(Pocket-lint) – Electric cars are already a mainstay on the roads, with a growing number of all-electric models being available to buy right now. The electric effect is now in full force, with established brands committing to offering a wider range of pure electric cars in the future, while those who depend heavily on diesel are seeing sales falter – with a deadline of 2030 in regions like the UK to halt sales in combustion cars.
Prices are falling, models are diversifying and it’s all going hand-in-hand with increased investment and roll-out of charging networks.
But what electric cars are coming? Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect to see hitting the roads in the next few years.
Nissan Micra electric
Nissan has confirmed that it’s working on an electric successor to the Micra, the new compact electric car. It will sit on the same platform as the Renault 5. Little else has been said about the new model, but we’re predicting a 2023 launch.
Mercedes-Benz EQXX
Mercedes unveiled the EQXX at the start of 2022, promising a 1000km range. That’s thanks to a huge battery – over 100kWh – but Mercedes claims this battery is 30 per cent lighter and 50 per cent smaller than the unit in the Mercedes EQS. That, and an aerodynamic design, is leading that way to better efficiency.
Polestar 3
The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV from the Volvo subbrand. Polestar has already won a lot of fans and this move to a mass market, family-friendly, SUV model could bring the brand into the mainstream. It will be unveiled in 2022.
Hyundai Seven
Hyundai used the LA Auto Show 2021 to showcase the Hyundai Seven concept. This is a look at how we might see electric cars get larger and offer three rows. It’s based on the existing platform and was revealed alongside the Kia EV9, a similar large-scale SUV.
ID Buzz and Cargo Concept
The ID Buzz is due for launch on 9 March 2022. It references VW’s historic Microbus and will able to seat up to eight people, with an interior that can be constantly changed around.Two electric motors will give the ID Buzz a total power output of 369bhp to propel it to 60mph in around 5-seconds. It will be limited to a top speed of 100mph, will have four-wheel drive and a 372 mile driving range. You will be able to recharge the battery to 80 per cent, which VW says will be enough for 298 miles of travel, in 30 minutes.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is a three-row electric SUV, taking the company’s electric cars to a new scale. It’s a concept, for now, an sibling to the Hyundai Seven, which sits on the same platform. Seven seaters are big business in some regions, especially China, where we’ve seen some other models launch, like the Merecedes EQB.
Toyota BZ4X
Toyota, while being one of the pioneers of hybrid vehicles, has been rather slow to move to pure electric. The starting point is this, the Toyota BZ4X, which moves from concept to production and due on the roads in 2022. Toyota actually plans to put 30 electric cars on the road by 2030, so take this as a starting point.
Subaru Solterra
The Subaru Solterra will sit on the same platform as the Toyota BZ4X, expecting to deliver 329 miles of range from a 71.4kWh battery, with options for front or all-wheel drive. It’s expected to become available in 2022.
VW ID. Life
VW’s ID Life is a concept for how to make a mass-market affordable electric car – very much after the original Volks Wagen’s heart. Stripped back design, with a 57kW battery and 172kW motor, the aim is to sell at under €20,000 when it launches in 2025, likely as the ID.2.
Mercedes EQE
Nothing says mainstream executive car than the Mercedes E-Class, reborn as the Mercedes EQE and fully electrified. It’s a little sleeker than the E-Class, however, borrowing much from the EQS, with plenty of plush options. A 90kW battery promises 410 miles of range, while 215 and 250kW versions are offered – with a 500kW AMG version coming in the future.
Mercedes Concept EQG
It’s just a concept, but strip off some of the decorative lighting and you’re looking at an electric G-Class. You can expect it to have all the luxury the G-Class is now known for – and the price and we’re sure a comprehensive powerpack to drive the thing.
Renault Megane E-Tech
Renault’s latest E-Tech model is the Megane, giving more space over Renault’s popular Zoe. It also moves the Megane firmly into crossover territory, while there’s a 40 or 60kWh battery options, and 96 or 160kW motor options. This is mainstream family electric car territory and if it’s anything like the Zoe, it will be popular.
