Top 5 Battery Electric Vehicles to Look Forward to in 2021
It was difficult to narrow this list down to five vehicles; we would have liked to include many other makes in this list but have restricted it to our favourite vehicles that have a high probability of hitting the market in 2021. It’s going to be an exciting year for Electric Vehicles, with Tesla looking to move into the Indian Market, Volkswagen ramping up its ID.3 and ID.4 production, NIO entering the year with good cashflow and healthy sales, worldwide release of luxury models from Chinese automakers BYD and Xpeng, and more.
Here's the top 5 battery electric vehicles to look forward to in 2021:
5. Tesla Model Y
Tesla’s Model Y is a common sight on US roads, but its international launch in 2021 is expected to drive big profits for Tesla.
Image: Tesla Motors
Tesla’s styling isn’t exactly scintilating, but it does age well, and is more a victim of its popularity than anything else. The Model Y has been on sale in the US since March 2020, and has proven popular with US consumers. It just hit the market in China as production began at Gigafactory Shanghai in December, and Tesla stores across the country have seen long lines to experience the vehicle.
The Model Y takes the Model 3’s formula, and elevates it — quite literally — to a new level. Consumer preferences have shifted toward SUVs, and globally sales of the jacked up vehicles make up over 50 per cent of the passenger car market.
It’s easy to see why the Model Y has been such a sales success; it’s $45,000 USD base price gives you a car with 483km (300mi) range, Tesla’s brilliant autopilot system, regular over the air updates, all the tech and gadgets consumers love from the brand, and the best fast charging network in the world.
The Model Y is sure to continue its sales success, as Europe, Australia and India await its introduction in 2021.
4. Audi E-Tron GT, E-Tron GT RS
Audi’s E-Tron GT is one svelte looking low-slung EV.
Image: Audi AG
For fans of the premium German automotive establishment, it would be hard to go past a svelte 4-door EV from Ingolstadt. Audi plays it safe with a traditional long hood, wide grille and aggressive vent design — one doesn’t want too many people to know one is driving an electric vehicle — but I’ll forgive these design features that serve very little practical function on an EV because of the wide hips, high-door line/low roof line and beautifully shaped rear.
The E-Tron and E-Tron RS are based on Porsche’s Taycan, but it’s expected that Audi will heavily re-engineer the platform for its own models, and that the Renn Sport version will have even more power than Porsche’s Taycan Turbo S. Audi’s press department promises up to 434 kW (590 hp) and a 0-100kmh (0-62mph) of 3.5 seconds, and an interior familiar to Audi owners, but dressed in sustainable materials and vegan ‘leather’.
The Volkswagen Audi Group is now quite experienced at producing EVs, with a number of popular models on sale. I am confident that the development of the E-Tron will be smooth for Audi, and that it will enter the market in late 2021, pending any (futher) catastrophic global events for the company or the world.
3. Rivian R1T, R1S
Rivian’s R1T promises a no-compromise adventure-focused EV.
Image: Andy Hedrick
Surely Rivian is just another automaker startup with big dreams and impossible odds? Many back Rivian as the next Tesla in the marketplace for good reason; Chief Executive RJ Scaringe is an engineer who completed his training at MIT’s prestigious Sloan Automotive Lab, and plans for Rivian to design and build everything in house.
Rivian has received close to $3 billion in funding from the likes of Saudi-backed JIMCO, Cox Automotive, Ford and Amazon, and It’s R1T Pickup and R1S SUV plan to beat Tesla to the line of the popular — and profitable — global SUV and pickup truck market.
With in-house designed battery, platform, thermal system, drivetrain and software, Rivian will likely hold a similar competitive advantage to Tesla against manufacturers who simply outsource component design to third parties. Rivian is planning a range of battery sizes from 105kWh to a massive 180kWh, and up to 680km (400mi) range, but has yet to provide any range figures for a vehicle towing a large load. When you get to your remote campsite in a national park, how do you charge up? The company plans a high-speed charging network at popular camping, hiking and kayaking sites in parks around the US.
The R1T and R1S are handsome vehicles, and are sure to attract the EV buyer who finds Tesla’s Cybertruck a little ostentatious. The Launch Editions of the R1T and R1S start at $75,000 and $77,500 USD respectively, and include a 300mi range, quad-motor setup, a 5 ton (11,000lbs) towing capacity, the offroad package, 4x 110V and 3x12V outlets, and options that including a full camp kitchen that slides out of the side of the vehicle.
2. Lucid Air
The Lucid Air in its top specification produces 1,080 hp from a 113kWh battery.
Image: Lucid Motors
Sure, the Audi E-Tron GT, Tesla Model S or Porsche Taycan will appeal to those who appreciate a tech-focused performance EV from an established name, but none can compete with the futuristic beauty of the Lucid Air. Designed by Derek Jenkins, formerly of Mazda, Volkswagen USA and Audi USA, the design language of the Air isn’t restrained by a family heritage or recognisable face that must be continued; it is fresh, premium and futuristic.
Lucid claims the most aerodynamic sedan on the market, with a drag coefficient of 0.22cd. The Air features a 34 inch 5k display cluster, up to 895kW (1,080hp) of.power in the Dream Edition, and Lucid DreamDrive, the company's autonomous driving system that utilises LiDAR, radar, ultrasonic sensors and multiple cameras.
Lucid signed a battery deal with Samsung in 2016, and in 2018 received $1 billion in funding for its new Californian factory from a Saudi Arabian investment fund, and is expected to begin deliveries of its Air Dream Edition mid-2021.
Rivian/Amazon Delivery Van
Amazon’s custom delivery van, developed and built by Rivian.
Image: Rivian
The only commercial vehicle on this list, and it takes top spot? Let us explain. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and work, and its likely the majority of workers in the service sector/office environments will at least have the option to work from home even with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. With massive demand on postal and delivery services as consumers favour online shopping, It will be critical to minimise diesel particulates and emissions in our communities, and for transport companies to reduce fuel and maintenance costs. Amazon has already ordered 100,000 vans, in a bid to significantly reduce their carbon footprint by 2030.
Although specification details are limited at this stage, it’s expected that production of the bespoke delivery van will begin in late-2021 at Rivian’s Normal, Illinois factory. Reports in the press suggest the van may be based on a version of the ‘skateboard’ electric platform from the R1S/R1T, with a stretched wheelbase. Amazon has reported that the vehicle will feature Alexa voice control to assist drivers, as well AI controlled delivery routes to optimise efficiency and speed. While there are other exciting commercial EVs coming to market from companies like Arrival, Morris Commercial, Volvo and Daimler Trucks, Rivian’s promise is seen in the vote of confidence from Amazon, and the seed funding the company has received.