Zap-Map has headed along to the Geneva Motor Show to see what electric offerings are on show in Switzerland. The prestigious show always brings out some crucial models – whether in production ready form or as inspiring concepts. Here we round-up the top five plug-in models on display.
Hyundai Ioniq
We start with the new Ioniq which will give Hyundai three cars in one – hybrid, PHEV and EV. Set to be offered as a practical, affordable family car, the Hyundai will rival the likes of Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV and Nissan Leaf both in terms of price and range.
Volvo V90
One of my favourite cars at the Geneva Motor Show was not a sleek coupe or crazy concept, but the large Volvo estate. Stylish, spacious and available with Volvo’s superb T8 TwinEngine PHEV powertrain, the return of the big Swedish estate will be music to the ears of families and antiques dealers everywhere. Combine the T8 drivetrain with good looks, semi-autonomous Pilot Assist systems, and a comfortable interior and the V90 will easily compete with the best in its class.
DS E-Tense
Unfortunately, there are no plans to put the E-Tense into production but, with DS committed to Formula E racing, an electric Grand Tourer wouldn’t be an unlikely basis for a halo model from the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group luxury arm. A range of 193 miles, 402hp and 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds – combined with some metallic green paint – saw the DS steal more than a little of the thuder from more conventional show stoppers such as Bugatti and Aston Martin.
Skoda Vision S
Skoda has showcased the Vision S SUV in Geneva, previewing a PHEV model for the Czech firm. Built on a current platform, the Skoda uses 2+2+2 seating for a luxurious interior, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain underneath everything. A production version is in the pipeline, and while we expect the seating to shift to a more conventional configuration, the plug-in set-up is set to remain, with an engine/electric motor combination taken from the likes of VW’s Golf GTE.
Morgan EV3
The Morgan is far from practical and it won’t sell in big numbers. However, there are few cars that caught the imagination at the Geneva Motor Show as much as the tiny three-wheeled British sportscar. Based on the petrol powered 3 Wheeler – which has achieved cult status – the EV3 is an all-electric version. Lighter, more powerful and with a range of 150 miles, the Morgan goes on sale late 2016, and I’m confident there will be plenty of orders placed before then.
