The big switch to EVs is coming. That’s thanks to new models such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, Tesla Model 3 and Jaguar I-Pace, which are making electric cars more appealing to the masses.
Though this year is looking to be key for pure-electric models – thanks to new models such as the Peugeot e-208, Vauxhall Corsa-e and the Skoda Citigo-e iV — it’s looking like 2020 will be a real turning point, with more manufacturers venturing into producing their first electric cars. Here are the ones to be most excited about…
Mini Electric
Ever since Mini first showed us its fleet-only ‘E’ electric model in 2008, many have been craving for a production EV. The model has already been seen undisguised in testing, but it will be later in the year when the three-door hatchback is officially unveiled.
It will reach showrooms next year and will be built at the firm’s Oxford plant. The new Mini Electric will be key to the British brand’s switch to electrification.
SEAT el-Born
Volkswagen’s new ID.3 is debuting this year as the VW group’s first standalone EV that sits on its own unique electrified platform – known as MEB.
And one of its first uses outside of Volkswagen’s own cars will be in Spanish sister firm Seat’s all-electric model coming in 2020 – the el-Born. Following the Seat Mii Electric, the new EV (named after a trendy part of Barcelona) is offered with a 201bhp electric motor. It will also have scope for a 261-mile electric range. To date, only a concept has previewed the production version.
Audi e-tron GT
As Audi’s first electric car, the e-tron has opened the German brand up to a new wave of customers.
The e-tron GT was revealed last year as a concept, but the glamourous four-door coupe will make production version of the GT towards the end of 2020. It’s set to act as a flagship electric car for Audi. That certainly looks the case with the concept boasting 582bhp and a 0-60mph time of just 3.3 seconds.
Volvo XC40 Electric
Volvo is a model that is pushing ahead with electrification more than most. It has bold plans for 50 per cent of its total sales to be all-electric by 2025, while every new model launched from this year will come with an electric motor.
And the fully-electric version of the award-winning XC40 is expected to join the line-up next year. This will be alongside a plug-in hybrid version, too. We know very little about the new Swedish EV, but if Volvo’s current portfolio is anything to go by, we shouldn’t be disappointed.
Maserati Alfieri
Maserati unveiled the truly beautiful Alfieri concept in 2014, with numerous promises of a road car. As the years have passed, that dream seemed more and more unlikely. But in 2018 a new glimmer of hope was cast over the Alfieri as the firm announced that it was still coming.
And technical specifications show it could be Maserati’s first electrified model. While it’s not likely to be fully-electric, the step towards a PHEV powertrain is a major jump at Maserati. We can’t wait to see the production model, which should hopefully materialise next year.
Citroen C4 Electric
Citroen is expected to launch its first plug-in hybrids later this year, and an electric car could follow in 2020. It won’t be Citroen’s first EV, that award goes to the C-Zero, but it will be the first from the French marque with genuine usability.
And an EV version of the Ford Focus-sized C4 is expected. Citroen stopped selling the standard C4 in 2018, but it’s set to be revived next year. An electric model hopefully appearing alongside petrol and diesel versions.
