Electric vehicles currently make up only a tiny percentage of the total automotive market. Not like how futurists predicted. However, automakers are expanding their performance, range, and style. Recharging is also made more accessible and quicker to attract more shoppers.
There are three kinds of electric cars; Hybrid cars use a conventional engine and use gasoline only. But it recaptures energy when braking and saves it in a hybrid battery as electricity which can help start the car. It is not rechargeable, but it is fuel-efficient. The plugin hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use batteries to power an electric motor and fuel to power an internal combustion engine (ICE). And the All-Electric Vehicles only use electricity and must be plugged in.
Here is the new hybrid, plugin hybrid, and all-electric vehicles released in 2021:
Audi A7 Quattro
The 2021 Audi A7 Quattro is a mid-size car that can run for up to 24 miles of the electric-only range. This e-plugin hybrid offers an effortless driving experience, and its safety feature earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. The Audi A7 is an exceptional vehicle with gorgeous style and the highest quality interior furnishings. However, its $70,245 base price is almost $10k more costly than the $60,845 Audi A6 sedan with the same powertrain. Still a high price, even for such an elegant car.
BMW 330e
The 2021 BMW 330e is a compact car front-engine, rear-wheel drive, 4-door sedan. Although it has enough power, it is not that impressive. The steering is good, the brake is easy to adjust, but it does not have a mighty grip. Its electric-only range is just 22 miles, meaning the commuters still need gasoline. Another downside is that the BMW 330e’s tank is small (10.6 gallons). Based on the EPA’s ratings, the only real advantage of the 2021 BMW 330e is its quick acceleration. (60 mph in 5.0 seconds). BASE PRICE is $45,545
BMW 330e xDrive
The 2021 BMW 3 Series 330e xDrive is a spacious car for five with a modern and super quiet interior. The luxury car’s smooth combustion and Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires limit the noise. The seats and suspension are firmer compared to the average competitor.
The xDrive system is a rear-biased setup that sends more drive power to the rear wheels under everyday driving to increase agility. Blessed with excellent handling, which comes with sharp and responsive steering, the car attacks corners with precision.
The AWD-equipped 330e xDrive 4-door sedan is priced at $54,000.
BMW 745e xDrive
The 2021 BMW 7 Series is a large luxury sedan with four or five seating capacities. It is available as rear, AWD, and engine choices range from a 335-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six in the 740i to a 600-hp turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 in the M760i.
The luxurious BMW worth $95,900 features heated front seats, heated armrests, and a heated steering wheel as standard, plus a remote start feature. However, its most important features include a long list of standard active safety features, spacious and luxurious cabin, agility, despite its size, Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, Wi-Fi hot spot, a Harman Kardon surround-sound system, navigation, and hands-free low-speed highway driving system.
BMW X5 xDrive45e
At a $63,700 starting price, the BMW X5 xDrive45e offers the best of both worlds experience with sustainable mobility and efficient driving dynamics.
The plugin hybrid combines the BMW eDrive electric drive technology and a powerful BMW combustion engine. The two drive units create a versatile driving experience. When using purely electric power, the hybrid car can reach up to 88 kilometers.
BMW charging offers tailor-made solutions for charging BMW X5 plugin hybrid, whether at home or on the road. In addition to the Standard charging cable for domestic socket outlets, the supply schedule also includes the charging cable for public charging and the BMW Charging Card that offers attractive conditions for public charging.
The BMW X5 xDrive45e has the state-of-the-art generation of BMW connectivity technologies. Intelligent digital services and driver assistance systems create a seamless connection with the outside world and offer you maximum comfort and the most excellent safety thanks to intuitive operation.
Ferrari SF90 Stradale Coupe
The two-seater 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale or Spider boasts insane acceleration, supercar exterior styling, surprisingly comfortable cabin. However, it only has a few driver-assistance features, little space for cargo, and no Android Auto.
This plugin hybrid Ferrari hyper car’s uncompromising performance offers both a taste of the Italian automaker’s future and an enticing vehicle for the present.
This plugin hybrid powertrain features a hardtop-coupe Stradale and convertible Spider body styles. It packs an incredible 986 horsepower and delivers pavement-blistering acceleration.
The SF90 models provide an impressive list of standard features, including a reconfigurable digital gauge display, automatic climate control, and a leather-lined cabin. All this performance and exclusivity comes at an equally high-flying price of $507,000, but this ultimate Ferrari is worth every penny.
Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4xe
The Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4xe is a small SUV – 4WD and the industry’s first electrified open-air SUV and the most planet-friendly wrangler ever.
Its hybrid innovation is up to six times faster than the Level I charger, the available Jeep® Brand Level II PHEV Home Charging Station battery can be fully recharged in approximately 2 hours using a general Level II charger (240-volt), or 12 hours using the included Level I charger (120-volt).
The Wrangler 4xe carries a remarkable 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of instant torque for heart-pounding performance off-road and on-road. With a base price of $53,795, the electric hybrid power gives the freedom to go long distances without range anxiety with 370 miles driving range.
