SUVs are not vehicles you would normally associate with electric power, but electric technology is becoming more and more advanced. As a result, we now have large cars that are environmentally friendly, quiet, spacious, safe, and powerful! Let’s take a look at some of the SUVs that run on batteries or are Plug-in Hybrid drive.
Audi E-Tron
Price
From £70,845
Main features
- Range of 248 miles
- Top speed: 124mph
- Charge points on both sides
- Luxurious interiors
- Quiet driving
- 13% benefit-in-kind tax rate
What is it like?
The Audi E-Tron is a fully electric SUV. Its range is not as good as some of the others in its category at an official figure of 248 miles. However, you can easily go 200 miles in it in real-world conditions before you would need to charge.
And it is easy to charge!
This car comes with charge points on both sides and is equipped to accept charge at 150kw. At this rate, it charges from 0 to 80% in 30 minutes. With rapid charging, it will take 45 minutes.
However, if charging at home at a rate of 11kw, it would take about 8.5 hours.
Since it is completely battery-operated, the car is very quiet to drive. Special alloy wheels and a smooth underside help keep the noise down and it becomes even quieter if you opt for side cameras instead of mirrors.
The Audi E-Tron does a good job of being a spacious SUV, with generous interior space. There is plenty of legroom and headroom for everyone. It is only the central rear passenger seat that is narrower and has a harder backrest.
Both the front and rear axles have motors, giving 402bhp between them. As a result, the car goes from 0-62mph in 5.7s.
This is a great choice if you are looking for a roomy car that is smooth to ride.
Peugeot 508 PHEV
Price
From £24,635
Main features
- Large family-sized hatchback and estate
- 1.6l turbo engine with 118kWh battery back
- CO2 emissions of just 42g/km
- Can be charged in under 2 hours
What is it like?
The Peugeot 508 hybrid is a prototype that will be released in the market in October this year. This large family-sized hatchback and estate car is comfortable inside and there is plenty of legroom both in the front and at the back. However, headroom can be a little cramped.
As is expected, when driving on the battery, the car is extremely quiet. It is expected to go 25-30 miles on electric-only on a single charge, but since it has not been used yet, this figure is purely an estimation.
The 1.6l turbo engine generates 178bhp. The electric motor gives 108bhp, but their peak power is not synchronised. As a result, the system’s total is 222bhp instead of 286.
The 11.8kWh battery pack charges in under two hours with a 7kWh fast-charging wall box. You’ll need to charge it overnight in case of normal charging. The model does not come with a rapid charging option.
The estimated fuel economy is about 107mpg with CO2 emissions at 42g/km. However, the best way to find out if this is the case will be to drive it!
Kia Soul Electric
Price
From £33,795
Main features
- Range of 280 miles
- Top speed of 103mph
- 0-62mph in 7.9s
- Spacious interiors
What is it like?
The Kia Soul came out in 2014 and its electric version comes out in February 2020. The new model does have a petrol-run version as well, but it is not available in Europe.
However, with its 280-mile range, you won’t feel the difference.
This machine comes with a 201bhp engine. It can go from 0 to 62mph in 7.9s, giving you a top speed of 103mph.
While its size puts it in a small SUV class, the height gives its interiors a spacious feel, with tall people able to fit in comfortably. This is despite the rear seats not being adjustable!
This new Kia Soul comes with a 64kWh battery that will charge from 0 to 100% in 6 hours with a 7.2kW home wall box. With a 100kW fast charger at a service station, you can do it in just over 40 minutes.
Kia is planning a smaller 39.2kWh battery model with a shorter, 172-mile range, but that is expected in 2021.
Further Reading:
Driving an electric car is good for your business as well as the environment; in fact, this is a great time to switch to electric. Here are some articles that show why the electric revolution is here to stay, and some more electric vehicles you can choose from.
- The Government has announced new requirements for electric charge points
- How businesses can encourage green fleet driving
- Car Review: BMW 330e, LEVC Van, Nissan LEAF, Renault Zoe
With GKL Electric, you can find electric cars of all types so we can match your needs effectively. Email us or give us a call on 01844 852252 to speak to us. We will advise you on your green fleet requirements and book your test-drive in your preferred car!
