In this article, we review some of the electric cars that are creating a buzz in 2019. These electric cars combine low emission and running cost with decent power and a surprising range. Find out which of these nifty cars might be the best choice for you.
BMW 330e
Price
From £38,000
Main features
- Xtraboost feature
- Extremely low CO2 emissions
- 0-62 miles in 6s
- 87bhp electric motor to supplement the 2.0l 184bhp petrol engine
- Lowest Benefit-in-Kind band at 16%
What is it like?
The BMW 330e works out very well for company car drivers due to its low CO2 emission. With emissions measured at 39g/km, it places the car in the 16% Benefit-in-Kind band.
In spite of that, the car gives users immense power, especially with the Xtraboost feature. This pushes the power from 249bpm to 289bpm in Sports mode, making it 30% faster. The machine goes from 0 to 62mph in 6s.
The 330e also offers more space to the passengers, with its generous 4-seater interiors. However, the ample seating size and the battery pack eat into the boot storage area, taking away 100l from the original size.
As standard, the car comes with remote pre-conditioning and parking assist.
While BMW claim that the fuel economy of this hybrid is 148mpg, the reality might be a little disappointing. According to their fine print, it can give up to 59mpg on trips ranging from 31 to 37 miles. However, for longer trips, it goes down to 34mpg.
In spite of that, it proves to be a powerful car that is heavy but stable, and just as comfortable.
LEVC Van
Price
To be announced
Main features
- 80-mile range on electric, with a total range of 377 miles
- 31KwH Lithium-ion battery pack
- Petrol engine backup to charge battery
What is it like?
London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) is the maker of the electric TX taxi. The LEVC van is its latest innovation that is designed for delivery companies. The van is a fully electric vehicle with a petrol engine as backup.
The electric engine has a range of over 80 miles. However, the petrol engine can serve to charge the battery when it is depleted, making its total range a cool 377 miles.
This vehicle aims to bridge the gap between delivery vans and the last-mile-delivery vehicles. With its fully electric technology, this vehicle can enter the low emission zones in cities where other traditional delivery vehicles cannot.
While the price of the LEVC vans has not been announced yet, it is speculated that it’s going to be less than the cost of the TX taxi, which is priced at £55,599. The van uses the TX architecture as well as the range extender technology.
Since LEVC is owned by the same parent company as Volvo, the van uses Volvo components. With order books starting in late 2020, it is estimated that the LEVC van will help bridge the distance between depots located out of the city and the city centre.
Nissan LEAF
Price
From £29,990 to £42,550
Main features
- A more powerful motor at 150bhp
- 0-62mph in 7.9s
- 40KwH battery with a range of 150 miles
- Aggressive regenerative braking allows one pedal driving
- Cross-traffic assist for reversing and blind spot warning with radar sensors installed as standard
What is it like?
The new 2019 Nissan LEAF comes with increased power and a greater range. Nissan have upgraded its motor with a new inverter, giving it a cool 150bhp engine. While the battery now has a capacity of 40KwH, its physical size hasn’t increased. This means you don’t lose out on space for the additional power.
With greater power comes a greater range. Even though you might still need to stop for a recharge over longer journeys, a 150-mile range means that your daily commute and quick trips around town are easily covered by your overnight charge-up.
The LEAF comes with an aggressive regenerative braking system that allows one-pedal driving. The accelerator works like an on/off switch between moving forwards and braking.
As standard, the Nissan LEAF comes with radar sensors. These allow cross-traffic assist with reversing and blind spot warning. However, you can upgrade to their Pro-Pilot bundle (which comes as standard with their Tekna version).
Renault Zoe
Price
Starting from £21,220
Main features
- 168-mile range
- Choice of batteries: R110 for power or Q90 for quick charging
- 0-62mph in 13.5s (11.4s with the R110 motor)
- Fast charge from 0 to 80% in 50 minutes
- Compact for easy parking and traffic navigation
What is it like?
The Renault Zoe is one of the best electric cars for its price point at £21,220. However, this price advantage only holds if you lease the battery instead of buying it with the car.
This may not be a bad thing, since Renault will replace a leased battery with a new one as soon as it goes below 75% of its performance. You can get that with the bought battery as well, but only for the first 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Speaking of batteries, you get a choice depending on your needs. The R110, which replaces the original R90, gives you more powerful driving. This battery gives you an acceleration of 0 to 62mph in 11.4s.
In comparison, the Q90 gives you an acceleration of 0-62mph in 13.5s. However, with the Q90, you get the option of quick charging. This allows you to charge your car’s battery from 0 to 80% in 50 minutes.
The car also offers regenerative braking which helps charge up your battery with the power you’d otherwise lose when you brake.
In spite of the powerful electric motor and great price, the Renault Zoe loses out to the LEAF in noise. The engine, as with all electric cars, is quiet, but it does not block out the wind and traffic noise as effectively as the LEAF.
On the other hand, it has foldable back seats, which the LEAF lacks. This can help expand its boot space from 338l to 1,225l. It also has a decent headroom and leg space for average-sized people. Taller people, however, might find it just a wee bit cramped in the backseat.
All in all, with its light steering, compact shape, and fantastic range, and quick charging option, the Renault Zoe is an excellent car for daily driving in the city.
Further Reading:
We offer a number of resources that will help you plan and manage your green fleet. Here are some of the options you could consider for your business.
- 5 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles you need to consider driving soon
- Our favourite fuel-efficient vehicles from 2018
- Everything you need to know about electric vans
While all of these cars have their own advantages, our team of specialists will be able to help you identify the best one for your needs. Email us or give us a call on 01844 852252 to speak to us about your green fleet requirements and book a test drive.
