How would you have coped without a car to take you to work, events, or embark on fun road trips or holidays, and other engagements? Automobiles, whether the latest electric vehicles, hybrid or fossil fuel combustion cars, have increasingly been made available, and changes have continually been adopted to modify it to suit users’ tastes.
Thanks to Henry Ford, who’s credited with bringing cars to the masses, that transformed driving from an exclusive affair for the rich into an integral part of daily life for millions of our population. This massive growth has, however, had an impact on the environment.
Most cars today are presently running on fossil fuel. However, this is one of the critical air pollution sources and global warming. In a quest for a safer environment, scientists and car manufacturers are actively innovating to build smart cars that will be fast, efficient, and effective for your daily usage without endangering the environment.
The Future of Automobile
Although there have been remarkable changes since the introduction of automobiles, there has been a more rapid transformation, especially regarding combating their negative impacts. Futurists predict that the evolution of a newer set of cars will address issues as;
- Accidents: These cars are fitted with multi-sensors that therefore detect movements and possible threats.
- Pollution; emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere through engine combustion of fossil fuel will be significantly overcome by leveraging battery power.
- Congestion: A 2019 Texas A&M mobility study has it that the average automobile commuter spends up to 54 hours weekly stuck in his/her car in traffic.
These evolved cars are expected to be automated, self-driving, and electric. Auto-tech companies such as Tesla and Mercedez Benz have been leading and showcasing their prowess in Electric automated vehicles. In this post, we’ll be looking into Electric cars, why you need them, and the best offers available in the market.
Electric Cars
The first set of practical cars were produced in the 1880s. However, the Tesla Roadster helped inspire the modern generation of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles rely on energy stored in rechargeable batteries and are propelled by electric motors. When compared to internal combustion engine cars, electric vehicles are quieter and have no exhaust emissions. These vehicles can be recharged at charging stations that can be installed in private houses or public areas.
Why You Need Electric Cars
The truth is, electric cars are here to stay. The rising number of electric vehicles on our roads is doubling every year. Here is why you shouldn’t miss out:
- Fuel cost savings; an average American spends up to $2000 on gas every year. With a full Electric car, you are sure to save costs. Fuel savings for an EV owner is approximated at about $1500 per year.
- Helps reduce your carbon footprint and cut downs on greenhouse gas emissions
- Drastically reduces maintenance costs since they do not have an engine that requires oil to lubricate. No need for oil and filter change
- Increasingly affordable as demand increase
- Smooth Acceleration and deceleration, all thanks to its having a lower center of gravity, which offers better handling.
Some Electric Cars That Might Catch Your Fancy
1. 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric: $37,190 | Max Range: 258 miles
The 2020 Kona Electric is fitted with a user-friendly 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system coupled with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In addition, it also comes with active safety aids such as lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a driver condition monitor.
2. 2020 Nissan Leaf: $31,600 | Max Range: 226 miles
The 2020 Nissan Leaf has an expansive interior, excellent cargo volume, confident handling, effortless acceleration, and deceleration. Although not as reliable as other EV competitors, it comes equipped with an 8-inch touch screen, a smartphone app integration, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. It covers 149 miles on a charge, which is, however, low compared to most of today’s electric cars. Nevertheless, you can opt for the Leaf Plus to get 226 miles, which will cost you $38,200.
3. 2020 Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop: $29,900 | Max Range: 110 miles
The 2020 Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop just announced its arrival in the EV space. With a lesser range than any other electric car available in the market today, it is therefore the cheapest new EV you can buy. It’s priced just like the gas-powered Cooper.
The Cooper SE is comfortable to drive and boasts of a luxury-grade cabin, plenty of maximum cargo space, and straightforward infotainment technology. In addition, it is also fitted with synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 6.5-inch display, Apple CarPlay, navigation, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
4. 2020 BMW i3: $44,450 | Max Range: 153 miles
Just as most BMW, the BMW i3’s build quality is top-notch. Its interior is unique since it’s constructed with recycled, eco-friendly, and sustainably sourced materials. It carries four people and has sufficient cargo capacity. The i3 also featured eager acceleration for city driving and good ratings for safety and predicted reliability.
The i3 comes with a 6.5-inch display screen, Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated and power-folding outside mirrors with some other safety packages. Although it’s a short-range electric car, you can add a gas-powered range extender for about $4,000, but it only bumps the i3’s maximum range to 200 miles.
5. 2020 Kia Niro EV: $39,090 | Max Range: 239 miles
Kia Niro has ample cargo space, a dependable warranty, solid safety history, and predicted reliability ratings. It has impressive handling, a comfortable ride, a high-quality interior, and roomy seats.
The 2020 Niro EV is fitted with an easy-to-use 8-inch touch screen, smartphone connectivity, and voice recognition. In addition, a range of driver-assistance aids is included as well. They have; blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane following assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
6. 2020 Chevrolet Bolt: $36,620 | Max Range: 259 miles
Chevrolet Bolt offers more range than most EV rivals. It features roomy seats, large cargo capacity, engaging handling, and energetic acceleration. The bad news is, its cabin isn’t as nice as competing models. It could use more supportive seats, and you have to pay extra for DC fast charging, which comes with many EVs. However, the good news is that Bolt comes with an array of niceties. This includes a 10.2-inch touch screen, smartphone app integration, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and GM’s Teen Driver safety system.
7. 2020 Tesla Model Y: $49,990 | Max Range: 316 miles
The 2020 Model Y is Tesla’s newest model and a Neo-version of the Model 3 sedan. This product delivers potent acceleration, remarkably agile handling, a modern and roomy interior with high-tech features. Currently, you can choose between two all-wheel-drive configurations: The 316-mile Long Range and 291-mile Performance, priced at $10,000+.
It is fitted with a 15-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, heated front, rear seats, over-the-air software updates, a built-in dashcam, blind-spot monitoring, and side collision warning automatic emergency braking.
8. 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric: $33,045 | Max Range: 170 miles
Hyundai Ioniq has a horsepower, an 8-inch touch screen, and more driver-assist tech. In addition, it has adaptive cruise control with stop and function. Spacious front seats and adequate cargo capacity. It also delivers energetic off-the-line acceleration, though its ride and handling are subpar. The Ioniq gets high crash test scores and comes with a reliable warranty.
9. 2020 Jaguar I-Pace: $69,850 | Max Range: 234 miles
I-pace delivered instant acceleration and favored an all-wheel drive and an adaptive air suspension system, making it a reliable daily driver. It also has a classy cabin, large cargo volume, and two rows of adult-friendly seats. It is also fitted with advanced safety systems and a dual-screen infotainment system such as a 12.3-inch driver display, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a premium Meridian audio system, synthetic leather seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
10. 2020 Tesla Model X: $79,990 | Max Range: 351 miles
Tesla Model X covers a broader range than every Electric vehicle in the market. It’s the only three-row EV on the market. It has all-wheel drive and boasts composed handling and supercar-like acceleration capabilities. The 2020 Model X is loaded with standard features, such as navigation, a 17-inch touch screen, a 17-speaker premium stereo, voice command, a Wi-Fi hot spot, an air filtration system, synthetic leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic windshield, and an in-built dashcam. Tesla’s Autopilot system combines several active driver-assist technologies to make driving seamless.
