Category: #electricvehicles

The best electric SUVs. #Motoring #SUVs

There are more electric cars than ever on British and Irish roads, so there are plenty of choices if you want an EV (electric vehicle) as your next car. One of the most popular types of car is the SUV, and there are many electric SUVs to choose from now.

SUVs are stylish and practical, which is why they’re so popular, and with electric power they’re also cheap to run. They tend to be big and heavy, so they won’t have as much range as an equivalent hatchback, but figures are always improving and many of the models below have a very impressive amount of all-electric driving capability.

Below you’ll find a list of the best electric SUVs according to the valuations experts Parkers. There’s something for everyone here, from cheap and cheerful to premium and luxurious.

Switch from fossil fuel to electric SUVs

Best cheap electric SUV: MG ZS EV

Okay, so there aren’t any cheap electric SUVs – but it’s a relative term, and the MG ZS EV is one of the most affordable electric cars around while also happening to be an SUV. It’s certainly the cheapest model on this list.

It has an official range of about 163 miles, and thanks to the roomy interior and decent amount of standard equipment, it looks like a good buy. Where has the money been saved? It’s clearly the interior, as it seems cheap inside and it’s not all that good to drive either.

Best hi-tech electric SUV: Tesla Model X

At the opposite end of the scale to the MG, you’ve got the Tesla Model X. It’s one of the most expensive cars around, and only the richest will be able to afford one. Thanks to the impressive touchscreen display packed with features, upward-opening rear doors and huge electric range, it’s a great EV overall if you can afford it.

Its range on a single charge is about 314 miles, which is one of the longer ranges available for an electric SUV. Plus, you get access to the rapid Supercharger charging network at service stations for quick top-ups on long trips.

Best premium electric SUV:  Mercedes-Benz EQC

The Mercedes EQC might look like any other large SUV but it hides an impressive electric powertrain with a 259-mile range and punchy performance. It also boasts a fantastic, upmarket interior with plush seats and lots of hi-tech kit.

The EQC isn’t mega-expensive, but it’s still one of the more premium options. It’s comfortable to drive, fast and feels high-quality, so is a great choice overall.

Best small electric SUV:  DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense has a really bold exterior design that you’ll either love or hate, and the same goes for the interior. It’s a unique offering and is comfortable, easy to drive and gets plenty of it. It has an all-electric range of 206 miles and does the 0-62mph sprint in just 8.7 seconds. Perfect for traffic light getaways and nipping through traffic.

Best all-round electric SUV:  Kia e-Niro

The Kia e-Niro’s electric range of 280 miles is really impressive considering it’s one of the more affordable electric SUVs on this list. It’s a fantastic all-rounder, with excellent efficiency, a practical interior and lots of technology.

The e-Niro is a great choice if you’re not sure what you want because it does everything really well. It’s roomy, good quality, easy to drive, comfortable and performance is good too.

Best sporty electric SUV:  Jaguar I-Pace

You could argue that the Jaguar I-Pace isn’t quite an SUV, but it does have adjustable suspension that can be raised up if you need extra ground clearance. It’s the best EV SUV to drive, with great steering, comfortable seats and a powerful electric motor.

The motor allows for a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds and the battery is big enough for a range of 292 miles. The Jaguar is smart looking, has a great interior and is fun to drive – it’s one of the best Jaguars for decades.

Best compact electric SUV: Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is closely related to the Kia e-Niro, so if you prefer the looks of the Hyundai, go for this one instead. It’s available in two versions, a lesser model with 180 miles of range and a longer-range one with 278 miles.

It’s good to drive, practical, comes with plenty of technology in the cabin and is affordable to buy, especially using a finance deal. It’s another great choice for those who want a good all-rounder.

Best high-quality electric SUV:  Audi E-Tron

The Audi E-Tron comes either in standard or Sportback form, and between the various models there’s between 191 and 234 miles of range. The Sportback model looks sleeker than the normal car, with a sloping roofline at the back, and it’s a little bit less practical but is more stylish.

The Audi E-Tron has a fantastic cabin that’s both practical and stylish, and the quality is very good. It’s full of modern tech and looks every bit as premium as the high price tag might suggest.

Bird Gears up for Irish Launch with $150m Investment in European Business. #MicroMobility #Escooters #EVS

Leading micro mobility operator Bird has today announced that it plans to operate in Ireland once legislation is passed. The company is investing $150m into its European business, to help cities remain car free as they start to ease restrictions following the pandemic. This investment will be used to open safe, sustainable micro mobility programmes in more than 50 new European locations, including towns and cities throughout Ireland.

