Features
9 Dec 21

Overview of newest EVs you must consider for your European fleet 

Audi
BMW
Volkswagen Group
Dacia
Citroën
Nissan

Updated on 9 December 2021

If anything, the EV market is expanding rapidly, mainly in the shape of crossovers and towards lower market segments. EV prices now start at €17k (plus VAT, before incentives), but this threshold will lower even further. TCO parity (or supremacy) vis-à-vis ICE is more feasible than ever. 

The fleet-oriented European, Japanese and South Korean brands are putting the pedal to the metal with a model offensive that will cover most every segment. They have gained valuable experience over the years and have in the meantime developed bespoke EV platforms from which a multitude of variants are derived.

The role of the new Chinese models in the democratisation of EVs should not be underestimated either. They add to the vitality and diversity of the market and often have the advantage of being readily available. As to their safety credentials, most of them can pride themselves on 5 Euro NCAP stars.

Staying up to date is crucial for every Fleet Manager looking to ensure TCO optimisation and employee satisfaction. This chronological overview per segment will be updated regularly with new models as they come to market in 2021.

Small vehicles

Dacia Spring

The China-built Spring is the first electric urban crossover in the A segment and has the potential to become a real success on the MaaS scene. 

  • Battery size: 27 kWh
  • Range: +/- 225 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 6.6 kW (5 hrs)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 30 kW (1 hr)
  • Competitors: none

 

Compact vehicles

Citroën ë-C4

This maverick crossover is Citroën’s fleet weapon of choice. It offers a more attractive price point than its competitors while focusing on comfort.

  • Battery size: 50 kWh
  • Range: +/- 350 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time):  11 kW (5 hrs)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 100 kW (30 mins)
  • Competitors: Opel Mokka-e, Hyundai Kona, Kia e-Niro

Cupra Born

What started off as the Seat El-Born matured into a peppy variation on the VW ID3, brought to you by the Spanish performance brand.

  • Battery size: 55, 62 or 82 kWh
  • Range: 275-450 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (6 hrs 15 mins - 8 hrs 15 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 50-125 kW  (28 mins - 33 mins) 
  • Competitors: VW ID.3, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3

MG ZS EV

MG Motor is the most developed Chinese brand in Europe today. The ZS EV comes fully equipped, even in the safety department, and offers a 7-year warranty. 

  • Battery size: 44,5 kWh
  • Range: 263 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 6.6 kW (7 hrs 45 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 76 kW (35 mins)  
  • Competitors: Hyundai Kona, Kia e-Niro, Opel Mokka-e, Peugeot e-2008

MG 5 

Surprisingly, Chinese car maker MG’s third model hits a long-time sweet spot in the European compact class. It is the first all-electric station wagon and sits on a dedicated platform.

  • Battery size: 52.5 kWh
  • Range: +/- 344 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 6.6 kW (8 hrs 45 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 80 kW (36 mins)
  • Competitors: none

Mercedes-Benz EQA

The long-awaited GLA-derived baby-EQC fills a gap that Audi and BMW will leave untouched for at least another year. That’s a USP on itself. 

  • Battery size: 66.5 kWh
  • Range: +/- 426 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (5 hrs 45 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 100 kW (30 mins)
  • Competitors: Lexus UX300e, Volvo C40/XC40 P8 Recharge

Opel Mokka-e

Opel redresses the Peugeot e-2008. It’s an affordable proposition, comes with the brand’s new design language and can optionally charge tri-phase.     

  • Battery size: 50 kWh
  • Range: +/- 359 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (5 hrs)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 78 kW (26 mins)
  • Competitors: Peugeot e-2008, MG ZS EV, Mazda MX-30 

Renault Mégane E-Tech

Turned electric the Mégane has almost been inflated into a cross-over. With the thinnest battery in the business, it’s one of the lightest EVs around, a blessing in more than one field (consumption, ride…).    

  • Battery size: 40 or 60 kWh
  • Range: +/- 300 or 470 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 7.4 kW (6 hrs 30 mins or 9 hrs 45 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 90 kW (20 or 29 mins)
  • Competitors: VW ID.3, Cupra Born, Nissan Leaf 
     

Seres 3

Seres is headquartered in Silicon Valley, but its funding is Chinese. The China-built 3 uses cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) that charge faster, while also being more stable and having a longer service life.  

  • Battery size: 54 kWh
  • Range: 329 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 6.6 kW (9 hrs 30 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 100 kW (38 mins)  
  • Competitors: Hyundai Kona, Kia e-Niro, Opel Mokka-e, Peugeot e-2008

Subaru Solterra*

Technical twin to the Toyota bz4X, with parallel equipment and configuration. As a reputed off-road specialist Subaru claims that its first BEV will also be able to scout off the beaten track.