Karma GS-6 (21-inch wheels)
The 2021 Karma GS-6 is a subcompact high-end plugin hybrid with 60-plus miles of battery range and a gasoline engine for longer trips. It’s a spectacular-looking sporty car with good performance and a plugin vehicle that makes much sense for premium buyers seeking exclusivity.
The 2021 Karma GS-6 is the 2020 Karma Revero GT, costing $136,800. The 2021 GS-6 is the exact vehicle, and the starting price was reduced by more than $50,000 to $83,900.
In electric-only mode, the GS-6 interior is quiet. The GS-6 is quick at 0-60 mph, only taking about 4.5 seconds, a half-second less for the Sport model of the GS-6.
The four-seater GS-6 is beautifully styled and wide. The front-end features curvaceous fenders and a power dome hood that gives the sedan an intense performance look.
Karma GS-6 (22-inch wheels)
The subcompact 2021 Karma GS-6 is a plugin hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive and packs more than 1100 horsepower.
The all-electric, rear-drive GSe-6 has a base price of $85,700. It has a battery pack with a usable capacity of 103 kWh, providing a driving range of more than 300 miles. The battery can be replenished from 5 to 95 percent in four hours with a 240-volt outlet and in 34 minutes with a 480-volt D.C. fast charger.
According to government estimates, those who opt for the more effective 22-inch-wheel option on the GS-6 or Revero GT will see a lower MPGe rating. The GS-6 with 21-inches carries a 70 MPGe rating while the larger rollers drop that figure to 62 MPGe.
The interior of Karma GS-6 and Revero GT has a similar design and layout to the original Fisker Karma launched over a decade ago. This latest version however has additional modern features, such as a fully digital gauge cluster. It has an unusual interior, its standard four-seat configuration, with passengers on each side separated by a center console that spans the length of the interior. Beneath this tunnel is the car’s battery pack, and above it is cupholders, storage compartments, and window switches for folks in both rows.
The middle of the Karma sedan’s dashboard is implanted with a 10.2-inch touchscreen that acts as the control center for its infotainment system. The Karma app allows users to lock or unlock the vehicle’s doors remotely, access its charging schedule, and activate its preconditioning system.
Karma has a limited warranty which covers four years or 50,000 miles, the powertrain warranty covers seven years or 80,000 miles, and the electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime 4WD
The small SUV-4WD, 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, is a compact five-passenger crossover. Unlike the standard RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid, the RAV4 Prime boasts a larger electric battery with plugin capabilities that increase its power and efficiency.
There are five things must-know about the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime. First, it is incredibly fuel-efficient; it delivers an EPA of 94 MPGe (38 mpg combined). Second, it is as fast as a sports car; the combination of horsepower and instant torque (and all-wheel drive) help the RAV4 Prime launch from a standstill to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is the fastest in the company’s current lineup!
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is super safe. All RAV4 Prime models come with a comprehensive standard safety feature called ‘Toyota Safety Sense 2.0’. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime got a “Top Safety Pick” rating from IIHS.
Toyota did a great job designing the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime interior, making it ergonomically correct and functional. Toyota has tucked the battery beneath the passenger floor, in front of the gasoline tank, so passenger and cargo capacity is untouched. Lastly, it has a substantial resale value. Its base price is about $39,000, but the investment is worth it.
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Forbes Wheels, “2021 Audi A7: Surprising Practicality.” Available on: https://www.forbes.com/wheels/cars/audi/a7/ (accessed on March 1, 2022)
U.S. Department of Energy “New and Upcoming Plug-ins Hybrid” Available on https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/phevnews.shtml (Accessed March 1, 2022)
Vincent Aubé, 2021. “2021 BMW 330e XDrive Review: The Imperfect Plugin Option For The 3 Series” Available on: https://www.auto123.com/en/car-reviews/2021-bmw-330e-xdrive-review/67949/ (accessed on March 1, 2022)
2021 BMW 745e. Available on: https://www.cars.com/research/bmw-745e-2021/ (accessed on March 2, 2022)
The X5. Available on: https://www.bmw.com/en-au/models/x-series/x5-suv/showroom/x5.html (accessed on March 2, 2022)
SF90 Stradale: The New Series-Production Supercar. Available on: https://www.ferrari.com/en-PH/auto/sf90-stradale (accessed on March 2, 2022)
BMW X5 xdrive45e Plug-In Hybrid. Available on: https://www.jeep.com/wrangler/wrangler-4xe.html (accessed on March 2, 2022)
Brian Armstead, 2021 Karma GS-6 Plug-In First Drive: New Name, Lower Price. Available on: https://www.forbes.com/wheels/news/2021-karma-gs-6-plug-in-first-drive/ (accessed on March 2, 2022)
Eric Stafford, “2021 Karma GS-6 and Revero GT”. Available on: https://www.caranddriver.com/karma/gs-6-revero-gt (accessed on March 2, 2022)
“2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime: 5 Things You Need To Know.” Available on: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelharley/2021/11/03/2021-toyota-rav4-prime-5-things-you-need-to-know/?sh=30314c329c6d (accessed on March 2, 2022)
2021 RAV4 PRIME. Available on: https://www.toyotaofsantafe.com/2021-rav4-prime/ (accessed on March 2, 2022)