Electric vehicles draw fans but buyers remain hesitant
Automakers expand lineup despite consumer concerns about range, charging times
With all the fanfare surrounding electric vehicles these days, it would be safe to assume an electrified automotive future is inevitable. But pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) still have a number of obstacles to overcome before their place in tomorrow’s mobility lineup is secure.
A recent survey of nearly 1,000 automotive executives and 2,100 consumers worldwide revealed the majority of people remain unconvinced that BEVs have a viable future — mainly due to the lack of infrastructure support and the inconvenience of lengthy charging times.
According to KPMG’s survey, only 13 per cent of those global customers would consider buying a BEV in the next five years. And car company executives themselves have little faith in the commercial success of BEVs without infrastructure improvement, believing that hydrogen FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicles) have greater potential.
Yet automakers remain committed to EV development, thanks to evertightening regulatory demands, particularly in China, EV’s largest global market, which has just announced a zero-emissions campaign to end production of traditional internal combustion powered vehicles.
Currently only 5 per cent of the 96 million vehicles worldwide are BEVs, but that number is expected to rise to 37 per cent by 2023.
In addition to incentives and rebates, one way to increase public demand, and in turn spur regulatory bodies to prioritize infrastructure development, is by increasing aware- ness in venues such as our Canadian International AutoShow.
The theme for Canada’s largest consumer show this year has been “The New Movement,” focusing on the evolution of mobility, which, aside from the fascinating advances in connectivity, autonomy and artificial intelligence, includes new power-source technology and its supporting infrastructure.
While nearly all of the manufacturers feature hybridized versions in their model lineup, there’s also a healthy showing of EV production and concept cars. Here is a roundup of what you’ll see on the show floor this last weekend. Jaguar I-Pace As have many premium car companies of late, Jaguar, that esteemed purveyor of low slung saloons favoured by gentry, has recently entered the explosively popular crossover segment. But what’s so extraordinary about the I-Pace is, not only is it fully electric, but it’s the first of its ilk to rethink its platform without the constraints of space allotted for an internal combustion engine. The raked windshield forms a continuous slope with the blunt hood until it reaches the front wheels — which allows for more room devoted to interior passenger space. Promising 310 miles of range and 80 per cent charge in 45 minutes, the all-wheel drive I-Pace will compete against the Tesla Model X and upcoming Audi e-tron in the all-electric SUV segment. Mini Electric Concept The all-electric Mini officially debuted in Frankfurt last fall, but it makes its Canadian premiere this week at CIAS. The Mini Electric is on display in concept form but is expected to arrive in production form sometime in 2019. Based on the Mini Cooper hatch, the Electric Concept features unique visual cues setting it apart from the conventional Mini lineup.
Wider, with shorter overhangs, the Electric Concept has smoother, more aerodynamically efficient sheet metal surfaces, exclusive retro four-spoke wheels, and a closed front grille with yellow “E” badging emphasizing its EV credentials. Camouflaged pre-production mules have recently been spotted doing coldweather testing, and while neither range nor powertrain are yet confirmed, it will probably use the same synchronistic electric motor and battery pack responsible for 300 km of range in BMW’s i3. Toyota i-TRIL Concept Toyota’s 3-Seater electric concept makes its North American debut at CIAS bringing urban friendly, autonomous technology in a futuristic package. Small, manoeuvrable and featuring Active Lean Technology to help it navigate tight city street corners, the i-TRIL offers 124 miles of range and optional full autonomy, but also promises engaging handling dynamics should you choose to drive yourself.
The 3-wheeled i-TRIL is only 9 ft. 3 inches long, weighs1,300 lb. and has a turning circle of four meters (13.1 feet). Smart Fortwo ED Cabrio Not a concept but a fully usable production car that replaced its more rudimentary predecessor last year, the Electric Drive Cabrio is quite popular in urban centres with supporting charge infrastructure, such as California, and with fleet and car sharing programs. Launched earlier as a coupe, the Smart Fortwo ED is powered by a 60 kilowatt 3-phase with an output of 80 hp and 118 lb. ft. of torque and promises up to 58 miles of range on one full charge.
But for showgoers who’d like a more hands-on approach than simply admiring the new technology on the stands, the EVolution Zone offers every licensed driver over 21 to experience electric vehicles from behind the wheel.
Plug’n Drive free EV test drives for the full ten days of the show, from both buildings. While the lineup also includes plug-in hybrids, there are several full-electric vehicles offered for test drives. Hyundai Ioniq Reassuringly normal-looking, the nonetheless technically advanced Ioniq features a bank of sophisticated Lidar (a blend of light and radar) units hidden within its bumper — three cameras and two radar systems — giving it a 360- degree awareness of its surroundings and another step forward toward full autonomy.
The fully electric version of the Ioniq delivers118 hp, 218 lb. ft. of torque, has room for five passengers and can travel up to 200 km on a single charge. Nissan Leaf With over a quarter million sold, one of the first full-electric vehicles considered a viable choice rather than niche curiosity, the Nissan Leaf reruns for 2018 with a number of significant improvements. Sleeker, and more mainstream in appearance, the Leaf boasts a 50 per cent increase in battery range, 40 per cent more power and 25 per cent more torque. More affordably priced than most competitors, the Leaf now has a 378 km range, and 148 hp with 236 lb. ft. of torque. Kia Soul EV The electrified version of Kia’s funky Soul is essentially the same as the conventionally powered gasoline version and hasn’t really maximized the advantages of a fully dedicated EV platform. While it offers the same stylishness and comfort of the regular Soul, the EV lags behind the competition when it comes to range. Powered by an 81.4-kilowatt electric motor producing 109 hop and 210 lb. ft. of torque, the Soul EV’s 178 km range can’t compete with the Chevrolet Bolt’s 383 km, the Leaf’s 378, or the e-Golf’s 201km.
However, it handles well, has plenty of room that’s not compromised by battery space and looks a lot better than many EVs.
Also on display in the EVolution Zone is a Canadian-built, all-electric version of the Lotus Evora. Dubbed “Blue Lighting” the silver Evora was converted to an electric vehicle using a Tesla Model S powertrain and a pair of Chevrolet Volt batteries.
The brainchild of Onpoint Dyno in Toronto, the Blue Lightning Project’s goal is to achieve supercar performance while maintaining the light weight and nimble handling that Lotus is renowned for.
The relatively small battery compromises range in exchange for weight advantage — yet still reportedly travels 201 kilometres on one charge. More importantly, the electric powertrain delivers 440 horsepower and a stupefying 4057 lb.-ft. of torque — enough to break the dynamometer it was being tested on.