The segment of electrically powered SUVs is experiencing strong growth, from compact SUVs to large luxury SUVs. Besides driving comfort and equipment, a financial incentive also attracts customers: those who decide to buy or lease an electric vehicle receive the so-called innovation premium. A total of up to 9,000 euros is available for electric cars with a net list price of up to 40,000 euros.
New electric vehicles with a net list price of 40,000 euros or more receive a 5,000-euro bonus from the government. In comparison, the manufacturer contributes an additional 2,500 euros – for a total subsidy of 7,500 euros. That makes it much easier for some SUV fans to switch to the electric version.
A combination of SUV and electric drive
Best of both worlds: An electric SUV combines the advantages of an SUV with the benefits of electric drive. The Sports Utility Vehicle is characterized by the typical off-road vehicle body shape and the elevated seating position. The all-wheel-drive that was once typical of SUVs is no longer a priority for use in the “urban jungle.”
Inside, modern SUVs offer sedan character throughout. In addition to the high-quality interior is reflected in the wide range of equipment, from the automatic climate control system to the digital infotainment system. The major drawback so far: SUVs consume a relatively large amount of fuel. Solution: switching to electric drive.
The benefits of electric drive
- Emissions-free drive: no polluting exhaust gases are emitted.
- Quiet engine: the electric motor offers a completely new, cutting-edge driving experience compared to conventional, howling engines.
- Tremendous acceleration: electric motors deliver full torque from the first revolution – there’s no turbo lag.
- Drive dynamics: because this form of propulsion does not require a manual transmission, tractive power is immediately effective without interruption from gear changes.
7 Best Electric SUVs
Now that you have a better understanding of electric drive and how it can help you and your car, in the following we are going to take a look at some of the best electric SUVs currently on the market. Stay tuned!
Audi e-Tron Quattro: Innovative driving comfort
The first pure electric Audi: the e-Tron, is available in three power versions: The Audi e-Tron 50 Quattro with 203 kW (276 hp) and a range of up to 341 kilometers, Audi e-Tron 50 Quattro with 300 kW (407 hp) and a range of up to 441 kilometers, and the Audi e-Tron S Quattro with 320 kW (435 hp) and a range of up to 374 kilometers.
In the Euro NCAP crash test, the Audi e-Tron Quattro scored five stars. The interior impresses with its high-quality equipment and digital infotainment systems, some of which have touch controls. Strikingly unobtrusive is the extremely quiet engine sound. Optionally, the outside mirrors can be replaced by cameras.
Mercedes-Benz EQC: Electric luxury SUV
EQC is related to the body of its Mercedes-Benz brother, GLC. Therefore, the space offered in the interior is similarly generous. The EQC impresses in terms of ride comfort with excellent suspension and a low-noise engine.
A dynamic drive is provided by 300 kW (408 hp) and a maximum torque of 760 Nm. Mercedes-Benz gives the range as up to 471 kilometers. Practical: on long journeys, you can use intelligent route navigation. It determines the route with the respective stops at fast-charging stations, where you can recharge the electric motor of the SUV.
Hyundai IONIQ 5: Space for the whole family
A generous amount of interior space is achieved with the long wheelbase and high roofline. The luggage compartment swallows 531 liters. Folding the sliding rear seat provides up to 1,591 liters of cargo space.
This means that not only weekend trips can be made stress-free. The top engine variant comes with 305 hp, 605 Nm of maximum torque and an acceleration value from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. The range is given as up to 480 kilometers. Efficient: the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes at a 350-kW charging station.
Opel Mokka-e: The green Mokka
Electric drive claims to be green, and gaudy green is also the striking exterior color of the new Mokka. This compact SUV from Rüsselsheim has 100 kW (136 hp) and a range of up to 324 kilometers. In line with small cars, the car is a short 4.15 meters long, but thanks to its 1.79-meter width, you can enjoy sufficient space comfort, especially in the front row.
The luggage compartment has a capacity of 310 to 1,060 liters, which is perfectly practical for small families. Suppose you decide on the top model Mokka-e Ultimate. In that case, there is a fully digital 12-inch driver info display and a 10-inch touchscreen. A rocker switch lets you choose between Eco, normal and sport driving modes.
Skoda Enyaq iV: Skoda’s first electric SUV
The engine power ranges from 109 kW (148 hp) to 225 kW (305 hp). The top speed is 180 km/h; the Skoda Enyaq 80 iV model offers the highest range with 150 kW (204 hp): Here, you can drive up to 510 kilometers without recharging.
The wheelbase is 2.77 meters, length 4.65 meters. That roughly corresponds to the exterior dimensions of the Skoda brother “Kodiaq”. In the Enyaq, one enjoys sufficient space comfort, even in row two. Practical: an optional large head-up display presents driving information clearly in the driver’s field of vision.
Tesla Model Y: The SUV version of the Tesla Model 3
The manufacturer claims that the new SUV has a range of 507 kilometers, with a top speed of 250 km/h. From 0 to 100 km/h, Model Y zips almost silently in 3.7 seconds. The Model Y comes standard with 18-inch wheels and has enough room inside for five seats.
Optionally, this SUV is also available as a seven-seater. With the new electric SUV, too, special attention is being paid by Tesla to autonomy functions, like automated parking. You can distribute the torque to the front and rear wheels via digital control for better steering stability.
VW ID.4: Electric car suitable for families
VW ID.4 is based on the VW Tiguan, yet thanks to an innovation premium, you can even purchase it at a lower price than the previously successful model. VW ID.4 offers 150 kW (204 hp) and 77 kWh battery capacity; the range is stated at 520 kilometers.
Compared to the Tiguan, VW ID.4 can guarantee significantly more space in the interior with very similar exterior dimensions. Combined with the optional panoramic glass roof, the sense of space becomes even more generous. There is also plenty of room in the trunk – you can accommodate 543 liters here.
