- The all-electric 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-new model that makes a splash in our hybrid and electric SUV rankings. It's athletic and read more ».
- Model X is built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, with a high-strength architecture and floor-mounted battery pack for incredible occupant protection and low rollover risk. Every Model X includes Tesla’s latest active safety features, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, at no extra cost.
Electric cars are the future. They say these vehicles will totally replace conventional engines during the 2030s. Well, diesel engines are already struggling to meet emission standards in some markets. More and more hybrid and PHEV units are now available. And the most advanced models are all-electric.
Let’s go back to the present time. Currently, crossovers and SUVs dominate the market. So, we find the combination of this class and electric motors will be deadly in 2020 and 2021. Here are the models you can find at dealerships in the US.
2020 Kia Soul EV
Let’s start with the oldest electric crossover we know. The Koreancompany delivered the first Soul EV or e-Soul in 2014. Some say it is more of ahatchback, but the vehicle shows most things you will find in the crossoverclass. For the upcoming season, the 2020 Kia Soul EV is an all-new model.
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The range of this year’s model is 243 miles thanks to the new setup. It gets power from a 30 kWh battery and a larger 64 kWh to gain 201 horsepower. The small crossover also comes with 17-inch wheels, a 10-inch infotainment screen, and a trademark boxy shape.
The output of 290 lb-ft is making the new 2020 Kia Soul EV sprint 0-60 mph in just 7 seconds. The previous edition needed 11 seconds. Recharge times: 80 percent needs 54 minutes, a full recharge takes 9h35min at Level 2 system. The base price for the e-Soul is just shy of $43,000.
2020 Tesla Model X
The next oldest model in the market is Model X by Tesla. The US company is not putting too much effort into improving this SUV. Instead, they realized mistakes and moved to a more affordable Model Y. The main downside of the Model X is its price. The premium SUV is powerful, but the cost is a stumbling block.
If you decide to buy the 2020 Tesla Model X, be ready to pay $80,000. Well, some states will refund you taxes. For this amount of money, you get 328 miles of range and a seven-seat interior layout. Yes, Model X has a lot of things to offer. Max speed is 155 mph and it hits 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The all-wheel drive uses electric motors in each axle.
The 2020 Tesla Model X Performance model raises the electric mode to another level. You get an SUV that runs 163 mph and accelerates 0-60 in just 2.7 seconds. Still, extra speed cuts some range (305 miles) and increases the price ($100k).
2020 Jaguar I-Pace
British carmaker JLR surprised many experts when theylaunched the electric crossover. It happened in 2018 and the I-Pace was Jaguar’sthird crossover. The electric model took on the swing by its predecessor, andso far, it didn’t disappoint. The new 2020 Jaguar I-Pace is unchanged.
The compact crossover still needs some improvements, but it is a refresh for the market. The 2020 Jaguar I-Pace will go 234 miles in a single charge and takes 12 hours to refill the battery by using the company’s kit. For 80 percent, it takes 10 hours, while the home outlet needs a half-day for 30 miles. Super fast chargers will speed up the process to 45 minutes for 0-80 percent.
The crossover is pretty expensive. Well, the F-Pace compact model costs $63,000. The all-electric vehicle adds only $7k above this price. Of course, additional upgrades will make it more expensive. The 2020 Jaguar I-Pace can reach $80,000.
2020 Hyundai Kona Electric
If you don’t plan to spend too much on the luxurious model with EV drivetrain, the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric is the right choice for you. It costs $37,000 and returns a respectable performance. Well, the subcompact crossover is just 164 inches long, which doesn’t provide too much space inside. But, the Kona Electric will make it up to you with 258 miles of range.
The crossover debuted in the US at the latest NAIAS. TheKorean company presented it a year earlier in its homeland. The good thingabout this model is that you can get your tax back and make significant savingsin some states.
The power comes from a 150 kwh battery good for 200 hp. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as well as many driver aid features. Leather seats and 10.25-inch screen are coming with Limited and Ultimate model. The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric comes with a 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty for battery.
2020 Kia Niro EV
After Soul, Kia launched another all-electric crossover. The 2020 Kia Niro EV is slightly larger, but it uses lighter batteries than its sibling. A 39.2 kWh motor can provide 135 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. Converted to the electric range, that is 179 miles or 289 kilometers. Max speed also drops compared to Soul. Niro will make it to 96 mph. The crossover accelerates to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds.
