At this point, it should be news to nobody that electric cars are the future. Even if it weren’t for all the Tesla Sedans and SUVs pushing the envelope, there are plenty of other automakers dabbling in the field. The Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt EV were both quite successful, at least until the death of the hatchback in the USA. BMW was a little late to the party with its i3, but it is making up for it with the upcoming iX crossover. In the interim, we have seen Volvo electrify its XC40, and a host of other offerings like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the Honda Clarity, and the Kia Soul EV.
Now, almost every automaker, both legacy and startup, is vowing to move away from fossil fuels and embrace alternative fuels like electricity or hydrogen. Apart from delivering far greater fuel economy, these technologies are also about lowering environmental impacts and improving overall performance. It will still be some time before we get anywhere near carbon neutrality, since much of our electricity is still produced through harmful processes and car manufacturing is a very carbon-intensive industry. Nevertheless, it is a step in the right direction, and some of the most exciting cars on the horizon will be fully electric powered. So, get out your binoculars and let’s take a look:
Tesla Cybertruck
It is impossible to talk about EVs without mentioning Tesla. But it’s not another sedan or suv that we have to look forward to but rather a pickup truck. Sure, there are other electric pickups hitting the market alongside it, like the F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado, but the Cybertruck is just so unique that it will stand out from the crowd. It’s design aesthetic is truly our of this world, seeming based on what Elon Musk is expecting to use for his first tour of Mars
As with most trucks, it will be available in a variety of configurations. Whether you opt for one, two, or three electric motors will determine how much horsepower and torque you get access to, with the most powerful setup supposedly launching the hefty worker from 0 to 60 mph in a shocking 2.9 seconds, while still boasting a maximum mileage range of 500 miles. Traditional cargo capacity is set at 100 cubic feet, and top-spec towing ratings are in excess of 14,000 lbs.
Genesis Essentia
As one of the newest brands to hit the market, Genesis has a lot of catching up to do. However, it can’t afford to focus on battling its rivals only on current battlefields. Looking to the future will see it grab market share in developing segments and pull ahead of competitors who need to slowly transition from their legacy nameplates into something more modern and eco-friendly. The Essentia coupe will be the crown jewel of Genesis EVs, but it isn’t set to hit the market until at least 2023. The concept art is definitely eye-catching, and may hint as to where the premium Korean brand is aiming its sights for future models.
In the meantime, however, the automaker has dedicated itself to electrifying its existing models, starting with the flagship G80 sedan and working through to the GV70 and GV80 SUVs. The upcoming GV60 will be electric right from the get-go. This will be a great opportunity for Genesis to show its adaptability and help it launch itself into the public eye. The awards the brand has won from the likes of the IIHS and J.D. Power has garnered it quite a bit of attention, but this could be just what it needs to really go toe-to-toe with the European giants like Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
BMW iX and i4
Speaking of prestigious brands, and BMW in particular, there is definitely some exciting news. The i8 may have been a niche success, but the i3 was never really embraced. Now, to make up for past mistakes, BMW is introducing the iX series of SUVs and the i4 sedan, which already looks like it may be one of the most stunning looking vehicles to grace our roads. Of course, both will boast some of the best mpg figures in the luxury segment, but it’s the tech that we are most looking forward to.
Both models will come equipped with superb powertrains, so you can rest assured that you will be able to experience the same sort of driving thrills that have become synonymous with the brand. You won’t get Tesla-level range from, either, but more than 300 miles is nothing to be embarrassed about. Luckily, the charging network in the US is growing at a phenomenal rate, and setting up Level 2 charging in your home is becoming more accessible, too.
Naturally, it’s the quality interiors and long list of features that will have buyers salivating, and BMW will have to bring its A game to go up against the all-new electric lineup from Mercedes-Benz, which will be built on the new EQ platform. To that end, the iX will come outfitted with an enormous 14.9-inch infotainment screen and top-notch comforts like multi-zone climate control, heated seats, and a comprehensive safety suite. The i4 gets most of the same, but its interior is even classier, even though it can’t quite match the passenger space and practicality of its SUV sibling.
And the list goes on and on and on…
These are just some of the most exciting models in a very long cavalcade of brand-new electric vehicles. As more and more automakers adopt stronger electrification gameplans, the number of EVs populating the market will soon dwarf the gas-powered cars we have grown so accustomed to. Moving forward, keeping up to date on the latest technology will be even more important than it has been if you want to keep on top of your motoring game.
A few other names worth keeping an eye on including the:
- Cadillac Lyric
- Lucid Air
- Mercedes-Benz EQS
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- Audi A6 e-Tron
- Hummer EV
- Polestar Precept
