What Is the Potential of the Electric SUV?

by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing Consultant

Formerly, thinking of electric cars meant automatically linking them with streamlined, small, sporty vehicles. In 2008, the Roadster, a car released by Tesla, confirmed this stereotype. This vehicle was the first all-electric model to travel 200 miles per charge and the first to use lithium-ion battery cells. Setting an exciting precedent, this initiated a new era of electric vehicles.

Recently, electric vehicles have become increasingly popular. Greater awareness of environmental issues paired with increased availability of affordable and stylish electric cars has led to them becoming an attractive option. What’s more, the recent announcement that the ban on new petrol and diesel has been brought forward to 2035 gives even more urgency to the production of electric vehicles.

However, by 2016 the Tesla Model X was still ahead in the industry as the first pure electric SUV. Tesla was certainly a trailblazer in this department, but recently, a plethora of options have come to the market, posing fierce competition. In 2019, the Mitsubishi Outlander proved to be the top electric vehicle by fleet size (41,265) The fact that this SUV had out-sold smaller, more traditional electric vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf, proves the impressive rise of the electric SUV.

Although the UK population has always loved SUVs, the post-Brexit pollution legislation mean that meeting the low-emissions limit will be more challenging than ever. After leaving the EU, our emissions will no longer be set-off by countries such as Italy who tend to favour smaller, more fuel-efficient cars.

Therefore, looking in the direction of electric SUV cars might be necessary in order to preserve our love-affair with bigger SUVs. So, if you’re considering making the switch this year, read on to find out the best electric SUV options on the market today. Join us as we join Lookers, retailers of the Mercedes A Class, as we discuss this further.

An Excellent Hybrid: BMW X5 xDrive45e

The BMW X5 xDrive45e is the ideal hybrid option as it features two extra cylinders, a high battery capacity of 24kWh from the previous 9.2kWh, and it offers a more economical drive. Many people still don’t feel ready to take the plunge into a pure electric drive, but if efficiency and the environment are still at the forefront of your concerns, a hybrid vehicle is the next best thing.

This SUV has an extraordinarily efficient electric to hybrid switchover, which is hardly more perceptible than changing gear. The upgrade from its previous four-cylinder form has rocketed this hybrid SUV into becoming one of the most highly recommended models.

A Touch of Luxury: Audi E-Tron

You’re likely to fall in love with the Audi E-Tron at first glance if you’re searching for an electric SUV that ticks all of the boxes and aren’t bothered about splashing out for your dream car. Setting the standard for 2020, this vehicle lives up to the luxury that Audi promises, with a sleek interior and top of the range touch-screen infotainment system.

This car can charge in just ten minutes and is equipped for eventualities such as light off-roading. A full charge will allow you to drive for 204 miles.

A Touch of Style: Mercedes-Benz EQC

The Mercedes-Benz EQC is smooth and silent, and it brings a refined quality to the world of electric SUVs. For lovers of new and used Mercedes alike, this vehicle will satisfy every desire you might have for an electric SUV — silence, efficiency, safety, and style.

Comfort is also a unique feature of this model, together with its incomparable smoothness. The battery charge time is 41 hours at 220V, or 0.67 hours at 440V, allowing for ultimate flexibility.

Reasonably Priced: Hyundai Kona EV

A Hyundai Kona EV is perfect for those searching for practicality at a reasonable price. Fully charged, it will go as far as 258 miles and can get from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds — not too shabby considering the relatively low price tag!

Although this car might not come with many high-tech highlights as the more pricey models on the market, it’s thanks to its extraordinary design that the vehicle was voted the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.

Because the electric SUV market is in continuous expansion, there will certainly be more options to fit all kinds of preferences and needs. With the introduction of new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards and the post-Brexit pollution legislation, there has never been a better time to invest in an electric vehicle. If space, functionality, and off-road ability are some of your main concerns, make that vehicle an SUV.