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What's New? 2021's Best New Electric Cars

9 min to readElectric vehicles
From versatile SUVs and MPVs to high-performance coupes and chic city cars, there's a broad range of new electric vehicles in the pipeline this year. Find out everything you need to know about 2021's new electric cars in our detailed guide.
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Audi Q4 e-tron

Audi-Q4-e-tron-

What is it? Slightly larger than Q3, Audi's compact electric SUV features the company's largest ever touchscreen and a high-speed data connection which can receive live traffic information from other vehicles and roadside infrastructure. It's available with two and four-wheel drive, and a coupe-SUV 'sportback' version will follow shortly after launch.

Audi e-tron GT

Audi-e-tron-GT

What is it? Think of the e-tron GT as an electric alternative to the A7 fastback and, importantly, a rival for the Tesla Model S. It's a five-door coupe with an all-digital interior and high-speed data connection on board, with a large rear hatchback and extra load space under the bonnet. Ultra-fast charging recovers 62 miles of range in five minutes.

BMW i4

BMW-i4

What is it? The new 4 Series Gran Coupe line-up includes the battery-electric i4 version, rivalling the Tesla Model 3. It's a 3 Series sized five-door coupe, with a hatchback tailgate for easy loading, and BMW claims performance similar to a six-cylinder petrol engine. Remote upgrades will offer extra features and more range, while an 80% charge takes half an hour.

BMW iX3

BMW-iX3

What is it? The latest X3 SUV is the first BMW to be available with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric versions. Battery-electric iX3 models are two-wheel drive only but feature ultra-fast charging with smart navigation to find the shortest stops en route. There's also almost no loss of boot space compared to combustion engine versions.

BMW iX

BMW-iX

What is it? Previewed as the iNEXT Concept, the iX SUV is BMW's technology showcase. It includes sensors for Level 3 'hands off' autonomous driving (once regulations allow), and a large curved display screen packed with data-connected features. Similar in size to an X5, all versions have four-wheel drive, and it can tow up to 2,500kg.

Citroen e-Berlingo

citroen berlingo
Copyright William Crozes @ Continental Productions

What is it? One of a handful of electric MPVs, the £-Berlingo is available in two lengths with five or seven seats. All versions include three ISOFIX child seat mounting points in the second row, sliding doors for easy access in tight spaces, and there are 26 storage compartments in the cabin. An 80% charge takes roughly 30 minutes.

Citroen e-C4

Citroen-e-C4

What is it? Citroen's lifted hatchback is focused on class-above comfort, featuring generous rear legroom, luxurious front seats and suspension engineered to smooth out undulating road surfaces. Battery electric e-C4 versions are visually almost identical to petrol or diesel models, including a 136hp motor, fast charging capability and vivid exterior colour packs.

Cupra Born

Cupra-Born

What is it? An electric hot hatch developed by SEAT's performance brand, Cupra. The Born will be available with four battery and motor combinations, topped by a 231hp version which can reach 62mph in 6.6 seconds with suspension, tyre and steering calibrated to suit. Production is CO2 neutral, and Cupra is offering recycled materials in the cabin, too.

Fiat 500

Fiat-500

What is it? The latest generation of the chic 500 city car is electric only. It's available as a hatchback or cabriolet with a folding fabric roof, and a choice of short and long-range batteries for different users. There are multiple driving modes and fast charging to extend the range, while the new platform offers more space and a better seating position on board.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford-Mustang-Mach-e

What is it? The Mach-E extends the Mustang lineage to include a driver-focused electric coupe-SUV. Ford is offering rear and four-wheel drive versions and two battery options, with a remaining range display which automatically adjusts based on weather, driver behaviour and crowdsourced data from other users. A 487hp 'GT' model will follow.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

Hyundai-Ioniq-5

What is it? The first member of Hyundai's 'IONIQ electric car line-up is futuristic reinterpretation of styling cues from the 1980s Pony hatchback. It features a high level of eco-friendly materials on board, rear and four-wheel drive variants and an electrical outlet for powering appliances. Ultra-fast charging restores 62 miles of range in five minutes.

Kia EV6

Kia-EV-6-

What is it? The EV6 is notable as the highest-performance Kia ever, the top-level GT version produces a supercar-like 577hp. It's a battery-electric crossover-SUV, slightly larger than the Sportage and offered with ultra-fast charging which can return 80% of the range in 18 minutes. Towing capacity is 1,600kg, and there's a power outlet for electrical items.