Like Hyundai Kona, the 2020 Kia Niro EV will offer similar features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are there, but this model comes in two trims only. Besides the base one, you can also get a Premium version with a Harman Kardon sound system.
The exterior of the 2020 Kia Niro EV is more aerodynamic than the boxy Soul. Also, there is a difference in price, since the larger model costs more. Fans believe that crossover is overpriced, even after the tax deduction. The base model will be available at $38,500. However, we recommend you to wait for an update (probably in 2021).
Electric Crossover Bikes
2020 BMW iX3
German carmakers are finally entering the electric race.After so many rumors, the 2020 BMW iX3 is finally out with 250 miles of rangeand a battery that provides 270 horsepower. The setup is similar to the one wesaw on the i3 model. The iX3 was confirmed for 2020 and we will see if the BMWis launching it in the USA.
The vehicle will cost 70,000 euros, which is around $77,000. Again, this is a hefty price, even for the luxury crossover. The base X3 starts at $42,000. The battery is pretty powerful and 270 hp will be enough to stop the clock under 6 seconds in 0-60 mph race. The battery needs 8 hours for the full recharge, while 20-80 percent takes only 27 minutes.
The company confirmed the production of 2020 BMW iX3. The sales will start this spring. The crossover will be available in Europe first and then it will continue sales across the ocean. The precise release date for the US is not official yet.
2020 Audi E-Tron
The 2020 Audi E-Tron will be one of the most powerful crossovers in the electric segment. With 355 hp and 415 lb-ft, it is hard to keep up with German products. Take it to the next level with the Boost Mode and you will get 400 hp and 490 pound-feet. Audi implemented its famous Quattro all-wheel drive to this model, which accelerates 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Max speed is 125 mph.
With 4,000 pounds of towing capacity, the 2020 Audi E-Tronis one of the most potent electric SUV. We also must mention safety andtechnology features as a couple of main advantages of this model. A dual-screenis not something you will find too frequent, and wireless charging is standardon this SUV.
Extra power means a shorter range. The 2020 Audi E-Tron will offer only 205 miles from a charge. The good thing is that the battery needs only 17 minutes for a quick refill 35-80 percent. Fast 100 kW plug will charge 80 percent in 30 minutes, while the Level 2 system takes 9 hours for 0-100%. The standard Premium Plus package costs $75,000 and the Prestige version adds $7,000.
2021 Tesla Model Y
We are moving to the next year and these are vehicles you won’t see so soon. The first one we can expect is 2021 Tesla Model Y. Elon Musk was dancing and stripping recently while announcing that the production of the new model can start. The vehicle will be built in China, in factory that built the first product in only 357 days. Model Y is a cheaper version of the Model X, which is too big and expensive.
Electric Crossover Corvette
There are two different setups for the 2021 Tesla Model Y. Thecrossover will first come with the RWD model that returns 300 miles, or 280miles if switched to AWD. It takes 5.5 seconds for 0-60 mph acceleration anddrops the time below 5 sec with AWD. If you pick the Performance model, thetime stopwatch will show 3.5 seconds. This version hits 150 mph of maximumspeed. Next year we expect the lighter version with 230 miles of range and maxspeed 120 mph.
The price for the base model will be $48,000. Buyers will see the 2021 Tesla Model Y late this summer. AWD upgrade costs $4,000 and Performance SUV starts at $61,000. Next year, the Short Range model will be more competitive with a $39,000 price sticker.
2021 Ford Mach E
It is here, finally. The first Ford’s electric SUV. We couldhear a lot about electrification plans and investment. But now, the 2021 FordMach E is the proof the company worked hard on it. Well, also take ExplorerPHEV and premium Lincoln Aviator as some of the significant steps in thisprocess. By 2023, the Blue Oval company will add even more electric SUVs to itsportfolio.
