What would’ve been initially perceived as an ephemeral fad has now transformed the global automotive industry. Today, the market is witnessing a massive influx of electric cars from almost every manufacturer and a lot of the action has been seeped into the UAE. From affordable and pint-sized hatchbacks to comfy sedans and pragmatic SUVs, electric mobility hasn’t spared any automobile body type in its wake. However, with innumerable options existing, it often becomes a Sisyphean task to choose the right one for a said budget.
Hence, we present to you a compendium of 5 electric cars available for sale under AED 200,000 in the UAE.
1. PEUGEOT e-2008
It’s an unconcealed fact that SUVs are most endeared amongst all body types and compact/mid-sized crossovers in particular, have received precedence. The Peugeot e-2008 is the electric derivative of the 2008 entry-level SUV.
It stands out with its swanky exterior design, a futuristic interior layout with toggle switches and a host of features such as a 360° camera, multi-information display, wireless headphone compatibility, customizable 3D holographic digital instrument panel, 10” HD touchscreen infotainment system, automatic rain and light sensors, automatic emergency braking, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging.
The car is spruced up with a 50 kWh battery that generates 136 hp and 260 Nm of torque until its WLTP claimed range of 300 Km is attained.
2. HYUNDAI IONIQ 5
Marking the Korean brand’s foray into the EV game, the Ioniq 5 is a retro-modern car that aims at alluring buyers with its minimalism. With a sliding centre console termed ‘Universal Island’ and fully open front cabin compartment, it adds a sense of airiness to the cockpit.
Truly amplifying its green pretensions are eco-processed leather seats and textiles generated from sustainable fibres. It comes bristling with features such as regenerative braking, head-up display, remote smart parking assist, level-2 autonomous driving, driver attention warning and navigation based smart cruise control.
The car gets propelled by two electric motors attached to the front and rear axles to belt out 233 PS of peak power and 605 Nm of instant twisting force. Such figures help the car dart to a ton in just 6.1 seconds from a standstill.
3. SKYWELL ET5
The Chinese brand has witnessed nascent inception in the UAE and heralding it is the electric ET5 mid-sized SUV. It comes across as a great option for those rummaging a voluminous boot and a claimed 400-450 Km range, loaned by a 72 kWh battery. It is bestowed with features such as laser headlights, 20-80% charge in 40 minutes using a fast charger, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. The car bears a top speed of 160 Km/h.
4. GEELY GEOMETRY C
The Geometry C is a youthful looking SUV, which as the name suggests, utilizes several geometrical shapes for its exterior design. Elements such as flush door handles, two separately stacked screens on the dashboard and mix of hues for the interior cockpit culminate youthfulness. The car is endowed with features such as ambient lighting, fixed panoramic roof, wireless charging, electric rear view mirror, front seat ventilation, Bose® 8-speaker system, electric seats with memory, passive entry with start and lane change assistance.
It comes powered by a 70 kWh battery which is good for 201 hp and 310 Nm to achieve a claimed range of 460 Km.
5. BYD QIN PLUS
Even in a world where SUVs reign supreme, sedans have managed to keep themselves afloat. A sterling example of supreme technology, performance and practicality would be the BYD QIN PLUS. It maybe the entry-level sedan from the Chinese automaker, but still possesses enough to wow such as 2-zone climate control, 10.1” rotating multimedia screen, keyless entry and start, voice-activated assistant capabilities and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto amongst others.
The car receives its grunt from an 145 kW motor which is coupled with a plug-in hybrid system to optimize the max range to a touted 1000 Km. Where the battery generates 197hp, the engine adds another 110 hp for smooth and powerful acceleration.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Are electric cars reliable?
Being relatively newer when compared to gasoline cars, there are many people apprehensive about the longevity of electric cars. Until a few years back, there were instances of electric cars giving up within a few months.
However, as manufacturers relentlessly strive to transform their range to encompass electric vehicles, better quality batteries and components are being used. Some are going the extra mile to test their vehicles for water and high temperatures and apply for achieving a quality rating from a certified institution to vouch for dependability of their EVs. Hence, these vehicles may not be tried and tested propositions, but a high degree of confidence can certainly be attached to these with regards to ownership.
