is once again an SUV, the most promising segment of the market for a few years. This model nevertheless borrows its lines from the mythical model while playing the card of modernity on board with a large vertical 15-inch screen. In addition to its muscular appearance, the Ford Mustang Mach-E can boast of offering a range of up to 610 km depending on the model chosen. Because the manufacturer will offer different versions with powers from 198 kW (269 hp) to 258 kW (351 hp), but also versions with two (propulsion) or four-wheel drive.

And to complicate matters even more (or to offer a wider choice, to choose from), future owners will have the choice between two battery capacities: 75.8 kWh or 98.8 kWh. In addition, a Mach-E GT will also be offered for those who want even more, which develops 456 hp, a truck torque of 830 Nm and a range of 500 km! Finally, on the recharging side, Ford has equipped its first electric with a CSS Combo connector for fast recharging up to 115 kW with the 75.8 kWh battery, and up to 150 kW for the 98.8 kWh version. The Ford Mustang Mach-E will be marketed from 48,990 euros before the ecological bonus.

 

 

 

Ioniq 5

 

 

After its excellent Kona, Hyundai is preparing to expand its ranges, which already include different models from hybrid to electric via hydrogen. If we know that it will be a crossover coupe, the manufacturer has remained discreet about this future Ioniq 5. However, we already have some information thanks to the announcement last month of its modular e-GMP platform which will be the basis for future electric models from Hyundai and Kia.

This will offer a now well-known architecture with the integration of the battery under the floor between the two axles. No information was provided on engine power and battery capacity. However, we know that the e-GMP platform will allow a range of up to 500 km WLTP with a recharge up to 80% in just 18 minutes thanks to a power of 350 kW authorized by the 800V architecture.

 

 

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Mercedes EQA

 

 

Mercedes' second electric car after the EQC, the EQA was unveiled at the end of last year before its marketing this year. The German manufacturer is continuing its electric offensive and should offer ten 100% electric vehicles by 2022. Unsurprisingly, it is once again an SUV like its big brother. It sports a design that is reminiscent of that of the GLA which recently received a very successful facelift. If its commercialization is expected next May, Mercedes is still keeping the secret about its compact electric SUV which is expected for next May.

However, we should know more from January 20, the manufacturer having invited the press to a static presentation in the Paris region. In the meantime, we can already be based on the EQA concept which is powered by electric motors located on the front and rear axles, and which deliver a combined power of over 200 kW. With an advertised range of 400 km, the 60 kW battery of the Mercedes EQA will be able to recover up to 100 km of range in 10 minutes of charging.

 

 

 

Nissan ariya

 

 

Building on the experience gained with the famous Leaf, Nissan will offer a new 100% electric crossover coupe this year. The Nissan Ariya will be inspired by the concept presented in 2019 with more modern lines than its electric bestseller. It will benefit from the new modular CMF-EV platform designed for the electric vehicles of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, with several engine and power variations, not to mention e-Force traction or all-wheel versions.

The expected powers will range from 160 kW (217 hp and 300 Nm of torque) to 290 kW (365 hp and 600 Nm of torque), while the batteries will offer a useful capacity of 63 to 87 kWh. The Nissan Ariya will thus offer an autonomous of 360 to 500 km (460 km with all-wheel drive). Finally, the charging power will also depend on the battery. Thus, the Nissan Ariya will be equipped with an on-board charger of 7.4 kW for models equipped with a 63 kWh battery, and 22 kW three-phase for the 87 kWh versions.

 

 

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Opel Mokka-e

 

 

Like the Peugeot e-2008 and Citroën ë-C4, the Opel Mokka-e is also based on the PSA Group's e-CMP platform. There is also the same 100 kW (136 hp) engine that takes place on the front axle, and the 50 kWh battery (46 kWh useful capacity). The announced autonomy is comparable to that of the Peugeot e-2008 with 322 km WLTP. No difference in recharging either with a power of up to 11 kW in alternating current, and up to 100 kW on the DC fast terminals to recover 80% in 30 minutes. The differences with the Citroën ë-C4 are therefore more to be found in the more sporty design, and the dimensions of a compact SUV with its 4.15 m long. Finally, with a price starting from 36,100 euros, the Opel Mokka-e is located between the Citroën ë-C4 and the Peugeot e-2008 Active.

 

 

 

Skoda Enyaq

 

 

Upmarket for Skoda's second electric car, which will take the form of an SUV instead of the compact city car. 4.65 m long, the Skoda Enyaq is built on the MEB platform of the Volkswagen Group, like the ID.3 and ID.4 in front of which it is positioned. Three versions will be offered initially with the iV 60 (132 kW / 179 hp with a 62 kWh battery) and iV 80 (150 kW / 204 hp with an 82 kWh battery) which are already open to the order pending the first deliveries next spring. These will offer 390 and 510 km of autonomy respectively. A more modest iV 50 version (109 kW / 148 hp with a 55 kWh battery) will join the range this summer with 340 km of range.

In contrast, the IV RS in all-wheel drive will delight sports enthusiasts with its 306 hp and its range of 460 km. Marketed from 35,300 euros excluding ecological bonus, the Skoda Enyaq will therefore be positioned below the Peugeot e-2008 which is however smaller. Finally, a word about recharging, which will take 38 minutes to go from 5 to 80% capacity on a DC terminal with a power of 125 kW, or six to eight hours of charge to reach 100% on an 11 kW Wallbox.

 

 

 

Tesla Model Y

 

 

It is without a doubt the model towards which all eyes are turned. Already marketed in the United States with some hiccups concerning the quality of assembly, the Tesla Model Y is a compact SUV declined from the Model Y. Capable of accommodating up to seven people, it will be offered in two versions in France . A Performance variant capable of traveling 480 km, and a Long Range which is able to push up to more than 500 km on a single charge. The first achieves 0 to 100 km / h in just 3.7 seconds, while the second performs the same exercise in 5.1 seconds. As always with the American manufacturer, it will be necessary to wait to afford a standard version corresponding to the entry level. Tesla's strong point, the Model Ys will of course have access to the brand's exclusive charging network, which offers the most complete network to date.

 

 

 

Volkswagen ID.4

 

 

First cousin of the Skoda Enyaq, the Volkswagen ID.4 is the German brand's first electric SUV. Two versions are expected at launch with the ID.4 1st Edition (47,950 euros before ecological bonus) and ID.4 1st Max (58,950 euros before bonus also) which are distinguished only by their equipment. A little shorter than the Skoda Enyaq (4.58 meters against 4.65 meters), the ID.4 will be able to accommodate five passengers and their luggage. A single engine will be offered at launch with an engine identical to that of the ID.3 which develops 150 kW (204 hp), with a 58 kWh battery. Volkswagen announces a range of 520 km and a 0 to 100 km / h in 8.5 seconds.

Two other versions will follow later with more powerful engines of 195 kW (265 hp) and 225 kW (306 hp), and batteries of 45 and 77 kWh. Note that all are guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000 km. Charging will be carried out using the on-board charger of 7.4 or 11 kW depending on the options chosen, or on a fast charging station with a power of up to 125 kW.