SUV Electric cars are a step forward in the concept of going green. While cars have become essential in the modern world, those electricity driven SUV designs render all the basic features and sophistication of a modern sports car. But, they edge over the conventional cars in their ability to reduce pollution. These cars basically run on electricity, that remains stored in the rechargeable battery within their framework and hence do not emit toxins into the air. Some of them also shift to lithium storage cells inside their framework at times. But, at the same time they promise higher efficiency, stunning looks and speed. The rate of acceleration is also quite appreciable. Ten such electric SUV designs are being discussed in this article.
1. Nissan 2011 Leaf
This is the forerunner in the series of Electrically Operated Cars. Designed and developed in the United States, this car promises to give a mileage of about 100 miles every time the battery is charged. This low speed vehicle is more apt for domestic use. The exterior design features 5 doors and 5 seats inside. The offer price that has been set by the company is near about $27,700 (after various tax savings).
2. Chevrolet Volt by General Motors
This Electric car offers an estimated mileage of 40 miles with every recharge and 500 miles for every gasoline fill up range. It is equipped with a Voltec Propulsion System roadmap that acts as a moderator and makes it convenient for the driver to take the car to its optimum mileage per recharge. By 2012 it is estimated that the company will launch as many as 65000 such cars in the market.
3. Opel Ampera by General Motors
Another electric SUV car belonging to the General Motors is the Opel Ampera. It has already been launched in the European market and offers almost the similar features as that of the Volt.
4. Ford Focus Electric by Ford
This model by Ford is the best of the electric cars that will be launched in the consumer market by 2011. It will be a great competitor of the Nissan Leaf. Designed in such a way that it has a hybrid car featuring ‘C-MAX Energi plug in’ arrangement and is fuel efficient too. These cars will have electric motors along with lithium cells.
5. Mitsubishi by Mitsubishi
This is an economical electric car launched by Mitsubishi. Its small size makes it perfectly suitable for smaller garage areas. At an economical price of $27,990, the US version of this car offers 5 inch wider wheels as compared to the Japanese version. The model comes with a 4 seated arrangement inside and there are five doors too. Moreover, the US version promises a mileage of 80 miles with a 16kWh lithium battery.
6. RAV 4 EV by Toyota
Another leader in the sector of automobiles is Toyota, which has launched the model RAV 4 EV that uses a single 5k Wh battery. With a single recharge, it gives a mileage of 14 miles. This model also proves to be a threat to Mitsubishi’s economic SUV electric car.
7. Honda Fit EV b Honda
A leader in SUV, Honda has an upcoming model of electric car that is supposed to be launched by the end of 2012. It is supposed to run on Blue Energy lithium cells and the price that the company has set for it is at around $29,900. It is a medium sized sedan.
8. Tesla Model S by Tesla
At a price of $57,400, this is almost half as that of the model Roadster. It offers features similar to it in an economical rate. Model S is a luxury sedan. It gives a premium mileage of 130 to 300 miles once charged. It also offers to surpass many of the leaders in its stylish appearance.
9. Smart Fortwo ED by Mercedes
Mercedes has a projection to launch about 250 models of Smart Fortwo ED in the United States market. The model uses A-Class E cell battery pack that is obtained from Tesla. The electric cars come with 5 seats. They are expected to give a mileage of 120 miles, which will get double once they are charged with hydrogen fuel cell.
10. Fisker Karma
A renowned brand in electric sports cars, this model runs on 20kWh lithium battery and has an offer price of $90,000. It gives an average mileage of 50 miles and has 403 horsepower 2L turbo engine. This 4 seated car has a stylish appeal.
