These were some of the most important electric vehicles of 2023
The last 12 months have been awash with exciting new models from all kinds of brands. As a result of a growing demand for electrification, we’ve seen a big increase in the number of new electric vehicles hitting the roads, too, with all of those arriving in 2023 bringing big advances in terms of range and technology.
We’ve picked out some of the most notable EV releases from the last 12 months - they’re ones to look out for as we move to 2024.
Kia EV9
Kia has been on a roll with its electric vehicles of late, with cars like the EV6 consistently winning praise among critics. However, it’s the EV9 which acts as the firm’s biggest leap yet, with this large battery-powered SUV bringing an even more luxurious approach from the Korean brand.
A range of 313 miles puts the EV9 squarely in the middle of the EV distances currently available on the market, but this car’s ‘halo’ positioning means it’s acting not just as a new electric model but as a standard-bearer for Kia in general and a sign of things to come.
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Vauxhall has gone through a period of transformation of late, with its range of cars now incorporating a bold new look and far more equipment than we’ve come to expect. The ever-popular Corsa remains a core part of Vauxhall’s range and recent updates to this compact hatch have made it even more compelling than ever.
It’s got more range - now totalling 246 miles - as well as a tiny bit more power. But tweaks to the exterior and interior work to make this a very compelling small electric vehicle.
BMW i5
Creating a 5 Series for the electric age was always going to pose a challenge, but BMW has worked wonders with the new i5. It’s just as comfortable as you’d want a ‘normal’ 5er to be, yet has that smooth and quiet electric-only running which only helps to boost refinement and comfort.
It’s got a range of up to 357 miles, too, while even in entry-level form has more than enough power to give a petrol-powered 5 Series something to think about.
Smart #1
.jpg)
Smart has gone through a period of reinvention and far from creating the tiny city cars that it became famed for, now builds solely electric vehicles under the wider ownership of Geely, which also owns firms like Lotus, Volvo and Polestar.
The #1 - pronounced hashtag one - is the brand’s latest model and comes to market with a very unusual style but plenty of tech to back it up. A range of 273 miles is good, while a Brabus-tweaked version brings supercar-scaring performance.
BYD Seal
The last 12 months have seen a rise in the number of Chinese markets arriving in the UK market, delivering electric vehicles which often undercut key rivals in terms of price. BYD’s Seal is a direct rival for the all-conquering Tesla Model 3, but has weighed into battle well-equipped with loads of standard equipment and an impressive 323-mile range.
Dual-motor versions can go from 0-60mph in just over three seconds, too, which shows that the Seal has some performance to go alongside the efficiency.
Jeep Avenger
Jeep has always been a builder of rather traditional - and often quite inefficient - SUVs and off-roaders, but the new Avenger shows an entry into the electric segment for the first time. Utilising a widely-used Stellantis group platform which also underpins cars like the Vauxhall Mokka Electric, the Avenger does capture some of the Jeep character while also bringing a range of up to 248 miles.
Jeep has equipped the Avenger with a number of driving modes to help it off-road, while an all-wheel-drive version is expected to join the ranks soon too.
Volkswagen ID.7
Volkswagen’s ID range of electric vehicles has been plagued with issues, with the bulk of the problems residing around the infotainment system which has often proven to be laggy and unintuitive. However, things have been turned around with the new ID.7, which brings a brand-new infotainment system which is far more responsive than those we’ve seen previously.
This saloon also delivers a comfortable and refined experience while a more practical Tourer version will be available shortly for drivers who are after a bit more space.
Lotus Eletre
The Eletre showcases a brand new period for Lotus. Like BYD, Lotus is under the wider Geely umbrella which allows it to access some of the latest electric vehicle technology available. In fact, the platform under the Eletre is shared with the upcoming Volvo EX90.
And while the Eletre might not be the lightweight Lotus that we’ve come to expect, it delivers a very sporting driving experience alongside a range of up to 373 miles.