  • Battery size: 71.4 kWh
  • Range: +/- 450 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (tbc)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): (tbc)
  • Competitors: VW ID.4, Tesla Model Y, Toyota bZ4x

Tesla Model Y

Already Tesla’s global best-seller the SUV version of the Model 3 won’t leave European fleets unimpacted. But a base version, next to the Performance and Long Range, hasn’t been launched yet. 

  • Battery size: 75 or 82 kWh
  • Range: +/- 507 or 480 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (8 hr 15 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 135 kW (25 mins)
  • Competitors: VW ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Audi Q4 E-Tron 

Toyota bZ4x*

After some hesitation Toyota enters its first purpose-built BEV which introduces a comprehensive leasing package approach. One battery option comes with two drivelines of the same output.

  • Battery size: 71.4 kWh
  • Range: +/- 450 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (tbc)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): (tbc)
  • Competitors: VW ID.4, Tesla Model Y, Subaru Solterra 

Volkswagen ID3 Pure

Volkswagen has promised a sub-€30k price in Germany (including VAT), which could make this a big Fleet hit and indeed “the Golf of the 21st Century”. 

  • Battery size: 55 kWh
  • Range: +/- 349 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 7.2 kW (7 hrs 30 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 118 kW (28 mins)
  • Competitors: Nissan Leaf 40 kWh

Volvo C40

Positioned not below but next to the XC40, this all-electric coupé-inspired crossover marks a new era for Volvo – one that involves online sales only.

  • Battery size: 78 kWh
  • Range: +/- 420 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time):  11 kW (8 hrs 15 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 150 kW (32 mins)
  • Competitors: Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX300e

Midsized vehicles

MG Marvel R

The Marvel R is MG’s answer to the VW ID.4. Its 19.4” display seems to have been designed to woo Tesla-fans.

  • Battery size: 70 kWh
  • Range: +/- 400 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (7 hrs)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 90 kW (40 mins)  
  • Competitors: Skoda Enyaq iV, VW ID4, Nissan Ariya

Ioniq 5

Following the footsteps of other OEMs, Hyundai has created a separate brand for its EVs. The 5 can charge at 232 kW, a record in its category.

  • Battery size: 72 kWh
  • Range: +/- 460 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time):  11 kW (7 hrs 45 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 232 kW (18 mins)
  • Competitors: VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq iV, Nissan Ariya 

Aiways U5

This Chinese challenger is a highly digitalised mid-sized cross-over with a minimalistic design. It is distributed through various retail networks.

  • Battery size: 63 kWh
  • Range: 410 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 6.6 kW (11 hrs 15 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 90 kW (40 mins)  
  • Competitors: Skoda Enyaq iV, VW ID4, Nissan Ariya

Nissan Ariya*

This midsized crossover aims at the premium competition rather than the mainstream rivals. There will be various battery sizes to choose from.

  • Battery size: 65 – 90 kWh
  • Range: +/- 360 - 500 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 7.4 – 22 kW (4 hrs 45 mins – 10 hrs)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 130 kW (30 – 40 mins)
  • Competitors: Skoda Enyaq iV, VW ID.4

BMW i4

This electric ‘4 Series GranCoupé’ features state-of-the-art e-power technology and a digital wow experience. 

  • Battery size : 82 kWh
  • Range: +/- 510 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (8 hrs 45 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 200 kW (30 mins)
  • Competitors: Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, Ford Mustang Mach-E

Audi Q4 e-tron

The VW ID4 derived Audi Q4 e-tron is ready to face the BMW iX3 and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Coupé lovers can opt for the Sportback version. 

  • Battery size: 80 kWh
  • Range: up to 520 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (9 hrs)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 125 kW (33 mins)
  • Competitors: BMW iX3, Ford Mustang Mach-E

Mercedes-Benz EQB

Just like the EQA, the EQB will be available as a 250, 300 and 350 model. Its 7-seat configuration is a major asset, but don’t expect E Class comfort.

  • Battery size: 66 kWh 
  • Range: +/- 400 km 
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (tbc) 
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 100 kW (tbc) 
  • Competitors: VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq iV, Ioniq 5, Kia EV6

Skoda Enyaq iV

The first Czech electric cross-over got off to an excellent start, offering a fleet package that ticks all the boxes.

  • Battery size: 62 or 82 kWh 
  • Range: +/- 400 - 530 km 
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW 
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 50 – 125  
  • Competitors: VW ID.4, Mercedes-Benz EQB, Ioniq 5, Kia EV6

VW ID.4

The ID.3’s bigger brother tickles the fancy of many company car drivers with its svelte cross-over lines and interesting specs.

