Under current UK government plans, you can expect all new cars to be electrified as of 2030, but electric vehicles (EV) sales are already booming. So far this year, over 345,000 pure-electric cars were on UK roads at the end of October, and more than 675,000 plug-in models if including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).[1]
Benefit-In-Kind Tax incentives and recent concerns over petrol and diesel availability as well as price increases have no doubt contributed to the recent popularity surge of EVs. But even in such a brief period EV technology has come on in strides; where previously they had limited ranges, making them unsuitable for long journeys, this is no longer the case. In fact, the best are now fantastic all-rounders and standards are continuing to rise.
But what does 2022 have install for us when it comes to new EV’s? Well, we are here to answer that very question:
Volvo C40 Recharge
A new coupé-styled version of the pre-existing and popular Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge. The C40 is Volvo’s answer to rival the Audi E-Tron Sportback and Jaguar’s I-Pace. Power comes from two electric motors, each generating power from a 78kWh battery – the result is an impressive 402bhp which gives a range of up to 273 miles between charges – so, it is no slouch and has definitely got the distance.
Cupra Born
Volkswagen’s ID.3 will be given a sporty sibling in the new year, in the form of the new Cupra Born. It features funky styling to set it apart from its VW alternative and boasts 231bhp from its electric motor and massive range of up to 355 miles of range. This eye-catching, spacious hatchback with a practical interior and impressive performance is one to consider.
The Born will be available with different battery capacities, so cheaper models will not have as much range or power.
BMW iX
Expected to be a similar size to the current BMW X5, the iX will have Level 3 autonomy – this means that in certain situations it will be able to steer, accelerate and brake for itself (at speeds of up to 80mph!).
The top of the range xDrive50 will have 516bhp (which is enough for 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds), four-wheel drive, and its 105kWh battery has an official range of 392 miles on a full charge. The entry level xDrive40 will have 322bhp and a 71kWh battery with a 257-mile range, prices are expected to start at a whopping £69,905.
Mercedes EQS
If you are already a fan of the tech-filled, luxurious S-Class Mercedes, then this is the EV for you. The EQS is in some ways Mercedes’ first fully electrified model in their range, as the EQA, EQB and EQC are modelled on existing petrol and diesel-engine designs, modified to achieve their zero-emissions goals.
An official range of up to 478 miles on a full charge, and innovative equipment that includes a full digital dashboard and an all-new digital light system that is capable of projecting guidelines, markings and even warning symbols on to the road ahead. If you are a tech geek and enjoy the finer things in life, then this is the car for you.
Dacia Spring Electric
It is fair to say we would all love to have a Mercedes EQS or a BMW iX, but they are a little out of reach in terms of their price, for most. So, for those with a smaller budget, Dacia will be releasing their first all-electric vehicle across Europe later this year. It could then be seen on UK roads in early 2022, with a 140-mile range and a potential purchase price as low as £10,000.
*But this is only if Dacia will confirm it for right-hand-drive production – Which currently it has not.
Electric vehicles are improving at an alarming rate and are not going to stop. If these are a sign of our electric future then bring it on. If you have recently purchased a fully electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle and are I need of a home or workplace charger – Contact us today.