After recovering from the production delays, Tesla’s (TSLA) Model 3 has once again reverted to delivery setbacks and customer service issues due to the rise in the delivery volumes at an amazing momentum. Overall, a total of 36,000 electric vehicles were delivered in the US in August. Meanwhile, people started searching for other electric car brands. Here is a list of top eleven Tesla Model 3 contenders:
Audi E-Tron Quattro SUV
Audi has initiated production of the most-expected E-Tron Quattro SUV with the planned debut going to happen in next ten days. At the debut, people could reserve the vehicle by paying a $1,000 initial deposit and configure the same using the company’s website. The e-tron – a 5-passenger premium SUV – has a 245 miles range and takes about 8.5 hours to charge with the standard home charger that will deliver 11kW.
BMW iNEXT
BMW is gearing itself for the iNext electric car launch this Sunday. The car could be priced in similar lines of the base Model 3 and likely be a midsize 3-series sedan. Apart from this, BMW might come out with a Mini Electric vehicle with the production likely to start by 2019.
Volkswagen I.D. Concept
Volkswagen I.D. Concept vehicles are likely to give a stiff competition to Model 3. Volkswagen will be launching the first hatchback called Neo in 2020, followed by the crossover Crozz and rebooted Buzz Microbus. The company intends to invest $85 billion in developing electric vehicles by 2022 with a plan to launch 80 new EVs by 2025. Volkswagen also plans to offer electric versions to each of its 300 group models by 2030.
Nissan Leaf
In May, Nissan Motor Co had seen an increase in the Leaf EVs sales since December 2016. But the sales declined the following month due to lack of active thermal management for the battery pack and the prospects of the much-improved 2019 model. It is expected that the improved 2019 Leaf model could give a tough fight against Model 3. The upcoming model will come at about $40,000 price range and could race about 225-plus miles on road.
Chevy Bolt EV
General Motors (GM) is gearing up for the release of its only all-electric car, Chevy Bolt EV. The vehicle could have the 60 kWh battery pack and runs on 150 kW electric motor. The vehicle, which could be priced at $38,000, is likely to decorate the showroom by the end of the year. The car could be driven for a range of 238 miles on a single charge.
Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace is the most anticipated luxury crossover in the EV market. The I-Pace could catch the eye of Tesla’s chief Elon Musk with 240 miles range, attractive styles, and nearly 400 horsepower. The vehicle could be priced at $70,495. It consists of a 90-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Mercedes-Benz EQC
Mercedes-Benz EQC was unveiled by Daimler AG this month and the vehicle could give a tough fight on road with its 280-mile range. The car remained so precious to Daimler’s chief Dieter Zetsche, who claimed that the company has so far spent more than $12 billion on the car.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai Kona Electric 2019 edition could remain a strong contender of Tesla as it can range more than 250 miles on a single charge and comes in 39.2 kWh and 64 kWh battery pack options. The car could be priced at about $30,000. It is expected that the car could hit the stores in California by the end of the year with more states could be added by early next year.
Smart Fortwo Electric Drive
The cheapest EV, Smart Fortwo Electric Drive, could stand as the main competitor of Model 3 when considered price as the main factor. The car can be bought for $20,000 and it has a top speed of 81 miles per hour with a range of about 80 miles. The car can accommodate two people with some light luggage behind the seats.
Ford Focus Electric
Ford (F) has not been left behind in the competition as its Focus Electric also fights for a place in the electric mobility market. The car looks similar to a normal sedan and the price tag comes at $29,120 starting. However, the company has faced with overheating risk that could lead to a fire when faulty charging cables are used. To replace the faulty ones, Ford will issue a new cable with the thermistor that monitors the temperature levels at the plug or outlet interface.
Kia Soul EV
The upcoming Kia Soul EV also remained a strong contender as it offers the more spacious alternative in the compact EV market. The car could be bought for $32,250. It might come with 64-kWh battery pack and a range of 215-240 miles. The market experts have been expecting the car to be showcased at any auto shows later this year or early 2019 with the company leaking out the release dates.