Electric cars: what the near-future has is store for us

Electrified cars are suddenly a very real proposition for many car buyers. Already, the sector has grown from just 3500 back in 2013 to nearly 90,000 in 2016. Admittedly, most of them are plug-in hybrids, rather than pure electric cars, but it’s still a sign of the times.

Car manufacturers are now planning to launch ever-greater numbers of electric cars, and 2018 looks like being the best year yet for new models. Here’s a taste of what’s in store.

Audi E-Tron quattro

Audi’s stylish E-Tron concept has been a hit at motor shows over the past few years, and in 2018, it’s going to become a reality. Sitting in between the Q5 and Q7 SUVs, this Tesla rival will offer a range of over 300 miles and, we’re promised, provide genuinely luxurious premium motoring.

Audi E-Tron Sportback

Audi will follow up the E-Tron quattro with the E-Tron Sportback in 2019. It will have a coupe-like roofline but still stick with a raised SUV driving position, providing the best of both worlds. It will have a total of three electric motors, for combined power of almost 500bhp, and 0-62mph in around 4.5 seconds.

Jaguar I-Pace

The ground-breaking Jaguar I-Pace is a bespoke electric SUV that has an electric motor on each axle and puts out almost 400bhp. It will accelerate from 0-60mph in a scant 4.0 seconds and Jaguar promises a driving range of around 300 miles, plus fast charging even from standard chargers.

Mini E

Now confirmed for production in the UK, the Mini E will roll out in 2019. It will be related to the familiar hatchback-style model but will boast “completely new battery technology” that could prove to be a bit of a breakthrough in the affordable electric car sector.

Porsche Mission E

How will Porsche take on the Tesla Model S? With a production version of the four-door, four-seat Mission E, first seen in 2015 and due on sale in 2020. This all-electric model will serve up astonishing performance yet a brand-new charging system will replenish the batteries to 80 percent charge in just 15 minutes.

Skoda Vision E

From Mission E to Vision E, and Skoda’s first electric car. The first of many, that is: by 2025, a quarter of its range will be electrified, say bosses. The Vison E will come with several different power outputs and the production version of this full EV will have a fully practical five-seat interior, like all good Skodas.

Tesla Model 3

At last, the Tesla Model 3 – the firm’s most affordable model to date – is on the way. The car that it is hoped will help it break through into the big time of high-volume car production, it will have a starting price of around £35,000 and intends to be a genuine alternative to conventional premium cars such as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. It arrives here in 2018.

Tesla Roadster

Tesla plans to follow up its original electric car, the Lotus-derived Roadster. We don’t know much about it, but it’s likely to use a platform related to today’s acclaimed models, and be even faster than them in acceleration. When you consider the Model S is capable of 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds, you get an idea of the performance potential here…