Top Electric Cars for 2020
There are now more electric vehicle (EV) charging points in the UK than there are petrol stations so with EV technology improving every day, it’s no wonder that more and more of us are turning to alternatively powered cars.
In fact, in 2019 37,850 electric cars were registered in the UK, an increase of 144% on the previous year. Like any car, EVs come in a huge range of sizes and shapes to suit all lifestyles and preferences. Daily mileage, motorway or city driving and the ease with which you can access charging points must all be considered when making an electric car purchase.
It may well be that, taking all things into consideration, you might think that an electric car may not be exactly suited to your requirements. But times are changing and thanks to government legislation, we’ll all be zipping around in EVs before long. In fact once tried, 9 out of 10 Electric Car drivers say that they wouldn’t go back to a petrol or diesel engine.
Aren’t electric cars more expensive than standard combustion engine vehicles? At the moment, this is true but, with government plug-in grants and employer incentives, low or zero road tax and fuel savings, you might find that you are better off all round. To take advantage of these grants, you’ll have to act fast as they will surely expire once more and more electric cars are introduced to our roads.
Currently, you’ll have to plan ahead a little if you intend to embark on a long journey in an EV. Access to charging points seems to be a sticking point in drivers’ decisions to convert to electric cars. A worry that could be unfounded – according to EV charger website, Zap Map, there are currently over 10,666 electric charging locations in the UK, and only 8,394 petrol stations. Promises from the UK government to invest a further £70million in the electric network by 2024, and legislation aimed at eradicating diesel cars by 2035 means that we will see even more EVs on our roads in the coming years.
But what have we got to look forward to on the EV front this year? Let’s take a look at the new electric cars that are due to appear on our roads soon…
Tesla Model X
Tesla is certainly building for the future with its extensive range of electric cars in all shapes and sizes. At over 5m long, the new Model X has real road presence and the huge interior space provides a whopping 2,487 litres of boot capacity. To manage this formidable size, Tesla has thought of everything, including falcon wing doors which make accessibility easier, even in the tightest of parking spaces, 360° cameras for maximum visibility and a large capacity battery with a 314-mile range – excellent for a car of this size but does make this SUV a little on the heavy side.
Guide Price: £82,000
Available Now
Vauxhall Corsa-e
The Corsa-e is Vauxhall’s first foray into electric cars, and what a place to start! As one of the UK’s most popular hatchbacks, it seems sensible to add an EV option to the new range. And it just goes to prove that until you open the bonnet, electric cars can look just as good at petrol or diesel alternatives. With a 209-mile range and a 7.5 hour charge time, this compact hatchback is probably best suited to town/city driving, just like its conventionally powered siblings.
Guide Price: £26,490
Available: Spring
MINI Electric
If you like MINIs, you’ll love the new MINI Electric. Iconic looks and a stylish interior mean that there’s certainly no compromise if you plump for this electric car. A range of 145 miles is a little on the low side, but a smaller battery means shorter charging time and light, responsive steering. Despite this smaller capacity, MINI claims that the Electric should easily keep up with the Cooper S in the acceleration stakes, while the Sport mode will tighten up the steering and throttle for a bit of extra vroom!
Price: £24,400
Available: Spring
Volkswagen ID.3
While Volkswagen has been ploughing ahead with their electric cars in the form of the e-Golf and e-up!, the busy German manufacturer has also been designing a new range of EVs – the VW ID. The ID.3 is the first of many in this series . This new compact offers the choice of a 260-mile battery or a 342 alternative, depending on your needs – a bit like offering a 1.2 or 1.6 litre petrol engine. Fun to drive and with the usual Volkswagen quality build. What more could you want from an electric car?
Guide Price: £27,000
Available: Spring
Peugeot e-2008
Peugeot has been busy, introducing an electric 208, as well as a new Peugeot e-2008 SUV crossover. The e-2008 combines two popular trends – the SUV and the electric car – so is sure to be a popular choice for everyone from first time drivers to growing families. Enjoy 206 miles of smooth driving and smart acceleration without being disturbed by noise from the electric engine, while the 3-D digital iCockpit and head-up digital instrument panel keep you informed and on the right track.
Guide Price: £28,150
Available: Spring
Honda e
Japan takes on GB with the Honda e, which bears many similarities to the MINI. In fact, you’ll be forgiven for getting them mixed up. Just as compact as the MINI, and with a 125-mile range, it’s a great runabout for short trips. Rear wheel drive and a water-cooled battery optimise the range while you take advantage of standard Honda tech, such as Parking Pilot and Side-Camera Mirror System. Acceleration and braking is controlled by a single pedal, for and easy-breezy drive.
Guide Price: £26,160
Available: Summer
Volvo XC40 Recharge
Volvo’s first all-electric car, the XC40 Recharge boasts 2 motors, capable of taking the stylish SUV from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 secs. The range of almost 250 miles is perfect for commuting or a day out with the kids simply plug in for 40 mins to get 80% charge. Wherever you’re heading, you’ll feel better in the XC40 Recharge as Volvo has promised no compromises on the XC40 Recharge, including a towing capacity of 1,500kg and top speed of 111 miles.
Guide Price: around £50,000
Available: Autumn 2020
Tesla Model Y
It wouldn’t be right to talk about electric cars if we didn’t mention Tesla, so this is the second one from this marque on our list. As a compact crossover, the Model Y takes a new direction from the sleek and popular Model 3 and will be a smaller sibling to the Model X. An excellent range of up to 336 miles puts it not far behind some combustion engines and, with an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, it’ll give most conventional SUVs a run for their money. And all with an ultra-practical 7 seats. We can see the Tesla Model Y being a huge seller.
Guide Price: £36,000
Available: Autumn 2020
With so many new electric cars to choose from and great rate car finance packages available from Forza Finance, there’s few reasons not to take the plunge with an EV. Get in touch today to see how we can help you fund your electric car. You won’t look back!
Header image credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/black-and-white-usb-cable-plugged-in-black-device-xJLsHl0hIik
