Renault 5 EV and Renault 4 EV
The innovative Renault 5 EV is a masterstroke in the art of nostalgic design, cleverly combining retro and modern elements that challenge up and coming Chinese brands. Its unique allure lies in its heritage optics, as it seamlessly marries the look of a 1980s hatchback with a futuristic twist. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, it boasts impressive performance with a robust range of 400km for models equipped with larger batteries. The vehicle’s pricing is competitive, and it offers an enjoyable driving experience.
Simultaneously, the somewhat amplified Renault 4 EV offers its brand of nostalgia. Its electric vehicle upgrade lends it a sense of practicality and ample interior space. It has been skilfully redesigned to resemble its original model. If priced correctly and if it can retain the functionality of the original model, the Renault 4 EV could very well prove another successful EV for Renault.
Alfa Romeo Junior
Alfa Romeo’s widely anticipated compact crossover, potentially a significant revenue source for the automaker, offers an assortment of powertrain choices. This includes a 136hp 1.2-litre petrol regular hybrid or an all-electric model with either 156hp or 280hp output. The Alfa Romeo Junior also claims an impressive EV range of 410km on a full charge for the 156hp model.
The exterior design fuses Alfa’s signature traits, especially apparent at the vehicle’s front nose and tall rear tailgate. The interior shows a balance between standard Stellantis components and unique Alfa characteristics. The Junior has been designed to marry the practical considerations of range and functionality, with the charm, driving pleasure, and rich history that continually draws customers to this Italian marque. Initial impressions from preliminary test drives indicate that they may have succeeded in their intent.
Cupra Tavascan
Noted for its performance and electric vehicle foundation, sprouting from Seat, Cupra has thus far only put forth one fully electric variant, the Born hatchback. It indeed has been impressive, yet there’s an overriding anticipation for the augmentation of more solely electric models from Cupra. The initial one to emerge will be the brand new Tavascan.
The Tavascan takes its moniker from a petite racetrack situated near Barcelona and fundamentally serves as Cupra’s interpretation of the Volkswagen ID.4. It employs an identical 77kWh battery and also features an equivalent 286hp electric motor to that of the Volkswagen ID.7 saloon. There’s also a promising 340hp four-wheel-drive variant on the cards. However, the rear-wheel-drive model somehow seems to hold a stronger selling potential, mainly attributed to its offering of a 550km driving range.
Its exterior is notably punctuated by geometric lines and pronounced angles. In terms of its interior styling, it seems as though an expansive Manta-Ray took a nap right in the centre of the dashboard. It remains to be seen whether patrons of Volkswagen, Skoda, and Audi will be enticed to switch to a sportier Cupra variant.
Turning to Kia EV3, it is expected to hit the Irish market this December. Although an exact figure hasn’t been disclosed at this time, the price tag should position it as one of the more economically accessible mid-sized electric vehicles. Although similar in size to a VW Golf, the EV3 boasts a taller, more commanding stance, contributing to its resemblance to a miniaturised version of Kia’s larger seven-seat EV9 SUV.
The interior of the EV3 is marked by a clean, airy and minimalist design, featuring large screens and soft, eco-friendly materials. A single electric motor option is available, a 202hp motor driving the front wheels, along with two different battery possibilities. These include a 58kWh battery that provides a 430km driving range, or a larger 81kWh option boasting an impressive 600-mile range. With regard to the huge sales success of Kia’s more costly and larger EV6, the EV3 is expected to be a strong contender in the market.
Lastly, there’s the Dacia Spring.
The Dacia Spring, initially introduced as a left-hand-drive only vehicle three years ago, has seen a significant upgrade. Originally it was touted as one of the most cost-effective electric vehicles available, although it was hindered by a fairly small battery and shorter range. However, the Spring’s recent revamp now includes a revised design, premium cabin, marginally expanded range (a maximum of 225km for the pricier variant), and increased horsepower (65hp). Dacia Ireland is yet to disclose the pricing for the updated Spring before its estimated year-end launch, but it’s expected to be amongst the most affordable EVs. The interior is also surprisingly spacious and enjoyable to navigate.
A complete transformation of its model range is also on Audi’s agenda, with all even-numbered models becoming electric and odd-numbered ones remaining hybrid or fuelled by petrol or diesel. This means the new A5 won’t be a coupe but will replace the preceding A4 saloon and estate. Meanwhile, the radically designed A6 e-tron has finally arrived on the market after some postponements due to intricate software development. The eye-catching saloon version, boasting a robust 94kWh battery, can travel up to 750km on a single charge. It’s due to start deliveries for Irish customers at the start of 2025. Choices also include the even more attractive A6 e-tron Avant estate and the high-performance S6 model, which can reach 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. With its more competitive prices and superior range, this vehicle could potentially signify a notable breakthrough in the EV sector for Audi.
