With the approaching ban on new petrol and diesel cars in 2030, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is stronger than ever. In the past, the main concern with EVs was their limited range, but as technology has advanced and charging infrastructure has improved, the focus has now shifted towards affordability.
While there are many EV models available, the cost of components and rapid technological advancements have made most of them quite expensive. For example, the electric version of the Vauxhall Corsa is priced at £32,445, which is £12,820 more than the entry-level petrol Corsa.
Vauxhall is not the only brand guilty of this pricing strategy. Many manufacturers target early adopters who are willing to pay a premium for the latest and most advanced EVs. However, in order for EVs to become more commonplace, there need to be more affordable options.
Fortunately, there are some cost-effective EVs available, although they are still relatively rare. One brand, in particular, is focused on providing customers with an affordable electric experience. Here is a list of the 10 most affordable EVs currently on sale in the UK:
Cheapest electric cars on sale in the UK
10. Mazda MX-30 (£31,250)
Mazda, known for its rotary engines, takes a different approach compared to Western manufacturers. Their first-ever electric car, the MX-30, has a relatively short range of 124 miles, which the company believes is sufficient for the average daily commute.
The MX-30 stands out with its upmarket feel, offering a surprisingly premium experience for an EV in its price range.
In recent years, tyre manufacturers like Continental and Michelin have been exploring the use of sustainable materials in tyre production. The goal is to reduce the dependence on petroleum-based products, such as synthetic rubber and carbon black, and instead utilize biomaterials and recycled materials like carbon black, steel, and plastic.
Some unlikely alternatives that have been considered include dandelions, PET from recycled bottles, and rice husks, which are typically considered waste in the food industry.
Continental recently announced that they will be the first to launch a tyre with a “high content” of sustainable materials on the mainstream market. Their new Ultracontact NXT tyre, suitable for both internal combustion engine cars and electric vehicles, is made up to 65% from renewable or recycled materials. Around 28% of the sustainable materials used in these tyres are certified through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) process, ensuring their traceability.
In addition to the certified materials, renewable materials make up another 32% of the tyre composition, while the remaining 5% consists of recycled materials. The renewable materials include resins produced from residue in the wood and paper industries, rather than relying on petroleum-based materials.
Silica is an important component in tyre performance, affecting grip, rolling resistance, and durability. Since the 1990s, silica has been partially replacing carbon black in tyre production. Traditionally, silica has been made from sand, but it requires high temperatures of 1400°C, making it energy-intensive. On the other hand, making silica from rice husk ash involves much lower heat energy, around 100°C.
PET bottles, although made from petroleum-based raw materials, are recycled to produce polyester fibers. This circular process helps prevent bottles from ending up in landfills or being incinerated. Approximately nine to fifteen bottles are used in each tyre, depending on the size. The polyester fibers derived from recycled PET bottles are used internally in the tyre carcass.
To replace petroleum-based butadiene gas used in synthetic rubber production, a bio-butadiene made from ethanol is utilized. Ethanol can be easily produced by fermenting biomass, a process that has been in use for many years.
Carbon black, a crucial ingredient in tyres, is typically made by burning oil or gas at high temperatures. However, using recycled carbon black from old tyres helps reduce the environmental impact. This is one of the aspects covered by the ISCC certification.
As the world rapidly moves towards leaving internal-combustion-engines (ICE) once and for all, research and innovation have seen great speed, which is why the limitations that electric vehicles (EVs) had in the past have been left behind. The biggest issue the early EVs had was that the batteries weren’t engineered well enough to make them practical for daily use. The limiting factor that prevented EVs from being practical for daily use is now in the past, as EVs have evolved greatly. The Lucid Air, for example, has a staggering 516-mile range, demonstrating how far EVs have come. On April 5, 2023, Chevrolet introduced the production version of the 2024 Equinox EV, which is the cheapest 300-mile vehicle you can get your hands on. In the fall of 2024, Chevrolet will start delivering the base model (the 1LT Equinox EV) and it is expected to cost around $30,000.
A front shot of two 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EVs on a racing track
While Chevrolet will offer you five different trims, the base-model 1LT’s motor will deliver 210 horsepower to the front wheels and 242 pound-feet of torque, which is quite decent for an entry-level compact SUV. If you think this SUV needs more power, Chevrolet has you covered with an optional bigger battery and all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain. This increases the power output to 290 horses and 346 pound-feet of torque. All of this extra performance will enable your 1LT to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in six seconds. You have the option of getting a bigger battery pack for the 300-mile range, but it will cost slightly more than the $30,000 price tag. Nonetheless, 250 miles on the base trim is impressive nonetheless.
