MOTORING

THESE ARE THE SEVEN ELECTRIC CARS

TO GET EXCITED ABOUT IN 2021

WITH increasing demand, 2020 proved to be a big year for electric vehicles. Production of EVs has increased significantly, and newer and more innovative models have come onto the market.

This means 2021 looks set to be an even bigger year for batterypowered cars, and there are some exciting new electric vehicles on the horizon. Which ones should be on your radar though? We’ve picked out some of the key ones to be getting excited about this year...

FORD MUSTANG MACH-E

Ford’s new Mustang Mach-e is by far one of the most exciting EVs due to arrive on the scene for this year. As the firm’s first standalone electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-e is how the Blue Oval will properly announce its entry into the batterypowered world. With more than 330bhp on tap and a 0-60mph time of just over five seconds, the Mustang Mach-e looks set to have the performance boxes ticks too.

SKODA ENYAQ

Electric models are cropping up thick and fast across the entire Volkswagen Group, and Skoda looks set to become the next to debut its own electric vehicle with the new Enyaq.

With a range of up to 316 miles, the Enyaq is expected to cost from £33,340 – excluding the Government’s plug-in car grant. It’ll be available with two battery size options, too, as well as rapid charging capabilities.

MAZDA MX-30

Mazda’s striking MX-30 looks set to shake up the EV segment, bringing striking looks and a classy cabin alongside that all-important electric powertrain. Though its range is on the shorter side of things at 124 miles, as a rival to the likes of the

Honda e and Mini Electric the MX-30’s practicality shines through. Plus, it features clever rear-hinged doors which are likely to get a conversation going.

BMW IX3

Though BMW’s i3 has been a key contender in the EV segment for many years now, the German firm has yet to elongate its range of electric vehicles – until now. The iX3 enters into the flourishing electric SUV area of the market, bringing a high ride height and imposing looks, which are part and parcel in the segment. It’s got a decent 285mile range, too, and will deliver a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds.

CUPRA EL BORN

In 2021, Cupra will be switching its focus to electric vehicles with this – the el Born, pictured above. Based on the same platform as the Skoda Enyaq, it too will bring a range of over 300 miles as well as fast charging capabilities.

VOLVO XC40 RECHARGE P8

Volvo has already committed to an electrified future, but up until this point, all of its vehicles have only incorporated mild or plug-in hybrid powertrains into its line-up. The Recharge P8 is its first fully electric vehicle, packaged into the smart and well-finished XC40 design. Thanks to two electric motors it’ll push out 402bhp, yet deliver a range of up to 248 miles.

CITROEN E-C4

Citroen has revived its much-loved C4 nameplate, but rather than applying it to another hatchbackstyle model, it has instead reimagined the C4 as more of a crossover-style vehicle. It’s offered with three powertrains, too – petrol, diesel and electric in the aptly badged e-C4.

JACK EVANS