Professional electric bikes tips and tricks? The free VED (road tax), the company car tax advantages and the lower maintenance costs that result from an EV’s fewer moving parts, and the lower cost of running an electric car will also help offset the higher upfront price. There was a time when the majority of electric cars were conventional models with the internal combustion engine powertrain swapped out for an electric motor and batteries. This led to all sorts of compromises in terms of interior and boot space. But today, electric cars tend to be built on purpose-designed platforms that are created either purely for electric vehicles or to accommodate various kinds of propulsion systems. The end result is that electric cars deliver boot and passenger space equivalent to petrol and diesel rivals. Read even more info on electric cars reviews.
When it comes to low-emission vehicles, the industry is facing a Catch-22 situation, said Auto Trader’s director of commercial products, Karolina Edwards-Smajda. ‘The growing appetite of AFVs [alternative fuel vehicles] offer the industry a great opportunity for growth, but for mass adoption, the average price needs to be more accessible to more people. However, with so few vehicles in the market, even second-hand cars are being pushed out of financial reach for most consumers. Current supply constraints mean excellent two-to-three year old EVs such as the Vauxhall Corsa-e, Hyundai Kona Electric and Porsche Taycan are better value new than used, particularly on finance. Assuming, of course, you can get one when you need it. Given the inflated nature of used prices currently, it may be worth buying a cheap old car to tide you over, rather than financing a car potentially with high interest rates and a much higher starting point to fall from when values adjust to a more normal supply of new cars.
Hyundai, along with its sister brand Kia, has lead the pack when it comes to affordable electric cars with long ranges. The Kona Electric, for example, came along in 2018 with almost double the range of its electric small SUV rivals. But now it’s the Ioniq 5’s turn to set the standard. Although it’s shaped like a big hatchback, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is larger than you might expect and similar in size to the Skoda Enyaq. A key part of the Hyundai’s appeal is its styling, with a funky blend of futuristic and retro details to make it really stand out. While the inside isn’t as dazzling on the eye as the outside, it is a very nice place to sit with a spacious, airy feel, great technology and clever features including (on Ultimate models) a sliding centre console and ‘vehicle to load capability’ which lets you power anything from a domestic socket via the car itself.
With all-wheel drive, the next step up is undeniably faster, lopping two seconds off its benchmark sprint time. But it also has a slightly shorter range, costs considerably more and doesn’t feel entirely comfortable to drive quickly. Every version features impressive ultra-rapid charging at up to 250kW, so if you can find a fast enough public charger, a top up from 10 to 80% is possible in less than 20 minutes. Its interior is no less desirable, thanks to a dashboard dominated by a pair of curved 12.3-inch screens for the instruments and infotainment setup. The Enyaq is an all-electric family car that is typically Skoda: that is to say it’s practical, well-equipped, comfortable and decent to drive. With top-spec models able to cover over 300 miles from a full charge, it soothes any range anxiety and just gets on with being an excellent family car – that just happens to run on battery power. Skoda has come up with an innovative way of helping you to personalise your new Enyaq; instead of standard trim levels it offers five individual ‘Design Selections’ – Loft, Lodge, Lounge, Suite and ECO Suite. Each provides a distinct design approach, with different materials used to create a certain style. Discover more info at https://evmotors.live/.
The Audi Q4 e-tron uses the same underpinnings as the Skoda Enyaq iV and the Volkswagen ID.4, so it has an impressive range of up to 316 miles and 125kW rapid-charging. This also means it’s Audi’s most affordable electric car at the moment, and it makes a great family car because it’s spacious inside and comfortable to drive. The Q4 e-tron’s interior is as upmarket as you’d expect from an Audi, and it’s more user-friendly than the ID.4’s cabin as well, without losing out on the amount of technology available. There’s lots of rear leg and headroom, even for adults, and a big boot. The Audi isn’t as good value as the Skoda, but if you want something a bit more upmarket, the Q4 e-tron is a great option. Read our full review to find out more, and make sure to check out our head-to-head twin test between the Q4 e-tron and the Tesla Model Y here.