Mini Cooper SE Car
The Mini Cooper SE is an all-electric version of the classic Mini Cooper and will be the first electric car produced by the company. It appears Mini’s selling points are that the vehicle is the quintessence of the Mini car brand with its typical dimensions and smooth handling. Out of the cars included in this article, Cooper SE is not the fastest nor drive the furthest range. However, the driving range of 235-270 km is no disappointment and the 32.6 kWh, relatively small lithium-ion battery can be charged from 0-80 per cent in 35 minutes with a 50kW fast-charger. The battery is also placed low into the vehicle floor to avoid compromising luggage space and comfort. It has an acceleration time from 0 to 100km of 7.3 seconds. On-the-road costs are expected to amount to $50,000 and though prices are yet to be confirmed for Australia, based on the European price of €32,000, the Australian price is anticipated at approximately $55,000. The appearance is unmistakably “Mini”, only with a touch of futuristic flair.
Polestar 2
The arrival of Volvo’s Polestar 2 is particularly exciting, as after rebranding that took place in June 2017, the car now has its own brand with its own models. Formerly, the apex of Volvo’s fossil-fuel, performance-driven vehicles, the new Polestar 2 is totally electric, with no compromise on performance. The 78kWh battery offers a driving range of 500 km, dual-motor electric system with all-wheel drive, that has an acceleration of approximately 5 seconds from 0 to 100 km. The Polestar 2 price beats the Tesla Model 3 in the UK by around £10,000, but in comparison, the Tesla 3 in rear-wheel drive reaches 460km of range, and acceleration of 5.6 seconds. Other features of the car include Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension, no-key, smartphone-unlocking mechanism, the first in-car infotainment system powered by Google’s Android, vegan interior, pixel LED headlights, fixed panoramic roof and more. The Polestar 2 sedan is expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of this year. Definitely a worthy competitor in a rapidly developing market. The price range is expected to be $90,000-95,000.
Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan is the ultimate car for electric fans who have a taste for a more luxurious driving experience and an affinity for world class performance. The Porsche Taycan is so uncompromisingly Porsche, that it offers 3 versions: the 4S, the Turbo and the Turbo S. The 4S will also come in two different forms, namely the Performance, which is to be fitted with a single-deck 79.2kWh battery and Performance Plus, fitted with a double-deck 93.4kWh, which is the same size as that of the Turbo and Turbo S.
This will also be the first electric car for the luxury car company.
The Performance can travel up to 407 kilometres before needing a recharge, when tested on the WLTP conditions and maximum charging is 250kW. The Performance Plus on the other hand, has driving range to 463km before needing a recharge and takes a full 270kW for fast-charging capabilities. Both the Performance and Performance Plus accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 4.0 seconds, include LED headlights with dynamic lighting, partial leather interior (not completely vegan), electronically adjustable front seats, will be fitted with 10.9-inch multimedia system and will drive both axles via a two-speed automatic transmission. The Taycan 4S Performance Plus therefore has the longest driving range, as the Turbo manages 453 km and the Turbo S 412km of driving range. The Taycan 4S will also have adaptive air suspension and six-piston front/four-piston rear brakes.
The prices have not yet been confirmed for Australia, though expectations are between $200,000 to $300,000 depending on the version, plus on-road costs.