Top Electric Cars to Look Forward in 2016

Few year ago plug-in and electric cars were considered as a taboo to buy considering their affluent price tags and null practicality because of narrow driving ranges. However, with the advent of eco-conscious buyers and the enhanced research in the electric cars division, electric cars now come with a plethora of advanced technologies. Nearly all major manufacturers are working on this EV segment anticipating its future demand and trying to make it more and more viable for the regular consumers.

Electric cars nowadays are equipped with very powerful batteries, which are not only lightweight but also produces long driving ranges. Apart from this, charging stations are also gradually increasing along the highways across many countries. Therefore, all this surmises that Plug-ins will be the best alternative to standard fuel in the coming decades.

Talking about the aesthetics and comfort, we can say that Electric vehicles are no longer limited to small two-seaters or experimental concept designed vehicles. Now they come in all varied shapes and sizes from Tesla's seven seater model X to Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive that produces 740 Hp being the world's first electric supercar.

2015 witnessed a lot of Electric and Hybrid cars with so many due in the year 2016 and we believe that 2016 is going to be even huge for Plug-ins and Hybrids. Therefore, we have crafted a list of the top upcoming electric cars in 2016 with a very promising future.

1. Proton Iriz EV

Driving Cycle – 300 Km, Expected Price – RM100,000

The first on the list is our very own home production EV. Proton is all primed up to launch the EV trim of its widely appreciated hatchback Proton Iriz soon in the country. The Proton Iriz EV looks quite familiar to the Iriz model but it is is a totally different car underneath the bonnet. It is expected to be officially launched by the end of this year or in early 2016. The indigenous Malaysian EV is expected to be priced under RM100,000, which is quite economical in this range. The most striking feature of this Proton car is its MEDC cycle-based operational range of around 300 km.

2. Citroen e-Mehari

Driving Cycle – 200 Km, Expected Price – RM110,500

Image Courtesy: Auto Blog

The French carmaker Citroen is planning to bring around its petite yet stylish concept, the Citroen e-Mehari. The car is cheap and gives a cheerful vibe to the eco-conscious buyers. It is planned for a launch in 2016. The e-mehari wins overall EV's in its exterior design, the trendy appeal next gen appearance makes it look like coming straight out of a Sci-Fi movie and that is the USP of this car in the plug-in market. It is a pure electric vehicle with a driving cycle of 200 Kms with a top speed of 68Mph owing to its 30kWh battery. The French carmaker is soon to introduce e-Mehari in various global markets with a promising future.

3. 2016 Chevy Bolt

Driving Cycle – 320Km+, Expected Price – RM127,000

General Motors is also pacing up very fast to secure a number one spot in the EV segment. The company is expected to show off the production model of its much anticipated Chevrolet Bolt EV in 2016. Chevy Bolt as the name goes is not a usual car, the car proves its name by delivering a drive cycle of more than 320 Kms in a single charge, that is something we were expecting from an EV. Apart from its outstanding drive cycle, the car also amuses one with its charging time. The Bolt reaches to an 80% charge in just 45 minutes. GM is planning to bring the car to floors in spring 2016, it is expected to be priced at $30,000 and will go in close rivalry with Tesla's Model 3.

4. Tesla Model X

Driving Cycle – 413 Km, Expected Price – RM550,000

Here comes the solution to the big families planning for an EV. Yes, Tesla has solved all your worries with its seven-seater Model X. Also, if you are worried about the acceleration or power output from an EV, Tesla Model X is again the answer to your worries. Tesla has created new benchmarks with its Tesla Model X, which is a seven seater EV that boasts an acceleration of 0-100Km/h in just 3.8 seconds, yes you heard that right. The party is not over yet, the car also features unique falcon wing doors that can adjust according to your parking space. Tesla Model X is also loaded with a massive “panoramic” windshield that makes the cabin feel like a helicopter cockpit. With a driving range of 413 Km, the car touts a pretty hefty price tag of RM550,000.

5. 2016 Nissan Leaf

Driving Cycle: 170KM (US), 250 KM (Europe), Expected Price: RM180,000

Image Courtesy: Auto Blog

Last but the not the least, Nissan leaf is one perfect example of EV's that has been maintained its supremacy for a long time. The car already enjoys a celebrity status of being the best-selling EV ever. So, Nissan Leaf is the common household name we hear while talking about EV's. However, the reason of Leaf coming in the list of 2016 is because Nissan is planning to launch a completely revised version of it. The 2016 LEAF will give its buyers the option of a 30 kWh battery, this will boost the LEAF’s EPA-estimated range to 170 Kms, which is 27 percent more than previous models. Nissan also claims that the all-new Leaf is highly responsive and fun to drive which is generally evident in the EV's because of the instant acceleration provided by an electric motor.