Tesla may be leading the pack, but these newcomers are here to show that Tesla is not the be-all and end-all
While Tesla wasn’t the original manufacturer of all-electric vehicles, the brand has become one of, if not the most, famous and prevalent in the world. Elon Musk’s penchant for engineering and business launched the brand into outer space, literally and figuratively, and soon just about every mainstream automaker followed suit in developing their own EVs. Though most automakers have jumped on the electric bandwagon, there are some lineups – such as Honda cars – that, since discontinuing the Clarity Electric, now only proffer a few hybrids. There are also scores of new private companies coming into the fray with all-electric offerings poised to take on the EV leader.
Electric cars are not just limited to mainstream sedans such as the Honda Accord, and various standout, unique options are available or are making their way to the United States market in the near future.
Bollinger B1
A fully electric crossover SUV, the Bollinger B1 is a truly unique offering in the realm of EVs, sporting an almost Lego-like aesthetic with its blocky construction. It is also one of the most bare-bones modern utility vehicles around, coming with just the bare minimum in specifications and features. Apart from a steering wheel and some gauges, there’s essentially just the front and rear seats and an open cargo hold filling the interior. This allows for a lot of utility as the windscreen, roof panels, and doors can be removed for a total open-air experience. In terms of off-road performance, it has 52/30/43-degree approach, breakover, and departure angles respectively, along with 15-inches of height off the ground, this makes it pretty capable.
GMC Hummer EV SUV
Hummers are known for their rugged military background and abhorrent fuel economy returns, but today, GMC aims to change that stereotype and revolutionize the full-size SUV, adventure vehicle, and EV segments. With GMC’s new all-electric Ultium Drive platform, the base model Hummer EV SUVs get 625 horsepower and 7,400 lb-ft of torque, which increases to 830 hp and 11,500 lb-ft in the higher-tier trims. Those top-tier models are also capable of reaching 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and can drive up to 300 miles on a single charge, though the available Extreme Off-Road package does cut that figure down. Unlike the Bollinger, the Hummer EV has an ultra-modern and featureful cabin, making it the more livable luxury utility car.
Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan
The ever-popular and long-standing German automaker has scheduled an all-new flagship sedan called the EQS. It will combine the powerful yet silent propulsion of an electric drivetrain with all the luxury synonymous with the premium S-Class marque. The top-of-the-line variant will come equipped with a 108-kWh battery pack that will allow for up to 478 miles of range on a full charge according to WLTP. Mercedes makes very luxurious cars, but the EQS is in a league of its own. Its sleek, modern exterior is matched with a futuristic and ultra-luxurious interior comprising an expansive 55-inch “hyperscreen” that essentially spans the entire length of the dashboard.
Lucid Air
The Lucid Air promises to be one of Tesla’s most ferocious competitors, with the four-trim lineup offering the mass market a selection of highly advanced fully-electric sedans at relatively attractive prices. The range-topper, the Air Dream Edition, boasts up to 1,080 horsepower from its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, and is capable of reaching 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds from off-the-line. It also offers a 517-mile driving range on a single charge, a milestone Tesla quickly matched with its latest Model S Plaid. It comes with an incredible “floating”, 34-inch, curved 5K display and a myriad of driver-assist technologies including 32 sensors that cover vision, radar, and ultrasonics.
Karma GSe-6
Not much has been released about the GSe-6 yet but speculation suggests that it will resemble the brands existing Revero coupe. The GSe-6 will, however, be built on an all-new E-Flex platform that will set it up nicely against models from Tesla. Its aesthetic is extremely sporty which may give it a little more of an appeal to some, over something like a Tesla. There will be two battery options – A 75-kWh battery delivering a 200-mile range or a 100-kWh battery that can go 300 miles on a single charge. Pricing for the GSe-6 will also have it stand out from the rest.
It’s only a matter of time before every racing car, daily runabout, and 4×4 trailblazer utility vehicle is propelled by electricity. More and more countries are implementing eco-friendly initiatives with a focus on the automotive industry, and most if not all major corporations are complying, transitioning their entire ranges to all-electric.