We crunch the numbers on the electric cars on sale today to see which come closest to hitting their advertised figures
Plenty of electric cars have impressive claimed range figures but managing to achieve them is another story. With the increasing number of EVs to choose from, buyers are hunting for the most energy-efficient electric cars to really make the most of their batteries between charges.
Electric car efficiency is measured by calculating its miles per kilowatt hour used, shortened to mpkWh. For example, a Volkswagen ID 3 with a 77kWh battery would require an efficiency of 4.5mpkWh to achieve its officially rated 347 miles of range.
Tesla Model 3 Unveil (Image: Tesla)
A vehicle’s efficiency is affected in several different ways, with aspects such as weight proving to be a key factor in positively or negatively impacting range.
The Audi Q8 E-tron, for example, is powered by a 106kWh battery, but weighs a staggering 2585kg, meaning it can deliver only around 2.9mpkWh.
Larger, SUV-style electric cars are also usually impacted more by drag, which reduces their range compared with sleeker, more aerodynamic sports cars and hatchbacks.
The range and efficiency of electric cars are also heavily influenced by the weather conditions and outside temperatures. Warmer temperatures mean a battery’s chemical reactions can occur faster and offer higher range, whereas colder weather requires more energy, reducing range.
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Hyundai is looking to follow up the success of its Ioniq 5 by targeting conquest sales from traditional premium brands with its new Ioniq 6 fully-electric saloon.
The car, which launched earlier this year, is being positioned to appeal to user-chooser drivers who are in the market for a Tesla Model 3 or a BMW i4, seeking a long range and an engaging drive.
2020 Hyundai IONIQ (Image: Hyundai)
Tim White, head of fleet at Hyundai Motor UK, said: “The Ioniq 6 has certainly been causing a stir since it went on sale a few months ago.
“Just as Ioniq 5 did, we are hoping it will attract more new customers to the brand who previously may not have considered Hyundai, especially from drivers that may have previously chosen a more traditionally-perceived premium brand.”
The brand is strategically positioning Ioniq 6 with the corporate end-user side of its business as this segment continues to be its core focus.
“The launch of Ioniq 6 has kept the team busy, with fleets looking to either offer the car at a higher car policy grade to Ioniq 5 while others have placed it parallel to the car,” said White.
To come later in the year is the new Kona Electric. To prepare for this, Hyundai has operated with minimal volume of the existing Kona Electric, which means it has focused on positioning both Tucson PHEV for fleet drivers not yet ready for a full EV and ensuring Ioniq 5 maintains a competitive position.
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Tesla’s (NASDAQ: TSLA) participated in a new reliability study by the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) in Germany where their electric Model 3 crushed its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.
It should come as no surprise that electric vehicles (EVs) are generally more reliable than their fossil-fuel-powered counterparts, given their remarkable mechanical simplicity. The superiority of EVs in terms of reliability has been emphasized in a recent study conducted by the ADAC, a German vehicle analysis firm. The study found that the Tesla Model 3 outperforms a large majority of gas-powered vehicles, further solidifying the reliability advantage of electric cars.
Tesla Model 3 Unveil (Image: Tesla)
The ADAC study is an annual analysis that primarily examines vehicles that are older than three years. The group’s latest study encompassed four electric vehicles available in the German market: the Tesla Model 3, BMW i3, Volkswagen ID.3, and Renault Zoe. According to the findings from the ADAC’s data, electric vehicles not only outperform their gasoline counterparts on average, but the Tesla Model 3 exhibits a significantly higher level of reliability compared to both gasoline vehicles and other electric cars.
The study found that only 1.1 out of 1,000 2020 model-year Tesla Model 3s broke down annually, which is, surprisingly, a slight increase from the 2019 Model 3, which only had 0.9 breakdowns per 1,000 units. Comparatively, the average gas vehicle had 6.9 breakdowns per 1,000 units, and the average EV had 4.9 breakdowns per 1,000 units.
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Sleek Ioniq 5 sibling finally reaches the UK to take on the Tesla Model 3
Last year, the Toyota GR86 famously sold out in just 90 minutes, giving Glastonbury a run for its money in the popularity stakes. But there was another fast-selling in-demandcar that slipped under most people’s radar: the Hyundai Ioniq 6 First Edition, which was all gone in just 24 hours.
Granted, that’s not quite Billie Eilish fast, but for an electric car, and a Hyundai at that, it’s still some statement. As a result of its global popularity and the (yawn) ongoing supply problems, we’re only just getting into a first review of the car in the UK, despite it being available in Korea back in October. The proper dealer allocation won’t even come through until March, with UK prices for the Ioniq 6 starting at £46,745
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Image: hyundai.co.uk)
What can people expect when it does finally arrive? Certainly one of the more individually styled cars on the road. I was in the design preview briefing for the Ioniq 5 with Hyundai chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke and thought at the time that car was punchy, but on the road the 6 is arguably even more distinctive, with its streamliner profile and twin-deck rear.
