The year 2023 witnessed a rapid surge in the number of electric cars hitting the market, with car manufacturers scrambling to introduce a wide range of electric vehicles, from superminis to supercars. And it seems that the momentum is not slowing down anytime soon.
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As the automotive industry hurtles towards an electric future, 2024 promises a wealth of new choices across various segments. The launch of smaller, more affordable electric vehicles aims to cater to a wider audience, breaking away from the trend of luxury SUVs dominating the market.
Car manufacturers, from industry giants to innovative newcomers, are racing to diversify their line-ups, ranging from compact superminis to high-performance supercars. The momentum is only set to accelerate, with a wealth of new electric cars anticipated in the coming year, promising an array of choices for consumers.
Fisker Ocean: A Sustainable SUV for the Masses
Among the highly anticipated releases in 2024 is the Fisker Ocean, an all-electric SUV poised to impact significantly. Sized comparably to popular models like the Škoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4, the Ocean distinguishes itself with an all-new lightweight platform developed by Fisker. The SUV is available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, catering to diverse preferences.
Scheduled for a January 2024 launch, the Fisker Ocean is about sustainability and affordability. With a price range from £36,900 to £57,900, Fisker aims to make electric cars accessible to a broad spectrum of consumers. Reservations are already open, and the first deliveries are expected in early 2024.
The Ocean offers three variants to cater to different needs. The entry-level Sport, priced at £36,900, features a single motor with a range of 289 miles. Stepping up, the £50,900 Ultra boasts all-wheel drive and an impressive range of 429 miles. The all-wheel-drive Ultimate variant extends it to an impressive 440 miles for those seeking the pinnacle of range.
While the Ocean features a 400-volt electrical system, differing from the 800-volt system found in some competitors, Fisker claims that both battery options—the 106kWh Hyper Range and 80kWh Touring Range—will support DC fast charging at speeds of up to 250kW. If these claims hold, the Ocean could match Tesla’s charging speeds, adding around 100 miles of range in under eight minutes and achieving an 80% charge in under 30 minutes.
The Fisker Ocean stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, combining sustainability, affordability, and cutting-edge technology. Its success could mark a significant shift in the market, making electric SUVs more accessible to the masses.
2024 Polestar 5: A Luxurious GT Sedan Redefining Performance
Polestar, Volvo’s performance-oriented electric brand, is set to make waves in 2024 with the Polestar 5. Riding high on the success of its recent launches, Polestar is not just entering the electric SUV arena but also preparing to challenge competitors with a large GT sedan.
The Polestar 5, previewed numerous times in recent months, promises an exhilarating driving experience with its dual-motor setup, delivering an impressive 884 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. If the prototype showcased at Goodwood is any indication, the Polestar 5 is not just about performance but also a fresh design that sets it apart from the multitude of Tesla imitations flooding the market.
A long wheelbase allows passengers to stretch out, while the bonded and extruded aluminum chassis guarantees excellent road manners. Despite the expected high price tag, the Polestar 5 aims to confer exclusivity to its owners, placing it in line with the standards for luxury electric four-doors.
The Polestar 5’s competition with the Porsche Taycan positions it as a serious contender in the high-performance electric sedan segment. With a design poised to distinguish it from the crowd, the Polestar 5 is undoubtedly worth the wait for enthusiasts seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and innovation.
Ford Explorer: Expanding the Electric Horizon
In 2024, Ford is set to expand its electric lineup by introducing the Ford Explorer crossover. Building on the success of its initial electric model, the Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s foray into the electric SUV market, is eagerly awaited.
Utilizing Volkswagen’s MEB platform as a base, the Explorer is a testament to automakers’ collaborative efforts. However, it’s important to note that the technology integrated into the Explorer is distinctively Ford’s own. Positioned to compete with popular models like the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, the Explorer will feature similar battery and motor options.
The availability of 52kWh or 77kWh batteries provides a range of up to 335 miles, coupled with power ranging from 201 to 335bhp. This positions the Explorer as a competitive option in the electric crossover segment. Ford’s commitment to leveraging the MEB platform extends beyond the Explorer, with plans for additional models, including a van and potentially a sporty car.
Production for the Explorer is earmarked for Ford’s Cologne plant, which is currently undergoing a substantial refit to align with the brand’s focus on electric cars. While there has been a six-month delay due to new regulations around battery production, pushing the Explorer’s arrival to the middle of 2024, the anticipation surrounding this model suggests it could be well worth the wait.
As the electric revolution continues gaining momentum, 2024 is shaping to be an exciting year for electric vehicle enthusiasts. From the highly anticipated Fisker Ocean, offering a range of variants to suit different needs, to the performance-driven Polestar 5, aiming to rival luxury EV stalwarts, and the Ford Explorer, expanding Ford’s electric lineup, there is no shortage of exciting options on the horizon.
With more automakers embracing the electric era, car shoppers will have an ever-expanding range of choices, catering to various segments and budgets. The future of electric mobility is bright, and 2024 is set to be a landmark year in the evolution of the electric vehicle landscape.
