Alternative fuel vehicles including hybrids and fully-electric cars have become significantly more common in the UK car market in just the last couple of years. A wider and improved range of products plus a growing infrastructure means more motorists are taking the plunge towards more green motoring.
Lots of big manufacturers are keen to achieve some major breakthroughs with hybrid and electric cars in the near future, so there’s reasons to be intrigued about what green cars are coming up. Here’s a look at five of the most interesting green cars set to launch in Britain during the twelve months of 2017.
Kia Niro PHEV
Kia debuted its Niro hybrid crossover during 2016 and as we’ve discovered while reviewing it, it’s a very likable car offering a practical cabin, an engaging drive, appealing styling and decent real-world fuel economy figures.
During 2017, the Niro range will expand with the arrival of a plug-in hybrid version, meaning you’ll be able to charge the electric motor’s batteries with grid-supplied electricity as well as the car’s petrol engine.
Furthermore, the Niro PHEV will use the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq, which should mean it will have a larger battery and more powerful electric motor than the regular Niro.
Hyundai Ioniq PHEV
We just mentioned the Ioniq in the previous entry, so it feels appropriate to talk a bit more about Hyundai’s green large hatchback. Its own plug-in hybrid derivative will launch during 2017.
The Ioniq went on sale during 2016 with both pure electric and hybrid powertrains available, and with either setup we’ve been impressed with the car. It’s very practical, it’s undoubtedly efficient and you can even have some fun driving it.
Adding a PHEV powertrain to the mix is an intriguing prospect for the Ioniq. When it does arrive, it will make this Hyundai the first ever car to offer three different electrified powertrains on the same platform.
Renault ZOE
Renault has given its full-electric ZOE supermini a mid-life update and first orders of the car are taking place here early on into 2017.
The styling is basically the same as before, but Renault has instead focused its attention on improving what lies underneath. Changes include a new 40kW powertrain which brings the ZOE’s official maximum travel range to up to 250 miles.
The updated ZOE also takes less time to recharge than before, and the option to either purchase or lease the car’s battery has also been added.
Nissan LEAF
The Nissan LEAF is one of the most recognisable electric vehicles in the current car market and so it will be interesting to see what we’ll get from the next-generation model predicted to arrive during 2017.
The IDS concept shown during last year’s Tokyo Motor Show gives us clues as to what the next LEAF will look like and it appears it will be a more conventional but also dashing car appearance-wise. Beyond its looks, the new LEAF will also reportedly get an extended travel range of at least 300 miles.
BMW i3
BMW updated its i3 electric and range extender models last summer but the hatchback is set to get a major design overhaul during 2017.
To lure more buyers to the compact five-door traveller, BMW are reportedly going to give the i3 looks that feel less unorthodox then what’s currently presented. Some compact crossover styling elements have even been touted as a possibility for the updated i3.
Also, the battery technology is set to get more upgrades so the i3 can offer more miles than the 114 offered at present (or 180 if it’s a Range Extender).
