Electric cars

Leading the charge Four all-electric models from Tesla, , Mercedes and Jaguar are taking the luxury electric vehicle market by storm

wenty-nineteen marked plug-in vehicles) hitting five million a big year for the Electric units in December 2019, just one T Vehicle (EV) market, with in 250 (0.4%) of all cars on the bigger batteries, better cars and road are currently electric. bolder government incentives globally. Prior to COVID-19, Porsche Reuters analysis indicated Porsche released the Taycan – that manufacturers across their first electric car – in 2019, 29 countries were planning on four years after their Mission E spending in excess of $300 concept car was announced. billion in the 2020s, with 45% The wait was worthwhile. forecasted to occur in China. The 4S Launch Control takes Tesla leads the charge with any pilot who dares to 100 km/h its Model 3 becoming the world’s from a standing start in all-time best-selling EV earlier this 2.8 seconds. Similarly, the year, boasting a maximum electric rest of the experience is typically range of 500 kilometres. Despite Porsche; timeless, pure and Tesla, but its smaller cargo load Above: global stock of pure electric instantly recognisable. With indicates that, like all , Below: Mercedes Benz EQC passenger cars (64% of all a range between 320 and 450 this is a thoroughbred, not kilometres, depending on model a workhorse. and conditions, the Porsche From $150,000 comes up a little shorter than the porsche.com/taycan ➤ Electric cars

470 kilometres, and the sports car agility we’ve come accustomed to over many years of Jaguar. I-PACE seamlessly integrates technology (a Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with 4G Wi-Fi capability) with abundant space. Fittingly, Casino Royale Bond girl Eva Green starred in the global launch campaign. From $69,000 jaguar.com/i-pace

Tesla Had enough of looking for your car in the parking lot? Tesla’s Model Y will find you. Its autonomous technology enables the driver to summon the car. This long-range mid-size SUV, with seating for up to seven, was originally slated for the US’ fall of 2020, with prices starting at $47,000, shifting to $51,000 for the all-wheel drive dual-motor Mercedes-Benz Jaguar manufacturer in 2018. The version, and $60,000 for the By 2022, it is anticipated Jaguar beat Porsche and following year, The I-PACE won performance version. Complete Mercedes-Benz will have added Mercedes-Benz to the E-Game, World (plus Green with a 15-inch touch screen, seven pure Battery Electric releasing the first electric SUV Car of the Year and the design immersive sound system and Vehicles to its fleet across all from a premium European category), having become the an expansive all-glass roof that segments. The first arrived in first Jaguar to win European creates extra headroom and 2019; the EQC. Its range of 445- Above: The Jaguar I-PACE is Car of the Year in the award’s provides a seamless view of the 471 kilometers places it between taken through its paces in the 50-year history. sky, Tesla are striding ahead of the Tesla Model Y and the Porsche UK Below: The Porsche Taycan The EV-400 comes in model the market. They currently have Taycan, and that seems to be a is tested in tougher conditions S, SE and HSE, with each boasting more than 16,000 Superchargers place it is comfortable, combining in Germany a range just behind the Tesla at worldwide, with six new locations SUV practicality and sports-car opening every week at public chic. The use of plant-based stations or the Tesla Charging materials for the upholstery further Network. That said, the range reduces the carbon footprint of the on full charge is 500 kilometres EQC, featuring hemp, kenaf and and just 15 minutes of charge adds natural rubber. All the usual high- another 250 kilometres so the end touches make an appearance, Model Y is hardly inhibited by the with a Burmester® Surround- old teething problems encountered Sound system, the MBUX interior in this market. All new Tesla cars assistant and AR for navigation. come with emergency braking, With plans to invest $23 billion collision warning and blind-spot on battery cells through to 2030, monitoring as standard. Model Y Mercedes-Benz is claiming a will have full self-driving capability, new era of EQ – and they won’t enabling autonomous driving on stop there. city streets and highways. From $67,900 Aug/Sep 2020 from $47,000 mercedes-benz.com/eqc tesla.com/modely ■

22 Upward Curve July-September 2020