Electric SUVs, Tesla Model 3 in Canada, and electric vans from Mercedes-Benz.

Electric SUVs, Tesla Model 3 in Canada, and electric vans from Mercedes-Benz.
The year 2019 is shaping up to be the year of the electric SUV. Canadian sales figures for the Tesla Model 3 continue their strong pace in May. Mercedes-Benz is introducing electric delivery vans in Germany. And a new bill aims to extend federal tax credits for electric vehicles.

Tesla Model 3 sold 456 units in May and set a new sales record in Canada. Sales continued to grow into June. Mercedes-Benz has launched electric delivery vans in Germany. The good thing about this electric van is that it is designed to be configured according to its work cycle.

But these two electric vehicle updates are not isolated cases; we are compiling the large number of electric SUVs and crossovers that will hit the market in 2019. Car brands are already working with an eye on the 2019 model year, and based on the new models they have presented, we can say that it is shaping up to be the year of the electric SUV.

So far, electric cars have mainly consisted of small hatchbacks or expensive luxury cars, with one ultra-expensive SUV, the Tesla Model X. Gradually, brands are designing cars that are accessible to all budgets. According to analysts, one of the main issues for making the definitive transition to electric cars is that users need more options to choose from. It seems that brands have taken this advice to heart because in 2019 at least nine new electric SUV models are being introduced.

What electric SUVs are being introduced in 2019?

Jaguar I-Pace

The I-Pace has just gone on sale in the U.S. with a range of 240 miles from a 90 kWh battery and 394 horsepower with two electric motors.

Slightly smaller than a Tesla Model X, the I-Pace only seats five and has conventional front and rear doors that open on the first try. Early testers indicate that the I-Pace has a better-finished interior and may be a better dance partner on winding roads than the larger Model X. Information about charging point for Jaguar I-Pace

Audi e-tron

Another SUV for five passengers, slightly smaller than the Tesla Model X, the e-tron.

In terms of size, it is positioned between Audi’s Q5 and Q7. Its 95 kWh battery is expected to give the car a range of approximately 248 miles, and Audi states that the e-tron will be the first electric car configured to use full charging at 150 kW.

Production of the e-tron was scheduled for late August, but the launch has been postponed following the arrest of Audi’s CEO due to the diesel emissions scandal.

Mercedes EQ

Mercedes has announced that its electric SUV EQC, expected to be manufactured in France, will make its official debut on September 4, a week after the Audi e-Tron was supposed to debut.

The company has already begun taking reservations for the purchase of this electric SUV in Norway. It is believed to have a range of 250 miles. Mercedes also hopes to leverage new fast-charging technology to replenish approximately 62 miles of range in just five minutes.

Volvo XC40

This week we learned that Volvo’s first fully electric car will be the small XC40. Company members expect it to reach 240 miles and cost around $35,000 in the U.S. Volvo will also offer a range of plug-in hybrids for all its other models.

BMW iX3

BMW revealed its new iX3 at the Beijing Auto Show in April. Like the Audi e-tron, it will achieve 250 miles on a charge. Unlike previous BMW models, the iX3 will be based on the X3 with its steel body (not carbon fiber). It will have an electric motor with 270 horsepower and can charge up to 150 kW, a bit faster than today’s Superchargers.

Hyundai Kona Electric

Another SUV with a range of 250 miles, the Kona is smaller and cheaper than its European competitors. Hyundai states that it will have a liquid-cooled battery pack of 64 kWh located under the floor, a 201 horsepower electric motor, and will achieve 117 MPGe, more than the Nissan Leaf. To make room for the battery pack, the electric Kona will have an independent rear suspension that should improve handling compared to the standard front-wheel-drive Kona.

Kia Niro EV

It may be debatable whether the Niro is truly an SUV or a small hatchback, but it fits in line with many other cars on this list with a hatchback body style and front-wheel drive (in the case of the Niro). It is expected to have a range of 236 miles from its 39.2 kWh battery pack and a 201 hp electric motor. The Niro is already on sale as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Kia states that its version of the Hyundai Kona will go on sale later this year.

Ford Mach 1

Ford has hinted that it will produce a fully electric SUV with a 300-mile range in the style of the Mustang starting in 2020. The vehicle will aim to recreate the off-road performance aura of the F-150 Raptor and may be based on the architecture of the upcoming Ford Escape.

Tesla Model Y

Assuming Tesla emerges victorious from its “production hell” with the Model 3, its next goal will be to develop the Model Y, an SUV based on the Model 3, complete with the “falcon wing” doors of the Model X. The Model Y will be smaller than the Model X and likely limited to five passengers. The price is expected to be slightly higher than the Model 3 but much more affordable than the Model X.