Last updated on February 1st, 2021 at 02:50 pm
2021: Cars arriving this year
All-electric vehicles are gaining a lot of traction. Growing interest from consumers is driving manufacturers to diversify their portfolios, while governments play a role in offering tax incentives and improving the country's infrastructure.
Gone are the days where an electric vehicle (EV) is slow, unsuitable for long-distance commutes, and expensive: government grants offer significant savings off your new EV purchase; some all-electric cars are the fastest vehicles around; others push past the 400-mile mark on a single charge.
To understand what is an EV, including the benefits and disadvantages of owning one, read our dedicated guide, here.
As a greater number of all-electric cars start appearing on our roads, it's important to look ahead into the future. Despite the horrors of the pandemic, 2020 was an amazing year for EV sales, and 2021 is set to be another exciting 12 months. There will be loads of exciting new models arriving this year and beyond. Here are our favourite upcoming all-electric vehicles.
Note: we're constantly adding vehicles to this article but do let us know via our social media accounts if your favourite isn't listed.
Mazda MX-30
Expected: 2021
Like many EVs expected in 2020, the launch of Mazda's crossover SUV, the MX-30, has slipped to 2021. It is tipped to have a WLTP range of 124miles from a somewhat meagre 35.5kWh battery and be capable of fast-charging through its CCS-style connector. It will have a 145PS (107kW) motor capable of providing 0-60mph in 9.7 seconds and a 87mph top speed. As for the design, it has ‘suicide doors' and inside it opts for eco-friendly materials. However, it has a very tempting start price of £25,545 for the SE-L Lux model and UK customers can register interest through Mazda’s website.
Aiways U5
Expected: 2021
Aiways is the first Chinese EV manufacturer to have received “EU-wide type approval” from TÜV Rheinland, an independent German inspection and product certification company. The SUV is expected to be priced from around £30,000. It seats five adults, has a 321-mile range and a 188 hp motor which will dispatch 0-62mph in under 9s. It has already arrived as a Hertz rental car in Corsica, but is yet to roll out for consumer buyers in Europe. If the EV takes your fancy, you can pre-order it through the manufacturer's website.
Audi RS e-tron GT
Expected: 2021
Audi's RS e-tron GT is an upcoming all-electric sportscar. Part of the Volkswagen Group, it will most likely share a lot of characteristics with the more expensive Porsche Taycan, whereby it will run on the same 800V system, manage 0-62mph in 3.5s, have 434kW (582 hp) of power and have a 249-mile range. It's due to be revealed in early February and made available in Spring 2021. You can register your interest here.
Pininfarina Battista
Expected: 2021
Built on Rimac's powertrain, the Pininfarina Battista is a hypercar that achieves 0-62mph in under 2s. Its motors produce 1,400 kW (1,900 hp) of power with 2,300 Nm of torque; top speed sits at 217mph. As for the battery, there's a 120 kWh pack that's capable of driving for 280 miles on a single charge. Only 150 examples will be built – expect it to be pricey. Apply to own one through Pininfarina's website.
Read more: Pininfarina's titanic Battista electric hypercar takes another step closer to launch
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Expected: 2021
From the front, the Taycan Cross Turismo looks very much like its sportier sibling, the Taycan. However, this slightly larger vehicle is aimed at those who don't want the ultimate performance and would rather have a more spacious Porsche EV. It was originally revealed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show as the Mission E Cross Turismo. Its styling is being called “Semi SUV” due to a shooting brake-style rear. The Taycan Cross Turismo is likely to have a range of around 250 miles, 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, and be capable of fast-charging to 80% in just 15 minutes. Pricing hasn't yet to been announced but don't expect it to be cheap.
Rimac C_Two
Expected: 2021
If and when the Rimac C_Two lands on our roads, it'll be the fastest road-legal vehicle in the world, surpassing even the Tesla Roadster. Rimac's hypercar is quoted to reach 0-60mph in just 1.85s, where its 1,408 kW (1,915hp) motors generate an unbelievable amount of torque (2,300 Nm). As for top speed, it sits at 258mph – incredible for any car, let alone an EV. Aside from its mind-blowing performance, the car will house a 120 kWh battery that can charge to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes; the range is quoted at 404 miles on a single charge too. Purchasing the car, however, will set you back between £1.5m and £2.3m. Start saving.
Read more: 258mph Rimac C_Two electric hypercar takes step closer to 2021 launch
SEAT el-Born
Expected: 2021
Shown off at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the el-Born is Seat's all-electric vehicle. Based on VW's MEB platform, as used in the ID.3, the car will have a range of around 260 miles with its 62 kWh battery pack. With 150 kW of power from the motor, the stylish hatchback should be able to manage 0-62 mph in just 7.5 seconds, similar to the ID.3. It will also come with Level 2 Autonomous driving capabilities.