The announcement comes as Bird ramps up engagements in Ireland with local councils, businesses and civil society organisations throughout the country. Bird has ambitious plans for Ireland and hopes to be operational not only in larger cities like Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway, but also smaller cities and larger towns throughout the country.

Bird is the largest, most experienced and best-funded micro mobility operator yet to signal intentions for operating in Ireland. The planned $150m investment indicates the level of commitment which the company puts on the European region, including Ireland.

The investment will see Bird streamline its offer to local cities and customers, with new market-leading technologies. For example, once launched in Ireland, Bird will be able to provide new mobility products and safety initiatives and implement the next generation of recycling and second life applications for vehicles. The company will also be investing in industry-leading equity programmes and securing partnerships across the region designed to improve transportation for all Europeans, including those in Ireland.

To manage the Irish operations, former EMEA Expansion Lead Charlotte Bailey has been appointed General Manager of Bird UK & Ireland. Speaking about the European investment and Bird’s plans for Ireland, Bailey said: “Everyone at Bird is  really excited about this significant investment we’re making in our European business and the progress Ireland is making towards shared micro mobility. We’ve got big plans for Ireland and hope to operational not only in cities like Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway, but also smaller cities and large towns throughout the country”.

As part of its investment, Bird is also introducing new Ride Pass products to give people even more reasons to leave their cars at home. These Ride Pass options, which would be available to Irish customers once launched, include:

  • Daily Unlimited Rides Pass
  • Monthly Unlimited Rides Pass
  • Monthly Unlimited Unlocks Pass
  • 3-Month Unlimited Unlocks Pass

To further push Bird’s European mission Irishman Brendan O’Driscoll has taken up the role of Head of Product, Growth and Data and will oversee Bird’s global product strategy and implementation. Ex-Boston Consulting Group Managing Director Renaud Fages is also taking the reins as Head of Global operations to help cement Bird’s European market leading position. Bird will double its footprint in the region over the spring and summer by launching in more than 50 new cities across Europe and increasing its fleet size in existing ones.

Speaking following the investment and about the Irish launch plans, Brendan O’Driscoll, Global Head of Product at Bird said: “I’ve been excited for years about the prospect of helping to bring Bird and shared micro mobility home to Ireland. Once legislation is passed in Ireland, promoting e-scooter access and encouraging routine micro mobility use will absolutely critical as we slowly lift pandemic restrictions and businesses begin to reopen. By simplifying our Global Ride Pass features and adding new pricing plans based on rider needs, Irish customers would be getting Bird’s very best customer offering.”

Electric Vehicle Association England opens its doors to members. #Evs #ElectricVehicles #EVA

Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England today opens its doors to members. The Association has been set up to offer a voice to both current and prospective electric vehicle (EV) drivers in England, with the aim of providing up to date, reliable information about EVs and smart charging, as well as promoting the health and environmental benefits of electric vehicles. EVA England, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has gone from strength to strength since its inception in summer 2020.

Gill Nowell, a Director at EVA England, comments: “With numbers of electric cars steadily increasing despite the economic challenges of lockdown, and the 2030 phase out date for all new sales of petrol and diesel cars fresh in people’s minds, EVA England acts as a support mechanism for both current and prospective electric car drivers. We launched our new website in February and have been delighted by the number of membership enquiries already received from drivers who are keen to join the EVA England community.”

EVA England members will receive an exclusive membership pack, a charging etiquette guide, as well as access to further guides and support. As both membership and demand grows, members will also have access to specially organised events, and a variety of discounted services and products.

A highlight of EVA England’s opening membership offer is that all members can benefit from £50 off any electric car home charger on the Rightcharge website. Charlie Cook, founder of Rightcharge, explains: “Rightcharge is delighted to see EVA England open its doors to members. Drivers will get access to both our home chargepoint and EV-friendly energy tariff comparison services. And in addition, we’re very excited to offer a chargepoint discount to all EVA England members in order to celebrate the launch, and a special moment in EV history.”

Members will also have the option of participating in surveys that aim to better inform on the big issues for EV drivers in England, which in turn will help shape EVA England’s activities. Building on the success of its first survey on Government policy in July 2020, EVA England has issued a survey through its social media and partner networks on the UK Government Consumer Experience of Public Charging Consultation. Over 1,000 EV drivers have responded, helping to ensure that electric vehicle charging infrastructure is widespread, reliable, safe and user-friendly, across all driver groups. The survey will close at midnight on Friday 19 March; EVA England will share the results after that date.

To respond to the EVA England public charging survey, click here

Click here to join EVA England

Membership is open to current, new and prospective drivers of electric vehicles and costs £20 a year.

EVA England looks forward to engaging with, listening to, and acting on the needs of EV drivers as it continues to grow, welcome new members and expand its offering. www.evaengland.org.uk