The sales will start in the final quarter of the season. The carmaker already announced all models for the 2021 Ford Mach E. The offer starts with Select trim and buyers can choose between RWD and AWD. The first one returns 230 miles, and all-wheel drive cuts the range to 210 miles. Both models create 255 hp. California Route 1 delivers the same amount of power, but the range goes up to 300 miles. Premium SUV is available with Long and Standard range offers. The vehicle covers up to 300 miles and creates 332 horsepower. The top of the range model is GT performance. The range drops to 250 miles but the power increases to 459 hp.
The company didn’t release further details. We will have to wait to see the full pricing. Reportedly, the entry-level model could carry a $43,000 price tag. Premium model should cost above $50k and currently, you can make a $500 entry for the First Edition, which will cost just under $60,000.
2021 Rivian R1S
Rivian is the new rival to Tesla and R1S SUV takes directly on the Model X. It will offer similar or better performance numbers at a better price. The new 2021 Rivian R1S will cost $72,500. There are three different batteries available. The base model will carry 105-kWh unit, the mid-range offer comes with 135-kWh, and the high-end models will offer 180-kWh motor.
Of course, the price and the range go up as the capacity. The base version will be good for 240 miles, the second one covers 310 miles, and the huge battery can last 410 miles. According to reports, even the base model will burst an unbelievable amount of power. A 1.5-kWh model gets 755 horsepower, which will take less than 3 seconds for 0-60 mph acceleration. The 2021 Rivian R1S breaks the towing capacity barrier for electric vehicles. Its hauling potential reaches 7,700 pounds.
The vehicle is confirmed, but we still doubt in these numbers. According to announcements, the SUV is getting a Level 3 autonomous drive (Tesla is still at Level 2). Everything about the 2021 Rivian R1S looks too good to be true.
2021 Fisker Ocean
It’s been almost a year since another company presented its all-electric SUV, equally stunning as Rivian R1S. The 2021 Fisker Ocean will be a production version of the concept debuted in March 2019. According to the company’s founder, the new model will cost under $40,000 and it will return 300 miles. If this happens, the 2021 Fisker Ocean could be one of the best buys. Bad thing – deliveries won’t start before 2022.
An 80 kWh battery pack lays under the body of the new SUV, which will cost less than $38,000. Mr. Fisker promises 0-60 mph acceleration in 2.9 seconds. Buyers will be able to upgrade a two-wheel drive to the 4WD.
Well, we can talk about the futuristic look of the prototype and its advanced technology inside, but we can’t believe in two things. First – that model will be available next year, although 2021 Fisker Ocean is confirmed. Also, the test version is always beefed up compared to the production model.
Source: Motor Authority
Earlier, we wrote about the possibility of Volvo upgrading its XC40 PHEV to the all-electric crossover. Read more in our story:
2021 Volvo XC40 With Electric Drivetrain Announced
Although it hasn't announced plans to give up internal combustion engines completely, the future is definitely an electric one for Audi. In February, the company revealed its third battery electric vehicle, the e-tron GT, which joins the e-tron and e-tron Sportback SUVs in dealerships this summer. And following the svelte e-tron GT by year's end is a pair of smaller, more affordable crossovers, called the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron, unveiled online on Wednesday. (And if that's not enough, we have some news on Audi's other new BEV platform, but we can't tell you about that until next week.)
As the name suggests, the Q4 fits in between the brand's Q3 and Q5 crossovers. Based on its exterior dimensions, it's only slightly smaller than the Q5, although the benefits of a bespoke BEV platform make for a much more voluminous interior, particularly for those in the back.
If the Q4 looks somewhat familiar—a bit like a Volkswagen ID.4, perhaps—don't be alarmed. That's because it uses a new dedicated BEV architecture shared with VW, called MEB (Modularer E-Antriebs-Baukasten or Modular Electrification Toolkit). Therefore, many of the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron technical specs may come as no surprise.Three different Q4s
Here in the US, we're going to get three different versions of the Q4 family, all of which use the same 77 kWh (useable, 82 kWh net) lithium-ion battery pack. The Q4 40 e-tron has a single 150 kW (201 hp), 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) permanent magnet electric motor driving the rear axle, whereas the Q4 50 e-tron quattro and Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro supplement this with an on-demand 80 kW (109 hp), 162 Nm (119 lb-ft) asynchronous motor for the front axle, with a combined output of 220 kW (299 hp) and 460 Nm (339 lb-ft). As with the ID.4, DC fast charging is at up to 125 kW.
