exciting times ahead for electric vehicles
We seemed to have reached a tipping point. Thanks to the pioneering efforts of Tesla 16 years ago, electric vehicles are no longer just a novelty. Manufacturing and battery production costs have continued to decrease and more and more brands are integrating electrified models into their lineup.
The momentum for Electric vehicles is growing rapidly and there are many new models planned for launch in 2020. Below are five exiting new models coming out in 2020. We focused on models that are fairly certain of being produced and not just concept or compliance cars.
Polestar 2
Following the recent launch of the Polestar 1, the new Polestar 2 will aim for more of a mainstream audience. The Polestar 2 will initially retail for $55k or $63k for the Launch Edition. The brand will be eligible for the US Federal tax credit of $7500. The launch edition includes the Pilot and Plus packages with an optional Performance package (Öhlins Dual Flow Valves + 20″ Wheels + Upgraded brakes/front Brembo + Gold seat belts + Gold Valve Caps). Optional ventilated Nappa leather interior is also available.
The Polestar 2 will be available in the US in a few select states in Q2 2020. Currently, there is a production ready prototype touring the country. After touring Seattle and California, Polestar 2 will make it’s way to Toronto, Austin, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Miami, Montreal, New York, Vancouver, Washington, D.C.
We will be attending the event in Miami and will provide exlusive photos and news about Polestar 2 after our visit. We have heard of conflicting rumors about the US launch due to China tariff’s being imposed. There were initial rumors that this would delay or even prevent the US launch of Polestar vehicles since the vehicles are being manufactured in China. However, Polestar seems to be moving forward with a US launch. They are either confronting margin pressure or hope that the tariff issue will be resolved by then. However, this will likely mean that Polestar takes a less aggressive approach to rolling out to all 50 states quickly.
Rich Performance Heritage
Founded by a racing driver in 1996, precision engineering, tuning and performance are in the DNA of Polestar. The Polestar 2 features 2 electric motors totaling 300 kW generating 408 horsepower and 487 ft-lb of torque. The gives the all-wheel-drive powertrain enough to go from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds. This is faster than the 5.6 seconds of the Tesla Model 3 Standard but slower than the 3.2 seconds of the Performance Model 3. With Öhlins exhaust and Brembo brakes, the Polestar 2 does indeed seem geared towards high performance.
Solid Range
The Polestar 2 features a 78 kWh battery estimated to provide a range of 275 miles per charge. There is currently no word on whether there will be various battery options available. 275 miles should be adequate for most people. In contrast the standard Model 3 has a range of 240 miles and long range version is 310 miles. Both AC and DC charging capability with DC charging up to 150kW fast charging which should give you 225 miles of charge in about 30 minutes.
Safety inherited from Volvo
There are a plethora of safety features and driver aids standard with Polestar 2. Pilot assist, adaptive cruise, collision warning/mitigation (braking & steering), 360° camera, lane keeping aids, and much more. It seems that EV buyers tend to be more tech oriented in general and more demanding of the latest safety and tech features. One question we will be asking when we visit is whether they will allow for over-the-air updates.
Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan has been generating a significant amount of buzz since the concept was first revealed at the Frankfurt auto show in 2015. The Taycan has been in development for the past four years and is a no-compromise performance beast. Porsche fully embraced the EV drivetrain and set out to build a vehicle that would embody the rich performance heritage of Porsche while incorporating all the latest technology and a pure plug-in drive train.
As a premium EV, pricing is north of $150,000 USD. Reservations have exceeded Porsche expectations. As of September, Porsche has officially unveiled the production ready model and plan to begin deliveries before the end of 2019 with expected larger volumes beginning early 2020. There will be two variants at launch time- Porsche Taycan Turbo (base $150,900) and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S (base $185,000… fully loaded approaches $241,500) [Yes, we understand that ‘turbo’ is sort of meaningless but Porsche has practically incorporated the word into their sub-brand so their customer base has a clear impression of the usage of the word] There will be a lot of cross-shopping between 911 Turbo and the Taycan.
