The vary of electrical automobiles on provide in Australia has grown considerably this yr, and issues are solely going to get higher over the subsequent 12 months.
From reasonably priced Chinese language metropolis automobiles to mega-powerful German tremendous sedans, there’s a wealth of choices incoming – for a full breakdown, take a look at our detailed launch calendar.
Listed here are the incoming electrical automobiles we’re most excited to drive.
Scott Collie: BMW i5 M60 xDrive
I’m not offered on the way in which it appears to be like but, however there’s no getting away from the very fact the i5 M60 shapes as a little bit of a weapon.
With 442kW of energy and 820Nm of torque, it’ll hit 100km/h in simply 3.8 seconds.
The Tesla Mannequin S Plaid is quicker, however that’s now not coming to Australia, whereas the aerodynamic cockroach look of the Mercedes-AMG EQE does nothing for me.
Having skilled the cabin of the brand new BMW 7 Collection, the inside of the i5 additionally guarantees to be fairly particular. It appears to be like unimaginable within the photos, and it feels each bit nearly as good.
Will it deal with like an M5? In all probability not, however that isn’t the purpose – and the i4 M50 xDrive exhibits BMW does know easy methods to make a heavy electrical automotive go round corners.
William Stopford: Kia EV9
It’s so onerous to not do a Tony Crawford right here and provides a thousand completely different autos for a solution.
I’m eagerly awaiting the Ford Puma EV as I genuinely love the petrol mannequin’s dynamics and I’m curious how a lot an enormous ol’ battery will mess with issues.
The upcoming BYD Seal and MG 4 are two of probably the most thrilling EVs popping out of China. Whereas pricing for the BYD has but to be launched, we already know the MG 4 shall be one of many extra reasonably priced EVs available on the market.
On the different finish of the spectrum, the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore and Rolls-Royce Spectre excite me as they characterize fully new segments for electrification. That additionally applies to Dodge’s upcoming electrical automobiles which, whereas not confirmed for Australia, excite me greater than any EV.
However you requested for one, so I’ll offer you one: the Kia EV9.
Moreover giant rear-wheel drive sedans, giant three-row crossovers are nicely and actually in my consolation zone. There’s been remarkably little exercise within the EV house for this phase, however Kia will quickly change that with the EV9 and Hyundai will observe subsequent yr with the associated Ioniq 7.
I’m certain the packaging shall be very good due to its devoted EV structure, however I’m most interested in the way it drives. Will it really feel like a bus to drive? Will the journey be snug sufficient for a household SUV? How will the vary be in real-world driving? I can’t wait to search out out the solutions to all of those.
James Wong: Peugeot e-208
4 years in the past I attended a Peugeot occasion the place the then-managing director promised me the new-generation 208 could be in Australia from 2020 with each ICE and EV variations – sure, I’m nonetheless ready.
Peugeot backtracked on plans to carry its metropolis hatch right here attributable to dwindling gross sales within the phase and super-high demand in Europe, the place it’s persistently a high vendor within the area.
However, all will not be misplaced. The attractive little Pug will not be removed from an Australian introduction in all-electric e-208 specification, and I feel it may put Peugeot again on the map.
Whereas the Chinese language manufacturers are actually cashing in on “reasonably priced” electrical autos (for those who name $50k reasonably priced lately), few of the legacy manufacturers have managed to make their mark Down Underneath.
Given the bigger e-2008 shall be $59,990 when it lands later this yr, the e-208 ought to make it right here on the $50,000-$55,000 mark which, whereas costly for a light-weight automotive, would make an fascinating proposition for these wanting a premium electrical compact.
It’s nicely acclaimed abroad, and a latest replace noticed WLTP vary enhance to over 400km for 2023 builds. Simply get it right here already!
Jack Fast: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The upcoming electrical automotive I’m most excited to drive is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which is ready to make its public debut at this yr’s Goodwood Pageant of Pace in July.
At this stage it’s anticipated to reach in Australia both in late 2023 or early 2024.
I’m actually excited to see what the Ioniq 5 N’s digital dual-clutch gearbox shall be like in individual, and whether or not it’s going to truly add one thing worthwhile to the driving expertise.
One thing else I’m intrigued about is the N Sound Plus, which is meant to offer an immersive driving expertise with synthetic exhaust notes, pops and bangs, in addition to rev noises.
