13 of the best electric cars on the market
There’s never been a better time to transition to driving an all-electric vehicle based on the plethora of options available in the market. If you’re looking to lessen your road costs and emit less into the environment, why not make your next car electric?
Consider the Kia Ev6 Crossover which has a significantly long driving range of up to 528km and 800V charging capability, or something a bit more luxurious like the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ with a 950 nm torque that accelerates to 100km/h from 0 in just 3.8 seconds.
Audi e-tron GT
The Audi e-tron GT is an incredibly high-performing yet luxurious electric car, with an electric motor fitted on each axle, driving all four wheels, 350kW of power and 630Nm of toque.
From a standstill, the e-tron GT can reach 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds and has a low centre of gravity, adaptive air suspension and 50:50 weight distribution.
It has a 270kW high power direct current charging capacity, and up to 100km of range can be added to its battery life when charged at public charging stations in just five minutes. Inside, the e-tron GT can host five people and has a panoramic glass roof.
Skoda Enyaq iV
As one of the first electric SUV’s for Skoda, the Enyaq iV is championing the electric car industry with its driver assistance systems and connectivity.
Safety is at the forefront of its design with nine airbags, three-point seat belts, and crew protect assist which closes windows and activates belt suspension if there is a danger of collision. The car’s multi-collision brake also prevents further vehicle movement by braking automatically.
The Enyaq iV’s full LED lights on the front and back of the vehicle are equipped with a matrix function that lights up and dims individual LED sources in sequence to prevent other drivers from being distracted, meaning you can keep your headlights on full beam when travelling.
Other features include its front assist which alerts the driver to stop if another car or a person is too close as well as turn assist which monitors a nearing vehicle when you are turning left, bringing the vehicle to a standstill if danger is detected.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is one of the best electric vehicles on this list, to no surprise, with a driving range of up to 531km and an all-wheel drive dual motor. Not only can you travel great lengths, it has achieved NHTSA 5-star safety ratings in every category and subcategory as well as the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
Seven passengers can fit in the Model Y with its optional third row, and the second row of seats can fold down for ultimate space and storage. The all-wheel drive dual motor has two electric motors that digitally control torque to the front and rear wheels, and is capable in rain, snow, mud and even off-road driving.
One of the best features of the Model Y is its autopilot advanced safety and convenience features as well as the 15-inch touch screen, immersive sound system and all-glass roof.
BMW i4
With a driving range of up to 520km, the BMW i4 eDrive40 can drive one of the longest distances on a single battery charge on the market. Its brake energy recovery helps extend the range by reducing energy consumption to 20 to 16 kWh/100km.
The interior is also impressive, with a driver-oriented cockpit and high centre console for a sportier feel as well as the BMW curved display combining the 12.3-inch instrument cluster with the large 14.9-inch control display to create a modern display unit, curving towards the driver.
For the speed demons out there, this BMW has an acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a maximum torque in NM of 430. Its battery is especially state-of-the-art, by recharging for just 10 minutes from a high-power charging station, this can add up to 164km.
Porsche Taycan 4S
With a striking design and spacious interior, the Porsche Taycan 4S is the perfect combination of style and comfort. From a standstill to 100km/h, it takes just four seconds with its launch control and 390kW/530PS.
The Taycan has a maximum torque with launch control of 650nm and a driving range of up to 478 km with its performance battery plus which provides it with additional range. Its 800V architecture allows a charge power of up to 270kW and reaches a maximum speed of 250 km/h.
Porsche’s advanced cockpit has a curved display and many other luxe features for a truly sumptuous driving experience.
Volkswagen ID.4
Designed for ultimate style, performance, accessibility and functionality, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 SUV can take you up to 442 km per drive and is an all-wheel drive. It’s interior includes leatherette seats with massaging lumbar support and are heated in the front.
An expansive panoramic fixed glass roof let's natural light in, with the option for shade with an electric sunshade. One of its most interesting features is that the ID.4 senses your presence and starts when your key fob and yourself are seated in the driver’s seat. Don’t worry about your phone running out of battery either, as the ID.4 has a wireless charging dock for your devices.
