Do you know that fuel-powered vehicles make up 72% of Co2 emissions? And with the growing number of car owners around the world, there is every reason to be worried. So, what can we do to reduce if not eliminate these emissions from vehicles? Policymakers have been working day and night to minimize emissions by encouraging public transport rather than the use of personal cars. On the other hand, car manufacturers have been using every resource and technology they have to come up with alternative powering options. And the push for a greener lifestyle, coupled with innovation and technological advancements gave birth to electric cars.

Electric cars are not only sustainable but also luxurious. Most of them come in breathtaking designs, abundant technology, and are easy to drive. They are also easier to maintain.

Truth be told, electric cars are transforming the automobile industry – we are already living in the future. 

But… With numerous brands and models in the market, how will you determine the best electric car? Here are our top six electric cars you should watch for!

1. The BMW i3

The BMW i3 electric car has been around for close to five years now but still, it manages to look very advanced all thanks to its innovative and bespoke design. 

The car has four doors and seats four people. Most of the BMW i3 body and internal structure is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP).  

The i3 is charged on a conventional socket and takes less than 3 hours. BMW i3 owners in the US can charge their cars from any public charging stations that have an SAE J1772 connector.

The car has three operating modes; comfort, Eco-Pro, and Eco Pro+ . The Eco Pro mode escalates the driving range by almost 12% while the Eco pro+ soars the driving range by close to 24%.

This car gives you a relatively fast ride – taking close to 6.5 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60mph.

The BMW i3 has a gas-powered range extender which acts as a backup in case the car runs out of charge.

2. Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan is the first electric car from the manufacturer and delivers precise handling, incredible acceleration, and aggressive styling. This car does not have any diesel or fuel engine options and  runs purely on electricity.

The Taycan is the first electric vehicle to have an 800-volt electrical system and two-speed transmission which is the reason behind the quicker acceleration and shorter charging times. 

Furthermore, the car accelerates from zero to 62mph in just 2.4 seconds. It has a rechargeable battery with a capacity of 93.4KWh that uses lithium-ion pouch cells. On a single charge, the Porsche Taycan will go for approximately 279 miles.

The car comes with Apple Carplay compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, it does not support Android auto integration which is very unfortunate for Android users.

The Taycan comes in three models; Turbo, 4S, and Turbo S, all of which are good.  The only drawback of the Porsche Taycan – and this cuts across all electric cars –  is that it is quite expensive. But considering the value you get from the car, and the benefits it brings along, it’s worth the price.

3. Tesla Model 3

Practical, high-tech, and commanding a high performance and range, the Tesla Model 3 is among the best EVs in the market. It combines powerful electric motors, clever battery technology, and high-tech onboard systems to give you a perfect drive.

There are three versions of the Tesla Model 3; the standard range plus, the long-range AWD, and the performance model. The standard range plus takes about 5.3 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60mph with a top speed of 140mph.

The long-range AWD takes approximately 4.2 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60mph and will give you approximately 360 miles. The performance version moves from zero to 60mph in just 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 162mph.

Almost everything in the Tesla Model 3 is controlled by a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment panel.

You don’t have to worry about where to charge your Tesla Model 3 since there are over 20000 stations placed along well-traveled routes worldwide – and more are being added every day

4. Volvo XC40 Recharge

The Volvo XC40 comes with a 78kWh battery that can take you up to 208 miles (418km) when fully charged. However, this range can vary depending on multiple factors like weather, outdoor temperatures,  topography, roads, among other factors.

The charging time depends on the charging equipment you use and the electric installation at your home or charging station. If you use a standard home charging cable with a household connector, it will take you about 40 to 72 hours to fully charge your Volvo XC40 battery. It takes close to 40 minutes to charge the battery from zero to around 80% at a 150 kW DC charging station.

The four HD cameras give you a clear view allowing you to get in and out of any squeezed area with confidence.

Also, the Volvo XC40 is fully integrated with Android. Google Maps, Google assistance, and Google play store allow you to stay in sync even when you don’t have your phone. 

5. Renault Zoe

If you are wishing to buy an electric car but have a tight budget, the Renault Zoe is worth considering. The 100% electric car is one of the most affordable if not cheapest on the market.

The new Renault Zoe has all vehicle accessories of an electric car starting from its strong and durable battery with a capacity of 52kWh – enough to take you up to 240miles on a single charge.

The Zoe comes with state-of-the-art driving aids, refined finishings, new technology, a redesigned dashboard, 100%  recycled seat fabric, and ample storage,  allowing you to feel comfortable while paying respect to the environment.

Renault Zoe gives you multiple options to charge the battery, whether at home, work, on networks of public charging stations, or on the motorway.

Ooh! And that’s not all, you can control your Zoe remotely using ‘My Renault App’. some of the connected services you get to enjoy on ‘My Renault App’ include;

• Vehicle localization;
• Smart journey planner;
• Display of nearby charging stations;
• Final mile route;
• View charging status;
• Display driving range.

6. Polestar 2

On a single charge, the Polestar 2 fully electric car will take you a distance of approximately 233 miles – taking less than five seconds to sprint from zero to 62mph. The secret behind all this power is its 78kWh batteries. 

The infotainment system of the Polestar 2 is powered by Android with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play store built- in. What’s more, the car comes with three-year unlimited internet connectivity which is included in the purchase price.

The car seats five, allowing you and your small family to enjoy a ride of comfort and luxury. 

Interestingly, the Polestar 2 has no start button, the owner is the key – as soon the driver seats, the intelligent sensors in the driver’s seat signals the vehicle’s system to power up.

Furthermore, the Polestar 2 comes with an alarm system that is activated when the car is locked – if anyone tries to open the hatches or doors, the alarm is triggered.

There are also other support systems that come with the Polestar 2 including;

• Pilot assist;
• Adaptive cruise control;
• Blindspot information with steer assist;
• Cross-traffic alert with auto brake;
• Road sign information;
• Front and rear cameras;
• Hill-start assist.

Conclusion

If we want to eliminate emissions from vehicles, we should start embracing technology. Electric cars are the future of transportation. They are built with state-of-the-art technology to ensure you have a luxurious journey while taking care of the environment. Although they are quite pricey, the pros outweigh the cons.