The Equinox EV’s Comparison With Rival SUVs
Chevy Equinox EV
Nissan Ariya
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Tesla Model 3
Model
2LT
Venture+ FWD
SE RWD
Long Range
Range
300 miles
304 miles
303 miles
358 miles
Price
$34,000 (est.)
$47,190
$45,500
$47,240
Chevrolet has confirmed that all models of the Equinox EV will feature a DC fast charging system. So, rest assured, you will not be waiting long for your Equinox EV to juice up to 100 percent. In this budget, potential buyers are looking for a long-range vehicle that makes their daily commute easy, and the vehicle shouldn’t be underpowered. 242 pound-feet of torque might be just enough. This SUV stands its ground against competitors such as the Nissan Ariya, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Tesla Model 3, all of which have a 300-mile range or more. This is very crucial because nowadays, potential customers look at the numbers before purchasing, and this compact electric SUV has similar performance numbers to its rivals.
Good Looks And A Practical Interior – The Equinox EV Has It All
Chevrolet
Side angle shot of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV in radiant red
The Equinox EV boasts futuristic looks, including single headlights, which extend across the entire front of the SUV, giving it a muscular, sporty look. The wide grille, which is flanked by two slim LED strips, adds to the SUV’s aggressive stance. The 1LT’s side has flush door handles and standard 19-inch wheels. Furthermore, the wide flared arches give this SUV a necessary muscular look. At the rear, you see animated taillights that showcase its futuristic looks, a shark fin, and a diffuser to provide that necessary downforce. This SUV has many of the safety and driver assistance features you would expect in a 2024 electric SUV. The standard features include a lane-keeping system, blind spot assistance, and an automatic emergency braking system. Also, you will get reverse automatic braking and rear-park assist to make your daily reversing maneuvers much easier.
However, GM’s Super Cruiseis reportedly only available in the 2LT and higher models, so, we will not be getting the Level 2 Autonomous Driving System in the 1LT. In the 1LT, your grocery runs are going to be stress-free thanks to the presence-sensing tailgate, which will open automatically when it senses the key fob near the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the spacious trunk offers a maximum cargo capacity of 57.2 cubic feet (with the rear row folded), ensuring all your groceries fit in with ease. Furthermore, this SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds with the AWD model.
The electric Chevy Equinox crossover’s interior is ultramodern, spacious, and filled with all the latest technology. On the base model, you get two 11-inch screens: one for the infotainment system and the other for the driver’s display. The 1LT’s interior will also have a moon roof, a two-tone interior, and ambient lighting to give you the feeling of being in your lounge. Chevrolet has gone with the traditional knobs for temperature control, and we welcome this change because having temperature control buttons on the touchscreen is distracting. In the infotainment section, Chevrolet is designing its very own infotainment system in collaboration with Google, and the first car to come equipped with that will be the Chevy Blazer 2024. This infotainment system is being developed in collaboration with Google and Chevy officials, who claim it will improve navigation and other driver assistance features like GM’s Super Cruise. It is not official whether the 2024 models of the Equinox EV will come with this new in-house infotainment system; however, we expect the Equinox EV to come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Even The Top-spec Equinox EV Costs Less Than $45,000
Chevrolet
Rear three-quarters shot of a red 2024 Chevy Equinox EV on the street
The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV’s deliveries will commence in the fall of 2024, pricing starts at $30,000. If you don’t quite have the $30,000 budget, we have a great piece of news for you: this EV qualifies for a $7,500 tax credit, which makes this SUV more lucrative and budget-friendly. If you’re eligible for it, you can get your Equinox EV for less than $23,000! There are other EVs with a 300-mile plus range like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE RWD with a 304-mile range with the price of $45,500, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range has an impressive 333-mile range, and it sets you back $47,240, the Nissan Ariya venture+ has a price of $47,190, and it comes with a 304-mile range. However, none of them comes close to the price that Chevrolet is offering for the Equinox EV 1LT.
As the automotive world accelerates towards a future characterized by electrification, autonomy, and cutting-edge innovation, Jaguar’s lion-hearted emblem, which once held the promise of grandeur and unmatched performance, stands on shaky grounds.
The prestige and allure of this British marque are now being jeopardized by rivals, which are not just matching Jaguar stride for stride but threatening to leave it in the dust. From profitable glory in 2018 to staggering losses post-2019, Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) journey reflects a broader slump in manufacturing. A series of high-profile exits, including former bosses Ralf Speth and Thierry Bolloré, has intensified its struggles, with the latter’s departure possibly influenced by the company’s handling of the global semiconductor shortage.