AdvertisementThe Q4 even shares its drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.28 with the ID.4. Audi provided some interesting figures on how various design elements contributed to the Q4's WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) range. For instance, closing the cooling air intake at the bottom of the front bumper added 3.8 miles (6 km). A pre-spoiler mounted where you might find front fog lights added 3.1 miles (5 km). Spoilers ahead of the front wheels—a notoriously turbulent zone and big contributor to a car's drag—added 8.6 miles (14 km). Bumps on the side mirror surrounds contribute another 1.2 miles (2 km), and an aerodynamic seal on the tailgate contributes 2.5 miles (4 km).
As you might expect, the Sportback is more aerodynamic, with a Cd of 0.26. The sloping rear hatch and its spoiler are good for an extra 16 km of WLTP range compared to the crossover, Audi told us. Official Environmental Protection Agency range estimates won't arrive until much closer to the Q4s arriving here, but the WLTP ranges are 323 miles (520 km) for the Q4 40 e-tron, 303 miles (488 km) for the Q4 50 e-tron quattro, and 308 miles (497 km) for the Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro. (The WLTP test cycle generates much more optimistic estimates than the EPA's testing protocol, so expect official US range estimates to be smaller.)
What makes this better than an ID.4?
Although we're pretty sure the Q4's driving dynamics will distinguish it from the ID.4, confirmation will have to wait a few more months. We do know that there will be two different levels of suspension upgrade available (although, confusingly, some of these features are standard on the Sportback, others on both quattro variants). The dynamic package adds sports suspension, which lowers the Q4 by 0.6 inches (15 mm); variable-ratio steering; and different drive modes (comfort, efficiency, dynamic, individual, auto). If you want adaptive dampers, those are found in the dynamic package plus.
No such wait is needed to know that the Q4's cabin marks it out from the more mainstream people's electric car. It looks typically Audi, which is a good thing, as the brand is one of the few to beat when it comes to a stylish interior. However, there's a greater use of recycled materials and synthetic fabrics than in conventionally powered Audis.
AdvertisementCompared to the VW, the Audi has more of a center console and locates its drive selector here. It features physical buttons for climate control, audio volume and playback, and more. And if the images in the gallery give you reason to remember the Austin Allegro, fear not—a round steering wheel comes standard; the hexagonal rim is an option.
Sonos, storage, and augmented reality
Two screens—one for the main instrument display and another for the infotainment—are integrated into the dash, unlike in the ID.4. The main instrument display is always a 10.25-inch screen, but there are actually three different grades depending on trim level; the most basic version only displays important information and won't show you a moving map, for example. And there are two sizes of infotainment screen: a 10.1-inch 1,540x720 as standard or an optional 11.6-inch 1,764x824 display. Regardless of size, the infotainment system runs VW Group's latest MIB 3, and Audi has partnered with Sonos for the in-car audio experience.
VW Group's augmented reality heads-up display wasn't ready in time for VW's ID.3 launch in Europe last year, but it will show up as an option in the Q4 and Q4 Sportback. I'm excited to try it out to see if the execution lives up to the idea's promise.
Audi effused about the Q4's storage compartments in the Q4 press kit and during our briefings on the BEVs. There's the glove box, plus a compartment in the center console, but everyone seemed most pleased with the bottle holders built into each door, each of which can contain a 1 L bottle. MEB uses space above the front axle to house the car's climate control system, so there's no frunk, but the Q4 hatchback has 18.4 cubic feet (520 L) of cargo space when the rear seats are in use and 52.6 (1,490 L) cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The Q4 Sportback actually manages a slightly larger 18.9 cubic feet (535 L) when the rear seats are in use but a slightly smaller 51.6 cubic feet (1,460 L) when the seats are folded down.
How much?
Pricing information will have to wait until closer to the Q4's arrival, which is still some months away. For now, Audi told Ars that it expects pricing to be very competitive, and it will start at under $45,000 before rebates. (The price of the cheapest e-tron SUV might reasonably be taken as the price ceiling for a fully loaded Q4 50 e-tron quattro, but I'm just guessing.) We also expect some amount of bundled, free DC fast charging at Electrify America stations, although, again, that information will be confirmed closer to year's end.
Listing image by Audi