More and more car companies are shifting to electric propulsion and new businesses are entering the arena to showcase their exciting new innovations that are more energy-efficient and digitally advanced.
1. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
It was established in 1916 in Munich, Germany. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) is a Germany-based multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells luxury vehicles. It also offers premium financial and mobility services, such as customizable car finance and lease your BMW vehicle options. Furthermore, it is a market leader in developing electric and hybrid vehicles, such as the BMW i3, BMW iX3, BMW i4, and BMW i8. The company is also heavily investing in the autonomous driving technology “Personal Pilot” and actively testing it on public roads.
Read: Top 10 Best-Selling Electric Vehicle Makers of 2019
i) BMW i3 hatchback (2013-2022)
The BMW i3 is one of the longest-running EVs because it’s been around for nearly a decade now. The long period means a good appeal of its futuristic styling and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic body, which remains the same as when it was introduced, as well as the pure-electric powertrain.
Read: BMW i3s
The BMW i3 is the fifth model of the BMW model. The i3 is quite lightweight for a battery-electric car, abetting its agile nature and quick acceleration. Its material is polarizing but looks like any other car on the market on the road with a cabin striking upscale. It’s functional, too, with a breezy, spacious feel and easy backseat access thanks to the rearward-hinged rear doors. These doors can turn into a bit of a hassle in tight parking lot quarters.
Read: 2019 BMW i3
The i3 is powered by a synchronous 125 kW electric motor with an output of 170 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. This produces acceleration times of 0 to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds, and 50 to 75 mph in 4.9 seconds for rapid passing. A single-speed transmission transmits power to the rear wheels, providing an uninterrupted rush of power from a standing start all the way to its efficiency-limited top speed of 93 mph. Energy is stored in a 33 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Read:BMW i5 Electric car
2. BYD Auto
Established in 1995 in Shenzhen, China. BYD Auto is a leading automobile manufacturer specializing in producing electric vehicles (EVs) and rechargeable batteries. Its EV product lineup includes passenger cars, buses, coaches, trucks, forklifts, and other commercial vehicles. The company is investing in innovative EV solutions, including its proprietary Iron-Phosphate (Fe) battery technology, called Blade Battery.
The company focuses on research and development (R&D) and has become a key player in the transition from gas-powered vehicles to EVs by developing cutting-edge Blade Battery and dual-mode hybrid power technology.
Here are some of the BYD electric fleets:
i) BYD e6
The e6 is a crossover from Chinese automobile manufacturer BYD. By crossover, it means it has the body of an SUV /wagon. There is no doubt with a car like this, the energy transition can actually be fun. Getting in and out is also easy. It can accommodate up to 5-passenger hence a family-oriented crossover vehicle.
Electric power consumption: less than 18 kWh per 100 km (62 minutes), acceleration : 0–60 mph(97km/h ) in less than 8 seconds, Top speed: 100mph(160km/h) its charge normally is 220V/10A household electric power socket. Its range is 186 miles (300km) that is On a full 100% charge BYDe6 claims a total achievable range of 300 kilometers (highway) from the 75 kWh LiFePo4 batteries and the 140 PS brushless motor. Charging time is at 2.5 hours if you have the 400-volt.
The K9 weighs 30,900 lbs compared to an LNG Bus, which weighs 32,000 lbs. The K9 seats 42 and is electronically limited to 60 mph with a range of 120 to 150 miles. A full AC charge takes anywhere from 3 to 4 hours. The battery pack is under warranty for 12 years and is then recycled by BYD.
The driving range, with no climate-control use, is 155 miles with just 1.92 kWh per mile. With high voltage AC fast charging the 324 kWh battery pack can be charged up in just two to four hours typically, after a day of use, or five hours from fully depleted to 100 percent.
iii) BYD C9 electric motor coach.
It is a two-axle 40 inch long bus with 47 seats and just like BYD’s transit buses, can go over 190 miles. C9 has a lithium-ion iron phosphate battery pack of 365 kWh and can be recharged in less than 2 hours by way of a 200 kW charging system. The company says the battery will retain up to 80% of its capacity over its 12-year useful service life. With two 180 kW and 1,500 NM (1,106 lb-ft) in wheel brushless AC synchronous motors (BYD-TYC180A), C9 can go up to 62.5 mph (101 km/h).
iv) BYD Song EV400 Electric SUV
BYD Song EV400 claims a range of 400 kilometers and a speed is 60 km/h. The Song EV400 is based on Song EV300 which in turn is based on the petrol-powered BYD Song. The EV300 has a NEDC range of 270 kilometers and a 60 km/h range of 300 kilometers.
The new Song EV500 is outfitted with a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor with a maximum power output of 218 hp and a peak torque of 310 Nm. It boasts a range of 500 km under a constant speed. The Song EV500 also is available for a 60 kW charging pile and only needs 30 minutes to get 80% charged from 40% battery power.
Read: New electric car start-ups you should watch out for.
3.Tesla Inc.
Established in 2003 in Austin, Texas, United States. Tesla Inc. is a United States (US)-based EV manufacturer and clean energy company that produces solar panels, electric cars, and energy storage systems. Some of Tesla's most popular EV models include Model S, Roadster, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. Moreover, the company has invested heavily in building a fast-charging network called Supercharger, which provides long-distance travel capabilities.