Lastly, the BMW iX3 was mentioned.
BMW has recently unveiled a new version of their X3 SUV, equipped with standard petrol and diesel engines, and an extended-range plug-in hybrid. However, there seems to be a noticeable absence of a fresh all-electric iX3 in the offering. This is due to the upcoming iX3 being independent of the X3 and instead being built on BMW’s cutting-edge ‘Neue Klasse’ electric vehicle platform, expected to transform it into one of the leading high-tech EVs on the market.
As per the plans, this innovative iX3 will house a new and improved battery pack design that would not only reduce costs, but also increase the vehicle’s range by approximately 30 per cent. This suggests that the upcoming iX3 could possibly achieve up to 600km on a fully charged battery. Additionally, it’ll feature striking, edgy aesthetics, and a spacious, simple and well-lit interior. The only potential drawback might be that the more appealing, higher-range Neue Klasse i3 sedan is set to debut a year later.
For those in search of budget-friendly EVs that can overcome the current roadblocks to widespread consumer uptake, Hyundai appears to be edging into this space with their new Inster model. Based on the compact Casper crossover, only available in East Asian markets, the Inster is a small, compact crossover-supermini hybrid reminiscent of the old Suzuki Ignis.
Internally, it’ll come with 42kWh or 49kWh batteries offering a range of about 300km in 350km. Importantly, it’s estimated to be priced below €25,000. The roomy interior of the Inster features many recycled and up-cycled materials, alongside a decent-sized 10.25-inch touchscreen, surprisingly well-equipped for its affordable price tag. Indeed, if it ticks all the boxes, this could mark the beginning of more affordable EV options. Finally, there’s the Peugeot E-5008 to consider.
Before the year concludes, Peugeot plans to launch the spacious, seven-seater E-5008 in Ireland. This unusual electric vehicle (EV) model can accommodate seven passengers comfortably while maintaining a reasonable price tag, contrary to its more expensive competitors like the Kia EV9. Initially, the vehicle will be equipped with a 73kWh battery, offering a reasonably good range of up to 500km. However, for those who don’t mind waiting a bit longer and paying a bit extra, a variant with a 98kWh battery will be launched in 2025, boasting a range of over 660km. Interestingly, the latter battery will also be available in the smaller E-3008 model, augmenting its range to a whopping 700km.
Peugeot’s range of EVs is now comprehensive with the introduction of the E-408, leaving out the 508 saloon and estate cars that will shortly be phased out. The E-408 is being considered as the electrical replacement for the 508 due to its sleek design and roomy interior. While the E-408 shares its design with the E-308 model, it comes with a larger 58kWh battery and a more practical range of 453km, unlike the E-308 that only has a modest 51kWh battery offering a 400km range.
On the other hand, Ford is introducing not just one, but two new EVs. The long-awaited electric Ford Explorer’s launch has come so close to the launch publicity of the new Ford Capri, a coupe-roofed version of the Explorer. The decision to use the classic Capri name on a large, heavy, electric SUV has received some negative press. However, many seem to forget that the original Carpi was rather unremarkable to drive and often poorly constructed, unless equipped with a V6 engine.
Whilst potentially risking blasphemy to its namesake, the latest edition is certainly faster than any preceding Capri, boasting options of either 286hp rear-wheel drive or a heftier 340hp four-wheel drive. The design may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it definitely eclipses the Explorer in the intrigue department. With a top range of 627km and a sensible price tag, this modern Capri proves that it’s more than just a badge.
Shifting gears to the Alpine A290 and A390, Alpine – Renault’s sports and racing brand – is beginning to break ground as Renault’s trailblazer in the electric vehicle market. Regardless of their current stagnation on the tracks – excluding their Le Mans team that’s faring better than their struggling F1 squad – Alpine shows promise in their delivery of engaging electric vehicles.
The first to emerge is the petite A290, an Alpine spin on Renault’s ultra-adorable new Renault 5 EV. Several enhancements include refined suspension and steering, increased power for the electric motor, and most importantly, a set of rally spotlights that are incredibly appealing. The soon to be produced A390 – as of now, just a concept car due for launch in 2025 – is Alpine’s reimagining of the Renault Scenic EV platform. It promises ample range, comfort, plus enhanced driving joy courtesy of advanced suspension and torque-vectoring electric motors.
