According to a recent report published in Car and Driver, the Nissan Leaf has been named the EV of the Year. It beat out the other contenders, including the Audi e-tron GT, Kia Ioniq 5 and the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Car and Driver’s selection process relied on subjective evaluations and factors like practicality, performance and entertainment value.
EPA combined rating for EV car and driver
The EPA combined rating for an EV car and driver is determined by looking at how much energy each vehicle uses while traveling. The MPGe rating, or miles per gallon equivalent, compares the energy consumption of a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle with a traditional gasoline-powered car. EPA uses the same formula as gas companies to determine an EV’s fuel economy: one gallon of gasoline is equal to 33.7 kilowatt-hours of electricity. For instance, an EV using 33.7 kWh of electricity to travel 75 miles will earn a rating of 75 MPGe.
In addition, the EPA divides the range rating for an electric vehicle into two different categories: highway and city. The highway efficiency rating is higher than the city efficiency rating. This is because electric vehicles have the ability to recapture energy when accelerating and braking.
Chevy Bolt EV
In this Chevy Bolt EV car and driver review, we will cover the driving dynamics, performance, safety, and more. We will also discuss the battery-powered, all-electric powertrain, which will be used to power the Bolt. In addition to the electric motor and battery pack, we will look at the available drive modes and the Bolt’s regenerative braking. The Bolt also has a long wheelbase and spacious rear seats.
The Chevy Bolt features two driving modes: a normal drive mode that acts like a normal gas car, and a regen mode that allows drivers to decelerate without lifting their foot off the accelerator. Combined with the car’s low center of mass and light steering, the Chevrolet Bolt performs well on the road.
Kia’s Ioniq 5
The new Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a crossover SUV that blurs the lines between an SUV and large hatchback. It’s comparable in size to the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, and Volkswagen ID.4. It has a flat “skateboard” platform and a rear-mounted electric motor. Rear-wheel-drive models have a 220-mile range, while all-wheel-drive versions add a front-mounted motor.
Both models come with a range-extended battery. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a range of approximately 205 miles, while the Kia has an estimated range of about 219 miles. Both cars can be recharged in about three hours.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf EV car and driver review covers the performance and handling of the vehicle. This affordable EV offers a smooth ride and feels stable and balanced in turns. It also features responsive steering and a tight turning radius. However, it is not a luxurious car. It is an excellent choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a hybrid vehicle.
The Nissan Leaf is one of the first widely available all-electric cars on the market. It is equipped with a 40-kWh battery that provides a driving range of 151 miles. The car can be charged from a 120 or 240-volt outlet and even has DC fast charging capabilities. The interior is made from quality materials, and the hatchback design offers more interior space than the sedan.
Mercedes-Benz EQS
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is equipped with an extensive array of driver-assist features. A cab-forward design ensures that the cabin is spacious. An air suspension system with adaptive variable dampers lowers the ride height when the speedometer rises above 80 mph to aid in aerodynamics. In addition, the EQS has an extensive array of storage areas. It has a large bin for a purse, a high-mounted console that features a wireless charger, and a deep covered bin in the center armrest.
The EQS is extremely quiet and comfortable inside. It offers excellent passenger and cargo space, and it has a long range on a full charge. However, it’s notable that rear seat space is less than desirable.