Interest in hybrid models with internal combustion engines and electric motors has grown significantly. But over the past two years, purely electric cars have attracted the most interest, with demand increasing severalfold.
Nevertheless, the electric car market in our country is not yet developed to the proper level. But still, domestic consumers can afford a car powered by electricity.
The main thing is desire and funds. In this article, we will look at which electric cars are represented on the Ukrainian car market.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV was introduced in Ukraine in 2011, and at that time received a price tag of 367.2 thousand UAH (almost 50 thousand dollars at the then exchange rate). The Mitsubishi electric car became one of the first in Ukraine, but did not gain wide popularity. There are several reasons for this. Our people turned out to be unprepared to pay as much for a compact car with limited range as a crossover or a full-fledged business sedan with an internal combustion engine costs.
In fact, the i-MiEV has more interior space than many Ukrainian bestsellers. For example, the wheelbase. The "people's" Lanos has 2520 mm, the ZAZ Vida has 2480 mm, while the i-Miev has 2550 mm. The trunk is modest - only 165 liters. But with the seats folded down - 860 liters.
Currently, the car is available on order. The car can cover 150-160 km without recharging, and is equipped with a motor with a power of 49 kW (67 hp). The maximum speed is limited by electronics and is 130 km/h. The electric car has air conditioning, a full electric package, airbags, a set of electronic safety systems (ABS + EBD + BAS + ASC + ATC), etc.
Nissan Leaf
One of the most reliable and profitable electric cars, awarded the honorary title of "European Car of the Year 2011". The car has an electric installation with a power of 90 kW (108 hp), maximum speed - 140 km/h. Without recharging, the Leaf can cover up to 175 km. The cost of a used car in Ukraine is about 420-500 thousand UAH. The Japanese claim that over 5 years of operation, the battery loses no more than 20% of its capacity. True, it all depends on the frequency of charging. If you charge often and without full discharge, the capacity loss will be greater.
In terms of interior space, the Leaf corresponds to classic golf-class cars. It cannot be called too spacious, but there is enough space for four. Except that tall passengers sitting in the back may feel the roof pressing on their heads. But the front seats are spacious. The trunk is also quite large - 370 liters for 2014 models (earlier cars have a trunk volume of 330 liters).
The car is imported mainly by gray dealers, but is also found on the sites of official distributors.
Currently, Nissan is preparing a new version of the Leaf for release. The 2016 model is equipped with new batteries of increased capacity. Thanks to this, the range has been increased to 201 km. For the European market, the Leaf is assembled at a plant in British Sunderland.
Bio Auto EVa
The company Bio Auto supplies several electric cars to the Ukrainian market - Eva 2 plus, Eva 2 Li, Eva 3 plus, Eva 4 plus, Eva 5 plus and Eva 4 Li. The cars have passed the relevant tests and are certified in Ukraine. The engine power of the cars ranges from 10 to 30 kW (13.6-41 hp), the range on a single charge is 100-150 km. The cost is 15-25 thousand dollars, depending on the model and type of batteries.
Despite the relative affordability (as for new electric cars), Bio Auto cars do not enjoy good demand. Over 5 years, about a dozen cars have been sold.
BYD e6
In 2012, representatives of the Chinese company BYD brought the BYD e6 to Ukraine. This electric car has long been successfully used as a taxi in China (Shenzhen). It is also common in some European countries. BYD electric buses are considered almost the only worthy ones on the market.
In our country, the first and only copy of the BYD e6 was sold last year. The cost of such a car is about 50 thousand dollars. The car is equipped with an engine with a power of 89 kW (121 hp). The range on a single charge can reach 250-300 (!) km. Currently, the BYD e6 is not imported to Ukraine.
Tesla Model S
A true legendary car, recognized as the best electric car in the world. Produced since 2013. Not officially imported, but available in stock and on order from unofficial dealers. The cost varies significantly depending on the modification and method of purchase. The year of manufacture also plays an important role. For example, the difference between a used and a new car can be up to 40%.