Read more: All-electric SEAT Cupra El-Born details and images revealed
Vauxhall Mokka-e
Expected: 2021
The Vauxhall Mokka-e is yet another electric vehicle from the PSA Groupe (recently renamed Stellantis) to combine a 100kW (136hp) motor with 50kWh battery, this time inside a small “crossover” SUV body format. With a price starting at £30,840 for the base SE Nav Premium trim, the Mokka-e is a relatively affordable EV with a reasonable 201-mile range, 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 93mph. It's not a bad-looking vehicle, and promises to provide yet another mainstream EV option in 2021.
Read more: Vauxhall reveals price and spec for electric Mokka-e SUV
Volvo XC40 EV
Expected: 2021
Volvo's first all-electric vehicle will be the XC40 EV. Built upon the manufacturer's gasoline variant, the SUV will feature Google's Android Automotive OS, be available in eight different colours and will have dual 201bhp motors giving the car a total of 402bhp. It will have a top speed of 112mph and reach 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds. Its 78kWh battery gives it a range of around 248 miles on a single charge.
Read more: Volvo starts production of electric XC40
Merecedes-Benz EQA
Expected: 2021
Following on from 2019's EQC, Mercedes will be launching a smaller entry-level EQA all-electric car. This compact SUV is based on the GLA platform. It is equipped with a 140kw (196 hp) engine providing 0-60mph in 8.9 seconds and 66.5kWh battery that provides a range according to WLTP of 426 kilometres (266 miles). It will have a starting price of 47,540.50 Euros. After the initial two-wheel-drive version, a four-wheel-drive option will be released.
Read more: Mercedes-Benz launches entry-level EQA SUV
BMW iX3
Expected: 2021
The BMW iX3 will run on the company's fifth-generation eDrive technology, where its electric motor will produce up to 270hp of power, propelling it 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds, and with a range of around 279 miles on a single charge from its 80kWh (74kWh usable) battery. The SUV's battery packs will also support 150kW fast-charging, whereby a full charge can be achieved in under half an hour. The iX3 Premier Edition and iX3 Premier Edition Pro will respectively have a starting price of £61,900 and £64,900. You can register your interest through BMW's website.
Read more: BMW announces price and specification of iX3 electric SUV
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Expected: 2021
Read more: Ford reveals details of Mustang Mach-E GT electric SUV beast
Lordstown Endurance
Expected: 2021
In November 2019, Lordstown Motors, a startup company, bought General Motors' manufacturing plant in Ohio to build its new electric truck. The pickup will have an all-electric range of up to 250 miles, run on a four-wheel-drive system using innovative in-hub motors and will start from $52,500. Other performance details and the final design of the truck have yet to be revealed, but you can still pre-order it through the company's website. Unsurprisingly, it's American.
Lotus Evija
Expected: 2021
Only 130 examples of the Lotus Evija will be built. This British hypercar has a target power output of 2,000 PS (1,972 hp), which makes it the most powerful production road car. Top speed is set to hit over 200mph, with a 0-62mph in sub-3s. It's estimated to have a pure electric driving range of 250 miles. As you might imagine this EV won't come cheap – a £250,000 deposit is required for the whopping £2 million pound car.
Read more: Lotus plans all-electric future
Skoda Enyaq iV
Expected: 2021
Skoda isn't a car manufacturer that's renowned for its stylish vehicles, but its upcoming Vision iV crossover SUV is among the best-looking vehicles we've ever seen, and was the cue for the forthcoming Enyaq iV. Built on VW's MEB platform, the vehicle sports a 60 or 82 kW battery pack (58 or 77kWh usable) that delivers up to 333 miles of driving range. Its motors output 150 kW (201 hp) of power and achieve 0-62mph in 8.5. The SUV has a starting price of £33,450. You can configure and order on Skoda's website.
Read more: Skoda releases UK price and spec for Enyaq iV electric SUV
Toyota Mirai 2021
Expected: 2021
This five-seater fuel cell electric vehicle is set to come out 2021. It's expected the car will have a driving range of over 400 miles and will be capable of fully refuelling its three hydrogen tanks in minutes. The driven wheels have been switched from the front of the original Mirai to rear-wheel-drive, for a more dynamic driving experience. Inside, the car will feature a 12.3″ infotainment display and a digital instrument cluster. To find out more and to register your interest, head over to Toyota’s website.
Read next: Toyota launches 2021 hydrogen fuel cell Mira
Audi Q4 e-tron
Expected: 2021
The Q4 e-tron was unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and is expected to be available in 2021. Based on VW's MEB platform, the SUV is tipped to reach 0-62mph in 6.3s thanks to 306hp motors and have a range of 310 miles. Its 82kWh battery pack will have DC fast-charging capabilities (up to 125kW), too. It's expected to cost from £50,000.
