There are now more than 100 different electric car models. Time for an overview.
The range of e-cars is growing rapidly. A few months ago there were only a handful of model variants, today there are already more than 100, spread over many vehicle and price classes. Interested parties are spoiled for choice. A guide.
What kind of electric cars are there?
In the narrow sense - and also in this text - the term “electric car” means battery-powered cars that only have an electric drive. Fuel cell cars are a special case because they do not carry all their electricity with them in a battery, but generate it themselves while driving from the reaction of water with oxygen. This does not mean plug-in hybrids ("PHEV") which, in addition to the electric motor and battery, have a combustion engine, usually a gasoline engine.
In which car class is there actually an electric drive?
As in the overall market, the SUV is particularly popular with electric vehicles. Because the battery pack also fits very well into the thick underbody of the tall models, the crossover density is particularly high in the E segment. There is also a wide range in the small car and city car class, where the problematic range plays a minor role. A third, small but fine segment, are the touring limousines: In the wider Tesla S and E environment, a number of premium and luxury models have already positioned themselves with the Porsche Taycan, Audi E-Tron GT and Mercedes EQS. On the other hand, the range is comparatively small in the classic compact class, where there are at least two high-selling models with the VW ID3 and Nissan Leaf.
In which classes are no e-mobiles available?
The successful segments are electrified first, the less popular ones later, if at all. For example, a convertible model with a battery is currently not available. And even in the van and family car class, there is little to be found below minibuses such as the Peugeot E-Traveler / Citroen E-Spacetourer / Opel Zafira-e and high-roof station wagons such as the Renault Kangoo Electric. The range of station wagons is also thin, where apart from the shooting brake version of the Porsche Taycan there is nothing to be found. In the course of the year, however, the compact MG5 wants to close this gap.
What is the price range for e-cars?
Compared to conventional cars, the price of an e-car is less dependent on vehicle size and segment. The battery capacity is much more important, as the energy storage device is the most expensive component. In some cases, a small car with a large range can be significantly more expensive than a compact car with a mini battery. Apart from that, however, a rough price range can be given. At the lower end of the car market there is currently the mini crossover Dacia Spring for 20.500 euros, of which 10.920 euros remain after deducting the environmental bonus. A large midfield spans above this, not least based on the environmental bonus price limits. The full funding is only available up to 40.000 euros net (47.600 euros gross), there is a discount up to 60.000 euros (71.400 euros). However, some models also exceed this limit and do not qualify for purchase promotion. The most expensive high-volume model is currently the Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo for 187.764 euros.
Is an e-car more expensive than a combustion engine?
As far as the purchase is concerned, the premium currently compensates to some extent for the surcharge for e-mobility, at least if you don't compare the Stromer with the basic gasoline engine. If you take the Opel Corsa-e as an example, the electricity version with 100 kW / 136 PS costs from 30.000 euros, of which around 20.300 euros remain after deduction of the premium. If you were to invest the same amount of money in a combustion engine, the result would be, for example, the model with 74 kW / 100 PS, eight-speed automatic and decent "Edition" equipment. The E-model is still a few thousand away from the cheapest way to drive a Corsa. Entry into the series is 14.600 euros (55 kW / 75 PS).
Which ranges are possible?
The record holder is currently the top version "Plaid +" of the Tesla Model S with - according to preliminary calculations - 837 kilometers. Deliveries in Germany are not expected to start until 2022, and at just under 150.000 euros, the sedan is also expensive. Until then, the Mercedes EQS should have the edge with 770 kilometers - but this is also located in the expensive luxury segment. In the more civil price classes, which also qualify for the environmental bonus promotion, there are values from 400 to more than 500 kilometers. The VW ID3 Pure (31.500 euros / 21.925 euros including premium), positioned as a “people's” power generator, has a range of 351 kilometers. That is easily enough for everyday life, but planning is necessary for longer excursions or vacation trips.
What range is required?
From the user's point of view, more range is always better than little. Because it costs a lot of money, the individual choice depends heavily on the intended use. On the one hand, the daily distance to be driven plays a role, on the other hand, the individual charging options. If the latter is good, a smaller battery might be enough. If you regularly drive long distances, you should also pay attention to the charging power of the DC column. If this is high, ideally more than 10 kilometers can be recharged with a 100-minute refueling stop. The 800-volt models Porsche Taycan (up to 270 kW) and Hyundai Ioniq5 (up to 225 kW) as well as the models from Tesla (up to 250 kW) are currently drawing the fastest. The majority of the supply is, however, at values around 100 kW.
What does an electric car consume?
In an electric car, how much electricity flows from the battery over 100 kilometers depends even more than usual on the driving style and general circumstances. Above all, fast motorway journeys, low temperatures and intensive interior air conditioning can make a difference. If you go purely according to the standard consumption, small and very small cars with values between 11 and 14 kWh per kilometer are currently the most economical models. The middle field is between 15 and 20 kWh, the Mercedes EQV300 minibus currently has the highest standard value with 25,4 kWh. If you want to estimate the electricity costs, you could count on around 30 cents per kilowatt hour, but only if you fill up at home or at cheap public normal charging stations. The tariffs are higher for fast charging. Gasoline and diesel drivers are familiar with the principle of the price difference between motorway filling stations and businesses in the city or on country roads.
Do I have to pay attention to the plug when buying?
All new electric cars from the major manufacturers in Europe are now equipped with a type 2 connection on the vehicle side. The so-called Mennekes plug, which is intended for charging on the home wallbox and on public AC columns, fits in there. The scope of delivery of an e-car usually also includes an emergency charging cable that fits into the normal Schuko household socket. It looks a little more complicated with fast charging, where two systems compete in Europe. The top dog is the CCS or combo connector, a variant of the type 2 connector with two additional poles. It has now become the standard for European manufacturers. However, individual Japanese models also rely on the Chademo standard. Corresponding cables can still be found on many older DC charging stations, but they are a rarity on newly built ones. In the long term, their role is likely to become smaller and smaller.