The electric car market continues to grow, both in terms of the number sold but also just how many are available.
With most manufacturers now offering at least one electric car, the choice is extensive and covers most classes these days too. With a number of important new EVs due to arrive later in 2023, we look at seven models that might be worth waiting for.
BMW i5
BMW now has one of the widest ranges of electric cars of any car manufacturer, and one model we’re particularly keen to see later this year is the new i5. It will be the electric version of the well-loved 5 Series and is expected to be a big seller.
Bigger and roomier than the current model, it will boast a range of up to 361 miles and will be brimmed with technology, There will also be a 600bhp version from BMW’s ‘M’ division as well. It’s on sale now, with deliveries expected in October.
Vauxhall Astra Electric
There’s a growing need for more ‘everyday’ electric cars, and in that respect, we’re very keen to see Vauxhall’s new Astra Electric. We’ve already been impressed by the petrol and hybrid versions of this hatchback, and the EV will likely continue that success while delivering a 258-mile range.
The latest Astra incorporates a striking new exterior design and advanced interior, and has truly helped to make this Vauxhall desirable again. The first Astra Electrics are due to arrive in late summer.
Polestar 2
There are a lot of exciting Polestar models in the pipeline, especially the ‘3’ and ‘4’ SUVs. But we’re equally seen to the firm’s refreshed ‘2’, which is due to arrive later this year. The Polestar 2 has been a huge success for this Swedish firm, which stands out with its striking design and focus on sustainability
This latest model sees the Polestar 2 move from front to rear-wheel-drive, which should make it more engaging to drive. Improvements to battery technology also see a big boost to its range – the firm claims 406 miles on the Long Range Single Motor model.
Volkswagen ID.7
Volkswagen has nicely established itself as a major player in the world of electric cars with its ‘ID’ line-up, and it will introduce its most upmarket EV yet towards the end of 2023 – the ID.7.
An electric saloon car to rival the Tesla Model 3, it boasts a modern and upmarket interior, while will also use a large 86kWh battery that Volkswagen says allows the ID.7 to manage a huge 435 miles from a charge.
Abarth 500e
Few manufacturers to date have managed to create a truly fun EV, but Abarth appears to be one of the closest to cracking the formula with its new 500e hot hatch. Based on Fiat’s excellent electric city car, the 500e gets a more powerful motor than the standard 500, and sportier styling to make it stand out.
But its party trick is a Sound Generator, which is essentially an external speaker that can give this EV the raspy sound of a sports exhaust system, and is a unique feature to a production electric car. The first new Abarth 500e models are due in the summer.
Smart #1
Smart is reinventing itself, and no longer will it make dinky city cars, but more mainstream models. But we’ve been very impressed by its new #1 SUV so far, which will rival cars like the Peugeot e-2008.
Designed by Mercedes and engineered by Chinese automotive firm Geely, the #1 features a futuristic interior and a striking design that helps to make it stand out from the crowd. Clever packaging also gives it an impressively roomy interior. We expect the first new Smarts to reach the UK later in the summer.
Jeep Avenger
One of Jeep’s most hotly anticipated models in years is its new Avenger, which is an important car as it is the American firm’s first electric car. Arriving to sit beneath the Renegade, the Avenger is a compact SUV that manages to retain the Jeep ruggedness.
It’s very capable, efficient and cleverly packaged to make it roomier than you’d expect – it’s smaller than it looks in photographs. A range of 250 miles is also plenty for a car like this.