Fiat 500e
Expected: 2021
The Fiat 500e has been around for some time, however, the new 2021 model is expected to have a 115-199 mile driving range and a power rating of up to 117bhp; that's a step up from its predecessor which had an 80-mile range and 83 kW of power. The most powerful version will have a 0-60mph of 9 seconds. With a starting price below £20,000, this will be one of the most affordable EVs yet.
Read next: Fiat 500 Electric includes sub-£20,000 version and original version becomes ‘Classic’
Karma Revero GSe-6
Expected: 2021
So far, Karma has only produced a hybrid version of its stunning Revero based on the Fisker Karma. But in 2021 an all-electric GSe-6 version will join the range (previously known as the GTE). An entry-level version will use a 75kWh battery and offer 200 miles of range, while a 100kWh battery will extend this to 300 miles. Finally, a 400-mile range version will arrive later in the year. Karma claims the Revero GSe-6 will hit 62mph in less than 3.9 seconds, and can be recharged to 80% capacity in under 30 minutes with a 150kW fast charger. Yet this is still a four-door saloon. With these looks, and the promised performance and range, could this be a worthy Tesla Model S competitor? We hope so, although Karma has faced continuing financial difficulties.
Read next: Stunning Karma Revero goes fully electric with new GTE version
Lexus EX 300e
Expected: 2021
Lexus' first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) arrived in select European markets in the second half of 2020, while in the UK it will come in early 2021. The crossover SUV will deliver 150 kW (201 hp) of power and propel you to 62 mph in 7.5s; top speed sits at 100 mph. It's set to have a 196-mile range and will be able to charge to 80% in around 50 minutes using a DC charger. If the UX 300e takes your fancy, you can register your interest through the manufacturer’s website.
Read next: Lexus UX 300e 2021 First Look Review
Lightyear One
Expected: 2021
Unlike other upcoming EVs, the Lightyear One doesn't have to rely on its charging socket. This quirky-looking vehicle has solar panels on its roof and bonnet, which provide 12km (7.5 miles) of range an hour when under sunlight. The car is claimed to have a total range of 450 miles and will reach 0-60mph in under 10s. To reserve one, you'll have to fork out €119,000 (around £102,000), after which the final price will be €149,000 (around £128,000).
Rivian R1S SUV
Expected: 2021
Rivian has gathered a lot of interest over in the US, thanks to big-name investors such as Amazon, Ford and Cox Automotive, to the SUV's design. The R1S is set to start from $72,500 (around £59,300) and boasts an impressive 400-mile range, 0-60mph in under 3 seconds and a top speed of 125mph. You can pre-order the R1S SUV through Rivian's website.
Read more: Everything you need to know about the R1S SUV
Rivian R1T pickup truck
Expected: 2021
The R1T shares a near-identical platform to the R1S SUV, above. The biggest differences are the aesthetics, the towing weight (11,000 lb up from the R1S' 7,700 lb), and a slightly shorter range of 400 miles on a single charge. The R1T will go on sale from $69,000 (around £56,400). You can pre-order the R1T through Rivian's website.
Read more: Everything you need to know about the R1T pickup truck
Tesla Semi
Expected: 2021
Unveiled in 2017, the Tesla Semi will be the company's first truck. The 300-mile model will cost $150,000 (around £123,000), while the 620-mile variant will set you back $180,000 (around £147,000). The truck's selling point is its power: with 80,000 lb in the trailer, it'll achieve 0-60 mph in just 20 seconds. That's seriously impressive. You can reserves yours now through Tesla's website. You know, for doing lots and lots of shopping.
Tesla Cybertruck
Expected: 2021
The Cybertruck is a radically-designed vehicle from Tesla. The pickup truck will offer an incredible driving range of 500+ miles, reaches 0-60mph in 2.9s, has a top speed of 130mph and more importantly for a pickup truck has a tow rating of 14,000 lbs – impressive. The vehicle will start being delivered in late 2021. You can order yours through Tesla's website; prices start from $39,900.
Read more: Tesla Cybertruck (CYBRTRK) revealed: Everything you need to know
Tesla Model Y
Expected: Late 2021
The 5-door Tesla Model Y SUV has been on sale in the USA for some months and just started deliveries in China. After initially saying there wasn't going to be a rear-wheel-drive version after all, Musk's company has just been released. This brings the starting price down to $41,990, with the Long Range costing $49,990 and the Performance version $59,990. Range spans from 244 miles for the Standard version to 326 miles for the Long Range (EPA), and the Performance version can sprint to 60mph in 3.5 seconds. A seven-seat option has recently been made available, too. While you can already place orders in Europe, for delivery late in 2021, the UK doesn't even provide that possibility yet, so it could well be 2022 before we see any Model Y. You can reserve your Model Y by visiting a local Tesla store.