Vauxhall Astra-e
Vauxhall has electrified one of its big sellers in the UK, the Astra. This sits between the Corsa-e and the Mokka-e, and while the specs aren’t confirmed, we suspect it will be similar to both those models – just a little larger.
Cupra UrbanRebel Concept
Cupra has unveiled the UrbanRebel Concept which it says is a showcase of a 2025 urban electric car. There’s no shortage of street racing vibes to this model, which 250kW power and a 0-62mph time of 3.2 seconds planned.
Lotus Type 132, 133, 134 and 135
Lotus has plans to release four electric models. That’s right, working with new owners in China, there will be two Lotus SUVs, a four-door coupe and a sports cars, all launching over the next 5 years. The first will be the SUV.
Genesis GV60
Genesis has unveiled its luxury electric SUV, the Genesis GV60, and there’s no surprise that it’s based on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV 6. That’s a good starting point on which to build the premium brand, embellishing this models with interior features such as the Crystal Sphere, which is both the drive selector and part of the cabin ambient lighting system.
RAM 1500 Electric
RAM has promised to serve its customers, ensuring that electrification doesn’t sacrifice on power, comfort or capability – but also dropping into the mix that an electric RAM 1500 will be launching in 2025.
Dodge Electric Muscle
Dodge is promising an electric car by 2025. Not just any electric car, but electric muscle. The message is that electric motors mean performance, to keep Dodge drivers ahead of the rest. There’s no hint as to the design, but we’re expecting huge horsepower.
Opel Manta-e
Opel will be going all-electric by 2028, with a product range that reflects Vauxhall’s offering in the UK – but it has teased the rebirth of the Opel Manta. It won’t look as sweet as the retromod version unveiled earlier in 2021, but it’s expected by 2025.
Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept
The Magneto was revealed as a concept, before Jeep made a bigger commitment to have an electric mode in every segment it serves by 2025. Jeep is using the 4xe (four by e) moniker for its electrified vehicles, with plug-in hybrids already carrying the name.
Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford is unveiling the electric version of the F-150 on 19 May, giving it the name Lightning. Ford had previously said it would be the most powerful F-150 it’s ever produced, with the ability to use the battery as a mobile power supply.
Porsche E Macan
Expected to sit on VW’s PPE platform, it has long been known that Porsche was going to make the Macan an EV – and a prototype has been out in testing. It will be all-wheel drive, feature a 100kW battery and is slated to arrive in 2023.
Bentley electric SUV
Bentley has confirmed that an electric SUV in the works and is likely to be a beneficary of the Audi Artemis platform that’s in development. Little else is known, but it will be another high luxury model for the most discerning customers.
Mercedes EQB
Launched at Auto Shanghai, the Mercedes EQB is a key model for China, offering seating for seven. There will be a range of configurations including single and dual motors, with a 66.5kWh battery and 100kW charging.
Audi A6 e-tron Concept
The Audi A6 e-tron is just a concept, but we’ve seen most of Audi’s recent e-tron concepts become a reality. This is for a large executive sports coupe like the A5 or A7. It looks like it wants to rival the Tesla model with a 100kWh battery, 270kW charging and 0-62mph time under 4 seconds.
Land Rover Discovery and Evoque
Jaguar Land Rover is making sweeping changes to its business over the next few years – and that’s resulted in the reveal of a new future platfrom – EMA. This platform has been confirmed to underpin the Discovery Sport and the Evoque and it’s designed for electric vehicles, suggestion that those will both launch as electric cars. the platform is due to launch in 2024, which is when we expect to see an pure electric Land Rover model.
Volvo C40
Arguably, the C40 is Volvo’s first bespoke electric car – excluding the adapted XC40 Recharge – and that’s an exciting prospect. It has a 78kW battery, promises 260 miles of range and it comes with unlimited data. That’s right, Volvo wants the Android-based system in this car to be always connected, so it’s removed the worry about where that connection comes from. We suspect this crossover-style car will have plenty of family appeal.
