Many manufacturers have released hybrid SUV models, dating back over a dozen years, but fully electric SUVs are increasingly taking a stronghold in the marketplace.
The first generation of modern electric cars were smaller cars. The Tesla Roadster of 2008 is considered the catalyst in the industry, prompting other manufacturers to launch their own models. Electric models then moved into the hatchback and sedan classes, and then have since grown in size.
Tesla was also a trailblazer in the SUV space with its Model X, released in 2015, a mid-sized, all-electric, luxury, crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that has been widely regarded as an excellent introductory electric SUV model and the standard to compete with.
Here’s how the 2019 electric SUV lineup stack up.
Tesla Model X
The Model X seats five and there are variety of trim lines to choose from with the 75D AWD, 90D, 100D, and P100D AWD, which feature varying features and ranges. Interestingly, the Model X doesn’t come with a spare tire, due to the added weight. Weight reduces the range, which is critical to go on larger trips without having to stop for a charge.
The Model X can go up to 289 miles on a charge, depending on the trim line. The MSRP starts at $79,500. The Model X P100D with its ‘Ludicrous Speed’ mode feature is one of the fastest SUVs on the planet with a breath taking 0 to 60 time of 2.9 seconds.
This really illustrates the benefits of using an electric motor, which include quicker acceleration, no gas, no transmission, and much fewer parts.
Jaguar I-Pace
Built in Austria, the Jaguar I-Pace was released in Fall 2018. It’s a serious contender to the Model X. The I-Pace has a range of 234 miles, and the battery can charge in about two hours. The I-Pace is about two inches shorter than the F-Pace and rides on a wheelbase 4.6-inches longer, making this one nimble cat.
The I-Pace has 394 HP and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in about 4 seconds. It has two Jag-designed electric motors, one over each axle, each producing 200 horsepower. The MSRP starts at $69,500.
Audi e-tron
Not to be outdone, the German manufacturer is bringing its iteration of the electric SUV to America in 2019. The company is taking reservations for the e-tron. The model starts at about $75,000 in the U.S.
The e-tron looks similar to a Q5, Audi’s midsize crossover. It boasts a spacious interior, with the capability to seat five passengers. The e-tron delivers high-performance and has an estimate 0 to 60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. It’s estimated that the model will have a range of about 250 miles.
The e-tron is smaller than Audi’s new Q8 flagship SUV. Compared to the Model X, it’s five inches shorter and narrower. The e-tron is powered by a 191-horsepower motor that lies on the the front axle, and 221-horsepower on the rear axle, similar in output to the I-Pace.
Faraday Future FF91
The FF91 is Faraday’s flagship vehicle. Currently, reservations are being taken for this model, which the upstart automaker hopes to ship soon. It’s a powerful vehicle, with 1050 horsepower, 3 motors (two motors with an optional front-mounted motor) and a 0 to 60 mph at 2.4 seconds. The FF91 boasts more than 300 miles on a single charge, due to cutting edge technology.
The FF91 would truly be the pinnacle of SUV performance and technology when and if it launches. The prototypes and planned production models are quipped with facial-recognition technology 10 cameras, 13 sensors, and more than a dozen sensors. Like the Model X, the FF91 comes with power opening doors that are equipped with sensors.
Electric SUVs Are the Future
Automakers across the board are ramping up production of electric vehicles. Volkswagen is planning on releasing its electric I.D. Crozz in 2020. It’s expected that this vehicle will have a range of up to 300 miles.
Mercedes-Benz is also bringing an electric SUV to the United States in 2020. The EQC should have a range of about 275 miles or more. Jaguar has promised by 2025, half the vehicles it produces will have an electric motor.
Kia, Hyundai, Subaru and Volvo all have electric SUVs in the works, and look for the price of electric SUVs to come down to more affordable levels. And Tesla is planning for a 2020 release of its Model Y, which is being called a manufacturing revolution.
If you want to drive an SUV but be more green, you now have that capability, and a variety of models to choose from.
Plugin-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
For those not wanting to go full electric, you may also want to consider plug-in hybrid models like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Kia Niro, Subaru Crosstrek PHEV, or BMW X5 xDrive40e. For those who want the ultimate in luxury and electric SUVs, also consider the Maserati Levante and Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid.