Read more: Tesla Model Y Exclusive Preview: Will this be the best EV yet?
Tesla Roadster
Expected: 2021
The Tesla Roadster will be among the fastest ever road-legal cars in the world. Tipped to reach 60mph in just 1.9 seconds, a top speed exceeding 250mph and a 620-mile range, this two-door sports car will be one of the most exciting to date. It doesn't come cheap, though. The first 1,000 ‘Founder's Series' models will be priced at $250,000 (around £205,000), after which the price of the car will drop to around $200,000 (around £164,000). You can reserve yours through Tesla's website.
VW ID. 4
Expected: 2021
The VW ID. 4 is VW's second all-electric vehicle based on the MEB platform. The SUV was first seen at the 2017 Shanghai motor show and has been on sale in the US since mid-2020, but is only just starting to be available in Europe. Prices start at £40,800 for the 1st Edition. This offers a 310-mile range, a 150 kW motor (around 201 hp), support for rapid 150 kW charging and is set to have an augmented-reality (AR) HUD. It's available for order from the Volkswagen website.
Read more: Volkswagen unveils the ID.4 electric SUV
Seat Minimo
Expected: 2021
Seat's one-seater is aimed at making inner-city commutes convenient and eco-friendly, and bears a striking resemblance to the Renault Twizy. It has a quoted range of 62 miles but unlike most, its 15 kWh batteries can be removed, meaning you can drive for longer if you've got a second battery pack with you. There's little else known about the Minimo, but it's expected to arrive in 2021.
BMW i4
Expected: Late 2021
BMW's i4 takes aim at the Tesla Model 3; it's a four-door fastback that's deemed to be the manufacturer's new electrified version of its popular 3-series vehicles. The car will achieve 62mph in under 4s thanks to 530hp (390kW) motors, have a top speed of 124mph and a range of 375 miles. We're likely to see a 150kW DC fast-charger, which will provide a full charge in under 30 minutes. It's planned for late 2021, with full rollout in 2022.
Read more: BMW claims its i4 electric coupe is about more than just acceleration
BMW iX
Expected: Late 2021
The iX is the production version of the Vision iNEXT concept and keeps many of the qualities of this radically different-looking SUV. BMW is claiming a 375-mile range and over 500hp for 0 to 62mph acceleration of under 5 seconds. There will be fast charging up to 200kW, so 80% capacity can be replenished in 40 minutes. It will also allegedly be 5G-capable. The SUV is tipped to launch right at the end of 2021.
Read next: BMW reveals iX electric SUV with Tesla-beating 375-mile range
Tesla Model S Plaid and Plaid Plus
Expected: Late 2021
The Tesla Model S Plaid has been hotly anticipated, and unfortunately in the UK we'll have to carry on anticipating it until 2022. We've put it under 2021 because it will be shipping in the US this year. The update to Tesla's flagship executive saloon will be gobsmacking, with the £110,980 Plaid boasting three motors with carbon-sleeved rotors and torque vectoring, which together deliver an incredible 1,020hp. This gives it a 2-second 0-60mph sprint, 200mph top speed, and it still has 390 miles of range. Even the basic £83,980 Long Range gets an upgrade in the Plaid era to provide 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds and 412 miles of range. And if the Plaid isn't fast enough for you, Tesla will also release a Plaid Plus a bit later in the year, which will set you back a princely £130,980 but offer 1,100hp, a sub-2 seconds 0-60mph, a top speed over 200mph, and yet have a range of over 520 miles. Until the Roadster arrives, the Model S Plaid Plus will set the benchmark of what is possible from a mass production EV. Don't expect to see any in the UK until well into 2022, however.
Read next: Tesla reveals Model S refresh including 1,100hp Plaid Plus with 520-mile range
Tesla Model X Plaid
Expected: Late 2021
Alongside the Model S Plaid, a Model X Plaid has also been released with the same drivetrain – so 1,020hp, three drive units and carbon-sleeved rotors plus torque vectoring. This gives it 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds, which is pretty extraordinary for a 2.5-ton SUV. It has a 163mph top speed and 340-mile range. The interior will have the same makeover as the Model S (and this applies to the Model X Long Range as well), with a landscape central screen and rectangular steering wheel. There's no Plaid Plus version on the cards, however. The Model X Plaid starts at £110,980 and has the same six- and seven-seat options as the previous Model X. Unfortunately, as with the introduction of the new Model S, the new Model X means that while you can still order in 2021, only US customers will receive their cars this year – UK buyers will have to wait until 2022.