Turning the spotlight onto Fiat and their Grande Panda, Fiat is bringing back one of its best-loved badges – the Panda – to navigate the new age of motoring. This new Grande Panda mirrors the boxy style of the 1980s Guigiaro original, but with a contemporary twist – including chic ‘pixel’ headlights and brake lights. The body panels, tastefully embossed with the Panda name, have a nostalgic beauty about them.
The electric version of the Grande Panda (which is also offered as a hybrid model) promises around 300km of range from a 44kWh battery pack. Fiat’s revolutionary inbuilt charging cable – retractable like a vacuum cleaner cable post charging – could be the greatest innovation in electric motoring since the induction of the heat pump, eliminating the need to manage damp, grubby cables after recharging.
Could the Grande Panda from Fiat outcompete the temporarily discontinued 500e in terms of sales figures? Its sub-€25,000 price suggests it might.
Citroen eC3
Sharing its jovial and modest qualities and much of its box-like design with Fiat’s Grande Panda, the Citroen eC3 still stands out with its more traditionally designed headlights. What this vehicle puts a premium on is affordability—it’s priced below €25,000 with a respectable range of up to 300km. Citroen has been tirelessly striving to reduce production costs for the eC3 in order to hold its own against Chinese competition. It remains to be seen whether this process results in something delightfully affordable or something of lesser quality, though initial signs are promising.
Opel Frontera
Famed from the 1990s, the Frontera title is making a comeback. Previously associated with Opel’s inaugural SUV model, now the name adorns a compact electric (with a hybrid variant also available) SUV model. Despite offering ample space for a family, it promises to come with a refreshingly modest price tag, expected to be under €30,000. An impressive pair of 10-inch widescreen displays can be selected for the interior, along with a generously sized 460-litre boot. Two battery options offering ranges of 305km and 400km respectively allow for flexibility based on budget and travel requirements. The icing on the cake? A seven-seater version is also in the pipeline.
BYD Sealion 7
With significant successes already in the Irish EV market, including the stylish Seal saloon and the budget-friendly Dolphin hatch, BYD isn’t slowing down. The next launch anticipated is the Sealion 7. In essence, this is the Seal saloon reimagined— elongated into an SUV design and featuring a swift back tailgate rather than the usual boot. This creative adaptation supports up to 500 litres of luggage, significantly enhancing the practicality over its predecessor, the Seal saloon.
The interior of the cabin mirrors its previous version, boasting the same 15-inch swivelling touchscreen which can be somewhat challenging to operate. It offers both 310hp rear-wheel drive and 525hp four-wheel drive variants, boasting a distance of approximately 610km due to the inclusion of an enlarged battery. Importantly, this battery is a proprietary lithium-iron phosphate design from BYD, potentially providing superior durability and lifespan in the face of competing lithium-ion variants.
Switching focus to Opel Grandland, if the new Frontera is seen as Opel’s economical electric SUV, then the new Grandland certainly sits at the contrasting end of the scale. It’s based on the fresh STLA platform, utilised by all of Stellantis Group’s vehicle brands and it boasts enough battery capacity for impressive range.
What kind of range are we talking about? Well, claims of over 700km have been made but this would necessitate the costly 98kWh battery option. What we do know, however, is that the Grandland will also offer a larger mid-size battery, surpassing the 73kWh one available in the mechanically similar E-3008 from Peugeot and providing roughly 600km in range.
In terms of aesthetics, the Grandland sports a stylish, minimalist design, both internally and externally. Rear seating is spacious, yet no seven-seat option is currently available. Coupled with swift 160kW charging and a substantial range, this makes owning the Grandland an ideally seamless EV experience.
Turning our attention to the Skoda Elroq, Skoda’s achievements with the large electric Enyaq SUV and coupe suggest that big things could be expected from the new Elroq. It flaunts a refined, sharper appearance, signalling a new design direction for the entire brand, so expect forthcoming Skodas to take a leaf out of the Elroq’s book in terms of design.
The Elroq is designed to compete with electric vehicles such as Hyundai’s Kona Electric and the Kia Niro Electric. It boasts a spacious 470-litre trunk and comfortable rear seats. The base model is equipped with a 170hp engine and a 55kWh battery, promising a travel distance of approximately 400km. There will also be a variant with the similar engine yet a 63kWh battery, providing a slightly longer range. Furthermore, an ’85’ model will be produced, utilising a 77kWh battery and a 285hp engine capable of covering more than 550km. Skoda is also enhancing the Elroq’s charging system, enabling it to support a charging speed of up to 175kW from a DC charging station.