Motor shows are the perfect place for manufacturers to show off their future design plans and what they are planning in terms of powertrains.
This year’s Auto Shanghai is no different, with the biennial event seeing many global brands alongside Chinese-based manufacturers revealing new models and concepts that could shape the next few years of their respective fortunes.
Here are our top electrified models and concepts from the event…
Aston Martin Rapide E
The British firm’s first EV is set to be James Bond’s next car and as the first vehicle built at the new St Athan plant, the Rapide E is quite a big deal. Coming with a range in excess of 200 miles and the same base design as its petrol sibling, only 155 examples of the Rapide E will be made – with the price set to be around £250,000 for each unit.
Audi AI:ME concept
Autonomy is the next big step for the motoring industry after electrification, and AI:ME concept could be the type of vehicle we see on our roads in the future. With level 4 autonomy, the AI:ME comes with driver controls if needed and a lounge-like interior that can have plants intertwined into the wooden elements in the roof.
Infiniti QS Inspiration
The all-electric sports saloon concept from the Nissan sub-brand comes with a design that previews a future model that is set to be built in China. The QS features a raised seating position and chunky dimensions seen on other recent designs from Infiniti, as well as slimline lights front and rear.
Karma ‘New Dawn’ trio
After starting out as Fisker Automotive and then subsequently being bought by a Chinese auto firm after filing for bankruptcy, the Karma name is making its first true offensive on the world market. To be used on three models called the Revero GT, Pininfarina GT and SC1 Vision Concept, the luxury all-electric models could make a real impact on the premium EV sector.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
Not all models on show at Shanghai are EVs, with Mercedes-Benz looking to expand its SUV line-up even further. Based off the B-Class MPV, this concept is a near-production version of a compact model that comes with a boxier shape than most other Mercedes-Benz SUVs – although the cool-looking spotlamps on the top are unlikely to make it into series production.
NIO ET
As well as running a Formula E team and making one of the fastest electric cars ever made – the EP9 – Chinese manufacturer NIO has revealed a preview for a production saloon called the ET. Fitted with a 220 kW powertrain, the ET is able to go up to 316 miles on a single charge.
Renault City K-ZE
After Renault revealed a concept version of the K-ZE at the Paris Motor Show last year, it has taken the covers off the full production car that is set to go on sale in China only – for now. The city SUV comes with a claimed range of 155 miles and is the first step in Renault’s EV offensive in China.
Volkswagen ID. Roomzz
Another model has joined Volkswagen’s ID. family – with the Roomzz the largest of the lot so far. The SUV model comes with an 82 kWh battery pack that allows for up to 279 miles of driving and can be charged up to 80 per cent in half an hour thanks to fast charging. The model will feature three rows of seating and is set to be launched in China in 2021.