IONIQ 5
Expected: Late 2021
Hyundai has shown its commitment to EVs by launching an entire separate IONIQ brand devoted to them. The first vehicle to arrive under the new name will be the IONIQ 5, which will also be the initial offering to use Hyundai's Electric-Global Modula Platform (E-GMP). Hyundai has kept its official cards close to its chest about the IONIQ 5, but it's expected to be another small SUV crossover, with up to 310 miles of range and a starting price of around £40,000. Hyundai has a solid release strategy for IONIQ cars, with a 6 based on the Prophecy concept in 2022 and another SUV called 7 in 2024.
Read more: Teaser images and videos of IONIQ 5 revealed, first model from new Hyundai electric brand
MG Supermini
Expected: Late 2021
The formerly British MG brand has played a significant part in lowering the cost of entry to EV ownership with the MG ZS EV and MG5 EV. The latter was already available from some dealers for £21,000 at launch. Now there are rumours that MG will push the lower boundary of EV pricing down still further with a small car, although details don't go much further than this. We surmised that the new MG Supermini could be based on the Roewe Clever (shown above), considering how the MG5 EV was also based on an existing Roewe car. It's unlikely to be a luxury vehicle packed with cutting-edge tech, but if other MG EVs are anything to go by, it would be incredible value.
Read more: MG could have sub-£20,000 small EV by end of 2021
Toyota SUV BEV
Expected: Late 2021
After spending years wandering down the meandering cul-de-sac of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, Toyota has finally announced that it will be releasing a battery-electric vehicle under its own brand, hot on the heels of the Lexus UX300e. However, this won't be a Toyota rebadge of that vehicle at all. It will be a pure BEV built from the ground up on Toyota's new e-TNGA platform. Confirmed details are scarce, but it expected to be around the same size as the current RAV4 and could be two- or four-wheel-drive. Toyota is also claiming to have solid-state battery technology in the works, which could provide unique range and charging abilities.
Read more: Toyota announces first all-electric SUV for 2021
Nissan Ariya
Expected: Late 2021
Nissan is arguably the other manufacturer alongside Tesla that has really driven EV adoption into the mainstream with the Leaf, which has just had its 10th anniversary, after selling over 500,000 units worldwide. But the Leaf is looking a little long in the tooth, so it was high time Nissan released something new. The Ariya is that new launch, and it looks amazing. Of course, it's another SUV, but with specifications for every need. Motors will range in power from 160kW (217PS) to 290kW (394PS), providing 0-62mph acceleration from 7.5 down to 5.1 seconds. Battery sizes will be either 65kWh or 90kWh, providing WLTP ranges from 211 miles to 310 miles. This looks like a very promising electric SUV for the masses indeed.
Read more: Nissan Ariya launch – details and pictures
Dacia Spring Electric
Expected: Late 2021
We're still waiting for the EV that makes electric driving truly affordable for everyone, but the Dacia Spring could be a huge step in that direction. It will combine a 33kW engine with 26.8kWh battery to provide 140 miles of WLTP range. It could easily be priced well under £20,000. The Dacia Spring Electric will be rolling out to Europe with car-sharing service Zity this year, but won't be available to private buyers until 2022, and there are currently no plans to bring it to the UK. We're not sure why…
Read more: Renault launches two new electric vehicles at eWays
Lucid Air
Expected: Late 2021
Lots of startup companies have been touting themselves as having a car to compete with the Tesla Model S, but the Lucid Air arguably has the best credentials to do so – because the company now has Peter Rawlinson in its ranks, former VP of Engineering of Tesla and one of the people behind the Model S. The Air will launch with a range of 517 miles, up with the Tesla Model S Plaid Plus, and is boasting an autonomous driving system enhanced by five radar units. The drive unit will offer 746kW (1,000hp) and has achieved 235mph in performance testing. So it's definitely a Tesla Model S contender.
Read more: Lucid Air specification revealed, and it's phenomenal
AC Cobra Electric
Expected: Late 2021
The AC brand is having a resurgence, and alongside a classic V8-powered version of the Cobra will be a beast of an electric model. This will boast a 460kW (617hp) motor with 1,000Nm of torque alongside a 54kWh battery pack. The combination will provide 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds and 200 miles of range, thanks to a low 1,190kg weight. The electric AC Cobra looks as amazing as the original, and although it won't have the V8 growl many love, it will perform like no Cobra ever has. It's also price accordingly, with a starting cost of £168,000.
Read more: AC Cobra makes dramatic comeback – as an electric car
2022: Next year's expected releases
Canoo
Expected: 2022
Unlike other manufacturers, Canoo has taken a completely different approach: you don't buy the vehicle, you lease it. Based on a subscription model, the futuristic people carrier will come with Level 2+ autonomous capabilities, run for 250 miles on a single charge and have a top speed of 125mph. Limited availability is expected late in 2022, with full scale production in 2023.
