Electric Cars – Changing future mobility – Part 1

This is a three part series on electric cars. Although, widely popular in earlier centuries, they faded out but are now making a comeback due to the environment friendly nature. Below is a list of the most amazing models of electric cars.

1. BMW i3

The BMW i3 is available at a much higher price but is less than the Tesla but you get excellent quality and the comfort that only BMW can provide. The interior is spacious and acceleration quick.

As per BMW, sustainable practice was involved in manufacturing the car too, “Fibers of the kenaf plant are used in other places. Interior leather is treated with natural substances (only), such as olive leaf extract. And one of the interior options includes Eucalyptus wood, which is quite pretty and sustainably grown.”

Vital Statistics¹

CO2 emission	O	0-100 (s)	7.2
Top speed	150km/h	Max Torque	250
Max range	190 km	Full charge	6-8 hrs (30 min for fast charge)

2. Tesla Model X

The Tesla model X was unveiled in 2012. It has open falcon wings (how cool is that!) and is highly spacious. Offered in two variants with a 60 kWh or an 85 kWh battery and is a dual motor all-wheel drive.

Vital Statistics²

CO2 emission	0	0-60 m/h	5.4 seconds
Electric range	60kW·h- 340 km*85kW·h- 430 km*

3. Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S is has many advanced features such as touch screen, keyless entry and is very spacious. The Model S is available for purchase in US since 2012 and in Europe since 2013. Plans are in pipeline for producing a right hand drive version.

Vital Statistics³

CO2 emission	0	0-100 (s)	4.4
Top speed	60kWh-120 m/h85kWh-125 m/h85kWh(performance)- 130m/h	Power	60kWh-302 hp85kWh-362hp85kWh-416hp
Electric range	60kWh- 230 m85kWh-300m	Total Storage	63.4 cubic ft.

4. Volkswagen e-Up!

Costs £19,250 in the UK and looks nice with premium interiors. Has great choices like in car entertainment and AC etc.

Vital Statistics⁴

CO2 emission	0	0-60m/h (s)	12.4
Top speed	80m/h	Power	82KW
Charging Time	30 min (DC)600 min (AC)	Luggage Storage	250 L

 

5. Nissan e-NV200

An improvement over the previous vehicle, e-NV200 is going to be available for purchase ether as a van or a five-seater  and will have huge luggage space naturally.

Vital Statistics⁵

CO2 emission	0	Space	Spacious sliding doors
Top speed	120km/h	Battery capacity	24kWh
Charging Time	30 for 80%	Luggage volume	4.2m3

 

6. Chevrolet Spark EV

Spark EV is the electric variant of the five-door mini-car by the same firm. Widely tipped as the most efficient model, it is a powerful eco-friendly vehicle.

Vital Statistics⁶

CO2 emission	0	Torque	400lb-ft
Top speed	90m/h	Luggage capacity	12.4 cubic ft
Charging Time	20min for 80%	Range	82 miles

 

7. Toyota RAV4EV

Toyota RAV4EV is the electric variant of the Toyota RAV4 by the same firm. Provided with smart key, it has a host of entertainment and value features as well.

Vital Statistics⁷

CO2 emission	0	Torque	273 lb-ft (peak)
Top speed	90m/h	Luggage capacity	73 cubic ft
Charging Time	6.5-8hrs	Range	103 miles

 

8. Smart ED

It is a tiny two seater which is great for urban mobility where space is a requisite. Length is 106 inches from tip to tail, and 62 inches tall and wide, the smart car can creep almost anywhere even in tiny spaces.

Vital Statistics⁸

CO2 emission	0	Torque	96 lb-ft (peak)
Top speed	78m/h	0-6- miles	11.5 seconds
Charging Time	20-25 miles in one hr charge	Range	68 miles

 

Read part 2

References-

1. http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/i/i3/2013/showroom/technical_data.html

2. http://www.teslamotors.com/modelx

3. http://www.teslamotors.com/models/features#/performance

4. http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/new/e-up-nf/which-model

5. http://www.env200.com/

6. http://www.chevrolet.com/spark-ev-electric-vehicle.html

7. http://www.toyota.com/rav4ev/features.html#!/mechanical_performance/4480

8. http://www.smartusa.com/models/electric-drive/overview.aspx

* Expected or speculated, actual information will be available only when vehicle release is near.

Image credit: 1) BMW-i3- RudolfSimon, 2) Tesla Model X – Steve Jurvetson, 3) VW white up– M 93, 4) Nissan e-NV200-Norbert Aepli, 5) Chevrolet Spark EV- Tennen-Gas 6) Toyota RAV4EV-IFCAR 7) Smart ED – IFCAR  8) Tesla Model S : Shal Farley

 

Read part Two and Three