THE FUTURE IS ELECTRIC

Weighing in on how technological advancement and innovation will push the boundaries of mobility in the years to come

When oil prices soared, and the supply nearly depleted, the race to find a more sustainable source of power for petrol vehicles have become the goal in mind of most, if not all, automotive companies. Electric vehicles have started becoming a reality, especially in Europe (more specifically Germany), where legislation has helped speed up the process. Companies like BMW are aiding the growth by including the convenience of charging an electric car in their company strategy. Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, calls to have one million charging points in Germany alone by 2030.

But in other parts of the world, specifically Asia, China has been leading the race being the home of the fully automated Tesla manufacturing plant and with several local brands making their version of electric vehicles. In the latest round of motor shows all over the world, it was quite evident that the future is indeed electric, with most of the brands showcasing their EV platforms and concepts. Here we round up some of the most notable cars and concepts released, giving us a clearer picture of the future.

AUDI E-TRON

The brand with the four rings presents its first fully electric series-production model, the Audi E-Tron. The full-size SUV combines sportiness and everyday usability. Its two electric motors, together with electric all-wheel drive, provide performance and agile handling. The large highvoltage battery lays the foundation for a range of more than 400 kilometers (248.5 mi). The Audi E-Tron completes the standard sprint in 5.7 seconds. The Top speed is an electronically-limited 200 km/h (124.3 mph).

The Audi E-Tron is an electric SUV for sport, family, and leisure; it has ample space for five occupants along with their bags. The total luggage capacity is 660 liters (23.3 cu ft), equipping the electric SUV for significant tours.

BMW I8 COUPE

The first-ever BMW i8 roadster is an icon of progress. It is, by all means, an electric supercar. The turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine produces 228 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque and the electric motor peaks at 141 hp and develops a total of 369 hp. Powering the motor is an 11.6kWh battery, which allows the i8 to go up to 18 miles in pure electric mode. But mainly, it's used to fill in gaps in torque from the small engine and augment traction coming out of corners.

PORSCHE TAYCAN

Porsche presented its first fully-electric sports car, the four-door sports saloon Taycan. The flagship Turbo S version of the Taycan can generate up to 560 kW (761 PS) over-boost power in combination with Launch Control; it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds. This all-wheel-drive model has a range of up to 412 kilometers and a top speed of 260 km/hr.

The Taycan is the first production vehicle with a system voltage of 800 volts instead of the usual 400 volts for electric cars. A particular advantage for Taycan drivers on the road: in just over five minutes, the battery can be recharged using direct current (DC) from the high-power charging network for a range of up to 100 kilometers (according to WLTP).

By 2022, Porsche will have invested more than six billion euros in electromobility.

TESLA 2020 ROADSTER

The leader in the electric race is not from the usual European cities that produce the world's best cars, but from California. Everyone knows the enigmatic futurist Elon Musk, who benefited from the early disinterest of the traditional carmakers in electric vehicles. Tesla sold 220,000 cars in 2018. Musk, who help start the funding of the company that was founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in July 2003, stepped in as chairman and was heavily involved in the development of the Tesla Roadster.

The 2020 Tesla Roadster is claimed to be the fastest electric car in the world. Alleged to be the capable reaching of 0 to 97 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 1.9 seconds, it has a range of 621 miles and a top speed of 260+ mph. The four-seater sports car comes with a removable glass roof and three electric motors, one in the front and two in the back to give the much-needed torque on cornering and the all-wheel driveability.

LEXUS LF-30

In the last Tokyo Motorshow, Lexus presented the LF-30 Electrified concept vehicle, embodying the "Lexus Electrified" vision. For its exterior styling, the advanced artistic qualities result in a futuristic form. Performance is rooted in Lexus Electrified components, adding Lexus' latest technology to its leadership in the development of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) systems. Precise electric motor control enables instantaneous adjustments to a posture not possible with conventional vehicles. Furthermore, the LF-30 Electrified employs numerous advanced technologies with a look ahead to the year 2030 such as a new-concept cockpit based on a human-centered design philosophy and a steer-by-wire system.

The LF-30 is envisioned to use wireless charging technology to simplify daily charging, and AI-based energy management to enable the optimal distribution of electric power to both the vehicle and the home, and charging control coordinated with the user's daily schedule.

MERCEDES BENZ EQC

The EQC is the first full-electric Mercedes-Benz vehicle to be sold in volume, launched under the EQ brand. Said to be a capable SUV that houses town motors for all-wheel drive and has a range of 259 miles, this crossover SUV can sprint from 0-62mph in 5.1sec and is loaded with technology such as optimized EQ navigation, and MUBX, a Mercedes Benz App remote control of pre-entry climate control. The avant-garde exterior design comes with seating for five and a large boot.