Current interim boss Adrian Mardell, who has gained respect within JLR, took on the challenge of turning the company around, revealing a drastic reduction in car production numbers needed for breaking even. This narrative tells a compelling story of JLR’s quest for resurgence amid a rapidly evolving industry. But can Jaguar orchestrate a triumphant comeback? Let’s delve into the issues.
A front 3/4 view of the Jaguar F TYPE R Dynamic Coupe
Presently, Jaguar faces issues primarily due to its sports cars and sedans. Take the F-Type, for instance. A fantastic car that gave the Jaguar brand a much-needed flair and dynamism when it first rolled out. But it’s been the same song and dance ever since, with no successor appearing. Besides a letdown for car enthusiasts, it’s also a missed beat for Jaguar to tap into its rich legacy and rekindle customer love. Mention the word ‘Jag,’ and people’s minds often leap to iconic classics like the E-Type and the old XJ. The absence of a new sports car feels like a glaring oversight on Jaguar’s part.
In the same vein, the XF, a strikingly handsome sedan, has been on the market for quite a while now without any notable upgrades. After an eight-year run, it’s showing signs of age, missing out on features Jaguar devotees have come to expect, like high-octane engines. The absence of a V-8 option has left car buffs pining for the exhilarating power and performance that’s come to be associated with Jaguar. Rewind to 2019, and the XF sedan was a colossal letdown.
The previous generation had its unique charm, but the new XF felt unapproachable, harsh to handle, and failed to strike a chord. Eight years later, the XF cries out for a successor, yet there isn’t one in the works. And then there’s the XE, Jaguar’s entry-level offering. It has a few commendable attributes and handles well on the road, but it lacks that polished refinement expected from a Jaguar.
Additionally, the engine choices leave something to be desired, particularly the top-of-the-line P300’s relatively tame two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. For a premium Jaguar, you’d think there’d at least be a six-cylinder gasoline engine in the mix. Like the XF, the XE has also run its eight-year course without a successor.
Jaguar’s Recent Product Line Up
Car Model
Challenge
Short Details
F-Type
No updates/successor
The F-Type has remained unchanged since launch, lacking a successor.
XF
Outdated features, lacks power
The XF is outdated with no powerful engine options, disappointing enthusiasts.
XJ
Discontinuation
The discontinuation of the flagship XJ with a V8 engine has upset enthusiasts.
XE
Refinement and engine choice
The XE lacks refinement and has a disappointing engine choice in the top-tier model. It is also due for a replacement.
A Front 3/4 shot of a Jaguar F-Pace SVR cruising on asphalt
Jaguar is in some choppy waters, having trouble with their flashy sports cars, luxury sedans, and smaller, compact SUV categories. Their competitors are one step ahead. To give you a clearer picture, let’s break down their offerings:
The E-Pace, their smallest SUV, hasn’t rocked the auto world. It is adorable and compact, but its petite size and limited functionality make it a hard sell against more feature-rich alternatives. It’s for a hardcore Jaguar enthusiast rather than the average customer valuing practicality over prestige.
The I-Pace, their solitary venture into the electric vehicle realm, has managed to charm the few who have given it a spin. But Jaguar has been slacking a bit since its debut, with only minor cosmetic changes and no significant improvements to its battery or charging capacity. In an era where charging speeds of 150 to 350 kilowatts are becoming the norm, the I-Pace’s 100-kilowatt charging ceiling is disappointing. This lagging is posing quite a challenge for Jaguar in the premium segment.
On a brighter note, its sister brand, Land Rover, has been on a roll with their beloved Range Rover series. Catering to a broad spectrum of budgets and tastes, these SUVs are highly coveted. The success of Land Rover is a helping hand that keeps the company afloat while Jaguar tries to gain more traction.
Losing The Electrification Race And The Land Rover Dilemma
Jaguar
Jaguar I-Pace charging
Jaguar stumbles in its efforts to join the electric vehicle frenzy. They’ve committed to going all-electric by 2025. Still, their only electric offering, the I-Pace, doesn’t stack up against the technological prowess and performance of the latest EVs. They’ve missed a golden opportunity to establish themselves in the premium EV scene, especially while competitors from other luxury brands stole the limelight.
U.S. consumers have a soft spot for high-end electric vehicles. With the increasing popularity of EVs, Jaguar had the circumstances to shake things up by rolling out an electric variant of their popular XJ. Such a move could’ve painted Jaguar as a trailblazer. It could even attract a new crowd of sustainably focused customers. Regrettably, they abandoned the electric XJ, passing a chance to make a powerful statement in the luxury EV market.
