[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Even though we’re still a long way from electric vehicles changing the world, this year’s releases are some of the best electric vehicles yet.
When I first wrote about the revolution of green machines in mid-2018 (what feels like a century ago), Silicon Valley startup Lucid Motors was my “up-and-comer to watch.” This year, the Lucid Air won Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Award, the first time that a winner was an initial product from a new automotive company. Keep in mind, the award was first launched in the late-1940s.
Right now, it seems like everyone is talking about electric vehicles – or Elon Musk’s latest tweets – but let’s take a look at the elephant(s) in the room: with supply chain problems leading to computer chip shortages and environmental concerns about the production and recycling of batteries – not to mention whether the source of electricity is truly “clean” – Electric vehicles aren’t the quick and simple solution we want them to be. Plus, infrastructure has been slow to catch up with demand, so you might not find a charging station where and when you need it. Of course, there are apps to help with that.
Nobody needs to explain why the world is trying to solve the car “problem.” Can cars be sustainable? We might love driving them, but can we justify them in a world of climate change? When you get behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle, you might feel a tinge of guilt. If it’s an eco-friendly(ish) vehicle, that guilt starts melting away. But as a recent graphic by Reuters brilliantly illustrates, it’s a long time coming before electric vehicles will change the world. At least it’s a solid start.
Before you bemoan the loss of “the way things were,” try driving an electric vehicle. For those who, like myself, might have Torque Addiction Disorder (symptoms: a tendency to over-accelerate suddenly, often accompanied by giggling), the quick power delivery of an electric vehicle won’t disappoint. Instead of waiting for the powertrain to translate gas combustion into forward motion through a complicated maze of valves, linkages, and things that go “bump,” electric engines can directly power the wheels, allowing for almost instantaneous acceleration.
A few years ago, I spent a week with the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 (discontinued last year in favour of the automaker’s all-electric models). After a passionate affair that involved days of driving for no reason other than for fun, I was thrilled when I filled the gas tank and realized that countless hours of cruising added up to just a few dollars. Of course, I didn’t pay $150K-plus for the experience, either, but it’s surprisingly easy to spend that much on a vehicle if you have high-performance expectations.
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No matter what your budget is, if you’re car shopping, this is one of the best years yet for electric vehicles (and don’t forget to check for applicable electric vehicle tax credits, which can be substantial). Here’s a quick look at some eye-catching options:
Note: all range figures included in this article are approximate/estimated.
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