- By APH
With the year coming to a close, we thought we’d bring you our favourite cars of 2020. Electric cars are all the rage at the moment, so it’s easy to think they are a new concept. The reality is that electric cars have been around for over a century. However, the models we are seeing on the roads today have only been popular for the last decade or so. Today’s electric cars are certainly packed with features and are undoubtedly a lot cheaper to run than their earlier counterparts.
With the focus on fuel efficiency and finding alternatives to fossil fuels, electric cars are becoming more and more popular. In fact, it is expected that by 2040 all of the cars on the roads will be electric cars. You may think these modern marvels are out of your reach financially, but some are actually quite affordable. Let’s compare some of the best electric cars of 2020, so you can choose the best one for you when the time comes to retire your old gas guzzler.
Audi e-Tron Sportback
One of the most technologically impressive features of some of the best electric cars is their energy efficiency combined with their performance. Take, for example, Audi e-Tron Sportback. This luxurious leviathan is powered by a modest 95.3kWh lithium-ion battery pack yet delivers 355 bhp with 414lb/ft of torque. Something a petrol or diesel equivalent is simply unable to do.
However, don’t rush out to buy the current model as Audi is looking at upgrading the Audi e-Tron Sportback in 2020.
The new model is set to have a 4,000-pound towing capacity thanks to the instantaneous maximum torque delivery of an electric motor combined with Audis legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The Audi e-Tron Sportback is a luxury all-wheel-drive SUV with sports car performance that is equally at home plodding along in the daily commute as it tearing around both on and off the road. It is loaded with features including Audi’s digital dash, also known as the Virtual Cockpit.
Another electric car that rates well in terms of energy efficiency and performance is the Ford Mustang Mach E. Not only can you get your own portable mobile charger for this car, it also comes with an extended battery pack and all-wheel drive. Allowing you to enjoy that road trip you’ve wanted to go on. The BMW iX3 and Polestar 2 are also great when it comes to recharging using a regular wall plug or a charging station.
Tesla Model Y
One of the best electric cars that are leading the way in this automotive sector is the Tesla Model Y. Its launch in March 2020 created quite a buzz in the industry, as have Tesla’s previous models. The Tesla Model Y seats up to 7 adults, as it is longer and roomier than the Tesla Model 3. The beauty of the Tesla Model Y is that its main design features revolve around safety. It features an all-wheel-drive with two responsive, independent electric motors. It has emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Even more impressive is the 360° camera angle. The cockpit has been designed around the driver with an elevated seat and a low dash that gives the driver a panoramic view.
The Tesla Model Y has a range of 315 miles and a top speed of 145 mph. If you’re looking for a sporty car that seats 7, Tesla is for you.
Ford Mustang Mach E
The Ford Motor Company is one of the oldest car makers in the world, so it comes as no surprise that they would delve into the world of electric cars. Enter the Ford Mustang Mach E.
Like the Audi e-Tron Sportback, the Mustang is modern in its design and technology, yet it maintains the classic mustang styling of its predecessors. Ford even offers a limited number of vegan upholstery interiors that mimic real leather. If that’s your thing?
When it hits the road, the base model Ford Mustang Mach E will have and an estimated range of 230 miles with 255 bhp. The GT model will have 459 bhp.
It will also come furnished with 18-inch alloy wheels, next-generation Ford Co-Pilot with 360° camera, auto-sync for smartphones, and LED lights as standard. This iconic car will also feature phone-as-key technology, and, for those that like taking long trips, extended-range batteries are also available.
Rivian R1T
It’s hard to imagine a truck being in the electric car family, but the designers at Rivian have created the Rivian R1T, which is an all-electric mid-size adventure vehicle. This monster has a towing capacity of 10000 pounds, which is more than you can legally tow in the UK.
The Rivian R1T has a driving range of more than 400 miles with a 754bhp and 800 ft/lbs of torque. Zero to 60 mph is done in 3.0 seconds thanks to its four independent motors, one powering each wheel.
It may not be as ritzy as the Tesla Model Y or have the precise handling of the Porsche Taycan, but it is still a great electric car for those who want a vehicle with a bit of extra muscle.