Renault 5 Prototype
When in doubt, roll in nostalgia. That seems to be the approach that Renault wants to take, showing off an prototype of an electric Renault 5. We’ve all got fond memories of this classic, and it would go head-to-head with the Mini Electric and the Honda e as a compact EV for urban dwellers. Please Renault, please, please, please reinvent the Renault 5.
Jaguar goes all electric
While the Jaguar i-Pace is already a common sight on the roads, there’s going to be a lot more electric Jaguars in the future. The company has confirmed that it will be electric only from 2025. That’s a big shift for this company with a long motoring history – at the moment we don’t know exactly what models well get when, but there’s going to be a lot more luxury EVs to choose from.
Mini will be an electric brand
Mini has confirmed that its last combustion model will arrive in 2025 as the brand goes all electric. We’re expecting the Mini Countryman replacement to be electric, and a general line up of electric models that reflects the current line-up.
Hummer EV
There’s an electric Hummer coming that promises to be a capable as combustion version. Hummer is throwing in loads of tech and loads of power, wanting to rival the Tesla Cybertruck. There’s 350 miles of range promised and a super-fast 350kW charging, while the motors will deliver 1000hp and a 0-60 time of 3 seconds. There’s full visibility with cameras under the body, as well as the ability to drive diagonally, thanks to all-wheel steering. Production won’t start until late 2021.
Polestar Precept
The Polestar Precept was a concept design, but Polestar has announced that it’s going to put it into production. It’s going to be aimed at the premium end of the market, with grand coupe lines and the promise not just of zero tailpipe emissions – but of an environmentally conscious approach to all the materials used in the car.
Nissan Ariya
Nissan’s latest electric car is the Ariya. It was originally unveiled as a concept in 2019, but has made its way to production practically unchanged. It’s an SUV, sitting in the space between the Qashqai and the X-Trail.
The Ariya will offer two battery sizes and a number of different motor configurations, as well as options for two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. With prices starting from an estimated £40,000, it’s expected on the roads in 2021.
Audi Artemis
Audi has setup a special working group, called Artemis, with the aim of creating a highly-efficient electric car. The new group has been designed to work autonomously with plenty of freedom, with a target date of 2024 for a new vehicle. It’s being headed up by Alex Hitzinger, formerly working on the Apple car project, and previously with some of the biggest names in motorsports. We’re expecting something that pops out of the Audi template here, so watch this space.
BMW i7
BMW has confirmed that the next-generation of BMW 7 Series will include an all-electric version. It’s not going to be exclusively electric as there will be petrol, diesel and hybrid versions too – but there’s talk of two versions, the i7 and the i7S. The latter is expect to have a 120kWh battery, 660hp and a range of 320 miles. BMW is serious about electric cars and there’s a lot in the pipeline – the BMW i7 will take things to the luxury level.
Tesla Cybertruck
If you wanted a vision of the future, then Tesla may have delivered it. Unveiling the Cybertruck, this is Elon Musk’s promised pickup truck, with dual cab and then a loading bay at the rear. The Cybertruck is eye-catching with its unusual angular design. On the practical front it will come in three different versions with 250+, 300+ or 500+ miles of range, with the top model, a tri-motor version promising a 0-60mph time of 2.9 seconds. Tesla doesn’t do things by half. It’s available for pre-order now, deliveries expected from 2021.
VW ID. Space Vizzion
VW had long said it was going to have a full family of ID electric cars and the Space Vizzion is what you get when you pull together an electric estate or station wagon. It’s quite the looker we can’t help thinking and while many are focusing on SUV or crossover models, the lower and longer effect that you get from a wagon could do wonders for the performance of this EV, not to mention the boot space. It’s a concept for now, but we’re expecting this electric Passat (did we say that?) to be available in 2021. VW is saying 300 miles of range which isn’t quite the 600 miles you’ll get from the diesel, but we don’t have to drive that far to walk the dog, so we’ll all cope.
