Keep an eye out for these new EVs, coming from both established and upstart automakers.
If you don’t already own one now, you could soon find an electric car in your garage. Virtually every automaker is ramping up research, development, and production of EVs of all stripes, including battery-powered full-size pickup trucks. For example, Ford is developing an electric version of the F-150 pickup and a crossover SUV based on the Mustang. General Motors is likewise planning an electrified hauler, a crossover version of the Chevrolet Bolt, and Tesla-fighting luxury EVs for its Cadillac division. Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are planning new EV lineups, with the latter said to have a reborn battery powered version of the fabled Microbus in the works.
In the short term we’ll see at least 11 new electric vehicles coming for the 2020 model year from both long-established automakers and high-tech start-up ventures. They run the gamut from mainstream autos to burly sport-utility vehicles and even electrified exotic sports cars that promise uncanny performance. With most of them expected to deliver more than 200, even 300 miles with a full charge of kilowatts, range anxiety could well become a non-issue.
We’re featuring a quick look at the most significant electrified rides planned to debut in the coming year in the above slideshow.
Aston Martin Rapide E
Secret agent James Bond’s favorite British automaker will take the wraps off it’s its first battery-powered ride by year’s end, and it’s a true exotic sports car. Based on the low-slung Rapide coupe, production will be limited to 155 units worldwide, with a sky-high sticker price. It’s expected to run for around 200 miles on a charge and register a 0-60 mph time of less than four seconds.
Bollinger B1
Fledgling EV maker Bollinger Motors is ramping up to launch its first model, the B1 for 2020. It’s a decidedly boxy SUV and it looks a lot like a classic Land Rover. It’s built on an aluminum frame and comes with a dual-motor electric all-wheel-drive system. The B1 promises a 200-mile range with 613 horsepower and a strong 668 pound-feet of torque, and is said to tow as much as 7,500 pounds.
Kia Soul EV
Kia is redesigning its funky/boxy compact full-electric hatchback for 2020 with fresh styling and myriad improvements. A new 64 kWh liquid-cooled lithium ion polymer battery pack should deliver well in excess of 200 miles on a charge. Power will be bumped up to 200 horsepower with 291 pound-feet of torque. It will come with four drive modes and four levels of regenerative braking, including a setting for one-pedal driving.
Mercedes-Benz EQC
The EQC is the first in what will be a series of luxury EVs coming from Mercedes-Benz. It’s a boldly styled SUV with two electric motors that combine for an output of 402 horsepower with 564 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive will be standard, along with a long list of convenience, connectivity, and safety features. In Europe it’s rated to run for 279 miles on a full charge, though that number may be somewhat lower when evaluated by U.S. standards.
Mini Electric
BMW’s Mini brand is developing a new full-electric version of the comely Cooper coupe, likely for later in 2020. Details, however, remain sketchy. Only scant visual tidbits like this one remain available. Reports say it will share technology with the BMW i3, and could run for as many as 200 miles on a full charge. Expect it to deliver Mini’s famed go-kart-like handling.
Polestar 2
Volvo is launching a new high-tech sub-brand this year called Polestar. While its first model, the Polestar 1, will be a plug-in hybrid, the Polestar 2 is a sleekly cast full-electric luxury four-door hatchback. Intended to compete with the Tesla Model 3, the automaker is targeting a range of 275 miles on a charge, with its two electric motors expected to put around a combined 485 pound-feet of torque to the pavement. All-wheel drive will come standard.
Porsche Taycan
Porsche’s first full-electric model will be an ultra-exotic battery-powered four-door sports car. It’s said to leap off the line and reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in a sudden 3.5 seconds. The automaker claims around 300 miles of range with a full battery, with the ability to recharge about 60 miles worth of energy in just four minutes.
Rivian R1T
Yet another startup EV builder, Rivian plans to introduce a futuristic-looking pickup truck for 2020 to be built in the former Mitsubishi factory in Normal, IL. No mere poseur, the R1T is said to deliver a 400-mile range, with its quad-motor system enabling off-road adventures and a 0-60 mph time of just three seconds on paved roads.
Tesla Model Y
Expected sometime during 2020, assuming the automaker incurs no production delays or other corporate calamities, the Tesla Model Y will essentially be a crossover SUV version of the Model 3 sedan. Smaller and less expensive than the Model X, it's sure to become the company’s best selling model. It will initially come in performance, long-range, and dual motor all-wheel drive variants with specs similar to the Model 3.
Tesla Roadster
Tesla’s original Roadster was its first model and it broke new ground in terms of performance and operating range. It’s coming back for 2020 with a freshly curvy profile and uncanny performance. Tesla claims it will fly to 60 mph in a rocket-like 1.9 seconds, reach a felonious top speed of 250 mph, and run for a seemingly impossible 620 miles with a full charge.