Electric cars have been around for a few years and are being considered by the public in place of petrol and diesel ones. This year the electric cars will continue to be the talk of the town. The electric car companies had a great year in 2016, the trend seems to continue as the plug-in market warms up.
Car companies are investing in the electric car technology. This calculates to smaller and lighter batteries and increased battery range. This interprets as a reduction in the battery charge time and more public charging points.
Electric vehicles (EV) are not for everyone because of the purchase price. Car manufacturers are aiming at 50% new electric car sales by 2027. They will get cheaper and faster, with better range. Two major advantages electric cars have been its low running cost and absence of poisonous emissions. The electric car companies are now competing against each other for better range.
Here is a list of the 10 Electric Car Companies to look out for in 2017 in no particular order:
1. Chrysler
Chrysler’s Pacifica Hybrid is a family minivan, useful and comfortable. It is the first of the kind, a plug-in hybrid electric minivan. The Pacifica Hybrid switches over to gas after running 33 miles at 84 MPGe (Miles per gallon gasoline equivalent) in the electric mode.
2. Hyundai
Hyundai’s ionic EV is unique and good for commuting. It is stylish with a choice of the power trains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric version. It can travel 174 miles on fully-charged batteries and 150 miles within the city. This puts it ahead of the EV’s in the competition making it one car, you would want to opt for.
3. Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV is the first plug-in hybrid SUV. It epitomizes the next generation of electric cars. The hybrid SUV is fuel efficient, has a third row for 7 riders, and is quieter than ever at 25 - 30 MPG. There is no reason to expect less from this EV.
4. GM
GM’s all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV is spacious, quick and fun to drive. Its fully-charged DC electric batteries cover 238 miles. This is first long-range EV at an affordable price.
5. NextEV
The Chinese brand NextEV claims NIO EP9 is a bold, sexy and stylish electric vehicle. It is the world’s fastest EV at 127 miles per hour in 7.1 seconds. The supercar is a splendid piece of engineering, making headlines by being the fifth fastest at 195 mph.
6. BMW
Innovative in design, BMW’s i3 hatchback use high-tech construction techniques. It is different and unlike many electric cars by being low weight and strong. The BMW's i3's official range is 195-mile where its low residuals and running cost make up for the price.
7. Volkswagen
The brand that reassures buyer’s safety with the e-Golf variant, along with style appeal. Volkswagen's e-golf is similar in design to its traditional sibling except for some badges and stylish blue flashes. This model will run at an 186-mile range and 125-mile range in the real world. The e-Golf's range is better in comparison to the previous model’s range at 115 miles.
8. Nissan
Nissan’s Leaf has revolutionized electric vehicles. It has been quite successful, gracing the roads around the globe. This quirky-looking hatchback is quick and responsive, with a reasonable 124-mile range. Its battery recharges to full charge in 3 – 8 hours for an economical drive.
9. Ford
Ford Focus Electric is like the gasoline-powered model. The hatchback will appeal the masses, due to its traditional styling with a 70 to 100-mile range. Launched in 2012, Ford's Focus Electric in 2017 comes with a lower price tag and 115-mile range. The battery will charge faster. However, it looks compromised compared to purpose-built EV.
10. Tesla
A company that is well-known for electric cars is Tesla, its Model 3 is the most awaited EV. At a relate-able price tag, it will soon be a reality for those wanting to own an EV. It will compete with Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf.
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