Fisker Ocean
Fisker is trying to shake things up with a range of luxury electric cars. The Fisker Ocean got an official unveiling in January 2020 – although it’s not due on the road until 2022. It will use recycled and vegan materials, have an 80kWh battery and a range of 250-300 miles. Fisker wants to compete with Tesla with a 0-60 time of less than 3 seconds, but the big unique feature is the option for a full-length solar roof to help charge the battery.
Seat El-Born
Seat is joining the electric car movement with the El-Born, named after a region of Barcelona. The car sits on VW’s MEB platform and is due to arrive in 2022, getting its first appearance at the Geneva International Motorshow in 2019. Seat is looking at a 420km range (260 miles), with a 0-62kpm time of 7.5 seconds. There will be 204PS from the 150kW motor and a 62kWh battery.
Cupra El-Born
Cupra – now a separate brand from Seat – has its own version of the el-Born. It also has the same name, Cupra El-Born, which doesn’t really aid its cause of being seen as a separate entity. It has sporty looks, a custom chassis control and claims of 310 miles from the 82kW battery.
Byton M-Byte
Byton originally showed off an SUV EV concept, with broad ambitions for a start-up in the EV segment. That has now matured into the Byton M-Byte, with production getting started and looking to get on the road in mid-2020 – in China at least. The price of €54,000 sounds fairly aggressive, but there’s little telling what verison that’s for. There are two- or all-wheel drive options, with the latter claiming a 270 mile range. Most of the conversation is about the huge 43-inch display curving across the interior, however.
Lotus Evija
The Lotus Type 130 or Evija as it is called, is an all-electric hypercar limited to just 130 models, but paving the way for future production cars from Lotus. It has been designed for maximum performance, with 2000PS and a 70kWh battery that aims to give 250 miles of range. However, the car will offer blistering acceleration, and while Lotus hasn’t given final figures, it’ll hit 186mph in under 9 seconds. This car will cost £2 million pounds and preorders are open, asking for a £250,000 deposit.
Lightyear One
The Lightyear One is a luxury saloon that adds solar panels to the roof and bonnet of the car, aiming to give the owner a boost from the sun all the time – even when driving. While much of the car is conventional for an EV, the additional solar panels will give a 12km range boost per hour (in good light). That might mean free charging while parked at the beach – although in winter you’ll have to charge it more. However, the asking price for the limited run Lightyear One will be €119,000, so going solar comes at a price.
Rivian RS1
Rivian wants to join the EV movement with this offroader of its own. It’s designed to tackle the great outdoors, boasting a wading depth of 3ft and 0-60mph time of 3 seconds. Why you’d need to go so fast offroad, we’ll never know.
Rivian is a newcomer to the EV space, showing off its cars for the first time at the LA Auto Show in 2018 – there’s also a truck/pickup version – and is available for pre-order for a $1000 deposit. We’d be tempted to wait until these are actually on the road before parting with any money.
BMW i5
BMW unveiled the i Vision Dynamics concept coupe at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2017. It previews a mid-sized saloon car, in the BMW i range that’s likely to be called i5 when it launches in 2021. It’s bigger than the company’s 3-Series saloon, but smaller than a 5-Series and designed to sit between the i3 and i8 in the electric BMW i range.
The family-sized car will be capable of reaching 60mph in under 4 seconds, go on to a speed over 120mph and be able to last up to 372 miles on a single charge. Let’s hope it arrives with the same futuristic design displayed on the concept version.
Faraday Future FF91
A huge question mark hangs over the striking FF91. The company has been through ups and downs, but managed to showcase pre-production drivable models in 2020. The FF-91 has a huge 126-inch wheelbase, but that makes for a huge interior. The panoramic sunroof, rear and side windows use Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Glass, which passengers can tap on to tint the windows and let less light in. Don’t expect to get a conventional rear-view mirror inside, as Faraday Future has replaced it with a widescreen monitor instead.
The 1,050bhp electric power unit will accelerate to 60mph in 2.39-seconds and will have a driving range between 378 and 435 miles. Faraday Future says the battery can be completely recharged in 1 hour.
Writing by Chris Hall. Editing by Britta O’Boyle.