The world is getting more and more eco-conscious. And that definitely includes the automotive sector, with more and more automakers launching green options – be it hybrids or fully electric cars – to their model line-ups. And with the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show this month, in line with the city’s push for a cleaner and greener future under the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, the event is shining the spotlight on electric mobility.
We take a look at some of the newest and upcoming hybrids and electric cars in the global car market.
1. Audi A8 L e-tron quattro
The Audi A8 made its world debut at the Audi Summit in Barcelona in July. This fourth-generation car will also be seeing a powerful plug-in hybrid drive. Fitted with a 3.0 TFSI and electric motor, the car is able to hit a maximum output of 449bhp and 700Nm of torque, with the century sprint to take only 4.9 seconds. In all-electric mode, the A8 L e-tron quattro is said to cover approximately 50km.
2. BMW i3 (94 Ah)
Known for its i range of cars, namely the i3 and i8, BMW has long had its foot in the green cars business. In mid-September, the automaker launched a range of iPerformance plug-in hybrid vehicles in Singapore, which includes a new and improved BMW i3, along with the new BMW 225xe Active Tourer, BMW 330e, BMW 530e, the BMW 740Le xDrive and BMW X5 xDrive40e. The recent recipient of the World Urban Car Award 2017 at the New York International Auto Show boasts CO2 emissions level at only 52g/km. On a full charge, the electric car is able to reach a distance 200km.
3. Polestar 1
You may not have heard of the brand just yet but this is Volvo Car Group‘s new stand-alone electric performance brand, Polestar. And the first car to roll off the production line will be the Polestar 1, slated for a mid-2019 release. This electric car will be a sleek two-door Grand Tourer coupe with an “electric performance hybrid” drivetrain that’s aims to deliver 600bhp. Order books for the electric car has already opened and will be built in the Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu.
4. Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo
This hybrid is ready to debunk the notion that electric cars and hybrids are powerless. German automaker Porsche has added the this e-hybrid version to its Panamera Sport Turismo model line-up. Fitted with a four-litre V8 and an electric motor, the sports saloon accelerates from naught to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and has a system power of 680 horses. The powerful hybrid has a range of up to 49km on electric power alone and boasts low fuel consumption of only 3 litres per 100km.
5. Uniti Electric Car
There’s yet another new contender in the global automotive market. Swedish start-up Uniti has announced plans to launch its light electric cars on December 7 at its new manufacturing facility in Landskrona. Made from sustainable composite materials, the electric car will come with a fully electronic steering system and a smart heads-up display. First deliveries are scheduled for early 2019.