"In 2018, electric vehicle sales hit an all-time-high in the UK with 59,945 new registrations. With this figure expected to grow again in 2019, its safe to say that the UK EV market is thriving. "
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In 2018, electric vehicle sales hit an all-time-high in the UK with 59,945 new registrations. With this figure expected to grow again in 2019, it’s safe to say that the UK EV market is thriving. Some of the most sought after EV’s typically come from mid-price-range manufacturers – with the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe being some of the most popular EV’s on the market. Due to the success of the industry in recent years, luxury manufacturers have been adding electric vehicles to their current range. Grange, who offer a range of high-end vehicles including the Bentley Bentayga, take a look at some of the best high-end EV’s on the market right now.
Range Rover P400e
While this model isn’t a fully electric model, it’s a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that offers the benefits of electrification to the legendary capabilities of the Range Rover. It was first unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. It can be driven in parallel hybrid mode, which combines both petrol and electric and is the default driving mode, or EV mode, which is perfect for zero emission journeys.
It symbolizes the shift from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric, with Jaguar Land Rover to offer an electrified option by next year.
Aston Martin Rapide E
If you have £250,000 to spend on a car, the battery-powered Rapide could be just the tonic. Replacing the 552bhp 6.0-litre, V12 found in the engine bay of the Rapide S is a battery packing 800 volts and a 65khw capacity which will allow the equivalent of 602bhp. With a range of up to 310 miles, this car won’t see you stuck as is so often the presumption (albeit it an archaic presumption). It will feature two electric motors which will drive a rear wheel each via an Xtract-developed transmission.
Tesla Model S
Perhaps Tesla is the best-known luxury car manufacturer when it comes to electric vehicles and the Tesla Model S is right up there with the best. According to Tesla’s official site, the company is ‘accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy. The Model S offers a hugely impressive 370-miles range and its Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive makes it a perfect drive in all weather conditions. Filled with an abundance of cutting-edge technology and an extremely spacious seating plan, this vehicle is the epitome of luxury.
Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar logo is iconic. Synonymous with great design, Jaguar is a brand that commands respect. Known for its power, the Jaguar may not be the first to roll off the tongue when you think about electric vehicles. However, the I-Pace offers a superb 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and offers up to 292 miles WLTP cycle. With amazing weight distribution, its electric motors deliver 696Nm of instant torque and sports car agility.
The multi-award-winning model was named 2019 World Green Car and 2019 World Car Design of the Year at this year’s World Car Awards. You can build the car to your own spec, or if you want a more budget-friendly model, a used Jaguar may be the better option.
Porsche Taycan
After unveiling the Mission E Concept to the world in 2015, Porsche are ready to show the world its production version. The Taycan is set to be a highly premium electric car that’s set to rival Tesla’s Model S. It’s set to be unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show and is to lead the way for Porsche’s attack on the electric vehicle sector, with the likes of the Macan to be transformed into a fully electric offering.
The Taycan’s capabilities will see it able to reach 62mph in under 3.5 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 155mph. The move won’t allow Porsche to lose its roots however, according to Oliver Blume, chairman of the Porsche executive board. He said: “We are resolutely taking on the challenge of electric mobility. Even with solely battery-powered sports cars, Porsche is remaining true to its philosophy and offering our customers the sportiest and technologically most sophisticated model in this market segment.”
Aston Martin also recently introduced their very first all-electric full production car the Aston Martin Rapide E. Aston have reportedly said that the 800V system, designed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering, is better at charging and offers “greatly improved thermal characteristics” than other electrical systems. The success of the EV market, particularly in the UK, has been boosted by an increase in related services; electricity suppliers Northern Powergrid have been working on EV charger installation across the country. As the concept becomes more popular, prices will likely decrease and technology will continue to improve.
It’s clear that all car manufacturers, no matter what their status, have electric vehicles firmly in their sights.
