Nationwide Vehicle Contracts lists the top five electric cars due to be released in 2023.
2022 has been an instrumental year for electric cars in the UK. According to ZapMap, in 2022, over 225,000 battery-electric vehicles and over 93,000 plug-in hybrids were registered in the UK.
It’s expected that 2023 will continue to break all records, but what electric cars are we most excited about? Here at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, we’ve listed the best five electric cars due for release in 2023. Check it all out below.
Audi Q8 e-Tron
The 2023 Q8 e-Tron is an exciting prospect for drivers looking to go green in 2023 but don’t want any sacrifices in practicality and power. The Q8 e-Tron is an updated, and renamed, version of the original e-Tron SUV.
The Q8 e-Tron will be Audi’s largest and sportiest electric car. You’ll find electrically adjustable and heated front seats, a boot space of 569 litres, and the Q8’s slick and redesigned exterior. It’s certainly good-looking and will look at home regardless of where you are.
The entry-level Sport 50 quattro 89kWh battery comes with up to 284 miles of range and 335bhp, which achieves 0-62mph in just six seconds. In the more powerful options, you’ll find a 106kWh battery which has 402bhp; however, the range varies depending on the choice of trim.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is due in early 2023 and is one of the most highly anticipated electric cars. Representing the Korean manufacturer’s first steps into the electric saloon market, the Ioniq 6 aims to compete with the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and the BMW i4. Big shoes to fill.
However, from our initial impression, the Ioniq 6 will live up to the hype. Its futuristic design is certainly eye-catching, and the sloping roof at the back makes it look a bit Porsche-like. You’ll also find a great range of equipment, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, electric mirrors, privacy glass, and heated electric seats that come as standard.
Under the bonnet, there’s a choice of a 53 or 77kWh battery. The former comes with a single 226bhp rear motor, while the latter has a 329bhp dual motor and all-wheel drive layout. Hyundai claims the Ioniq 6 can deliver up to an estimated 338 miles of range.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is due to be released in the summer of 2023, and it fits the bill of a premium all-electric SUV. It’s stylish, features top-of-the-range equipment, and has a luxurious interior.
First impressions of the EQE SUV probably won’t blow you away; it has a curvy exterior which flows well from front to back. But inside is where the EQE SUV shines brightest. The driver and passengers are met with top-of-the-range technology and premium materials that make for a pleasant experience.
Performance-wise, the EQE SUV comes with a 90kWh battery as standard. In rear-wheel drive single-motor options, this will return a competitive range of 342 miles.
Polestar 3
We’re going to see a lot more of Polestar in the next ten years, so it’s no surprise they’ve got big things planned for 2023. Releasing in late 2023 is the Polestar 3, their new all-electric SUV.
The Polestar 3 is powered by a 111kWh battery which has an impressive 482bh, dual motors, and all-wheel drive. This helps propel the SUV from 0-62mph in just five seconds. In terms of range, Polestar has estimated 379 miles of range for the 3, on a par with its competitors.
Inside the Polestar 3, you’ll find a simple design. There’s a large 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system to the left of the steering wheel and a range of customisable materials to help give the driver a luxurious experience.
Vauxhall Astra Electric
The Vauxhall Astra has been synonymous with motoring in Britain since its launch in the 1980s. This will continue into the age of electric vehicles with the launch of the Vauxhall Astra Electric in 2023.
Not as out there as some of the others; you couldn’t tell this was an electric car just by looking at it. The style is what you’d expect from an Astra, a low roof, a wide front grille, and a streamlined body from front to back.
The Astra Electric uses a 54kWh battery which powers a front-mounted motor to deliver 152bhp and an estimated range of up to 258 miles. If you want the nitty and gritty, it achieves 0-62mph in around nine seconds and has a top speed of 105mph.
Looking to lease an electric car in 2023? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have a range of leasing deals available to suit your every need. We also have produced comprehensive electric vehicle guides to help you with the process.