In the past, electric cars may not have been the most viable choice for someone that drives long distances every day, but you’d be surprised how far they’ve come. Now, you can drive hundreds of miles without having to charge a car. Take a look at these super exciting electrics and get introduced to the future.
2017 Volkswagen e-Golf
Volkswagen tossed the hybrid Jetta and brought the e-Golf electric vehicle forward in 2017. The goal of this car is to be affordable, which can fill a sorely-needed niche in the US electric car market. According to Car and Driver, the 2016 e-Golf had an EPA estimate of 116 MPGe, but the new 2017 compact expects to get even more. Currently, this little vehicle is only available in ten states, but the market may call for wider distribution if it does well.
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The Ioniq is the first electric car of its kind to be manufactured by Hyundai. While it hasn’t reached the sales floor, it’s expected to be ready in 2017 in the form of a hybrid and an electric vehicle. Later in 2017, Hyundai plans also to release a plug-in hybrid model, as well. It has an 118-hp electric motor, which is expected to get around 155 miles in range. Some reports even say that the charge can reach 80% in as little as 24 minutes.
2017 Nissan Leaf 2.0
The new Nissan Leaf 2.0 looks like it’s come straight out of a sci-fi movie. While revealed last year, it took Nissan until now to release more actual information. It currently has a 60-kWh battery pack, which is a substantial increase over the previous model’s 24-kWh battery. It will have the capabilities to drive 210-220 miles, depending on conditions and which test you’re using. Nissan’s goal is to compete with the Tesla, a phrase which is sounding more and more cliché as time passes.
Thunder Power Sedan
Of course, any old car company can say they want to compete against the Tesla, but the Thunder Power EV concept looks like it could actually leave Tesla in the dust. A few details have already been released about this sedan, including the presence of either a 308-hp or 429-hp chassis-mounted battery. This huge pack will allow it to drive over 400 miles with one charge. The manufacturer even states that it’ll have a quick-charge function which gives it 186 miles of range after just 30 minutes of charging.
Tesla Model 3
Hundreds of thousands put a deposit on the Tesla Model 3 for one reason—nothing can beat Tesla. Many have tried, but all thus far have failed. This year, the Model 3 will launch and comes with plenty of features. It’ll have autonomous driving and a 215-mile range when sufficiently charged. Tesla is also offering a new type of glass in the sedan which will be stronger than any other glass on the market. One thing is for sure: if the Model 3 really is the affordable, accessible sedan that Tesla wants it to be, it could have an enormous impact on the EV market.