LED taillights, illuminated door handles, premium LED projector headlights, and an illuminated front Volkswagen logo also help ensure your car shines.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Designed with a purely electric driving range of up to 484km, the Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the best electric vehicles selling in Australia.
Save on road costs like petrol with its 150kW Extended Range powertrain as well as regenerative braking which uses kinetic energy to recharge the car's battery when the car is coasting or brakes are applied, improving energy efficiency to extend your travel.
The Kono Electric’s interior is fitted with some of the latest smart technology including a centre console with a Shift By Wire system. It also features the Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety tools like the Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, which uses the front radar sensor to detect the speed and distance of vehicles in front of the car, ensuring a safe distance.
Nissan LEAF
The 100 per cent electric motor vehicle Nissan Leaf has zero tailpipe emissions and a 270km indicative driving range with its 39kWh battery capacity.
Its intelligent mobility system offers a number of technologies to enhance safety such as intelligent emergency braking which alerts sounds before automatic braking is triggered to reduce speed and help avoid a frontal collision.
Single-pedal driving can also be set with the touch of a button in the LEAF by simply pressing down the pedal to accelerate and easing off to slow down which also adds power back into the battery.
Kia Ev6 Crossover
The Kia EV6 has a long driving range of up to 528km and has 800V charging capability, meaning it takes half the amount of time to charge compared to a 400V. Its interior has an augmented reality HUD which projects key information on the windscreen like speed, navigation and lane safety information as well as a panoramic curved display, 12.3-inch digital dash cluster and intuitive digital controls.
14 premium Meridian speakers are also placed throughout the car’s interior as well as front and rear ambient mood lighting with 64 colours to choose from. While you’re charging the car, recline and relax in the front seat to ensure you’re optimising your posture and distributing your body weight for maximum support. Remote smart parking assist, smart power tailgate, front storage area and USB connectivity are also all features of the Ev6.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
With a 77.4 kWh battery, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a driving range between 454km 507km and charges from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes. This all-electric SUV has a 12.3-inch digital display, high-resolution digital side mirrors and AR display projected on your windshield to help you stay safe on the roads.
Eight BOSE speakers are fitted inside the vehicle for a high-quality sound experience as well as a wireless phone charging station. Its i-Pedal allows you to use just one pedal while driving to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop.
With smart regenerative braking, the Ioniq takes into account speed limits and the front radar sensor to minimise physical breaking and increase energy efficiency.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
With a 77.4 kWh battery, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a driving range between 454km 507km and charges from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes. This all-electric SUV has a 12.3-inch digital display, high-resolution digital side mirrors and AR display projected on your windshield to help you stay safe on the roads.
Eight BOSE speakers are fitted inside the vehicle for a high-quality sound experience as well as a wireless phone charging station.
Its i-Pedal allows you to use just one pedal while driving to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop. With smart regenerative braking, the Ioniq takes into account speed limits and the front radar sensor to minimise physical breaking and increase energy efficiency.
MG ZS EV
The mid-sized SUV, 100 per cent electric MG ZS EV features a 50.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with the capacity of driving up to 320km on one full charge. Its grille-less front face, Silverstone 21-module LED headlights and eight-module LED taillights add to the vehicle's sleek design.
The vehicle-to-load system allows you to operate electronics on the go using the electricity from its lithium-ion battery and the I-Smart Connectivity enables you to check your vehicle status, monitor electric charging and more with your smartphone. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is also available to users with its 10.1-inch floating touchscreen and it has up to 500kg towing capacity.
Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+
Want something a touch more luxurious? Take a look at the all-electric Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ with high-end AMG driving performance. Its 950nm torque allows for a 3.8-second acceleration from 0 to 100km/h and has an output of 484km. Its exterior has an AMG-specific radiator grille, spoiler lip and light-alloy wheels.
The AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system works diligently under extreme stress, allowing for short stopping distances, maximum durability and precise control thanks to its lower weight compared to conventional brakes.
53.3cm AMG cross-spoke light-alloy wheels are of optimal aerodynamics and there’s even an option to go one size bigger if required. Customise the interior to your liking with an ambient lighting system featuring 64 colours and adjust the brightness of the LEDs and the dimming zones as you please.
[Via GQ Australia]