May 07/19

The Coming Revolution of Electric Cars

With environmental experts sounding the alarm about climate change, electric cars may represent one way to help stop an environmental disaster. Now, some industry experts are predicting that more than 50 percent of all new cars will be electric by 2040. What does this mean for the auto industry, manufacturers, and consumers? Which models represent currently the best electric cars? Mayco International discusses the latest auto industry news, including the future of electric cars in 2019 and beyond.

Auto Industry News: The Coming Revolution of Electric Cars

Despite their advantages, the sales of electric cars have remained below expectations. However, industry buzz predicts that will change in the next two decades. According to Consumer Reports, sales of electric cars increased by 81 percent in 2018, with over 1 million electric vehicles now in the U.S.

Those numbers should continue to increase. Look at these future predictions:

  • Electric cars will jump to 57 percent of passenger car sales worldwide by 2040
  • More than 50 percent of light commercial vehicles will be electric in the U.S., Europe, and China by 2040
  • By 2030, sales of electric vehicles worldwide will reach 125 million, according to CNBC

Why Electric Car Sales Are Expected to Increase

There are a number of reasons why electric vehicles may see a dramatic increase in sales. One reason has to do with price. For a long time, the hefty price tag of electric cars caused sticker shock for many consumers. However, the purchase price has been declining in recent years, according to TechWire. In some cases, the prices are now close to matching that of gas-powered vehicles.

The cost of electric batteries is also going down. According to TechWire, the “battery costs per kilowatt-hour have fallen 85%” since 2010.

Improved design, function, and manufacturing from OEM auto suppliers like Mayco International have also brought down the cost of electric vehicles.

Since electric vehicles already cost less in terms of fuel expense, it only makes sense that more consumers would make the switch from gas-powered vehicles.

Benefits of Electric Cars for Consumers

Electric cars are gaining in popularity for many reasons, especially for consumers who want to save money on gas and do their part for the environment. According to Auto Trader, Americans spend $2,000 – $4,000 a year on gas. Electric vehicles eliminate gas expenditures altogether.

Selling points of all-electric vehicles (AEV): 

  • AEV batteries convert 59-62 percent of energy vs. 17-21 percent for gas-powered vehicles)
  • No tailpipe emissions
  • Drive 100 miles, consuming only 25-40 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity
  • Travel about 43 miles per $1; a gas-powered vehicle that gets 22 MPG travels only 10 miles per $1 (at $2.50/gallon)

Top-Selling Electric Cars

By far, the best selling electric car brand is Tesla, which sold over 100,000 vehicles in 2018, according to Consumer Reports. There are over 40 electric vehicle models, although not all were available to consumers in 2018. 2019 will see the addition of more models, including luxury brands like Jaguar, Mercedes, and Audi, and more consumer-conscious models from Kia and Hyundai.

Top-selling electric car models: (Note: Some are hybrid vehicles)

  • Tesla Model 3
  • Toyota Prius Prime (hybrid)
  • Tesla Model X
  • Tesla Model S
  • Honda Clarity PHEV
  • Chevy Volt
  • Chevy Bolt EV
  • Nissan Leaf
  • BMW 530e
  • Ford Fusion Energi
  • Chrysler Pacifica (hybrid)
  • BMW i3 (BEV + REx)

Best Electric Cars for 2019

There are many choices for consumers in the electric car market. Here is a list of some of the best electric vehicles for 2019, according to Edmunds.com.

Affordable Electric Cars

2019 Kona Electric (Editors’ Choice Award for the Top EV of 2019)

This popular SUV has a long range and features that nearly match higher-priced luxury vehicles. It comes with a standard SAE combo charger that can be hooked up directly from DC voltage to the battery for faster charging. It also boasts an adjustable regenerative brake, rapid acceleration, and a host of features.

  • Starting price: $37,495
  • EVA: 258 miles

2019 Chevy Bolt EV

This hatchback may be smaller, but it’s packed with surprises, starting with a driving range of around 250 miles. Other than the Kona, it’s the only non-Tesla vehicle to boast this type of range. According to Edmunds.com, it delivers, “downright exceptional range and performance for the price.”

  • Starting price: $37,495
  • EVA: 238 miles

2019 Nissan Leaf

The redesigned Nissan Leaf is quieter and more comfortable now. Commuters will find this model offers enough range to get wherever they need to go.

  • Starting price: $30,885
  • EVA: 150-226 miles

2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric

A lower entry price and a host of “user-friendly” Hyundai tech make this SUV a popular choice. It has “the most efficient electric drivetrain on the market” according to Edmunds.com.

  • Starting price: $31,235
  • EVA: 124 miles

Compare these vehicles

Luxury Electric Cars

Right now Tesla dominates the luxury market, but other brands are looking to challenge that standing.

2019 Tesla Model S

The oldest vehicle in the Tesla lineup remains popular for a reason. It has a roomy, stylish interior, superior driving dynamics, and eye-popping range. The only “drawback” is the price tag, but for consumers who covet a Tesla, this may be the best choice.

  • Starting price: $86,200
  • EVA: 315-335 miles

2019 BMW i3

It has a slightly shorter range than other electric vehicles in the luxury class, but it does have an optional gas-powered range extender. The interior is one of the best, in terms of looks and usability. Plus, there is the advantage of an electric car with the performance expected from a BMW.

  • Starting price: $45,445
  • EVA: 153 miles (200 miles/w gas-powered extender)

2019 Tesla Model X

3 rows of seating make the X Model a standout. Falcon wing doors and a panoramic windshield are also hallmarks of this vehicle’s personality. It’s also a fast SUV, going from 0 to 60 in only 3.5 seconds.

  • Starting price: $90,700
  • EVA: 289-295 miles

Compare these vehicles

The Future of Electric Cars

Electric cars represent an exciting revolution in auto industry news. Therefore, with sales expected to increase to over half of all new vehicles in the next 20 years, more automakers and consumers will be saying goodbye to gas-powered vehicles and hello to electric.

Mayco International remains dedicated to being the tier 1 automotive supplier of choice, championing the development and manufacturing of complete interior and exterior systems, including electric vehicle components, systems, and modules. We offer a range of services, including engineering, tooling, manufacturing, assembly/sequencing, and logistics/supply. Contact us to request a quote.

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