Today, electric vehicles are still a small part of the market, but no one doubts that they will dominate the market. The attack on emissions requires new solutions on the part of builders and technological evolution will make these proposals more attractive, both for their characteristics and for their more accessible prices. It may still take a decade or two before we see the massification of electric vehicles, but proposals should not be lacking.
The next five years will see a flood of plug-in electrics and hybrids in the automotive market. And China will be the main engine for this invasion.
The Chinese car market is the largest in the world and has not stopped growing. The levels of pollution are at unbearable levels, so its governments are forcing a technological change, with a strong focus on electric mobility. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has paved the way for the future of transport in the country. In 2016, the Chinese market absorbed 17.5 million vehicles and this number is expected to double by 2025. It is the Chinese government's objective that, at that time, 20% of the vehicles sold are electric, in other words, around seven million.
The goal is ambitious: last year, less than two million electric vehicles were sold on the planet. China alone wants to sell seven million a year. Whether or not you meet this goal, no builder can afford to lose this “boat”. As such, they have many new features, most of which will reach the European market.
This list only includes plug-in hybrids (which allow exclusively electric travel) and 100% electric models. Hybrids like the Toyota Prius or the upcoming mild-hybrids (semi-hybrids) were not considered. This list is the result of official confirmations and rumors. Of course, there may be a lack of proposals, as well as we cannot predict any changes in plans by the builders.
2017
This year we already know some proposals: Citroën E-Berlingo, Mini Countryman Cooper S E All4, Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, Smart Fortwo electric drive, Smart Forfour electric drive and Volkswagen e-Golf.
But the year is only halfway through. By the end of the year, the BMW i3 will receive a restyling and a more powerful version – i3S -, the Kia Niro will have a Plug-in hybrid version, as well as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. And we'll finally get to know the Tesla Model 3.
2018
One of the pioneers in the attempt to massify electric vehicles will finally be replaced. The Nissan Leaf will see a new generation – it will be seen in 2017 – and, it seems, it will be much more attractive. It is also in this year that the electric crossovers from Audi, with the e-tron, and from Jaguar, with the I-PACE, arrive. Maserati will unveil the plug-in hybrid version of the Levante, inheriting its powertrain from the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
Jaguar I-Pace
Absolute debut for Aston Martin in electric vehicles, with a specific version of the Rapide. BMW will present the restyling of the i8, coinciding with the introduction of the roadster version, also promising more power from the powertrain. Already presented, the plug-in hybrid version of the Volvo XC60, called T8 Twin Engine, will hit the market. Doubts persist whether the incredible Faraday Future FF91 will actually make it to market, given the builder's lingering financial problems.
2019
A year full of news and most of them in crossover or SUV format. Audi e-tron Sportback and Mercedes-Benz EQ C will discover their production versions. The new generation of the BMW X3 will have an electric version, just like the Porsche Macan. DS will also feature an electric crossover for the B-segment, sharing the electric base with the 2008 Peugeot. Hyundai will unveil a crossover based on the Ioniq and the Model E designation will identify a family of Ford models, which includes a compact crossover.
Audi e-tron Sportback Concept
Moving up through the ranks, Aston Martin will make known the DBX, which will include an electrical proposal. And if there are no delays, Tesla will introduce Model Y, a crossover to accompany Model 3.
Coming out of the crossover, Mazda and Volvo make their debut in 100% electric vehicles. Mazda with an SUV and we still don't really know what Volvo is up to. An electric version of the S60 or XC40 are the most talked about hypotheses. The Mini will also have an electric model, not integrated into any of the current ranges, and the Peugeot 208 will also have an electric version. SEAT will add an electric Mii to the range and keeping us in the Volkswagen group, Skoda will introduce the plug-in hybrid Superb.
Finally, we'll finally get to know the production version of Porsche's fantastic Mission E.
2020
The pace of news remains high. Renault will unveil the new generation of Zoe, Volkswagen will unveil production version of the I.D., as well as Skoda will unveil the concept Vision E. Audi will have an electric Q4, as well as SEAT and KIA will have zero-emission SUVs. Will Citroën also present a crossover for the electric B-segment, perhaps a version of the future C-Aircross concept? The French brand will also bet on an electric C4, as well as the successor of the DS 4. Mercedes-Benz expands the EQ family, with the EQ A.
The Volkswagen ID is expected to be the first 100% electric model from the German brand, by the end of 2019
On the Japanese manufacturers side, Honda will unveil an electric version of the Jazz, Toyota will debut in battery-powered electric vehicles and with a different flavor, Lexus will make known the LS Fuel-cell.
The surprise will come from Maserati who will present, supposedly. the desired Alfieri, a sports coupé, but instead of a V6 or V8, it should be 100% electric.
2021
This year, Mercedes-Benz will expand the EQ model family with two more additions: EQ E and EQ S. The archrival BMW will present the i-Next (provisional name), which, in addition to being electric, will invest heavily in technology for autonomous vehicles. Bentley also debuts in zero emissions with the presentation of an SUV (a version of the Bentayga?).
Nissan will expand its range of electrics with the presentation of a crossover using the base of the Leaf, Peugeot will have an electric 308 and Mazda will add a plug-in hybrid to its range. will be unique model.
2022
We reach 2022, the year that Volkswagen will accompany the I.D. with an SUV version. It will be the production version of the I.D. Crozz? Mercedes-Benz will add SUV bodies to the EQ E and EQ S. Porsche will also have one more electric SUV, which is expected to derive from the Mission E architecture.
A few segments below, French manufacturers will present the electric Citroën C4 Picasso and we will see SUV for the C segment by Peugeot and Renault. In the same segment, the Astra will also have an electric version. Ending our list, BMW should make known the new generation of the BMW i3.