  • Battery size: 62 or 82 kWh 
  • Range: +/- 400 - 530 km 
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW 
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 100 – 125  
  • Competitors: Skoda Enyaq iV, Mercedes-Benz EQB, Ioniq 5, Kia EV6

Kia EV6

The most powerful street-legal Kia takes the shape of a striking cross-over with a state-of-the-art electric drivetrain, just like the Ioniq 5.

  • Battery size: 62 or 82.5 kWh 
  • Range: +/- 400 - 510 km 
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (6h15mins – 8h30mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 175 – 250 kW  (18mins) 
  • Competitors: Skoda Enyaq iV, Mercedes-Benz EQB, Ioniq 5, VW ID.4

Large

Audi e-tron GT

The poor man’s Porsche Taycan? Maybe, but it offers more value for money and turns at least as many heads in the street.

  • Battery size: 93 kWh 
  • Range: 487 km 
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (9h15mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 270 kW (21 mins)  
  • Competitors: Tesla Model S, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Porsche Taycan

BMW iX

This Bavarian maverick offers plenty of room and comfort in a striking package that tells you this is a grand tourer EV.

  • Battery size: 70 or 100 kWh 
  • Range: +/- 420 - 620 km 
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (7h30min – 11h)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 150 – 200 kW (34-40 minutes)  
  • Competitors: Tesla Model X

BYD Tang EV

Another Chinese BEV SUV exploring the European market through Norway. Uses a Blade Battery, which has a chemistry aimed at significantly reducing fire risks.   

  • Battery size: 86 kWh
  • Range: +/- 400 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 7,0 kW (11 hrs 30 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 110 kW (42 mins)
  • Competitors: Nio ES8, Mercedes EQC, Tesla Model Y

Lucid Air

Super-fast charging American luxury contender has the Mercedes EQS in its sights with the biggest battery in the business providing ample range. Set for launch in Europe in 2022.    

  • Battery size: 88-112 kWh
  • Range: +/- 540-630 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 22,0 kW (4 hrs 45 mins – 5 hrs 45 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 240 kW (16 - 19 mins)
  • Competitors: Tesla Model S, Mercedes EQS

Mercedes EQE

Mercedes is the first German premium manufacturer to electrify the traditional segment of executive sedans. The battery-powered E-Class is a decontented EQS using the same bespoke platform. 

  • Battery size: 100 kWh
  • Range: +/-  660 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 22,0 kW (5 hrs)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 170 kW (33 mins)
  • Competitors: Tesla Model S 

Mercedes-Benz EQS

The best or nothing: in EV land that means you have to outperform the Tesla Model S Plaid. The EQS is the S Class amongst BEVs, and that says it all.

  • Battery size: 112 kWh 
  • Range: 650-770 km 
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (11h45mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 200 kW (32 mins)  
  • Competitors: Tesla Model S Plaid, Audi e-tron GT, Porsche Taycan

Nio ES8

As a gateway to Europe the service-oriented Chinese car maker Nio started offering its ES8 on the Norwegian market first. Germany is soon to follow for this midsize SUV, which features battery swap technology. 

  • Battery size: 84 kWh
  • Range: +/- 425 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 7,0 kW (12 hrs)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 90 kW (45 mins)
  • Competitors: BMW iX, Mercedes EQC, Audi E-Tron

Tesla Model S Plaid

The Californian icon gets a thorough upgrade, indicated by the Plaid suffix. It can almost drive by itself – for a total of 628km according to the WLTP.

  • Battery size: 90 kWh 
  • Range: 628 km 
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 16.5 kW (6h30min)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 250 kW (23 minutes)  
  • Competitors: Mercedes-Benz EQS, Audi e-tron GT, Porsche Taycan

 

Xpeng P7

The Xpeng P7 sedan joins the SUV G3 in Norway as a budget rival for the Tesla Model S. Next year all the Xpeng models should be available throughout Scandinavia and major markets as the Netherlands.  

  • Battery size: 81 kWh
  • Range: +/- 530 km
  • AC charging (0-100% SoC time): 11 kW (7 hrs 30 mins)
  • DC charging (10-80% SoC time): 80 kW (60 mins)
  • Competitors: Tesla Model S

*The specifications of models marked with an asterisk have not been confirmed and are merely indicative.

Read all about the road to CO2 neutrality, green car policies, controlling your TCO and smart charging in Fleet Europe Magazine 121

Authored by: Dieter Quartier
Manufacturers
Europe