An announcement earlier this week has indicated that the United Kingdom will become the first major economy to introduce legal legislation regarding a net zero emissions target by 2050. This has left motorists wondering what this means for the cars they’ll be driving in the not too distant future, many querying if an electric vehicle is really suitable for their needs, especially when it comes to long-distance journeys.

Fortunately, real world tests are already proving the ranges of EV’s that are on sale today. Electric cars are not only increasing in number but they’re going upmarket. The electric generation started its tale with the introduction of plug in hybrids and then formally onto full electric models with the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe being key examples.

A new wave of battery-powered luxury models are arriving in British showrooms, with the likes of Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes joining Tesla in the battle to unseat diesel and petrol car drivers to join the electric revolution.

With more manufacturers than ever before throwing their hat into the ring for electric vehicles, this means more competition for Tesla than they have previously faced.  But is all going to plan?

Tesla’s response shows they welcome rather than resent other car makers rolling into their patch, this was shown by Tesla founder Elon Musk. In his now-famous ‘secret masterplan’ blog of 12 years ago, Musk indicated Tesla was always meant to start a trend. He said: “The overarching purpose of Tesla Motors is to help expedite the move from a mine-and-burn hydrocarbon economy towards a solar electric economy.”

Currently Tesla is on top of the market for specialising in electric vehicles and clean energy solutions with the business moving into the automotive industry to prove to customers and car companies alike  that there doesn’t need to compromise to drive electric, that electric vehicles can be better, quicker and more fun to drive than traditionally-fuelled cars.

It’s the big trend, a wide range of European manufacturers already plan to go all-electric in the not so distant future. Audi has just recently launched the e-tron SUV, the first of its kind for the German manufacturer sparking the arrival of their new electric model line.

The automaker is committed to adding many more EVs to its e-tron line-up in the years to come with the Audi e-tron Sportback slated for late 2019 and their flagship concept the e-tron Gran Turismo set for 2020. Enthusiasts will be interested to know that the e-tron GT is the first EV to be developed by the marque’s high-performance Audi Sport division.

Like Audi, Mercedes-Benz has an array of electric cars on the way. Including the EQC luxury SUV that’s just gone on sale, no less than 10 pure-electric models will join the Mercedes range within the next six years. Mercedes has also become one of the first car companies to commit to an engine-less future: from 2039, you won’t be able to buy a Mercedes that’s powered by petrol or diesel.

Finally after the surge in new products in the market, the Tesla Model 3 is yet to begin its full push into the UK, but the newest member of the current Tesla trilogy is already making waves in the country. In May, for example, the Model 3 became the region’s most popular electric car, overtaking the likes of the Jaguar I-PACE and the Audi e-tron, both of which are already in the UK market.

“If you’d like to talk to us about insuring your electric vehicle, we’d love to hear from you”

Novo Insurance Team