In this article, Car and Driver examines the EV cars of today. We’ll cover the EV1 from GM, the Ford Bolt, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Audi e-tron. The goal is to inform drivers about these cars and make the buying decision easier.
GM’s EV1
GM’s EV1 was a futuristic electric car that was battery powered and emissions-free. But what happened to the cars after the company was recalled? Most of them were destroyed, but a few were preserved as museum pieces. The National Museum of American History now houses a fully intact EV1, and other decommissioned vehicles are stored in museums and universities around the country.
GM began building the EV1 in 1999 as a way to meet zero-emissions sales regulations in the U.S., but soon afterward, it started to recall and crush its leased models. The result was a public fight over electric cars, which sowed distrust in the company. Those who opposed GM’s plan said it was a corporate decision to protect its oil industry partners and their internal combustion engine.
Ford’s Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is the first affordable EV with a long driving range. Its small hatchback design centers on a 60-kWh battery pack. This pack sits under the floor and contributes to the car’s planted feel. The battery also gives the car a reasonable range of about 250 miles.
Its torque is sent to the front wheels, and the vehicle has a smooth throttle response. In our test, we registered 0.79 g on the skidpad, and the Bolt handled Michigan roads nicely. The car also boasts well-managed regenerative braking. It features a one-pedal regeneration mode that extends real-world range. The driver can also activate a paddle on the steering wheel to bring the car to a full stop.
While the Bolt EV’s range is variable, the Chevy model’s estimated range has climbed from a modest 238 miles in earlier model years to 259 miles in the 2017 model year. The range of an electric car depends on several factors, including driving style, terrain, and temperature.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a high-tech, futuristic EV with an easy-to-drive, jacked-up driving position. Its big windows make it easy to see out, and the steering is light but precise. The car has plenty of safety features, including automatic braking and lane-keeping assist. It also has an onboard power generator and can tow up to 1,650 pounds.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a battery capacity of 58 kWh and a single 168-horsepower electric motor. It also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging capabilities that enable the car to charge other electric vehicles, e-bikes, camping equipment, laptops, and other electric vehicles. The car can reach 60 mph in 7.4 seconds in rear-drive mode, and can reach speeds of 155 mph with an all-wheel-drive version.
Audi e-tron
The Audi e-tron is a high-tech electric sports sedan. It’s fast and luxurious. Yet it also maintains a traditional, car-like design. While some electric cars are little more than a high-end computer, the Audi is more interested in being a car first. For example, it lacks an oppressive touchscreen or a semi-autonomous driving system.
The Audi e-tron is a car with two electric motors that work together to propel the car. These motors are controlled by an electronic power unit and a transmission control unit. The front motor is used for high-speed driving, while the rear motor is used for low-speed driving. The Audi e-tron’s engine can produce up to 150 kW of power.
The Audi e-tron comes with an MMI infotainment system. The MMI touchscreen has two large screens on the upper and lower parts of the dashboard. Both touchscreens allow you to control various functions, including navigation and audio. The upper touchscreen also offers access to Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other standard features include a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless smartphone charging, and an array of driver-assistance features.
Kia EV6
The first all-electric car in the world, the Kia EV6 is a big step in the right direction. It has a 274-mile driving range and recharges in twenty minutes at a 350-kW charger. But its infotainment system is a little frustrating. Despite that, electric vehicles give designers a chance to experiment with new technologies. Without a transmission and internal combustion engine, they can create sleeker interiors.
The Kia EV6’s dashboard is unique, featuring twin 12-inch screens that are integrated into the dashboard. They are curved and surrounded by glare-reducing glass. The audio system is by Meridian, which is considered a luxury brand in audiophile circles. The screens are made from recycled plastic and are also available with a vegan leather.