Read more: Canoo: A subscription-based EV that flips the industry on its head
Fisker Ocean
Expected: Early 2022
Fisker's SUV has taken centre stage and pushed the release of its sports car – the EMotion – back a few years. Aimed at pleasing the mid-tier SUV market, this vehicle will be priced under $40,000 (around £31,000). It's deemed to have a 250-300-mile range and a stylish interior that will be made from recycled and vegan materials, too. You can reserve yours through Fisker's website – deliveries are targetted for 2022.
Fisker EMotion
Expected: Late 2022
Designed by Henrik Fisker, the man who designed the Aston Martin DB9 and many others including the original Karma, the Emotion is one of the best-looking electric vehicles to date. Its gullwing doors open to reveal a luxurious interior, while under the bonnet, a 575kW (780hp) motor sends this AWD car flying: 0-60mph in less than 3s and a top speed of 160mph – electrifying. It'll also go the distance, with a claimed 400+ mile range, and even have support for autonomous driving. The Fisker EMotion was meant to come out in late 2019 or early 2020 but has seen some delays. We'd expect it to hit the road in late 2022.
Ford F-150 Electric
Expected: 2022
In July 2019, Ford showed off its F-150 Electric prototype by pulling off a PR stunt – the pickup truck was seen to tow more than 1 million pounds of weight. Since the video was uploaded a few people commented on the ‘real' weight of the train (where the vehicle ‘only' needed to demonstrate 1,875 lb-force in order to move the train). Regardless, Ford's upcoming EV is expected to run on an all-wheel-drive system and have a minimum driving range of 300 miles. It's expected sometime in 2022 and will cost under $100,000.
Hummer EV
Expected: 2022
The Hummer used to be infamous for being one of the least economical cars you could drive, ever. So it's almost like a huge joke from General Motors that the Hummer is now being brought back as an EV. But it is, and not just in name. This is still a massive beast of a truck. The initial version will have 1,000hp and 11,500 pound-feet of torque, providing 0-60mph of just 3 seconds, which is insane for a such a huge vehicle. It will also have a range of over 350 miles. The initial version will have a hefty $112,595 price tag, but lesser versions will be released in subsequent years. It's part of GM's recently confirmed strategy to make its entire range electric by 2030.
Read more: GM launches electric Hummer – but it’s not cheap
NIO ET7
Expected: 2022
NIO is yet another startup that has been touted as a Tesla challenger, but this time it's Chinese. The company already has a top-20 seller in China, the ES6 SUV. The ET7, however, is more of a Tesla Model 3 competitor. It boast dual motors with a combined power of 480kW (644hp), providing a 0-62mph sprint speed of 3.9 seconds. However, the biggest news is a 150kWh battery option allowing a range of over 1,000km (625 miles), although 70kWh and 100kWh batteries are also available. It also has a full suite of sensors for autonomous driving. With a price starting at $69,000, it's not cheap by Chinese standards, but it does look capable. It's due in China in early 2022, and we hope it makes the journey to Europe soon after that.
Read more: NIO launches 1,000km-range Tesla-challenging ET7 autonomous electric saloon
Porsche Macan
Expected: 2022
Very little is known about the upcoming all-electric Macan, but we've been told by Porsche that the SUV will be electrified and will run on the same 800-volt system as the company's first battery-operated vehicle, the Taycan. It'll be quick, stylish and have all the Porsche trims available. We were expecting it in late 2020, but news has been quiet about it all year, and now don't see it arriving until at least 2022.
Renualt Megane eVision
Expected: 2022
Alongside the Dacia Spring Electric, Renault launched the Megane eVision at its eWays event in 2020. The design prototypes look amazing, and so does the specificaiton. It will include a 60kWh ultra-thin battery that allows for a lower, sleeker profile, and a reasonably potent 160kW (220hp) motor, so should be quick as well as offering over 280 miles or range. This could be the first truly hot electric Renault hatch.
Read more: Renault launches two new electric vehicles at eWays
VW ID. Buzz
Expected: 2022
Volkswagen's electric campervan was tipped to come out in late 2020, but like so many EV releases has slipped until at least 2022. Following on from the success of the original, the German manufacturer is looking to electrify its microbus. No details have emerged on the vehicle's range and power but some predict there will be two models: a 275kW (369 hp) all-wheel drive and 200kW (268 hp) rear-wheel-drive variant.
Xpeng P7
Expected: 2022
The Xpeng P7 was released in China in mid-2020 and arrived in the US right at the end of they same year. We don't expect it to be on sale widely in Europe in 2021, although Xpeng's G3 SUV has already had a limited release in Norway. However, 2022 is more likely. We hope it does make it these shores, because its specification is very promising. The dual-motor version has a combined power of 316kW (425hp) and 655Nm of torque, giving it 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds. The 80.9kWh battery promises an NEDC range of 706km for the rear-wheel-drive-only version. Prices in China start at around £26,000.
