Popular cars going eletric
They look like conventional petrol and diesel models, but underneath they’re pure EV, writes David Linklater.
It’s common for pure-electric cars (or BEVs, Battery Electric Vehicles) to be bespoke models: unique creations that aren’t based on standard models and have their own look and technology. Think Nissan Leaf, Jaguar I-Pace or any Tesla: they have no direct equivalents in the petrol or diesel world.
But as electric power becomes more mainstream, we will see a lot more familiar combustion-engine vehicles offering BEV power as an option.
Here are some of the most interesting vehicles (they’re not all ‘‘cars’’) that are joining the electric revolution in conventional clothes.
Mini
BMW’s fashion-conscious small-car brand went pure-electric this year – on its 60th birthday. There’s already a plug-in hybrid Mini Countryman on sale, but the new Cooper SE version is battery only.
The Cooper SE is available in three-door hatch form only. It has a 135kW/270Nm motor and can sprint from 0-100kmh in 7.3 seconds. Mini claims a range of 235-270km on a full charge.
The SE might reach New Zealand next year, but timing (and price) is yet to be confirmed.
Ford F-150
Ford is being bold with its EV plans. It has a stated aim of taking pureelectric power to its top-selling F-150 pickup truck, in addition to hybrid versions.
Plug-in power is a big deal for the F-150: it’s the world’s best-selling vehicle. Ford’s plant cranks one out every 53 seconds.
Details on the new model are still scarce, but don’t expect the EV version to appear in the current body shape; an all-new F-150 will be unveiled as a 2021 model next year.
In the meantime, Ford has wheeled out an F-150 prototype for promotional purposes – including a stunt where it towed a 500,000kg train.
Peugeot 208
The all-new version of Peugeot’s 208 small hatchback is also the vehicle to bring BEV power to the French brand for the first time.