I sometimes change quite a lot of these synthesised noises off in EVs as I hate being taken out of the quiet atmosphere they supply.
Additionally, I can’t wait to have a smile from ear-to-ear as I depart completely each automotive in my rear-view mirror as I take off from the site visitors lights. My final identify is Fast, what can I say?
Alborz Fallah: Not one of the above
I took my 11 year-old son for a drive in a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae the opposite evening and you realize what he mentioned to me? “Dad, it’s going to be unhappy when automobiles don’t sound like this anymore”. A proud father-son second if there ever was one. No want for a paternity take a look at right here.
The electrical automobile I’m most excited to drive is… completely none. Severely, I’m a bit over EVs. The interior combustion engine could also be lifeless, however I’m not prepared to maneuver on simply but. I want time to heal.
I want time to understand that, regardless of all of the advertising materials I’m uncovered to each day, nothing will ever exchange the texture of an internal-combustion engine revving to its restrict.
Having simply bought again from the launch of the Lexus RZ electrical SUV, which was not that nice, I’m slightly bored with EVs for the second. Sure, they’re the long run and I’ll sooner or later personal one (I like the loopy look of the Polestar 3, it simply must drop in worth). My favorite one to drive might be the Kia EV6 GT as a result of it’s a improbable alternative for an important worth (in context of different EVs) however as for being ‘excited’ about an EV? No thanks.
You recover from the sudden surge of acceleration after about half an hour after which you’re left with an equipment. And I do love an excellent equipment, now we have a sensible kettle within the CarExpert Brisbane workplace you may management out of your cellphone (it actually doesn’t save any time), and that’s cool… however it’s not thrilling.
I’m equally not enthusiastic about working house to make use of my fridge. I respect my fridge, it serves a function, however it doesn’t stir the soul.
Jade Credentino: Ford Mustang Mach-E
There are such a lot of new electrical autos becoming a member of our market within the coming years which look significantly fascinating.
The onslaught of EVs popping out of Europe may be very thrilling, and China is unquestionably stepping up its sport.
With that being mentioned, I’m going to selected neither continent and go together with the American Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Though it has already been revealed for Australia, it’s but to the touch down on our shores.
I might be wanting on the mid-range Premium which affords a 91kWh battery, feeding a 216kW and 430Nm motor mounted to the rear axle.
Ford claims the automobile has a 600km of vary, so I can say goodbye to vary nervousness for good… I reside in an space the place public chargers and entry to charging an electrical automobile is nearly not possible.
The automotive appears to be like good and though it’s electrical, that means no enjoyable sounds… enjoyable can nonetheless be had on the observe.
I’m very excited to get behind the wheel later this yr and see if it lives as much as my excessive expectations.
Tony Crawford: BMW i5 M60 xDrive
Oh no, I’ve been requested by the boss to restrict my selections of most hotly-awaited EVs to only one – how dare he, with a lot nice stuff heading our approach (when’s that ever stopped you? – Ed.)
The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore which I’ve pushed as a prototype is sensational, then there’s the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N that’s alleged to be a beast – and naturally the hi-performance model of the MG 4. Can’t wait.
But when I’m being restricted to only one choose I’m going to say the BMW i5 M60, launching later this yr to the Australian market.
When you haven’t pushed the present BMW i4 M50, it’s probably the most exhilarating driving experiences I’ve had – astonishingly fast, snug, and roomy with a few of the most cutting-edge tech and infotainment available on the market.
The dealing with and journey is solely astonishing are phrases of how sharp it’s, and the linearity of the suggestions the driving force get. I’m anticipating the bar to raised but once more with the i5 M60.
Derek Fung: ID. Buzz GTX
Whereas I’d fortunately settle for a proposal to drive a Nevera or Battista, the EV I’m most excited to drive is a Volkswagen ID.Buzz GTX.
Possibly I’ve bought sturdy emotions about how a supercar ought to sound, but when we’re being trustworthy right here, it’s principally as a result of I’m a boring middle-aged man with boring middle-aged wants who simply desires a facet serving of quirkiness and sprint of efficiency.
The bottom 150kW ID.Buzz is splendidly sensible, spacious and lovingly retro-ish, however briskness will not be its forte. A 250kW two-motor all-wheel drive system ought to repair all that.
Hopefully Volkswagen may even endow the GTX with controls which are illuminated and never of the piano black capacitive selection.