Read more: Chinese Xpeng G3 electric SUV arrives with customers in Norway
2023 and beyond
AI:ME
Expected: Undisclosed
Audi's AI:ME concept car is unlike any other – this EV is smart enough to empathise with its passengers. It will detect your mood and adjust its driving mode based on your ‘feelings'. Upon entering the vehicle, the car will detect the preferred seat position, media, route guidance software, temperature and even adjust the fragrancing of the cabin. Inside, the car is serene-looking, with the primary goal of providing you with a relaxing atmosphere. It's radical and with no official specs announced, we're not sure when or even if it will come to market.
Read next: Audi shows off its new AI:ME all-electric car at CES 2020
BMW Electric M5
Expected: No earlier than 2024
The M5 has long been BMW's flagship of German muscle, and if the company is to keep its traditions in the EV era, an electric M5 needs to obliterate the opposition in a similar fashion. Beemer-lovers need not worry. The company is now planning a car with a 250kW motor up front and two more in the rear, for a total of 750kW (1,006hp). This will enable a 0-62mph sprint of 2.9 seconds. A huge 135kWh battery pack will still mean the range is excellent – the current estimation is 435 miles. But with BMW not expected to release an electric 5-series until 2023, the electric M5 won't be with us until at least 2024. We can't wait!
Read next: BMW planning colossal 1,006hp electric M5
Cupra Tavascan
Expected: 2024
Batman's electric crossover SUV, the Cupra Tavascan is built by the Spanish car manufacturer, Seat. The vehicle will have two electric motors that'll dispatch 0-62mph in 6.5s. Its 77 kWh battery pack will last for 279 miles on a single charge. It's expected to go on sale in 2024 for an asking price of around £60,000.
Infiniti Qs Inspiration Concept
Expected: Undisclosed
Karma SC1 Vision Concept
Expected: Undisclosed
The Karma SC1 Vision Concept looks very similar to its sibling, the SC2 (below), however, with a lower profile this hypercar is set to reach new heights in the EV world. Despite being showcased at the LA Auto Show in November 2019, there's very little information about the performance or indeed the availability of the car.
Karma SC2
Expected: Undisclosed
The Karma SC2 is an all-electric hypercar: it will hit 0-60mph in under 2s (faster than a F1 racecar), will have 1,100hp at its helm and houses a 120kWh battery pack, which should see it drive the distance. WhichEV saw it at the LA Auto Show, however, very little information was shared about the car. Given the car's spec, one would expect it to cost in the millions.
Read more: The Karma SC2 is an EV hypercar that achieves 0-60mph in under 2 seconds
Kia Futuron Concept
Expected: Undisclosed
The Kia Futuron Concept is another car about which very little is known, but we've been told it wll incorporate a fully-electric powertrain. Revealed at CIIE 2019 (China International Import Exposition), the “UFO and flying saucer designed” SUV is set to integrate a network of LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors that will be capable of providing Level 4 autonomous driving features. Inside the cabin, the EV will adopt a Star Trek Enterprise kind of look – ultra-futuristic.
Lotus Lexus LF-30
Expected: Undisclosed
Nissan IMk
Expected: Undisclosed
Currently only visualised as a concept, the IMk is arguably one of the best-looking city cars to have graced the internet. With elegant curves on the outside to a serene interior – it's a work of art. Little is known about the car but we hope to hear more about Nissan's developments, soon. It was revealed alongside the original concept for the Nissan Ariya, which is set to arrive in 2021.
Read more: Nissan’s all-electric IMk and Ariya Concept vehicles are Japanese masterpieces
Polestar Precept
Expected: Undisclosed
The Polestar Precept is a manifesto of things to come. The company used composite materials which reduce interior component weight by 50% with an 80% reduction in plastic. Moreover, it offers rigidity with low weight thanks to powerRibs technology from Bcomp which is inspired by leaf veins. Bcomp’s ampliTex composite material is strengthened by the powerRibs to create strong and rigid componentry – which can reduce vibrations by up to 250% as well as performing better during an impact. It has eye-tracking that monitors where the driver is looking and adjusts the way information is presented: smaller and more detailed when the driver is focused on the display, and larger, brighter, vital information when focused on the road.
Read more: Precept is a showcase for upcoming Polestar technologies and design concepts
Sony Vision-S
Expected: Undisclosed
Sony caught everyone by surprise when it announced its Vision-S concept EV at CES 2020 – the consumer electronic show which takes place every year in Las Vegas. Still in its concept form, the vehicle is tipped to have a twin-motor design that can dispatch 400 kW of power; it'll reach 0-62mph in 4.8s and it'll have a top speed of 149 mph. No word on driving range just yet. Aside from its performance traits, the car will have a lot of technology built-in: from CMOS image sensors dotted around the car to clever AI technology within the cabin.