Lexus UX 300e

Lexus-UX-300e

What is it? Lexus has mainly sold hybrids in the UK for the last decade, but its first battery-electric model is a variant of the UX compact crossover - its best-seller in Europe. The UX 300e has a 201hp electric motor with regenerative braking adjusted using paddles on the steering wheel - similar to engine braking in a petrol or diesel car.

Mercedes-Benz EQA

MB EQA

What is it? A close relative of GLA compact crossover, but with an electric powertrain and unique aerodynamic styling. Mercedes-Benz is offering two and four-wheel drive versions, the latter capable of towing up to 1,800kg. It features route planning including charging times, and 80% of its available range can be recovered in 40 minutes.

Mercedes-Benz EQB

Mercedes-Benz-EQB

What is it? A family-friendly electric SUV with seven seats - the third row is designed for passengers under 5ft 4in but can accommodate booster seats. From launch, the range comprises two and four-wheel drive versions, and a longer-range battery is due to follow. Its navigation system also plans routes including weather and the shortest charging stops.

Electric Range: 260-297 miles

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz-EQS

What is it? An electric luxury saloon similar to the S-Class, but on a platform designed specifically for battery power. Claimed to be the most aerodynamic production car in the world, and technology on board includes hardware for driverless parking and a touchscreen covering most of the dashboard. Ultra-fast charging offers 185 miles of range in 16 minutes.

Nissan Ariya

Nissan-Ariya

What is it? The Ariya combines Nissan's electric vehicle and compact crossover expertise. Slightly smaller than an X-Trail, it's on a dedicated EV platform which maximises space in the 'lounge' style interior. There's a minimalist dashboard with an adjustable centre console, and Nissan will offer two or four-wheel drive versions with up to 1,500kg towing capacity.

Peugeot e-Rifter

Peugeot-e-Rifter

What is it? The e-Rifter offers MPV flexibility with rugged off-road styling. It's available in two body lengths with either seven seats, or five with three individual ISOFIX points in the back. Sliding doors, storage compartments and countless seating configurations offer plenty of practicality for family life, while economy-focused drive modes extend the electric range.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Porsche-Taycan-Cross-Turismo-lscape

What is it? Porsche sold almost as many electric Taycans as it did sports cars in 2020, and the Cross Turismo builds on that appeal. It features 300mm more ground clearance and off-road body styling, with a larger boot and more rear headroom than the saloon model. It's available with a range of bike and luggage racks, and a 62-mile charge takes five minutes.

Skoda Enyaq iV

Skoda-Enyaq-iV-SM

What is it? An electric SUV, featuring a highly adaptable interior which can be upholstered in recycled fabrics as well as the usual leather or alcantara options. The Enyaq iV is slightly smaller than the Kodiaq, takes 38 minutes to charge to 80% and provides a large boot capacity for families. Four-wheel drive versions can tow up to 1,400kg.

Vauxhall Mokka-e

Vauxhall Mokka
www.matthowell.co.uk 07740 583906

What is it? Vauxhall has added an electric version to its popular Mokka compact SUV line-up. Behind the futuristic, aerodynamic styling, most interior functions are operated through a large central touchscreen, and 80% of its 200-mile range can be recovered in half an hour. The electric motor produces 136hp, with drive modes prioritising performance or range.

Vauxhall Combo-e Life

Vauxhall-Combo-e-Life

What is it? A flexible electric MPV, available with two wheelbase lengths and either five or seven seats, with three ISOFIX points in the second row. All versions include sliding doors on both sides for easy access, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and there are driving modes to extend the range or tailor traction control to suit slippery surfaces.

Volkswagen ID.4

VolkswagenID4

What is it? With a target of 1.5m electric vehicle sales per year in 2025, the ID.4 is as significant to Volkswagen as the original Golf. Built and sold globally, it's a Tiguan-sized electric SUV with a large boot, built-in roof rails and a 1,000kg towing capacity for four-wheel drive versions. In 2022, the ID.4 GTx will become Volkswagen's first electric 'GTI'.

Volvo C40 Recharge

Volvo C40

What is it? By 2025, half of all Volvo sales globally will be electric cars, and the C40 is the first product with no petrol, diesel or hybrid version. It's an electric coupe-SUV with the same high-performance powertrain as the XC40 P8 Recharge, and includes the company's new Android-powered touchscreen system. Towing capacity is up to 1,800kg.

Note: Cost per mile figures are provided for comparison, based on average 17.4p/kWh UK Electricity rate in 2020 and battery and range data from manufacturers. To find out more about calculating electric vehicle running costs, click here.

Published at 24 June 2021
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24 June 2021
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