With the recent move to ban the production of all petrol and diesel cars by 2040, it is no wonder why hybrid cars and electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular.
Many of our favourite manufacturers have quickly committed to developing more eco-friendly vehicles, meaning there are many options to choose from: EV cars, plug-in electric, hybrid vehicles and PHEV cars.
This year will see plenty of highly anticipated releases from many of the top car brands. So, keep up to date with our list of the best hybrid cars and electric vehicles to be released in 2018.
Jaguar I-PACE
The Jaguar I-PACE is the company’s first pure-electric vehicle. The exciting brand new electric SUV will accommodate two electric motors with its classic and distinctively sleek design. With all-wheel-drive and a 0 to 60mph time of around 4 seconds, this electric car is extremely highly anticipated by many.
Jaguar recently announced the vehicle will be able to achieve 80 percent charge in just 45 minutes from a 100kW rapid charger. With this, the electric SUV will have a total range of around 310 miles.
Tesla Model 3
Of course, a list of the best environmental vehicles just would not be complete without mention of the famous Elon Musk’s Tesla. The Model 3 has been eagerly anticipated by many, and with a nice 4.5/5 star rating from Auto Express, it’s not too difficult to see why.
The Model 3 boasts a 0 to 60mph time of around 5 seconds, and a lighter body than that of previous versions. All this and a semi-autonomous autopilot feature which keeps the car within your lane without needing to have your hands on the wheel at all times!
Audi E-Tron Quattro
Like Jaguar, Audi will be releasing its first all-electric SUV this year. Audi’s E-Tron Quattro aims to beat Jaguar’s I-PACE with a range of 311 miles from a single charge. The stylish vehicle will have three electric motors, two in the back and one up front. Speculation suggests the E-Tron will reach 0 to 60mph in just 4.5 seconds.
Like the I-PACE, the E-Tron will also be all-wheel drive, adapting to changing driving conditions. Audi claims the battery will take only 50 minutes to charge from a 150kW output. The E-Tron Quattro could even come equipped with Audi Wireless Charging technology for added convenience to the driver!
Honda CR-V
Honda claims their new CR-V hybrid SUV system “will combine real-world efficiency with an effortless drive.” It combines a 2 litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors. While the hybrid and standard petrol versions of the CR-V are both front-wheel drive, there are also four-wheel drive options available.
There are three driving modes available, all of which are automatically switched to in accordance with driving conditions. There is a pure EV mode and hybrid setting for lower speeds and city driving. However, the petrol engine can also engage on the motorway to feed power to the wheels. This feeds the electric motor which in turn charges the battery pack of the car.
BMW i8 Facelift Coupé
The new BMW i8 coupé is equipped with an intelligent interaction between its electric motor, battery, and combustion engine for “maximum performance with minimum consumption”. The hybrid car uses a three-cylinder engine and an e-drive system to increase output compared to the previous i8.
This petrol-electric hybrid can achieve a 0 to 60mph time of just 4.4 seconds! However, there is not much information out there regarding the range the i8 could achieve. Hopefully we will hear some news about this soon!
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is a small electric car and is arguably the most accessible release of 2018. Having won the 2018 What Car? award for best electric car, there are many reasons why this could be one of the best electric vehicles to be released this year.
With a 0 to 60mph time of 7.9 seconds, the Leaf is less powerful than the other electric cars in our list. It has a number of different driving modes – such as B-mode and the e-Pedal – which will help make the battery as efficient, environmental and economical as possible.
Did you know, the Leaf is usually capitalised in adverts because it is an acronym? It stands for the tongue-tying phrase “Leading Environmentally-friendly Affordable Family vehicle”.
Want to go electric or hybrid?
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