In recent months we’ve been lucky enough to get our hands on several different and important electric cars, be they range-extended EVs such as the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, electric family cars like the 2011 Nissan Leaf or even the 2011 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive, a compact electric microcar most at home in the city.
However, with so many EVs due in the next few years we’ve still got a lot to be excited about. So here, in no particular order, is AllCarsElectric’s list of the five electric cars we can’t wait to drive!
1. 2010 Renault DeZir Concept
2010 Renault DeZir Concept Okay, so the Renault is currently unconfirmed for production, and even worse, is unlikely to be made available in the States, but that doesn’t mean it’s not something to be excited about.
Firstly, it takes the concept of using humble mechanicals (or should that be electricals?) from a regular production car, in this case the Renault Fluence, and wrapping it in a truly special body (think Volkswagen Golf to Audi TT and you’re along the right lines). This means that the price should be fairly attainable.
Secondly, we could see something like it in the U.S, given Renault’s partnership with Nissan. There have been whispers that Nissan and Infinity could use Renault tech for future EVs, so the DeZir, or a car like it, could be re-clothed and offered in the States. Whether it would share the stunning lines of the French car is another matter…
2. 2013 BMW Megacity
BMW Megacity Vehicle official teaser Like the Renault this one isn’t available yet, but unlike the Renault it’s almost certain for production. The Megacity is BMW’s first dedicated electric car project and data collected from the MINI E and the 1-Series Coupe-based ActiveE concept will go towards making sure it hits the streets with all BMW’s usual precision and driving characteristics.
Due in 2013, the Megacity will also trial numerous technologies that will subsequently be adopted by other BMW road cars, so it’s an enormously important project for the company. Some of that technology is supercar-standard, with an aluminum chassis clothed in a carbon-fiber body giving the Megacity its shape. The chassis is simple and allows easy servicing and removal of the floor-mounted battery pack.
The Megacity will ensure BMW’s customers can still have personal mobility even if cities close their centers to internal combusion vehicles in the future.
3. 2011 Coda Sedan
2011 Coda Sedan, final production version Perhaps a move back down to earth after the last two concepts, the 2011 Coda Sedan is currently in the final stages before production and is set to take on the might of Nissan and GM in releasing an electric family car to the market.
What the Coda offers above the EVs offered by those two companies is a longer electric range, claiming between 90 and 120 miles are achievable. Unlike the Leaf too, the Coda offers complete thermal management to allow the batteries to operate with greater efficiency in extremes of temperature.
Whilst not as distinctive as either the Leaf or the Volt and relatively expensive at $44,900 before state and federal tax incentives, we’re eager to sample the Coda Sedan to see if the no-frills approach will appeal to the EV buyer.
4. Gordon Murray T27
Gordon Murray Design T25 Minicar Another car that’s yet to be sampled by anyone outside of the factory, though the world has been given sneak previews here and there of the T27’s gasoline brother, the T25. What makes it special? The prodigous engineering talent of South African-born Gordon Murray, best known for his work on the 230mph McLaren F1 road car and in Formula 1 racing, now turning his attention to revolutionizing city transport.
The T27 and its brothers and sisters are smaller than a Smart ForTwo yet offer an extra seat and greater luggage space, whilst not compromising on safety or dynamics. Indeed, Murray claims the car is great fun to drive, which belies it’s narrow track and tall body. The central driving position is sure to give a scaled-down McLaren F1 feel and great visibility. Range should be around 100 miles which is plenty for the cities it will inhabit.
You’re unlikely to see it under this name though, as Murray is franchising the design and innovative iStream production process (using 80 percent less energy than regular cars) to anyone who wants to build it, and not just to car companies – names as diverse as Apple, Virgin and Sony have been touted as possible adopters. So in a few years time, you could well be driving an Apple iCar…
5. 2012 Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S Sedan It’d be hard to create a list like this without including Tesla’s continually up-and-coming Model S. Announced two years ago and previewed last year, we still have to wait a few more years before it’s likely to go on sale.
So what does it offer? Great styling reminiscient of Aston Martins, Jaguars and Maseratis which will enable it to go head to head with cars like the BMW 5-Series despite the electric drivetrain. An anticipated range of 160 miles will take it further than many current EVs if not Telsa’s own Roadster, but larger batteries for greater range should be available.
Performance is still high on the agenda though, with a 0-60mph time of under six seconds. Technology is high too, the center console being entirely touch-screen operated.
So those are the five EVs we’re most looking forward to driving, but how about you? Tell us which EVs you can’t wait to drive using the comments section below!
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