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Though only a small proportion of new car sales in the UK are made up of electric cars, the demand for such vehicles has shifted up a gear in recent times. It’s no surprise, then, that many of the biggest manufacturers are getting in on the buzz, with a swathe of electric cars due for release in the new year.
With more models and more public charging points, as well as a diverse range of vehicles in the pipeline, 2020 seems like the right time to go electric. From superminis to sports cars, we’re presenting a selection of the electric cars we’re most excited for in 2020 and a few existing favourites.
The Honda e, a futuristic blend of power and performance, is coming summer 2020 and available to order now.
Modelled on some of the Japanese manufacturer’s first small cars, like the Civic hatchbacks of the 70s, the Honda e turns quaint into chic. Proving that good things come in small packages, this minimalist motor stuffs plenty under its small chassis, making for a driving experience that is, in Honda’s own words, “completely different from anything you’ve ever experienced before”.
Its first pure-electric car, the compact supermini blends top-of-the-line performance with the familiar comfort we’ve come to expect from Honda. A powerful electric motor, controlled by Single Pedal Control, means instant acceleration when you need it, while the unique water-cooled battery system optimises range in both high and low temperatures. For something completely different, this all-new experience is unlike anything else on the road.
The Ioniq Electric, a pure-electric and plug-in hybrid version of their classic Ioniq.
Because, according to their website, it charges faster than a smartphone, which pretty much means less time waiting and more time driving. And thanks to its sleek, aerodynamic design, there’s an impressively smooth ride when you get behind the wheel.
With a battery range of 194 miles and a 0-62mph time under 10 seconds, the Ioniq’s reassuring zero-emission performance is electric driving without compromise – making for a vehicle with some serious green credentials. And with blind spot detection, emergency braking and smart cruise control, staying safe behind the wheel has never been easier.
The new Kia Soul and Kia e-Niro models, both fully electric and expected for delivery in early 2020.
The South Korean manufacturer is putting a lot of emphasis on electric cars in the coming years, with two new fully electric models hitting the market this year. The Soul EV is an update to the popular Soul model, targeting an audience looking for an affordable first step into electric car ownership. Boasting a battery range of 280 miles and packed with leading tech, the Soul EV is set to be a fierce competitor to the established Nissan Leaf.
And perhaps even more exciting is the new e-Niro, which was recently awarded the title of Carbuyer’s Best Electric Car. Capable of covering 282 miles on a single charge, the e-Niro has one of the largest ranges of all-electric cars on the market. Furthermore, it can be charged to 80% in under an hour – perfect for those who are concerned about fitting an electric car into their lifestyle. Unsurprisingly, there is already a long waiting list for the e-Niro – which is expected to be fulfilled in the first six months of the year.
The Corsa E, touted as the most refined version of Vauxhall’s legendary supermini.
Set to take the small car segment by storm, this is the Corsa we all know and love, only this time, it’s loaded with innovative new technology. Noise-less and fume-free, the Corsa E does smooth, clean driving with minimal effort thanks to its nippy, 100% electric engine.
Innovative LED headlights adapt to the road and driving conditions, lighting the way whether it’s busy streets or country lanes you’re navigating. A rear-view camera makes tricky parking a breeze, while the in-built cruise control keeps you a safe distance from the car in front.
Inside, you’ll find a state-of-the-art 7” colour touchscreen entertainment system, sat-nav and Vauxhall Connect to put you in touch with the right help when you’re in a pinch. Elsewhere, the new Corsa’s safety features keep you in the right conditions at all times. Lane assist and lane departure warning put the Corsa on the proper path, while blind spot alert warns the driver of any unseen hazards.
And, if you’re feeling groggy, a driver drowsiness system keeps track of the warning signs, letting you know it’s time to pull over and take a break.
The XC40 Recharge, the brand’s first pure-electric SUV.
Touted by the manufacturer as “the best experience on the road now”, the XC40 Recharge is a forward-thinking vehicle that rewrites the SUV rulebook. As progressive as it is powerful, the Recharge features front and rear electric motors for smooth, speedy acceleration and exceptional stability, all with zero emissions when you’re on the road.
Seamlessly built for today’s busy motorist, every nook and cranny has been fitted with smart storage solutions; a look inside the XC40 Recharge reveals a waste bin, card holders, a foldable bag hook and more. There’s no combustion engine under the hood here, just a front compartment for your gym bag or charging cables, while space at the rear keeps luggage safe too.
Speaking of safety, the XC40 Recharge’s blind spot warning system with steer assist keeps you firmly in control, while Pilot Assist allows you to set a speed and distance to vehicles in front, which is great for relaxed journeys. Meanwhile, advanced theft-protection technology prevents thieves from capturing the key fob’s radio signal, ensuring next-level safety at all times.
Can’t wait for these new electric cars to hit the road? Take a look at the electric models that are currently available on the forecourt:
Plus, with a tyre pressure monitoring system, brake assist and emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, drivers stay in safe hands whenever they’re behind the Leaf’s wheel.
Not content with pioneering electric cars on UK roads, Nissan have also made headways into the electric van market. The e-NV200 is a fully electric commercial vehicle, built for environmentally-conscious businesses. With rapid charge capacity, the e-NV200 is well-suited to small businesses which require an inner-city delivery fleet that doesn’t cause a huge volume of emissions.
Complete with a cargo capacity of up to 4.2m3, the fully-electric van does not compromise on form and function, despite swapping out the petrol engine.
Bold looks, impressive space and powerful performance make the Kona Electric a petrol-free vehicle without compromise. Marked by a robust, eye-catching exterior that dominates the road, along with a spacious interior cabin, the Kona’s nippy, long-ranging electric engine ensures you’re ready for the road ahead at all times. A premium blend of Hyundai’s tried-and-true SUV lineage and modern-day innovation.
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