BMW iX3
Everybody knows somebody with a BMW. The German motor company has invested heavily in the research and development of the BMW iX3. It is an electric car that can compete with the best of them. This piece of German precision engineering was showcased at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show and made a great impression for a number of reasons. Firstly, BMW has managed to minimize the weight of the vehicle while still ensuring performance and safety. As a result, the car needs a smaller battery to drive the same range as its competitors while costing less to charge. Speaking of the range, the BMW iX3 has a range of about 300 miles with 270 bhp.
Polestar 2
If you want a car that has been designed with performance in mind, the Polestar 2 is a five-door all-electric fastback that will turn heads. This car will be a major force in 2020 as one of the quietest electric cars on the market. It has a range of 275 miles on a single charge, and you can use both AC and DC charging. Like many of the best electric cars available, such as the Tesla Model Y, the Polestar 2 is an all-wheel-drive vehicle that will take you almost anywhere. Best of all, it is packed with safety features and has the ability to absorb information about its surroundings and trajectories thanks to IntelliSafe. Combine this with its finely tuned chassis and suspension for a comfortable driving experience, what more could you want?
Porsche Taycan
Just like the Tesla Model Y, the Porsche Taycan is a bit of a hybrid between an ordinary sedan and a sports car. This masterpiece of machinery gives you unbelievable acceleration, precision handling, and styling that is second to none. This is the first electric vehicle to be designed and built on 800-volt architecture. The Porsche Taycan comes complete with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth connectivity. It is also compatible with Apple CarPlay for your convenience. One thing you will love about this rock star of a car is that the battery charges incredibly fast. It takes only 22.5 minutes to charge the car from 5% to 80%, so for your next road trip, you can charge the Porsche Taycan in the time it takes you to have a tea and a wee.
Volkswagen ID 3
The classic VW has made its mark with the Volkswagen ID 3 that was launched towards the end of 2019. This VW offers some awesome driving dynamics in a compact and affordable electric car. It has a 58kWh battery and a range of about 205 miles. There are also no gear shifts, so the driving experience is smooth and responsive. The Volkswagen ID 3 comes with your choice of three battery sizes-small, medium, and large. All of these are interchangeable, so you decide how far you want to drive and the way you want to drive. Don’t be fooled by the size of the Volkswagen ID 3, or the price as this little beauty can compete on the same level as the Audi e-Tron Sportback and the Peugeot e-208 but without the hefty price tag.
Mini Electric
The compact marvel that is the Mini Electric debuted the car scene early in 2020. This offers the fun and excitement that is the epitome of the Mini but in a responsible and practical electric version. It features a 32.6 kWh battery pack with a range of about 145 miles. The Mini Electric has an exceptional agility thanks to the spontaneous power delivery. It can accelerate from zero to 60 kph in under 4 seconds and can be charged from a socket in your home, wall box, or public charging station. The power source of the Mini Electric comes from the model-specific lithium-ion battery that enables plenty of power to keep you moving longer. Like Volkswagen ID 3, the Mini Electric is a car that will appeal to the masses for its ease of driving, low maintenance, and affordable price.
Peugeot e-208
Looking at the Peugeot e-208, you’d never guess it was an electric car because it looks every bit as good as the conventional 208. It has a respectable range of 217 miles, and it takes only 30 minutes to charge to 80%. The Peugeot e-208 is a cut above the rest and was voted the 2020 European Car of The Year. It gives you the freedom to drive in the city even during emission restriction periods. You can also enjoy the sights and sounds on those long country journeys thanks to this car’s almost silent motor and incredibly smooth ride.
If you’re still driving with an internal combustion engine, it’s time for you to enter 2020 with a car that will save your wallet and the planet. Electric cars are the way of the future, and it’s only a matter of time before we’ll all be driving one. The best electric cars in 2020 are ready and waiting for you to discover.
No longer are electric cars those unsightly bubbles running out of power a few miles down the road and leaving you stranded. The electric cars of 2020 are stylish, practical, and seriously quick. So dive right into the world of electric cars and who knows, with a bit of luck. You may find one parked in your driveway sooner than you think.
Reproduced with thanks from the EcoMoto blog.