Top Five Electric Car Makers
Tesla remains the world’s leading electric car maker, but it is not alone. Many established automakers are betting that battery-powered cars are the future.
Ford has an impressive lineup of EVs, including the popular Mustang and F-150 trucks. Its new Mach-E electric version of the Mustang is a real head-turner.
Ford
Long considered a stodgy legacy automaker by EV enthusiasts, Ford has begun to seriously work on electrification. It has a number of EVs in production, including a zero-emissions version of its Mustang and F-150 trucks and a commercial van.
It plans to produce EVs at the rate of 600,000 per year by 2023 and 2 million by 2026. However, it’s currently losing money on each one it sells. It hopes to eventually make money by using cheaper battery chemistry and more efficient manufacturing. Until then, it’s making money by selling gas cars.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen came late to the electric car revolution, but since showing the ID concept in 2016, it’s gone all-in. It now has a full range of electric VWs, including the upcoming ID. Buzz, which is also available as a cargo van called the ID. Space Vizzion.
With a looming carbon tax, the German giant has big plans for electric cars. Its luxury brands are leading the way, with Porsche launching its first all-electric Taycan this year and Audi planning 12 EV models by 2025. The Electric Motorcycles company has invested in new technology and is working to lower costs.
Kia
Kia is also looking to become a major player in the purpose-built vehicle (PBV) market by 2030. This is an area that includes autonomous delivery vehicles.
The EV5 uses a long-range battery and two electric motors to offer a driving range of up to 650 km on a single charge. It also has a fast-charging capability that can fill its battery to 80 percent in 27 minutes.
Kia is working to innovate the sales and ownership experience for EVs. It is exploring subscription services to provide a diversified buying option for customers, as well as EV battery leasing and rental programs.
Porsche
The Taycan is Porsche’s first electric car, but the company’s history with electrification goes back more than 100 years. The Taycan is a fast-accelerating electric sedan that can compete with Tesla’s Model S in terms of range and performance.
In 1898, Ferdinand Porsche designed an electric car called the Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton, or P1. It resembled a carriage and used a wheel hub motor that was powered by Tudor batteries. It won a competition against other electric cars of the time. Then, Porsche developed a hybrid car with petrol engines to recharge the battery and drive the electric wheel motors.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has a lot to gain from switching over to electric vehicles. Its EQA SUV has a sleek design and is packed with advanced features. It also emits zero emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice for drivers.
The switch to EVs is necessary as governments around the world seek to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. However, Daimler is taking this change slowly, focusing on profitability while accelerating R&D. It is also forming new partnerships to bring battery technology in-house. This will improve the efficiency of its electric motors.
BMW
The maker of the ultimate driving machine has taken a slow, methodical approach to electric vehicles. Its ambitious 2025 goals are the culmination of decades of research and development.
BMW began by dabbling with liquified hydrogen in the 1970s. Its test cars fueled with this clean fuel earned the company a reputation for innovative technology.
Today, the BMW i3 is a top seller with an impressive driving range. BMW also has an all-electric SUV and electric car makers sedan planned for 2020 and 2021. Its iX3 is expected to get 250-plus miles on a charge.
Audi
Audi’s luxury brand has already made a commitment to transition to electric vehicles. By 2029, all its production sites will produce at least one electric vehicle model. The company will also stop producing models with internal combustion engines.
The company’s current full-electric offerings include the e-tron SUVs and the E-Tron GT. The latter is based on the Porsche Taycan’s J1 electric platform and offers impressive performance. The upcoming Q6 e-tron will democratize Audi’s electric offerings with a more approachable price. It will also feature a snazzy interior with enough luxury to compete with popular rivals.
Volvo
Volvo one-upped larger rivals and added momentum to the movement toward electric vehicles when it declared it would make only electric cars from 2025. Its decision is based on the expectation that legislation and a rapid expansion of accessible, high quality charging infrastructure will accelerate consumer acceptance of fully electric cars.
Samuelsson said that Volvo will sell its new pure electric models exclusively online, though dealers will be critical for delivering and servicing the cars and offering test drives. Customers will be able to choose pre-configured cars that reduce assembly time and simplify ordering.
Hyundai
Hyundai’s commitment to electric vehicles is aligned with the global trend toward green transportation. The company’s EV lineup includes 31 models.
Its latest offering, the 2024 Kona Electric, is a great example. Its SUV stance and arrow-like LED daytime running lights clearly identify it as an electric vehicle.
But the Kona’s design didn’t just happen. It was the result of decades of research and development. Hyundai’s approach to EV technology gives it the edge it needs to challenge Toyota and other major automakers. Read on to learn more about Hyundai’s history as an electric car maker.
Nissan
Nissan is one of the few automakers that created its own electric vehicle chassis. Its first EV, the 1947 Tama, had replaceable lead-acid batteries and performed well in government trials. However, gasoline won the technology race and the Tama was discontinued after World War II.
Volkswagen Group, which includes Skoda, Audi, Bentley, and Porsche in addition to its VW brand, has the e-tron series of high-performance electric SUVs. This model is popular in China. The company targets a half-electrified fleet by 2030. This is an ambitious goal.