Pure Performance by Porsche
The Porsche Taycan Turbo features a 480kW motor (overboost to 500kW and redefining the word ‘turbo’). This electric motor is capable of generating 616 horsepower and 0-60mph in 3.0 seconds. The dual motor setup gives the Taycan all-wheel-drive. The Taycan Turbo S improves performance even further with overboost to 560kW and 0-60 time of just 2.6 seconds. The pure speed specs are a tad below Tesla but the quality, renowned German engineering and brand reputation make the Porsche Taycan a fantastic new entrant in the EV market.
Solid Range
Both variants of Porsche Taycan will feature a 93 kWh battery with an estimated range of 220 miles. This is fairly low given the battery size and competition. However, advancements with density and rapid charging technology will allow you to go from empty to 80% in 93 minutes.
Audi e-tron
Following the recent launch of the Polestar 1, the new Polestar 2 will aim for more of a mainstream audience. The Polestar 2 will initially retail for $55k or $63k for the Launch Edition. The brand will be eligible for the US Federal tax credit of $7500. The launch edition includes the Pilot and Plus packages with an optional Performance package (Öhlins Dual Flow Valves + 20″ Wheels + Upgraded brakes/front Brembo + Gold seat belts + Gold Valve Caps). Optional ventilated Nappa leather interior is also available.
The Polestar 2 will be available in the US in a few select states in Q2 2020. Currently, there is a production ready prototype touring the country. After touring Seattle and California, Polestar 2 will make it’s way to Toronto, Austin, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Miami, Montreal, New York, Vancouver, Washington, D.C.
We will be attending the event in Miami and will provide exlusive photos and news about Polestar 2 after our visit. We have heard of conflicting rumors about the US launch due to China tariff’s being imposed. There were initial rumors that this would delay or even prevent the US launch of Polestar vehicles since the vehicles are being manufactured in China. However, Polestar seems to be moving forward with a US launch. They are either confronting margin pressure or hope that the tariff issue will be resolved by then. However, this will likely mean that Polestar takes a less aggressive approach to rolling out to all 50 states quickly.
Rich Performance Heritage
Founded by a racing driver in 1996, precision engineering, tuning and performance are in the DNA of Polestar. The Polestar 2 features 2 electric motors totaling 300 kW generating 408 horsepower and 487 ft-lb of torque. The gives the all-wheel-drive powertrain enough to go from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds. This is faster than the 5.6 seconds of the Tesla Model 3 Standard but slower than the 3.2 seconds of the Performance Model 3. With Öhlins exhaust and Brembo brakes, the Polestar 2 does indeed seem geared towards high performance.
Solid Range
The Polestar 2 features a 78 kWh battery estimated to provide a range of 275 miles per charge. There is currently no word on whether there will be various battery options available. 275 miles should be adequate for most people. In contrast the standard Model 3 has a range of 240 miles and long range version is 310 miles. Both AC and DC charging capability with DC charging up to 150kW fast charging which should give you 225 miles of charge in about 30 minutes.
Safety inherited from Volvo
There are a plethora of safety features and driver aids standard with Polestar 2. Pilot assist, adaptive cruise, collision warning/mitigation (braking & steering), 360° camera, lane keeping aids, and much more. It seems that EV buyers tend to be more tech oriented in general and more demanding of the latest safety and tech features. One question we will be asking when we visit is whether they will allow for over-the-air updates.
Mercedes-Benz EQC
The Mercedes Benz EQC marks the start of the EV era for Mercedes and shows a strong commitment to the future of EV’s. Maybe it is Dieselgate or something in German water but the major German brands seem to have jumped all-in on the future of EV’s.
Based on the highly popular GLC form factor, the EQC is a moderate sized SUV that comfortably seats 5 and features 4MATIC all-wheel-drive. Currently available in Norway and is expected to be available here in the US early 2020.
ALL ABOUT LUXURY
EV options seem to be growing daily and each make and model is busy carving out their particular niche. The Mercedes Benz EQC 400 4MATIC has its sights set on being the most luxurious EV on the market.
As for performance, the EQC features a 300 kW motor that generates 402 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds which is plenty fast for 99% of the population.
Okay Range
Estimated range for the EQC is about 225 miles with no options to increase the base 80 kWh battery. Thankfully, fast DC charging is available which brings the charge from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes. 225 is acceptable but the EQC being a family sized SUV may mean longer road trips where range becomes more of an issue. We believe for a SUV type vehicle for families, the magic range figure is 300 miles (or at least a number that sounds close to 300).
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