2021 SHOULD BE ELECTRIC
Of all the new EVs, expect F-150 to be the game changer
Like most things in our collective Annus Horribilis, making predictions as to what comes next is fraught with peril. Even something as once-certain as listing all-new vehicles we're looking most forward to in the coming year.
And when said list is of the electric variety, that prognostication becomes all the more perilous. Even in `normal' times, predicting the arrival of a new all-electric vehicle to the Canadian market is like forecasting the weather. There are lots of variables and moving parts. Looking back at last year's roundup, a couple of expected EVs haven't made it to market yet.
And so, in the spirit of the season and the caveat of the COVID-19 pandemic — and in alphabetical order — here are my top seven all-new, all-electrics set to charge into Canadian showrooms in 2021 (and most likely, beyond).
Audi Q4 E-tron
The first crossover in the growing E-tron family, the Q4 is based on Volkswagen's MEB architecture and will feature an electric motor driving each axle, utilizing Audi's vaunted Quattro all-wheel-drive attributes. Power output is expected to be 225 kW (about 301 horsepower) from a 82 kWh battery pack located in the space between the two axles. In addition to providing great handling with a low centre of gravity, the MEB platform allows for a spacious cabin for the four occupants. The driver's cockpit uses much of the same switchgear and display arrays as the big brother E-tron, which will provide an elegant and luxurious cabin that punches above its weight class.
Range has not been confirmed by a third-party yet, but Audi reports over 450 kilometres. Note that is on the European test cycle; the EPA cycle, which Canada uses, is typically 20 per cent or so less. The Q4 also supports charging up to 125 kW.
Cost: $65,000 (est).
BMW i4
While the new front grille made social media whine-lines when BMW's all-electric i4 fastback concept was unveiled earlier this year, once the fan-boy clamour died down the true attributes of this luxury sport sedan concept were revealed. Styling inside and out is jaw-dropping, with design attention to detail more Bentley than Bimmer. In particular, the new BMW Curved Display, which houses the instrument cluster and the infotainment centre, is sure to be on some other best-of lists this year.
The i4 will be available in rearand all-wheel-drive configurations, gets its power from a 80 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and supports DC fast-charging up to 150 kW. As to range, range on the European test cycle is a stout 600 kilometres, horsepower is rated at 523, and BMW says the i4 should hit 100 km/ h from zero in four seconds flat. The i4 will also get the M treatment at some point, making it the first battery electric to be produced by BMW's motorsport division. Cost: TBA.
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
From the first moment I drove the Chevrolet Bolt back in 2017, I declared it the best value-for-money EV available in Canada. I still stand by that, and I know that there are shortcomings with the cabin in terms of material qualities. But it's still a blast from a driving perspective, which makes me excited to know that by the end of next year — COVID willing — I'll be able to take out its new and bigger sibling, the Bolt EUV (electric utility vehicle). Bolt critics will say this is the vehicle GM should have produced three years ago over the original odd-looking and stubby hatchback, and they might not be wrong. The EUV is longer and taller than the Bolt hatch, and looks very much like your garden-variety crossover, electrified or otherwise. Outside of its electrification, the EUV will be the first GM vehicle outside of Cadillac to offer Super Cruise, an industry leading hands-free driving technology.
Cost: US$40,000 (est).
Ford F-150 Electric
By far the most utilitarian on the list, the electric F-150 is the most important not just for Ford, but also the EV landscape in North America.
Ask most industry watchers what will signal we've reached an EV tipping point, and the arrival — and success — of all-electric pickup trucks tops the list.
For the Big Three automakers, pickups are their bread and butter, so if they can create EV pickups that work for the working man and woman, watch out.
And since the Ford F-150 is the gold standard, an electrified version could be a game-changer.
Details about the electric powertrains and specs have yet to be released; all Ford really has unveiled about the F-150 Electric, apart from a production timeline, is a video of a prototype towing a million pounds of rail cars loaded with gas-powered F-150s.
The F-150 Electric will begin production next year, but at least for Canada, don't expect it in showrooms until early 2022. Cost: US$75,000 (est).
Mercedes-Benz EQC
It's a little odd to be including this is a new-for-2021 roundup, as I already drove the EQC in Europe back in May of 2019. But as is the case with so many global EVs, Canada doesn't top the list of countries getting first crack at the new models. The wait will be worth it, though, for those looking for a very well-built and thought-out crossover.
In terms of size, the EQC closely mirrors the GLC from Mercedes' gas-powered stable. What they share, along with all vehicles adorned with the three-point star, is a first-class cabin — from design through to materials used — and a driving feel honed from decades of top-flight engineering know-how. Power comes from an 80 kWh battery, with Mercedes-esque output numbers of 402 horsepower and 564 poundfeet of torque. Five regenerative braking settings are controlled via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and range is in the 350-to-375-kilometre neighbourhood.
Cost: US$67,900 (est).
Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Leaf was the first mass-market EV to be produced when it debuted in 2010, so it is somewhat surprising that it took a full decade for the Japanese automaker to come up with followup. Judging from what we know so far about the 2022 Ariya, that long wait might just be worth it.
With a longer range than the Leaf by almost a third, the crossover will be available with either front- or all-wheel-drive, and with either a 63 kWh battery as standard or an optional 87 kWh battery.
As to charging, the Ariya can adapt to 110-volt, 240-volt, and DC fast-charging systems.
Inside, there will be Nissan's renowned `zero-gravity' seats and dual 12.3-inch displays that incorporate the digital gauge cluster and the infotainment screen.
And all Ariyas come standard with ProPilot 2.0, the latest Nissan semi-autonomous driving system. Cost: TBA.
From the first moment I drove the ... Bolt back in 2017, I declared it the best value-for-money EV available in Canada. I still stand by that.
Volkswagen ID.4
Dubbed VW's first `long range' EV with an expected 400-plus kilometres, the ID.4 is slightly smaller than a Tiguan and will be available in rear- or all-wheeldrive configurations. The former drivetrain will have 201 horsepower; the latter 302. Two trims will be available when the ID.4 arrives in Canadian dealerships this summer: standard and a Statement package, which adds massage and memory leatherette front seats, a panoramic glass moonroof, a power tailgate, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The list of standard features is Canada-friendly, including a heated windshield, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats and cabin pre-heating, among other things.
The battery is an 84 kWh lithium-ion pack with 77 kWh usable and will allow for DC fast charging up to 125 kW, which according to VW Canada, translates to a 38-minute charge from five to 80 per cent. In addition, ID.4 customers will get free charging at Electrify Canada stations for at least two years. Cost: $45,000 (est).