As we have mentioned in one of our recent Electric Car blogs, there has been a government announcement banning new vehicles running solely on fossil fuels from 2030. This, understandably, has caused a bit of urgency to produce quality eclectic cars and hybrids. The announcement does have an important sub-clause that extends the life of hybrids to 2035. The government has announced:
“Between 2030 and 2035, new cars and vans can be sold if they have the capability to drive a significant distance with zero emissions (for example, plug-in hybrids or full hybrids), and this will be defined through consultation.”
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-takes-historic-step-towards-net-zero-with-end-of-sale-of-new-petrol-and-diesel-cars-by-2030
With this being said, the “electric revolution” hasn’t exactly been as powerful as some may have predicted. This has seen significant improvement year on year with all of the best electric cars providing enough power for use as a daily driver while offering features and technology that we couldn’t have dreamed of only a few years ago. With all this new development happening to the electric car industry, it’s an exciting glimpse into the future of electric and hybrid vehicles and certainly a future that gives shoppers a wide variety of choices.
With this list of electric and hybrid cars growing by the year, we wanted to make your search a little bit easier by creating a list of the best electric cars and hybrids for 2021.
1) Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
The Hyundai Ioniq is a purpose-built hybrid hatchback that comes in three different electrified forms – as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or a 100% electric car. The impressive Hybrid is the key rival of cars such as the Toyota Prius and was the first car to be offered with all three engine options.
The key selling features of the Ioniq is that it has good practicality, low running costs and a painless ownership experience. Not only is it an all-around people pleaser but it’s a decent-sized car (smaller than the Prius but still roomy enough for daily life). The sleek design makes it stand out from the normal hybrid/electric car and is far more conventionally styled than the Prius. The Ioniq is a five-door, five-seat hatchback that has a Kammback tail and turbine-style alloy wheel coverings.
When it comes to equipment, there is quite an impressive list. You will get keyless entry with all models, wireless phone charging pads, a large infotainment screen and even a heated steering wheel.
2) Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is well known for being an inexpensive, safety-orientated, and well-equipped compact car. The Corolla, like the Auris, is a car for drivers who want a hybrid but don’t want to shout about it. Unlike most hybrids, the Corolla drives a bit more like a conventional car and looks much more stylish too.
Available as either a four-door hatchback or sedan, both builds feature a pair of dutiful four-cylinder engines, and they’re also offered with an extremely frugal hybrid powertrain. If you’re a driver that wants a more “racy-looking” model, the Corolla GR Sport introduced in 2020 would be a better fit as it includes sports seats and minor styling tweaks.
With the Toyota Corolla, you certainly get a generous amount of safety tech. Over 92% of all Toyota cars currently sold have driver assistance packs of sensors and cameras (called Safety Sense). Also included with the Corolla is night-time pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistant are standard.
3) Tesla Model 3 Electric Car
It wouldn’t be right for us to be talking about electric cars without us naming Elon Musk’s brainchild, Tesla. This revolutionary brand is aiming to show the world that long-range electric cars are no longer something out of our reach. This all-electric car may not be the only electric car out there but it is certainly one of the most important models to be released so far.
The Tesla Model 3 is a four-door saloon car with rear or four-wheel drive and a touchscreen dashboard. When it comes to minimalist cabin designs then the Model 3 takes the crown. Similar supposed designs found in the Audi A4 or Jaguar XE don’t compare to Tesla Model 3 where the interior is almost completely devoid of buttons or dials of any kind. But the giant touchscreens aren’t the only impressive feature inside the car, you will find hidden gems like games and built-in Netflix, and “apparently” something about them being able to drive themselves are all interesting (but not recommended) features within the car.
It has to be said that the unique styling of the car isn’t to everybody’s tastes. It isn’t the largest of electric cars and its almost flat bonnet does make it an acquired taste. With that being said, the interior is a very popular arrangement and the driving dynamics are smooth (not to mention fast). It’s easy to see why the Model 3 has become a global standard-setter for eclectic cars.
4) BMW i3 Electric Car
The BMW i3 has played a critical role in bringing electric cars into the mainstream and is well worth considering if you’re looking for an electric car that’s easy to drive around town. With its funky looks, impressive performance and upmarket interior, the i3 has shown buyers that electric cars can be highly sort-after.
BMW has struggled to keep the i3 ‘current’ in the fast-developing industry. Every few years BMW has taken the opportunity to update its sole fully electric offering by fitting larger, more energy-efficient batteries. According to BMW, the latest model offers a range of up to 160 miles in real-world conditions.
It must be said that the BMW i3 is fairly small on the outside and isn’t suited to everybody’s taste. That being said, it is pretty big on the inside. The i3’s dashboard is very easy to navigate and the controls for the air conditioning are within easy reach. We have to admit that we are impressed that BMW includes full LED headlights as standard on every i3.
We know that some people may be tired of hearing about the “exciting” things that are happening with electric cars but they’re certainly not going away any time soon. With the government ban creeping closer and closer and more people wanting to have a greener impact on the environment, you might want to get comfortable.
There are more electric and hybrid cars being added to dealerships across the UK every year, most available for both personal lease and purchasing. To view our range of electric cars or to hear about leasing options, contact us today!