Electric vehicles are commonly considered to be more expensive than the conventional combustion engine vehicles as they offer an eco-friendly and low running cost alternative to combustion engine vehicles. However, the common perception of being expensive to own is now slowly changing as car brands have started to produce electric vehicles that not only offer advanced powertrain technologies, better fuel efficiency and an eco-friendly appeal, but are now also available at competitive prices. Electric vehicles now encompass a sizeable percentage of new cars launched across the globe as the demand for EVs has grown considerably during last few years.
The demand for electric vehicles is rising in the UAE as well, thanks to a number of incentives being offered to electric vehicle owners and buyers by the UAE government. With these benefits and incentives, the UAE government aims at reducing the carbon foot print of the country by facilitating the transition from combustion engine vehicle to electric vehicles. The acceptance for electric vehicles has grown considerably in the country and car buyers now look forward to the launch of new electric vehicles that offer best value for money in terms of their design, performance attributes and overall experience.
According to a survey by “Consumer Reports,” electric vehicles are more dependable than conventional vehicles based on user experience of both vehicle types, to read about the survey findings, click here.
Here we review 4 of the most affordable electric vehicles that will soon be available in the UAE.
2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt is one of the most popular affordable electric vehicles in the global car market at the moment and its new model will be available in the UAE in 2019. This all-electric front-wheel drive compact hatchback will boast a brilliant driving range and exceptional performance attributes to make it an irresistible option in the closely contested segment.
Appearance-wise, the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt will receive some tweaks in its exterior while the interior will be designed to be more comfortable and spacious. Since this is an all-electric vehicle and doesn’t host a combustion engine, the 2019 Bolt will not have a grille at the front, which in combustion engine vehicles governs the air flow to perform engine cooling function efficiently. Instead, it will have a black mesh pattern in place of the grille with fog lamps at its sides and stylish headlights above it.
Not much has been revealed about the cabin of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, however, it is expected that the 2019 Bolt will be available with new color options, new in-cabin materials and an updated infotainment system that will enhance the in-cabin experience for the occupants.
Go ahead, take the long way around the city, with up to 238 miles of range on a single charge. #Chevy #BoltEV pic.twitter.com/U1wuoUVxnj
— Chevrolet (@chevrolet) May 30, 2018
Some of the standout performance specifications of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt will be:
Drivetrain: 60 kWh Battery and 1 Electric Motor
Horsepower: 200hp
Torque: 360Nm
Mile Range: 238 miles
0 to 100 Km/h: 7.3s
Top Speed: 146 Km/h
Chevrolet has not revealed a lot about the safety features in the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, however, it is expected that the vehicle will be available with Automatic Emergency Braking and a Semi-Autonomous Driving Technology.
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt is expected to have a price range between AED 137,717 and AED 153,455.
Also read: Top 5 Reasons to Buy an Electric Vehicle in the UAE
2018 Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf is yet another very popular affordable electric vehicle in the global car market. The new model of Nissan Leaf is expected to make its debut in the UAE any time soon. Nissan claims that the upcoming Leaf will be the “World’s Best Selling Electric Car” and for a good reason. The 2018 Nissan Leaf will be a front-wheel drive sub-compact hatchback that will offer an eco-friendly ride and will be available with a high-performance powertrain to take on any road effortlessly.
The 2018 Nissan Leaf will receive a design update to become more stylish than before. The exterior will be redesigned to make it sportier with sharper lines and smoother curves. To enhance the aerodynamics of the vehicle, the designers at Nissan have added an integrated roof spoiler and a shark fin antenna to the rear of the vehicle.
Inside the cabin, the 2018 Nissan Leaf will feature a 7-inch Information Display for the Driver, 5-inch Color Display for the Infotainment System, Bluetooth, Rearview Monitor, Automatic Temperature Control, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and a lot more.