Moreover, Jaguar’s close ties with Land Rover aren’t free from issues. While Land Rover is doing great in the SUV game, Jaguar finds it hard to carve out its current identity. There’s a genuine risk here of the audience perceiving Jaguar as a rebranding effort, with their cars coming across as remodeled versions of Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles. This might dilute what makes Jaguar unique, raising questions about its distinct role and future sustainability.
Turning Point: Jaguar’s Revival Strategy And The Road Ahead
Jaguar
A shot of a Jaguar F-Pace with the Golden Gate Bridge in the backdrop in San Fransisco
Jaguar is on a precarious precipice, battling many challenges that have chipped away at its standing in the car market. But it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s a solution, and Jaguar can stage a return to be recognized as a top-tier luxury brand again. Here’s how:
Top of the list should be the launch of a new F-Type successor. It would create a buzz and reestablish Jaguar’s position in the market.
Pouring investments into advanced electric vehicles can’t be ignored. It represents the future, and Jaguar must dive deep into electrification.
It’s time for Jaguar to carve out a unique identity within the Jaguar Land Rover group, distinct and easily identifiable.
Jaguar could be well-prepared for a prosperous future by hurdling these stumbling blocks. Though to get there, the company needs to step up its customer service game to wow buyers—something non-negotiable in the current car landscape. They also should harness the power of new media platforms. It’s an invaluable tool to captivate and grow a younger audience. The path forward might be unclear, but it’s far from a dead-end.
Jaguar is expected to rekindle its glorious heritage, breathe new life into its product range, and welcome innovation with open arms. By following this roadmap, Jaguar has the potential to become a beacon of luxury once again.
For fans of the Triumph Bonneville, the Moto Guzzi V7 is a natural choice. It is considered one of the best motorcycles ever produced by Moto Guzzi. This motorcycle combines classic design, a 90-degree 850cc V-twin engine, and a comfortable two-tier saddle. Introduced in 1967 and still being produced today, the V7 remains one of the most popular bikes from the Italian brand. In 2021, the V7 received a major update to celebrate Moto Guzzi’s centenary.
The new version of the V7 is more than just a simple makeover. The engine has been borrowed from the Moto Guzzi V85 TT, resulting in the brand’s most advanced and efficient power unit to date. The bike has also received various enhancements, including a wider rear wheel, larger exhaust pipes, and sturdier shock absorbers. LED lighting has replaced the previous halogen bulbs, and steel accents have been added throughout to give the bike a premium feel.
While the V7 excels in terms of fit and finish, it is not loaded with the latest technology, which is in line with its classic design. Riders seeking advanced rider assists and a full TFT screen might prefer a Ducati Multistrada or the aforementioned V85 TT. However, the V7 does offer basic features such as traction control, ABS brakes, and an inset LCD that displays the time and odometer reading. Many motorcyclists appreciate the unassuming nature of the Moto Guzzi V7, as it focuses on delivering a stylish riding experience without trying too hard to be something it’s not. That’s why it ranks well on this list of great Italian motorcycles.
At Volvo Cars, we are busy working towards our ambition of being a fully electric car maker by 2030. There’s the new EX30 small SUV and EX90 large SUV on the horizon, but we have also recently updated our existing pure electric models – the C40 and XC40 Recharge. With a longer range and improved efficiency, these upgraded models are both now capable of more than 300 miles on a single charge.
The international media launch of these (pre-production) cars was in late April, but we have secured two left-hand-drive models from Sweden to bring to SMMT Test Day. This is the first time that anyone will have driven these cars in the UK, so please visit the Volvo stand to sample them.
We will also have the V60 and XC90 plug-in hybrid models to test, complete with our latest Android-powered infotainment system, along with the rugged V90 Cross Country in a rather fetching Bright Dusk colour.
These are the cars that will be available to drive on the hill route at Millbrook:
And as if that wasn’t enough, there will be a special appearance from one of our iconic heritage models – an immaculate, low-mileage 240 GLT from 1989 will be on static display.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Volvo if we didn’t add a little Swedish flavour to Test Day, so we invite you to join us for Fika throughout the day. A variety of sweet treats, tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available if you fancy a break and a chat with the team. We all look forward to catching up with you.
See you on Thursday!
The Volvo Car UK PR team
Keywords:
Product News
Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Car UK’s car range. Described features might be optional. All information is correct at time of going to press and may be altered without prior notification.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