Currently, the Tesla Model S is offered in several modifications, plus charged versions with the "D" prefix. The range of the base version reaches 362 kilometers, and the 85D - 475 kilometers. Absolutely all Tesla models have decent dynamics. So, the Model S in the most affordable version accelerates to "hundreds" in 5.6 seconds. The maximum speed is 200 km/h. The top P85D develops 700 horsepower and 930 Nm of torque. Acceleration to hundreds - 3.2 seconds - one second faster than the P85 version.
For the domestic consumer, a Tesla will cost at least 55 thousand dollars. If you look at the most powerful and fastest P85D - no less than 100 thousand dollars. Note that in just two years, two and a half dozen Tesla cars have been registered in Ukraine.
Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
A rather rare guest on Ukrainian roads. Only two seats, a high price and limited luggage space make this car not the most interesting for the Ukrainian consumer. After all, a used electric version of the Smart costs not even twice, but five times more expensive than an analogue with a traditional internal combustion engine. But if you want, it is imported to Ukraine on order from Germany.
Among the disadvantages - the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive can cover 120-130 km without recharging. This is in ideal conditions, and not in severe frost. The maximum speed is 125 kilometers per hour. But acceleration to "city" speed is very brisk - less than 5 seconds. In general, a good option purely for city use.
Renault Twizy
This electric car is even smaller than the Smart and the Chinese Bio Auto. Many people like its unusual appearance. The seating arrangement is also non-standard - one behind the other. The price varies depending on the year of manufacture and modification. A used copy can be found for 12-15 thousand dollars.
The power of such a car is 5 hp or 17 hp. The range is 100 and 120 km, respectively. True, if we talk about real, not passport data - 50 and 80 kilometers. The maximum speed is also not impressive - 45 km/h and 80 km/h. Is there a trunk? Yes, three or four pizza boxes will fit.
Toyota RAV4 EV
The electric version of the RAV4 debuted in 2010. If desired, this electric car can be ordered in Ukraine. Most often, we are talking only about used copies. The cost is about 40 thousand dollars. For this amount, the client will receive a front-wheel-drive crossover capable of covering up to 160 km on a single charge.
The electric installation for the Toyota was developed by Tesla. Its power is 154 horsepower, and acceleration to 100 km/h is about 9 seconds. The maximum speed is limited to 135.8 km/h. The car has a Sport mode that allows you to accelerate acceleration and increase the maximum speed, but this significantly reduces the range.
Electric ZAZ
Twenty years ago, the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant created prototype electric cars. But it never came to serial production. In 2008-2011, ZAZ again started talking about electric cars and presented an environmentally friendly Lanos. But the preliminary price turned out to be unaffordable for most potential customers.
The result - private individuals appeared who convert "Tavrias" and "Slavutas" into electric cars. At current prices, such a conversion will cost $6-7 thousand, not counting the cost of the car. For this amount, you can get not the safest and not the most advanced electric car, but one that allows you to forget about fuel prices. The maximum speed is 70-80 km/h. The range is 80-100 km.
Renault Fluence Z.E.
A sedan. Electric. Spacious. Why not an ideal car for Ukraine? After all, a Tesla is too expensive for many. But even a 2-3-year-old copy will cost a decent amount - about 25-30 thousand dollars. Want a new one? No way. The model was discontinued due to low demand. Over the 3 years of the model's existence, only 3,500 units were sold.
There is enough space in the cabin - as in the version with an internal combustion engine. But the trunk is almost half as small and is 300 liters. In the electric Renault, the batteries "ate" 230 liters of volume. The maximum speed is 135 km/h. The range on a single charge is 160 km.
Legislative initiative
In May 2015, the Verkhovna Rada committee on customs and tax policy decided to support a bill on abolishing import duties on electric cars. In theory, this will have a positive effect on the cost of electric cars in Ukraine. One way or another, electric cars not only allow you to get off the "oil needle", but also improve the environment in our country. Therefore, if you have the opportunity and desire to switch to an electric car - the time has come. If you have experience owning an electric car - share it in the comments. How not to make a mistake when choosing an electric car - we will tell you in the next article.
