Electric cars are now increasingly common in the automotive industry. Every other month or so, we’re hearing news of another new electrified model, or at least a hybrid, being introduced to the market.
With over 300 charging ports available all around Malaysia, including a majority of KL’s leading shopping malls, owning an electric model is becoming more practical and accessible than ever before.
Aside from obvious sustainability benefits (petroleum resources aren’t meant to last forever), electric cars are safer for the environment given their low to zero carbon emissions (excluding manufacturing and production stages). They’re also more cost-effective compared to petrol or diesel-powered engines in the long run.
So, are you considering switching or adding an electrified model to your garage? Here are 5 for your consideration.
Porsche Taycan 4S
After over a year of anticipation, the Porsche Taycan finally made its debut here in Malaysia in September. The model has already won two WCOTY awards in 2020, which makes it a strong contender on this list. Whilst the top-of-the-range Taycan Turbo S is a sight for sore eyes and even more impressive specs-wise, the Taycan 4S doesn’t fall too far with a century sprint of 4 seconds, 390kW/530Ps of overboost power with launch control, and up to 303km of estimated range. Plus, it only takes 22.5 minutes to charge from 5% to 80% with DC charging or less than 10 hours with AC charging. W porsche.com
Mercedes EQC
As part of its major shift towards electric mobility, Mercedes confirmed a lineup of EQ models (including the flagship EQS that allegedly rivals the Tesla) which will arrive by 2022. If you can’t wait until then, however, last year’s EQC model remains a worthy option. The fully electric SUV is capable of producing 300kW (402hp) and 760Nm of torque, which powers the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds towards a top speed of 180km/h. It has an electric driving range of up to 450km on full charge, which takes 11 hours using a normal AC power outlet. With DC fast charging, it charges from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes. W mercedesbenz.com
BMW i3S
Now the BMW i3s may not be as powerful as the Taycan or as sleek as the SUVs on this list, but it holds its own for its city-friendly size and dynamism. In fact, the first batch of 30 units sold out within two weeks last year. Featuring a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 181hp and 270Nm of torque, the sporty all-electric model achieves the century sprint in 6.9s, with a top speed of 160km/h. It has an electric range of up to 345km. Charging up to 80% capacity takes about 40 minutes with DC charging, 3 hours with a BMW iWallbox plus or 15 hours with a household power socket. W bmw.com.my
Audi e-tron
The first Audi e-tron was revealed as a concept car at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Four years later, the production models of the fully-electric luxury crossover SUV were officially launched. While it’s not available here yet, Audi fans can look forward to 265kW of peak electrical output (or up to 300kW in boost) and maximum acceleration of 4.7 seconds from 0-100km/h for the standard model – if and when it arrives. It also has an impressive range of up to 440km (WLTP) and reaches a 80% charge in just 30 minutes on DC charging. Alternatively, a full charge on AC charging takes about 8.5 hours. W audi.com.my
MINI Cooper SE
MINIacs have been able to test drive the first ever all-electric MINI Cooper SE since its arrival on our shores in September. Featuring an all-new design language that builds on the brand’s 60-year heritage, the three-door hatchback offers up to 184hp and 270 Nm of torque for that signature go-kart thrill. It’s fitted with a 12-module T-shaped battery unit with a net capacity of 28.9kWh, and a driving range of up to 234km (WLTP) or 270km (NEDC) on full charge. Charging time from zero to 80% takes about 36 minutes with DC charging, or 12 hours with the standard 11kW onboard charger. W mini.my
Bonus: Tesla Model S
We can’t really talk about electric cars without mentioning a Tesla, can we? Though Elon Musk’s car brand isn’t officially available in Malaysia, you may be able to get your hands on the prized Tesla Model S performance model through grey importers. As the industry standard that most electric cars are compared against, the latest 2020 Model S boasts an output of 778hp and 841 lb-ft of torque powered by dual electric motors. The sedans reaches an acceleration of 0-60mph in a mind-boggling 2.3 seconds. With the new Long Range Plus update, it has up to 402 miles (647km) of range – surpassing all of the models above by a huge margin and setting a new industry record for EVs. W tesla.com
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