Top 5 Electric Car Makers
EVs have been around a long time. Despite a few early missteps like the GM EV1, they’ve become a major part of our transportation ecosystem.
Ford has jumped into the EV arena with an all-electric version of its popular Mustang sports car. It’s also offering an electric F-150 pickup and E-Transit van.
Honda
Honda has a long history with electric vehicles. But don’t let its internal-combustion engine (ICE) reputation fool you; it sells more than just cars, from marine engines to lawnmowers to chainsaws. It also sells a electric car makers number of energy products that run on electricity, including solar panels and storage batteries.
In 1991, a group from the Development division led by Large Project Leader Junichi Araki began work on an EV prototype. They used an off-the-shelf motor and lead-acid batteries, converting a three-door Civic for the purpose. The resulting vehicle was so good that the team wanted to show it to their boss, Honda president Toshihiro Mibe.
Mibe was impressed, and Honda decided to continue its research into electric vehicles. It’s investing $700 million at its Marysville, Ohio plants to re-tool for EV production, as well as in a partnership with South Korea’s LG Energy Solution to develop solid-state battery cells. The company is aiming to produce 30 EV models by 2025. Two of those will be based on GM tech, and the rest will use its own platform.
Nissan
Nissan is one of the first major car makers to get serious about electric vehicles. Their Leaf was launched in 2010, offering a 73-mile range and was able to be used for daily commutes and road trips. Nissan also has a range of NISMO edition electric race cars that show the high-performance possibilities of battery-powered vehicles.
In the future, Nissan wants to offer 23 new electrified models. This includes 15 all-new EVs by 2030. They are also looking to develop more efficient batteries and autonomous driving technologies.
Nissan has already developed all-solid-state batteries and plans to launch a pilot plant in Yokohama by 2024. This technology promises to reduce charging times and will allow them to increase EV range by up to 50%. They also want to bring the cost of battery packs down to $75 per kWh by 2030.
The Renault-Nissan alliance has agreed to jointly develop five common EV platforms, the companies said. They plan to develop the vehicles based on these platforms to meet demand for zero-emission cars in all markets. The companies will also work to reduce the manufacturing cost of lithium-ion batteries, they said.
Stellantis
Despite slowing growth in the electric vehicle market, the company is confident that it can succeed in the future. It plans to introduce more than 47 new BEV models by 2030 and aims for annual global sales of 5 million vehicles. It also wants to expand its business in automotive software and mobility services.
The company’s name is derived from the Latin word “stello,” meaning to brighten with stars. Its broad lineup includes 14 car brands from both France and Italy. They include Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Dodge, Fiat, Free2move, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, and Vauxhall.
The merger of FCA and PSA Group has brought together some storied car brands with strong company cultures. Its management team is led by former PSA CEO Carlos Tavares. The resulting company operates worldwide and is one of the world’s leading automakers. Its greatest strengths are its sustainable performance, depth of experience, and the talents of employees around the globe. Its brand portfolio includes cars, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, and commercial vehicles. The company also manufactures engines, transmission systems, metallurgical products, and production systems.
Subaru
Subaru is the only car company still chinese electric car manufacturers using its flat enjine technology, making it a unique player in the automotive world. In fact, the brand is known for its ability to excel in off-road driving thanks to its symmetrical all-wheel drive. It’s also been a leading player in safety, earning the highest collision ratings for cars with its safety systems.
With the rise of electric vehicles, Subaru is reimagining its research and development facilities to meet future demands. It’s recently redeveloped its Ann Arbor Research and Development Center in the Detroit Aerotropolis region, with new offices, conference rooms, labs, and amenities.
In the United States, Subaru currently offers PZEV-certified Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester models. These meet California’s strict super-ultra-low emissions standards. The brand is also partnering with Toyota on a new hybrid and electric vehicle model, the 2023 Solterra crossover. The car will retain Subaru’s off-road capabilities and is designed to appeal to active outdoor lovers. Visit Pape Subaru in South Portland ME to learn more about the new SUV. It’s set to be the first all-electric Subaru with standard all-wheel drive.
Volvo
Volvo has long been known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and has recently made a big push in electric vehicle production. They now offer a plug-in hybrid variant of every model in their lineup, from the small XC40 SUV to their flagship XC90 SUV. Volvo also has a high-performance electric car brand called Polestar, and they have plans to release their first full-electric vehicle later this year.
In addition to their extensive line of green vehicles, Volvo also offers a wide selection of luxury sedans and crossovers. These vehicles combine exquisite Scandinavian design with human-centric innovation and cutting-edge technology. These vehicles have also received top safety ratings, making them the perfect choice for a comfortable and safe commute around Cambridge or Waterloo.
In the 1980s, Volvo was a significant player in European Touring Car Championship racing, where it won the drivers’ title twice and the manufacturers’ title once. They continued to race in the ETCC until the formation of the World Touring Car Championship in 1986. The car that made Volvo famous, the S60, was raced by defending champion Mikael Lindstrom for RAS Sport, a Belgian-based team.