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Overall new car sales slump as petrol and diesel prices soar in Ukraine crisis
British drivers bought more electric cars in March alone than in the whole of 2019 even as the broader market slumped, according to figures that underline the accelerating pace of the UK’s transition away from internal combustion engines.
There were 39,315 new battery electric vehicle registrations during the month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a lobby group. In 2019 there were 37,850 electric sales.
Tesla Model3 (Image: Wikimedia/Carlquinn)
Evidence of soaring demand for battery electric cars – which will become the most popular fuel type as soon as 2025 according to some analysts – has provided a bright spot for the car industry at a time when it has struggled for more than a year with computer chip supply bottlenecks.
Across electric and fossil fuel cars in total, the number of sales in the UK in March was the lowest for the month in 24 years.
March is an important month for the UK car industry, when buyers queue up for the latest number plates – a status symbol that can also help sustain secondhand values for a few months longer.
The slump in new car registrations, down 14% compared with March 2021, follows two months of year-on-year sales increases. The industry is concerned that it has missed a period of strong demand – buoyed up by household savings during pandemic lockdowns – and will be under pressure as household finances are squeezed by rising prices across the economy.
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The UK police’s trial of the electric vehicle is getting rave reviews from officers and the public, it says
Tesla says 9 month UK trial of a Model 3 as a patrol car has had ‘great results’
Fully-electric vehicle can be used for 4 hours in ‘advanced driving conditions’
Officers recharging the car during shifts, taking 20 minutes to boost batteries
If rolled out nationwide by forces, Tesla says it would lose the roof light bars
Says blue-and-twos mounted on the roof act like a parachute and impact range
Tesla police cars could soon be a common sight on our road if reported positive reviews from UK forces are to be believed.
Tesla Model3 (Image: Wikimedia/Carlquinn)
The US firm provided a £60,000 police-liveried Model 3 to be used by forces up and down the country earlier this year, with Tesla claiming it has received ‘mind blowing’ reports from officers as well as public support.
A synopsis of the first nine months of the trial published this week says the electric cars are capable of running for up to four hours of continuous ‘advanced driving conditions’ and says charging during shifts has been working with officers plugging into the brand’s Supercharger network.
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The Tesla Model 3 has become the first all-electric car to become the best-selling vehicle in Europe.
However, that’s on a monthly basis and Tesla’s deliveries vary widely on a monthly basis.
Last quarter, Tesla delivered a record number of vehicles – getting close to a quarter of million vehicles.
Strong performance in all of Tesla’s major markets contributed to the new record.
We previously reported on China and the US contributing significantly, but now new data from Europe is showing how well Tesla is doing in the market.
JATO Dynamics published a list of the top-selling vehicles in Europe in September based on registration data.
Tesla Model 3 Unveil (Image: Tesla)
The Tesla Model 3 became the best-selling vehicle on the continent last month:
Tesla Model 3: 24,591
Renault Clio: 18,264
Dacia Sandero: 17,988
Volkswagen Golf: 17,507
Fiat/Abarth 500: 16,349
Opel/Vauxhall Corsa: 15,502
Peugeot 2008: 14,931
Hyundai Tucson: 14,088
Peugeot 208: 13,895
Renault Captur: 13,715
As you can see, there is no other all-electric vehicle in the top 10.
Model 3 is the best-selling electric car in Europe by a wide margin and the Model Y actually comes in second:
Tesla Model 3: 24,419
Tesla Model Y: 8,906
Volkswagen ID.3: 8,263
Renault Zoe: 6,577
Skoda Enyaq: 5,913
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As it turns out, renewable energy is helping to keep some people warm and alive in Texas.
As we reported yesterday, people in Texas are in danger due to extreme winter weather, power outages, and contaminated water. Their houses are dangerously cold, they don’t have the ability to boil water, and some don’t have access to water at all.
While many people don’t have a warm place to sleep, some Tesla owners are camping out in their garages, in their Tesla vehicles. Unlike a gas car, you can run an electric car in the garage without fear of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tesla Texans have taken to various social media platforms to share just how their electric cars have saved their families.
Some Tesla owners own more than just a Tesla car or SUV, but rather a solar roof and Powerwall battery energy storage unit. People who have solar panels of any kind on their home, especially if they have the means to store energy, are much better off than those relying on the failing Texas grid.
People are concerned that Texas won’t update and winterize the grid appropriately, which means this will happen again. Next time, they need to be better prepared. If their state and its leaders aren’t willing to take care of them, they have to plan ahead to take care of themselves. Interestingly, at least one official in Texas told citizens the problem is not the local government’s responsibility, and they should “fend for themselves.” He resigned shortly thereafter.
