Electric cars production has finally taken off on their third coming. It is interesting to note that electric cars were first appeared as early as the 1880s.
They were again introduced reluctantly, almost a 100 years later in the late 1990s. Hybrid electric cars did carve a niche for themselves, however electric cars again were sent packing. This time not by the market but the manufacturers.
Ever since the arrival of Tesla Roadster, one of the first cars in which Lithium-ion batteries were used, manufacturers finally began to respond to the market positively.
Today nearly all major OEMs have entered the electric car race. There are very ambitious calls by some quarters that aim to replace conventional I.C.E completely with electric cars.
In 2016, more than 700, 000 cars were sold around the world. This year the figure is going to grow well past the 1 million mark.
Here is the list of top selling electric cars in 2017 in ascending order.
5. BYD e6
BYD is a new comer in the market. It is a Chinese manufacturing concern that is focused only on electric cars. BYD’s experience in the battery business, gives it an edge over other car manufacturers. It has to be remembered Battery pack is the holy grail of electric car technology. A joint venture with the car giant Daimler has boosted its expertise and credentials in the automotive arena.
BYD e6: A revelation
4. Renault Zoe
Car manufacturer Renault, was one of the first in Europe to respond to the post Lithium, electric car revolution. Zoe, a family size hatchback is popular however could have been a runaway, if it wasn’t for Renault insistence on a lease only policy for the battery pack.
Fortunately this policy was revised and customers can now enjoy complete equity.
3. BMW i3
Despite coming late to the party (2014), BMW has sliced a significant chunk of the market. BMW i3 blends both futuristic design which classic BMW’s features. The battery pack on the i3 was recently upgraded to take the
range past the 100 mile mark.
2. Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf was one of the first mainstream electric cars to reach the market, when it was introduced in 2010. Over 200,000 Leafs have been sold around the world. The production however seems to have plateaued at 43,000 units per annum. There is even higher expectation for the second generation of Leaf which is expected to be released in the near future.
1. Tesla Model S
Tesla model S has been the top selling electric car for the years 2015 and 2016. It is expected that they will keep the crown in 2017. Production has already reached almost 1000 units a week. There are several variants in the model S, including one with a 100 kWh battery-pack giving the car a range of over 300 miles.
The production of electric car is growing year on year by at least 30%.
Electric cars still have a long way to go. At present, they make only around 1% of the cars already out there.
