In the fast-paced world of automotive innovation, 2024 promises to be a groundbreaking year with an array of cutting-edge vehicles set to redefine the driving experience. We delve into the details of the most anticipated electric cars, outshining even the best predictions from the automotive industry.
The Prime Minister recently announced that the UK and EU have agreed to extend trade rules on electric vehicles until the end of 2026 to keep costs down for manufacturers and consumers. Read more about Tariffs on electric vehicles avoided as the UK and EU extend trade rules.
Below are all the critical new model launches scheduled or predicted to land in 2024.
Alfa Romeo Milano
Alfa, though a latecomer to the electric vehicle scene, has already introduced battery power in the striking 33 Stradale supercar. In 2024, the Italian brand is set to debut its first mainstream electric car, the Milano, scheduled for unveiling this April.
Enthusiasts familiar with the brand may recognize the Milano name from the Alfa Romeo 75 saloon, initially sold in the US. However, Alfa is resurrecting it for a compact SUV that CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato states will compete with the Volvo EX30 and MINI Countryman. In the UK, the Milano will be exclusively available as an electric vehicle, although a petrol mild-hybrid version is poised for release if there is sufficient customer demand.
The Milano is expected to be priced at around £24,000 for the petrol model and around £35,000 for the EV, making it a competitive option in the electric vehicle market.
Milano will utilize the e-CMP platform, shared with the Jeep Avenger and Peugeot E-2008. It has been confirmed that the electric vehicle will initially come with four-wheel drive, thanks to a dual-motor setup, a feature soon to be introduced in its Jeep counterpart. Powered by the Avenger’s 54kWh battery, Alfa aims to enhance the driving experience through chassis modifications.
Despite its near-silent electric propulsion, leaked images reveal a distinctly sculpted, almost extraterrestrial design, ensuring that the Milano will capture attention and distinguish itself from its sibling models.
The Fisker Ocean
The Fisker Ocean, priced between £36,900 and £57,900, is an all-electric SUV set to launch in January 2024. Comparable in size to the Škoda Enyaq or Volkswagen ID.4, with dimensions of 4,640 in length, 1,930 in width, and 1,615 in height, it rides on a new lightweight platform developed by Fisker. It is offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Reservations are currently open, with initial deliveries anticipated in early 2024. The Ocean lineup includes three variants. The entry-level £36,900 Sport features a single motor and a range of 289 miles. The £50,900 Ultra offers all-wheel drive and an extended range of 429 miles, while the all-wheel-drive Ultimate boasts a remarkable 440 miles of range.
Despite sporting a 400-volt electrical system (in contrast to the 800-volt systems in the Kia EV6, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Porsche Taycan), Fisker asserts that both battery options—the 106kWh Hyper Range and 80kWh Touring Range—will support DC fast charging up to 250kW. This aligns the Ocean with Tesla, providing a charging speed comparable to a 400-volt system. If this holds, the Ocean could add approximately 100 miles of range in less than eight minutes and achieve an 80% charge in under 30 minutes.
Kia EV5
The Kia EV5, estimated to be priced between £43,000 and £55,000, is anticipated to have a battery range of 275-330 miles and is slated for a mid-2024 launch.
For those seeking a more compact electric car than the expansive Kia EV9, the 2024 Kia EV5 might be the ideal choice. Measuring 4.6 meters long, the Kia EV5 is built on the dedicated E-GMP EV platform, shared with the EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and 6.
The standard model, equipped with a 64kWh battery pack and a 215bhp motor, is projected to offer a driving range of approximately 330 miles on a single charge. Meanwhile, the long-range variant, featuring an 88kWh battery, is expected to achieve an impressive 450 miles per charge.
In the case of the long-range All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) model, boasting two motors with a combined output of 308bhp, Kia aims for a driving range of 405 miles. Notably, the EV5 has fast-charging capabilities, enabling the battery to charge from 30 to 80 per cent in just 27 minutes.
Cupra Tavascan
It took Cupra four years to transform its bold Tavascan concept car, initially showcased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, into an equally striking electric coupe-SUV set to compete with the Kia EV6 and Nissan Ariya. Scheduled for release in 2024, the Cupra Tavascan shares the MEB platform with the Cupra Born hatchback, Volkswagen ID.4, and Skoda Enyaq.
Infused with the brand’s sporty ethos, the Tavascan is designed to visually distinguish itself from both its competitors and closely related sister cars. Noteworthy features include polished black A-pillars resembling a racing helmet’s visor, heavily sculpted bodywork and an athletic silhouette reminiscent of the original concept. Notably, the production of Tavascan incorporates Cupra’s signature copper-coloured accents and badging, a distinctive black front fascia, and a three-triangle light signature at the front and rear.
Inside, the Tavascan showcases a driver-focused design characterized by a central spine that separates the driver and front passenger, serving as a structural element of the interior. Standard features include bucket seats; the cabin’s focal point is a 15-inch touchscreen. At launch, the Tavascan will be available in two versions: a 282bhp rear-drive model and a dual-motor variant named the VZ, boasting 335bhp and 679Nm of torque.
Tesla Model 3
Ideal for drivers seeking a long-range electric vehicle coupled with the reliability of the Supercharger network, the Tesla Model 3 has earned its status as the UK’s most popular electric car.
Pros:
- Pioneer in Electric Cars: As the original disruptor in the electric car market, the Model 3 offers groundbreaking features.
- Exceptional Range: With an intergalactic range, even the base model boasts a 305-mile range, making it suitable for various driving needs.
- Swift Performance: The Model 3 delivers rapid acceleration, clocking 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds for the base model.
- Supercharger Network Access: Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network provides added convenience during long journeys.
Cons:
- Interior Quality: While impressive, the interior quality of the Model 3 could be better than that of its German luxury counterparts.
The Long Range dual-motor version, featuring all-wheel drive and extended range, enhances the Model 3’s capabilities. It boasts a 374-mile range and accelerates from 0-60mph in a sports car, which rivals 4.2 seconds. For those seeking peak performance, the top-of-the-range Performance variant achieves an impressive 3.1-second 0-60 mph time, albeit with a slightly reduced range of 340 miles.
Even the base model includes the Autopilot drive assistance system, contributing to a futuristic driving experience and making long trips more manageable. The larger Model Y is available for those desiring a more spacious option, although it’s worth considering the trade-offs. In a recent group test, the Model Y faced stiff competition from the Kia EV6. Pricing for the Model 3 starts from £42,990.
Read about : Tesla Recalls Autopilot Software in 2 Million Vehicles
Why are electric cars so expensive?
While electric vehicles (EVs) may currently have a higher upfront purchase cost than their petrol or diesel counterparts, the price gap is gradually narrowing. Manufacturers such as Vauxhall, Peugeot, and Mini offer models available in both petrol and electric variants, and the comparative prices are becoming increasingly similar.
Leasing options for EVs present an even more intriguing scenario. Though costs can vary significantly based on the specific car model, the leasing prices for affordable electric cars are generally comparable to those of their petrol counterparts. For instance, Renault Zoes and Renault Clios are both available in the market for around £200 per month under similar lease terms.
Our recommendation is to conduct a thorough financial analysis before making a decision. While EVs entail a higher initial investment, considering your usage patterns and energy expenses could reveal that going electric is a financially viable choice. The evolving market dynamics and decreasing price differentials make electric vehicles increasingly attractive and cost-effective for many consumers.