Meanwhile, people from all over the country have reached out to help. After Ford North America Product Communications manager Mike Levine posted the first tweet below, he took it a step further, with a few more related tweets.
Ford is even requesting that its Texas dealerships loan out any available vehicles that may be able to help people, such as F150s with built-in generators.
Some Tesla Energy owners have been sharing information related to their solar systems and Powerwalls. Despite the winter weather, they’re still able to capture energy during the day and store it for many hours of relief.
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Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas wrote in a note to clients on Friday that global EV sales will grow 50% or more next year, while sales of internal combustion engine vehicles are expected to grow 2% to 5%. He also predicted that global EV penetration will rise from 4% to 31% by 2030.
Those predictions may or may not come true, but one thing is certain and that is 2021 is shaping up to be a critical year for EV adoption. Mercedes-Benz just announced its Tuscaloosa plant will build large, electric SUVs starting from 2022 as part of what it calls its electric-vehicle “fireworks display”. Aiming to take the lead in premium EVs from Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA), Mercedes-Benz announced plans to deliver eight new all-electric models starting from early 2022.
But near-term, Europe remains the most fertile EV ground. Stricter emission regulations and government subsidies that make these vehicles much more affordable are speeding up the de-adoption of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Here are six electric vehicles that could bring on the “ICEpocalypse” to European roads.
Volkswagen’s ID.3 And ID.4
Volkswagen’s (Pink: VWAGY) ID3 was the top-selling EV in Europe only one month after being launched. But Europe has been shifting toward larger vehicles, so the ID.4 should grow in popularity quickly and, with its highly competitive price considering the range and specs, it should give the ID.3 a run for its money.
Renault ZOE
ZOE (Pink: RNLSY) has been the top-selling electric vehicle on the continent in most of the last decade. As it continues to improve and range increases, the ZOE should replace the Clio, which sold 230,000 units in Europe during the first 10 months of the year. Although the ZOE, which was the top-selling EV in Europe until the ID3 came along and took its throne in October, was at 73,403 units, it’s only a matter of time before it reaches 100,000 in European sales per year. But it needs to fend off the competition and grow a backbone.
The improved Renault Zoe has a longer range and posher interior (Image: Renault)
Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y
Tesla’s Model 3 is the top selling EV in the world. In Europe, it is second on the top-selling list. It’s not exactly on track to beat 100,000 sales in 2020, but Tesla is determined to win over Europe considering its ambitious developments at its upcoming Berlin factory. However, it has been ordered again to suspend its preparations due to a successful court injunction by environmentalists. This time round, Tesla was stopped by snakes and lizards. But its Model Y will arrive to Europe eventually and it is probably going to sell considerably better than the Model 3, due to its features and an overall preference for its class of vehicle.
Peugeot e-208
Peugeot’s (Pink: PUGOY) 208 was the 7th best-selling vehicles in the first 10 months of the year. So, while the e-208 had only about 25,000 sales in that time period, it could gradually rise up the rankings as tech improves, range increases, and cost drops in the coming year. It is considered by many as one of the best European EV offerings on the market, a testament to Peugeot’s upswing.
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Tesla exceeds 200,000 YTD, while 9 other brands sold more than 10,000 passenger plug-in cars.
After about a year of relatively low growth or noticeable decline inf global plug-in electric car sales, July 2020 finally brings us a strong bounce up.
With close to 248,000 sales (the 4th best monthly result ever), sales improved by 76% year-over-year, and market share is up too, at 3.7% (7% decline in the overall car sales helped a little bit).
All-electric cars hold the majority of plug-in car sales (64% and 67% YTD), although growth of 63% year-over-year in July is significantly lower than in the case of plug-in hybrids (up 106% year-over-year).
During seven months of 2020, almost 1.2 million passenger plug-in cars were sold globally, which is 5% than a year ago at this point, but the perspective is positive as Europe is booming and China has returned to growth.
Tesla Model 3 (Image: Tesla.com)
Model rank
The top selling models last month were:
Tesla Model 3 – 22,461 (#1 YTD: 164,800)
Renault ZOE – 9,410 (#2 YTD: 46,511)
Tesla Model Y – 7,540 (#11 YTD: 20,955)
Wuling’s Hong Guang MINI EV – 7,348 (outside top 20)
Hyundai Kona Electric – 6,257 (#4 YTD: 25,549)
The Model 3 is pulling forward quickly and is so far ahead that we can already assume it’s the best-selling car of the year 2020, just like in 2019.
Renault ZOE is really strong and clearly stands out from the rest of the pack. The time will tell whether it will be caught by others, like Model Y or Wuling’s Hong Guang MINI EV (with over 50,000 orders).
By the way, Hyundai Kona Electric passed the Volkswagen e-Golf and is now targeting the Nissan LEAF.
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