Here is a list of some Tesla models:
Tesla Model 3 made its first public appearance on July 28, 2017. The whole car is a bit shorter and narrower, much like any other standard city car. This makes for easier maneuvering in city traffic, and with a low center of gravity. The interior is quite spacious. It fits 5 people comfortably with a generous amount of legroom.
The Model 3 will do 0 –100km /h in under 6 seconds. It comes with rear-wheel drive as standard, but you can get front motors as an addition to make it 4WD. It comes with safety features such as automatic braking which prevents accidents.
Read: Tesla’s EV Battery Strategy
ii) Tesla Roadster
Tesla has caught the rest of the world as the best company manufacturing the EVs. It is back with the new Roadster which is very fast with acceleration of 0–60 mph in 1.9 seconds, 0–100 mph in 4.2 seconds, the quarter mile in 8.8 seconds, and a top speed of over 250 mph.
iii) Tesla Model Y
The Model Y will come with a significantly more advanced supercomputer than current Tesla models, and this is expected to advance Tesla’s current Autopilot technology by some margin. Currently, the system can control the car’s steering, accelerator, and brakes in certain scenarios.
iv) Tesla Model X
This is an SUV that performs exceptionally in all aspects. The Model X is as fast with a 911 turbo, doing 0–100kph in 3.1 seconds with the latest Model X P100D, and reaching a top speed of up to 250 km/h. The range of the Model X goes up to 542 km.
Read: Tesla Chargers opened for the public.
If the standard four-wheel-drive Tesla Model S 85D isn’t fast enough for you, Tesla has the answer in the shape of the P85D. The P stands for Performance, and the main difference between the cars, aside from a £16,000 price hike, is the addition of a larger 470 bhp electric motor to the back axle, giving the P85D total power of 691 bhp.
See: First Electric Tesla in Kenya?
4. Daimler AG
Established in 1926 in Stuttgart, Germany. Daimler AG is a multinational automotive manufacturer that produces premium vehicles, buses, and trucks. It has developed an intelligent electric mobility solution called Mercedes-Benz EQ, which is comprised of EVs, such as EQS and EQC. Additionally, the company aims to promote sustainable mobility solutions by investing in the development of battery-powered electric trucks.
Daimler AG is well known for producing some of the most luxurious and innovative cars. The company has made significant investments in electric vehicle technologies, including battery technology, electric motors, and charging infrastructure.
Read: How China Is Driving The Future Of Electric Cars
Here are some of the fleets:
EQC delivers 402 bhp and 564 lb-ft of torque. This set-up delivers more than 400 bhp and some 516 lb-ft. A lithium-ion battery boasting a capacity of around 90 kWh is planned to provide a range of between 400 and 500 km (248–311 miles).
It has a theoretical range of 93 miles between charges. That’s the key figure any fleet operator and van driver will want to know, so clearly the eVito’s only going to suit those who operate in a tight geographical confine at relatively low speeds, such as city centers and last-mile delivery companies.
Read: Mercedes B-class ED Electric Vehicle
iii) All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQB
The EQB is related to the Mercedes-Benz GLB and will get a plug-in hybrid version too. The EQB is rated at 500 km (310 miles) of range under WLTP, while the GLB EQ Power will have up to 62 miles (100 km) of all-electric range.
Read: Mercedes to build its own electric vehicle charging network.
5.Nissan
Established in 1933 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. Nissan is a Japanese automobile producer that manufactures cars, SUVs, trucks, and commercial vehicles. It has developed an advanced driver assistance technology called ProPILOT, which aims to minimize real-world risks, prevent accidents, and reduce driver workload.
Read: Nissan's Decade in Electric Innovation: From Leaf to Ariya SUV.
See below for Nissan electric vehicles.
This car uses the same 40-kWh battery and electric motor as the standard model. The output rating is 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet. The range didn’t change either, with the Leaf Nismo able to drive for up to 150 miles on a single charge. That’s not bad, but it’s still below what you get with EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt or the Tesla Model 3. The acceleration is 0–62 mph in about 7.9 seconds.
ii) Nissan Leaf
Nissan LEAF comes with a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, so you can keep warm by just cranking up the heat. It also keeps you cozy with available heated front seats that let you enjoy the ride with a little extra comfort.
iii) 2019 Nissan Leaf e+
The e+ motor is upsized from 147 hp to 215 (with 250 lb-ft of torque), while the 62 kWh battery delivers 226 miles of range, rendering the Leaf both more fun and more versatile.
The zero-emission SUV should be quite fast, with an estimated 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) sprint that could take under 5 seconds. The battery pack, whose capacity remains unknown, is said to give it a range of 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge.
6.Renault
Established in 1898 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. Renault is a French automotive manufacturer that produces and sells a wide range of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. It also manufactures fully electric and hybrid vehicles.
Read: Electric, Efficient, Exciting: Renault's Journey from the ZOE to the Meghan E-TECH.
The company has received numerous awards and accolades for its cars and commercial vehicles, as well as for its innovation and sustainability efforts. Renault launched the All-new Megane E-TECH Electric, the first electric vehicle of Renault’s "Nouvelle Vague".
7.Ford Motor Company
Established in 1903 in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. Ford Motor Company is a United States (US)– -based multinational automaker that designs, manufactures, and services a wide range of vehicles, including cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and commercial vehicles. It also produces EVs, such as Mustang Mach-E, F-150 lighting, Focus Electric, and E-Transit. Apart from this, the company is also investing in developing connected car technology that will enable communication between vehicles and the surrounding infrastructure.