An adventurous weekend deserves an equally restful evening. #NissanLEAF #SimplyAmazing pic.twitter.com/F3ghkSfrhA
— Nissan (@NissanUSA) June 24, 2018
Some of the standout performance specifications of the 2018 Nissan Leaf will be:
Drivetrain: 40 kWh Battery and 1 Electric Motor
Horsepower: 147hp
Torque: 320Nm
Mile Range: 151 miles
0 to 100 Km/h: 8.6s
Top Speed: 143 Km/h
The 2018 Nissan Leaf will be fully charged in 7.5 hours with 240V Home and Public Charging and will need just 40 minutes to be 80% charged with a 480V Public DC Quick charging station. As for safety features, this electric vehicle comes with Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking System and LATCH amongst others.
The 2018 Nissan Leaf is expected to have a starting price of AED 109,821 that can go as high as AED 119,334.
2018 Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe will be introduced to the UAE car market for the first time in the latter half of 2018. The 2018 Renault Zoe will be a front-wheel drive sub-compact hatchback that will come equipped with upgraded performance features and many latest technologies as standard.
Having a great day 2 at @CCIA2018, showcasing our range of SUV vehicles as well as the 100% electric ZOE and the New Mégane R.S. 280! #CCIA2018 pic.twitter.com/fsgakISmNt
— RenaultUK (@renault_uk) June 13, 2018
The exterior of the 2018 Renault Zoe will be very sporty and aggressive, thanks to the wide black radiator grille that has been added to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Flanking the grille on both sides will be the streamlined blue-tinted headlamps to give the vehicle an edgy appearance. As for the cabin, the 2018 Renault Zoe will be exceptionally spacious to make every ride comfortable for its occupants. The in-cabin technologies will include 7-inch Touchscreen, Bluetooth, Bose Premium Sound System, leather upholstery and a lot more.
Some of the standout performance specifications of the 2018 Renault Zoe will be:
Drivetrain: 41 kWh Battery and 1 Electric Motor
Horsepower: 92hp
Torque: 250Nm
Mile Range: 160 miles
0 to 100 Km/h: 13.2s
Top Speed: 140 Km/h
As for the safety features, the 2018 Renault Zoe will offer Anti-lock Braking System, Rear Parking Sensors, Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control System, Tyre Pressure Monitors, Cruise Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake Distribution and more.
The 2018 Renault Zoe will soon be available in the UAE at a starting price of AED 106,000 that can go as high as AED 120,000.
Also read: Evolution of Electric Cars – A Story of Struggle, Acceptance and Success
2018 Hyundai Ioniq
The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq is a front-wheel drive sedan that will soon be available in the UAE in three electrified trim levels, one of which is an all-electric trim. The vehicle will come with a stunning design and amazing performance capabilities that will set this vehicle apart in the all-electric sedan segment.
The exterior of the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq will be smooth yet aggressive, thanks to the aerodynamic elements that will also improve the performance of the vehicle. This stylish vehicle will have wheel air curtains, rear spoiler and a smooth underbody cover to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle.
The interior of the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq will be designed to be luxurious and comfortable. The cabin will feature Power Sunroof, Heated Front Seats, 7-inch Touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Climate Control, HD Radio Technology, Infinity Premium Audio System and more.
Some of the standout performance specifications of the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq will be:
Drivetrain: 28 kWh Battery and 1 Electric Motor
Horsepower: 118hp
Torque: 295Nm
Mile Range: 124 miles
0 to 100 Km/h: N/A
Top Speed: N/A
As for the safety features, the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq will come with Cruise Control, Rearview Camera, Electronic Parking Brake, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Vehicle Stability Management System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist and a lot more.
The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric is expected to have a starting price of AED 108,352 that can go as high as AED 132,226.
Key Takeaways
These are some of the most affordable upcoming electric vehicles that will soon be available in the UAE. These EVs will make a good addition to the current electric vehicle market and provide more options and variety to car buyers who are looking for a fuel-efficient alternative to the conventional combustion engine vehicles. Fuel prices have been fluctuating in the UAE for almost three years now, which is a major reason why buying an electric vehicle could be an ideal choice for motorists to avoid financial worries caused by mounting monthly fuel expense.
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