With 2019 fast approaching, Americans across the country head to their local auto shows and dealerships to see the latest and greatest in the automotive world. Here at Plug In America, we know that the truly latest and greatest 2019 models have one thing in common: they’re all electric. Whether you’re considering an EV for the first time or you’re looking to upgrade to a newer model, here’s what’s new in 2019.
Jaguar I-Pace
Available: Now
Jaguar’s first foray into the electric vehicle market is a sharp-looking luxury SUV that zooms from zero to sixty in 4.5 seconds riding on a 394-horsepower/512 lb-ft of torque electric motor and a 90 kWh battery pack from LG. That pack garners the Jag a 234-mile range, but a low efficiency of 2.6 miles per kilowatt hour; translation: the I-Pace needs a bigger, more expensive battery to achieve the desired range. Power is provided by dual electric motors on the front and rear axles along with air suspension for a responsive driving experience. The I-Pace seats four adults comfortably and has 25.3 cubic feet of storage space left over. With a price tag of $69,500 before incentives, the I-Pace looks to be a direct competitor to the Tesla Model X.
Audi e-tron
Available: Early 2019
Another entrant in the luxury SUV class, the Audi e-tron competes directly with the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace. The e-tron eeks out a respectable range of 248 miles from its 95 kWh battery pack, with a similar efficiency to the I-Pace. Acceleration is slightly slower than the I-Pace, at 5.5 seconds to sixty; however, the e-tron features a 4,000 pound max tow rating (the Jag isn’t rated to tow at all) courtesy of its two electric motors (front and rear axle) that pump out a combined 355 horsepower, 414 lb-ft of torque. Like both the Jag and the Tesla, the e-tron features air suspension with five modes. Recharge time is 9 hours on a level 2 NEMA 14-50 plug; however, find a 150 kW CCS Combo fast charger, and the e-tron will recharge 80% of its battery in 30 minutes. Audi is clear: the e-tron is made for long range road trips. Final MSRP has been set at $74,800.
Kia Niro EV
Available: January 2019
From the same auto group as Hyundai comes the Niro EV. The Niro is an all-electric compact SUV with a 236-mile range from a 64 kWh battery pack. The Niro is 7.5 inches longer and 1 inch wider than the Kona, and sits on a 4-inch longer wheelbase; this likely accounts for the lower range when compared with the Kona, but the Niro makes up for this with additional front and rear legroom and a sightly higher cargo volume of 19.4 cubic feet. While not as much is known about the Niro, it is expected to have many of the same features as the Kona, including a 100 kW CCS Combo charger capability and a price tag somewhere south of $40,000. Look for the Kia Niro EV in dealerships later in 2019.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Available: Mid 2019
The Hyundai Kona Electric offers 258 miles of all-electric range inside a compact SUV frame. With a 201 horsepower electric motor and 19.2 cubic feet of rear cargo room all on a 164.6-inch wheelbase, the Kona packs a lot into a small-ish footprint. The Kona Electric features a regen paddle on the steering wheel that Chevy Bolt EV drivers will find familiar. Its 204 horsepower electric motor means that, despite its mild-mannered non-high performance looks, the Kona Electric can be a tire-chirper. Now down to some EV specs: the Kona Electric has a 7.2 kW onboard charger that will recharge the entire pack from zero miles in 9.5 hours. The Kona Electric features a 100 kW onboard CCS Combo charger that can inject up to 206 miles in 54 minutes, and its liquid cooled 64 kWh battery pack from LG easily meets the 258-mile EPA range, and achieves an efficiency of 4.03 miles per kilowatt hour (anything over 4 miles per kilowatt hour is gravy). While the final MSRP is yet to be determined, it is expected to be under $40,000, making this all-new all-electric a must-drive.
60 kWh Nissan LEAF?
Available: Late 2019 or 2020
Looks like the 2019 Nissan LEAF will not feature the much anticipated 200+ mile 60 kilowatt hour battery pack, at least initially. There are hints from Nissan that the 60 kWh pack may be available later in 2019, but for now expect the 2019 Nissan LEAF to launch with its 150-mile 40 kWh battery pack.
Chevrolet Volt – Charger Upgrade
Available: Now
The 2019 Chevy Volt will come equipped standard with a 7.2 kWh (up from 3.6 kWh in 2018) onboard charger that recharges the Volt’s 18.4 kWh pack in 2 hours, double the speed of the previous year’s model.
Looking for a new electric car? PlugStar by Plug In America is the world’s first electric car shopping assistant. It helps you learn about electric cars, find the right electric car for your lifestyle, and connects you with PlugStar-certified dealerships in your area. Head on over to PlugStar to find the right EV for you.