Read next: Sony shows off electric car concept in new videos
BYD e1
Expected: Undisclosed
BYD Auto is a company most people in Europe won't have heard of. But it's one of the world's largest manufacturers of EVs, having sold 161,000 plug-in cars by 2016, placing third globally. You won't have heard of BYD because currently the company only sells its cars, buses, coaches, vans and trucks in China. But it's likely to have its sights on the rest of the world soon, so we chose its cheapest model, introduced in China in 2019, as an example. The e1 is based on the company's F0 platform. It has a 32.2kWh battery and a WLTP range of 191 miles. Most impressively, it costs just 59,900 Chinese Yuan, the equivalent of £6,874. So if BYD can bring this car to the UK for anything close to this price, it's going to be a gamechanger.
Maruti Suzuki Wago R EV
Expected: Undisclosed
Suzuki has been notable by its absence from the EV market, although the company has been selling versions of its Ignis and Swift compact cars for a while now. However, the Indian-based Maruti Suzuki subsidiary has a plan to release an electric version of its Wagon R MPV. With a price expected to be Rs 10 lakh, around the £10,000 mark, this could be another low-cost gamechanger if it comes to the UK.
Maruti Suzuki Wago R EV
Expected: Undisclosed
Great Wall Motors Company Ltd, or GWM, is another huge Chinese car company you've probably never heard of. Yet in 2016 it set a sales record of over a million cars worldwide, an increase of 26% over 2015. Outside of China, the company has so far expanded production into Bulgaria, Iran, and Russia. The Ora R1 is its breakout EV, costing under £8,000 yet offering a 33kWh battery pack capable of up to 194 miles range. It may not be fast – top speed is slated to be just 63mph – but European manufacturers are still trying to sell cars this size for £30,000 or more. So if the Ora R1 does come to the UK it could put the cat among the pigeons.
Read next: How will European brands react to a sub-£8,000 electric car with four doors?
WM Motor EX6 Plus 400
Expected: Undisclosed
Completing our roundup of Chinese possibilities is Weltmeister, which surprisingly is not a German brand at all, despite the name. Generally known by its parent company WM Motor Technology Co Ltd, the manufacturer has been producing electric crossover SUVs for a couple of years now, but so far purely focused on China. The latest EX6 Plus 400 boasts a NEDC range from its 54kWh battery of over 400km (250 miles), hence the model name. The 160kW (218bhp) engine provides 315Nm of torque, although performance hasn't yet been disclosed. However, with a starting price of 189,900 Chinese Yuan, which is around £21,500, this could be an even cheaper SUV than the MG ZS EV, if it makes it to the UK.
Read next: China’s rise as an EV superpower explained by Rupert Mitchell from WM
VW ID. Space Vizzion
Expected: 2023
The ID. Space Vizzion is scheduled for release in late 2023. The estate-sized vehicle will have a range of up to 367 miles, reaching 0-60mph in 5 seconds, and has the ability to recharge to 80% in under 30 minutes. This futuristic-looking vehicle hasn't had its price announced but will be available in Europe, North America and China.
Read more: Volkswagen ID. Space Vizzion: The seventh member of the ID. family
Tesla “Model 2”
Expected: 2023-4
Aside from all the new battery innovation announced at Tesla Battery Day 2020, Elon Musk also discussed in rather offhand manner that his company would be producing a $25,000 small car with autonomous abilities “within the next three years”, which would be 2023 or 2024. Naturally, this was the news that really got everyone excited, with some pundits claiming this would be the rumoured “Model 2”. No further details have emerged, but considering Tesla's previous track record with the Model S, 3 and Y, the 2 (or whatever it will be called) is going to be a real gamechanger, and potentially the final nail in the coffin for fossil fuel cars.
Read next: Elon Musk promises 50% reduction in Tesla battery costs and $25,000 car at Battery Day
Renault 5 EV
Expected: Unknown
The Renault Zoe has been one of the most successful EVs of all time (so far), but Renault hasn't yet created a car with the “people's hot hatch” appeal of certain Renault 5 variants. Recently, the company implied that it intends to remedy that by resuscitating the 5 in electric form. All we have is prototype 3D renders so far. But if Renault can bring out a production EV that looks close to these conceptual impressions, the company is likely to have a health order book.
Read next: Prototype design for electric Renault 5 revealed
Apple Car
Expected: 2028 or later
Apple started development of a radical autonomous electric vehicle in 2014, but the project languished. Recently, it has been reported that the project is underway again. Reuters suggested the car could even arrive in 2024, but another analyst report was sceptical, pushing its debut out to at least 2028. Beyond that, we know nothing, with not even a conceptual drawing to show you, let alone any prospective technical details. But that's usually how Apple plays, keeping everything secret until the last possible moment. So don't expect to hear much for sure until it's virtually ready for release.
Read next: Apple electric car not likely until at least 2028 according to analyst