EVs AND HYBRIDS ON THE RISE FOR 2017
The inevitable transformation to clean energy is pushing automakers to create some exciting high-tech vehicles
It’s official: Electric vehicles and hybrids aren’t just for the Birkenstock-wearing eco-militants who first espoused their virtues. With automakers Bentley and Porsche announcing upcoming hybrids — and Ford announcing a hybrid Mustang by 2020 — the times, they definitely are a-changing. But you don’t have to wait until 2020, or later, for the hottest new eco-friendly vehicles. Here’s a look at some of the major players on the market right now:
AUDI A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON
The A3 model range is refreshed for the 2017 model year, with a new grille, new LED lights and other new interior and exterior features, including Audi’s innovative Virtual Cockpit. This is the third model year for the Sportback e-tron, which is powered by a 150-horsepower, 1.4-litre turbocharged TFSI four-cylinder engine with 184 pound-feet of torque, plus an additional 102 hp and 243 lb-ft provided by the electric motor, adding up to a maximum net output of 204 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Combined fuel economy is 6.9 L/100 km, with 7.2 L in the city and 6.6 L on the highway.
BMW I3
The plug-in i3 is BMW’s first volume-produced model driven purely by electric power, now in its fourth model year and signifi- cantly reworked for the first time since it went on sale. For 2017, BMW has improved the battery-pack capacity by an estimated 50 per cent, increasing its range to 183 km under the EPA cycle. The i3 features a 170-hp electric motor with peak torque of 184 lb-ft that sends power to the rear wheels via an integrated differential gear. There is also an available Range Extender model that incorporates a twin-cylinder gas engine that kicks in to generate power to top up the battery.
BMW 330E
New last year, the 330e plug-in hybrid is powered by a 2.0-L turbocharged in-line four with 180 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque, which gets an extra boost from an electric motor with 87 hp. Combined net output is 248 hp and 310 lb-ft, significantly more torque than (but the same horsepower as) the 330i. Most reviewers agree the driving dynamic is uncompromised, and this hybrid feels as exciting to drive as the standard 3 Series. According to BMW, the battery takes 2.2 hours to charge with a Level 2 charger.
CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID
Redesigned for 2016, the Malibu Hybrid is motivated by a directinjected 1.8-L four cylinder mated to a two-motor drive unit based on the one used in the Chevy Volt, resulting in 182 hp of total system output. The engine also features Chevrolet’s first application of Exhaust Gas Heat Recovery (EGHR) technology, which uses exhaust heat to warm the engine and cabin and helps offer consistent fuel economy performance in cold weather. Regenerative braking also contributes to improved fuel economy, which is estimated at 5.1 L/100 km (combined city and highway).
CHEVROLET VOLT
Last year the second-generation Volt received powertrain upgrades, with two electric motors, a larger 18.4-kWh battery and a 1.5-L gas engine that combine to deliver 149 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque. The electric-only driving range was upped to 80 km. When the battery is depleted, the range-extending mode stretches the driving distance up to 676 km. A unique feature, Regeneration on Demand, engages regenerative braking to harvest valuable energy while slowing the car without using the brake pedal. The Volt received the 2016 Green Car of the Year award at the L.A. Auto Show.
CHRYSLER PACIFICA HYBRID
Winner of North American Utility Vehicle of the Year for 2017, the all-new Pacifica offers a plugin hybrid version — a first in the minivan segment — with an estimated 260 hp total output. The Pacifica is available with more than 100 standard and optional safety and security features, plus many segment-leading entertain- ment and comfort options.
FORD FUSION HYBRID & FORD FUSION ENERGI
Updated for this year, the Fusion provides two “green” options, equipped with Ford’s SmartGauge and featuring EcoGuide, a virtual driving coach that provides real-time stats about the efficiency of your vehicle and your driving. The 2017 Energi plug-in hybrid combines a gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor, boasting an estimated 982-km total range. The MyFord app can schedule and monitor vehicle charging remotely, and the Fusion is available with many driver-assist and safety features.
LEXUS NX 300H
Only in its second model year, the NX 300h comes well equipped with driver safety features such as blind-spot monitor, rear crosstraffic alert, lane-departure alert and radar cruise control. It’s powered by the same hybrid engine system as the Toyota Camry Hybrid, a 2.5-L in-line four mated to an electric motor and CVT that puts out a combined 194 hp.
NISSAN LEAF
This all-electric vehicle may not be as easy on the eyes as it is on the environment, but the fivepassenger hatchback provides many premium features and 60/40-split rear seats that can fit in three child seats. With the second row folded flat, the Leaf provides an ample 849 L of space, including a handy cargo well that keeps valuables hidden. The Leaf is currently the world’s all-time best-selling all-electric (highway-capable) car, with more than 250,000 units sold since it first arrived in 2010.
TESLA MODEL S& X
With its falcon-door SUV, the Model X, and its sleek sedan, the Model S, Tesla has given the automotive industry a run for its money with its combination of performance and “green” cachet. With up to three rows of seating and 2,180 L of cargo space, the Model X appeals to the not-so-average SUV shopper, while the Model S boasts supercar-level acceleration with an estimated three-second run from zero to 100 km/h.
TOYOTA PRIUS
With the hatchback Prius V, compact Prius C and newfor-2017 Prius Prime plug-in, this sales-leading hybrid is poised to continue dominating the ecovehicle market 20 years after its introduction, with the fourthgeneration 2017 model year seeing numerous updates. This fuel-efficient runabout is popular as a city car but may leave much to be desired if driving “thrills” are what you’re after, since it tops out at 136 horsepower (net) for the Prius V, with lower numbers for the others.
TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID
Debuting last year, this compact SUV features on-demand, “intelligent” all-wheel drive and 194 hp (net), provided by a combination of a 2.5-L four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine and high-torque electric motors. It’s also equipped with a full suite of comfort and safety features, including rear cross-traffic alert, vehicle-proximity notification, dual-zone automatic climate control, eightway adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats.