Regardless of the ongoing world pandemic, the car scenery continues to change. Cars of all kinds of builds and styles get released into the market every month. As one car gets revealed, another vehicle is immediately being drafted into the conceptual stage. These immediate improvements usher in a new age of more efficient, faster, and better range when designing and engineering.
To answer consumers’ demands to have cars that are cleaner and more fuel-cost-efficient, several companies have invested in the electric car market. Further, electric vehicles are often suitable for a wide range of drivers. With no gears, electric cars are also more accessible to anyone interested in learning how to drive. It is possible for a disabled person to drive an electric car with the help of handicap driving controls without constantly changing gears, as an example. Considering the benefits associated with electric cars, let’s dive into 2021 and look at some of the cars released at the start of the year.
EVs and Hybrids
Electric cars by themselves can be classified into multiple types. This article will focus on leading electric vehicles/battery-run electric vehicles (EV/BEV) and hybrid-electric cars (HEV). The major difference between these cars is the type of engines and power source that they have. EVs mainly run on batteries that we charge by plugging into the power grid or via solar panels. However, the electricity that people use to charge these vehicles is often generated from a thermal powerplant. This means, driving around in an EV might not be entirely environmentally friendly. Governments and corporations should invest in harvesting solar power by getting commercial solar installations done at various locations around the country. Businesses can also take this route to become sustainable by depending on solar power.
That being said, coming to hybrid-electric cars, they can either be powered by an electric battery or with gasoline.
Now that it is clear, let’s look at two electric cars representative of their classifications, so we know what to expect in 2021.
Chevy Bolt (EV)
Unveiled in February 2021, the Chevy Bolt is the latest of reasonably affordable electric cars to hit the market. Design-wise, the Chevy Bolt may not have the best aesthetic, but its functionality more than makes up for it. It has 259 miles’ worth of EPA driving range and is equipped with fast charging abilities. We can charge 100 miles worth of coverage in just 30 minutes. This is nothing to scoff at, considering we know most electric cars for having long charging times. The starting price is $40,000.
Advantages
- The Chevy is on the cheaper side of the broad price spectrum of electric cars.
- Has better range than most and can travel far without the need to charge
- As an electric car, the Bolt is outfitted with premium software with different functions, including remotely informing the vehicle owner needs to charge via phone.
- Regenerative braking allows the car to recharge as it slows down
- Simple interface with easy access options available
Disadvantages
- It is not for those who care much about appearances
- Compared to bigger models and cars, the Chevy Bolt can feel a bit cramped if we’re carrying multiple passengers
- As an all-electric car, it can only be charged by being plugged in. If we’re in a remote area and our car runs out of power, we may find ourselves in a difficult situation
Honda Kona Electric (Hybrid and Electric)
Hyundai isn’t backing down the scene either with their new 2021 Kona Electric and swapping gasoline engines for electric motors and batteries as a power source level up the driving range up to 258 miles. While the diesel-powered version may look similar, we can see some aesthetic differences. It is still known as a stylistic choice as much as a practical one. In a battle for supremacy in the electric car scene, the Honda Electric Kona isn’t one to lose.
Advantages:
- It is the cheapest on the list with a starting price of $22,000.
- Stylized exterior and a comfy interior
- Has the standard dashboard and functionality of a modern electric car
- A 1.6L Supercharged Turbo Engine makes for enjoyable drives
- As a hybrid, the Kona can freely switch power sources when the other is low
Disadvantages:
- Not enough cargo space
- Transmission shifts can be rough for those who are not used to it
- The Kona is on the noisier side as compared to other electric cars
- The engine, which is paired with a six-speed automatic, feels a little sluggish
Conclusion
Electric cars have seen a lot of improvements during the past few years. These improvements include better mileage, stylized appearances, range, and capacity. The incorporation of highly advanced technology is another aspect of electric vehicles that often tempts buyers. As part of the package, there is an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), which can make a car semi-automatic and make it less vulnerable to accidents. This type of system is generally well-calibrated with ultra-sophisticated equipment (such as those on this site), which can increase the efficiency of cameras, radar, and collision sensors. Due to the use of tested and proven technologies in electric cars, it’s likely that their demands will rise exponentially in the future.
Side Note: Tesla, while a major forerunner in the electric car industry, has not yet released any cars in 2021. They have, however, announced the release of the Tesla Model S and Model X sometime within this year.