You don’t need to look far to notice the growth of electrified models — whether it be EVs or every kind of hybrids under the sun.
Manufacturers are scrambling to get these models on sale in order to meet increased demand, and there are already plenty on sale. But 2020 will really be a turning point for electric and hybrid models.
Here are 10 of the new models worth looking forward to.
BMW i4
BMW was early to break into the world of EVs with its quirky i3, which has remained exceptionally popular. It has been a bit slow to continue launching such models, though the next few years will see a number of new EVs.
These include the iX3, the iNext and this, the i4 — with the latter expected to launch in 2021 or 2022. The four-door model will be a key rival to the Tesla Model 3, and share much in common with the next-generation 4 Series Gran Coupe.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Alfa Romeo was a firm that was slow to embrace electrification. But in 2022 it will launch its new Tonale SUV (slotting underneath the Stelvio) which will be offered with plug-in hybrid power.
The glamorous SUV was unveiled in concept form at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, but spy shots have shown that the production model should look very similar. It’s expected to help accelerate the Italian firm’s sales, too.
New Skoda EV
In 2020 Skoda is launching the Superb iV as its first plug-in hybrid and the Citigo-e iV as its first EV, but an all-new bespoke EV is also on the way.
It will sit on the same platform as the new VW ID.3 and Seat El-Born, and should be able to manage around 300 miles on a single charge — all while still being quite affordable. It was teased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show with the Vision iV concept — a stylish coupe crossover.
Hyundai Kona Hybrid
Hyundai’s new Kona Hybrid has just arrived in showrooms at the start of October, as a funky electrified crossover that offers the potential for exceptionally low running costs.
Prices start from £22,495, and the model comes well-equipped as standard, and is expected to be a very appealing addition to Hyundai’s line-up, with the Kona already offered as an EV and with more conventional petrol and diesel engines.
Mini Electric
There is a huge buzz around Mini’s first EV — the Electric — with the brand having 22,000 expressions of interest from UK buyers when asked in August.
This will be a hugely exciting electric city car, and retains all the practicality and style of the regular hatch. Its 145-mile electric range won’t be breaking any records, but that is more than enough for shorter journeys and commutes. The Mini Electric arrives in showrooms in March 2020, with prices starting from £24,400.
Mercedes-Benz EQV
Mercedes-Benz is slowly building up its range of ‘EQ’ electric models. First with the EQC, which has recently gone on sale, and next with the EQV.
Based on the V-Class people carrier, it certainly doesn’t look particularly exciting, but this eight-seater model will offer an impressive 252-mile electric range. This should make it a hit with upmarket taxi and chauffeur companies, which the regular V-Class is already very popular with.
Bespoke Mazda EV
Mazda has been another brand that has been slow to jump on the electric bandwagon, but next week at the Tokyo Motor Show it will reveal its first EV.
The brand has been heavily teasing the new model, which is expected to be a model sharing similar styling to the Mazda3, and be based on an e-TPV prototype, which is based on the CX-30 crossover. We’ll know more about this new EV when it’s unveiled on October 23.
Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid
With Peugeot and Vauxhall ramping up their electric and plug-in hybrid offerings, it’s about time sister brand Citroen joined in with the fun.
It looks like Citroen will do this in 2020, with the brand already showcasing a ‘Hybrid Concept’ based on the brand’s mid-size SUV. Expect it to use the same powertrain as the new Peugeot 508 Hybrid and 3008 Hybrid.
MG ZS EV
The ZS EV might already be on sale, and it’s certainly not a revolutionary model, but what it is doing is bringing affordable electric motoring to the masses.
Deliveries started in September, though MG already has a big backlog of orders. So if you’re put down your deposit now, you probably won’t get your car until the middle of 2020. With a price tag starting from £21,995 with MG’s current savings, and a combined EV range of 163 miles, it’s little wonder that MG is experiencing demand like it’s never seen before.
Vauxhall Corsa e
As soon as best-selling nameplates like the Vauxhall Corsa start to go electric, that’s when you know you should start to take notice. Sharing its platform and underpinnings with the excellent new Peugeot e-208, deliveries of the new Corsa-e will start at the beginning of 2020.
The new model is available to order now with prices from £26,495, and is key as it’s Vauxhall’s first all-electric car. With a claimed 205-mile electric range, it should prove to be popular, particularly when combined with its generous kit list and excellent projected performance.