I’ve been quite a good boy this year, so Santa, can I have these five EVs for Christmas?
The global push for electrification and zero-emissions has resulted in less vroom and more volt.
In previous years, my Christmas wishlist would be filled with shouty 6-cylinders and rumbly 8-cylinders. Think Porsche Cayman GT4, Audi RS6 Avant, Lexus LC 500… you get it. While I still get a bit weak in the knees driving an exciting ICE car, the futr calls for a change.
In 2022, my New Year’s resolutions (I’ve thought about this in advance!) is to live more sustainably – well, as much as I can, at least. So what better way to do this than to request from Santa EVs for Christmas?
I’ve picked five EVs that are either already in Singapore, or are slated to arrive in Singapore soon – to make things easier for him, of course.
So Santa, whenever you’re ready (please include COE too!)…
Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Hyundai’s come a long way as a car manufacturer since they introduced the Pony in 1975. In Singapore, their Ioniq and Kona EVs have been volume sellers, but they are afterall mere electric versions of an ICE vehicle.
Enter the Ioniq 5. It’s been built from the ground up as an EV, with futuristic styling and clever interior packaging. While Hyundai markets it as an SUV, it appears more to be a hatchback let loose at the buffet. Inside, there’s a futuristic dashboard, a flat floor, and flexible interior – made with sustainable materials, of course.
Honda E Electric.
Typically known for the screaming VTEC engines, Honda has held off electrification for a fair few years. They’ve dabbled in limited-production electric versions of petrol cars like the Fit EV, but they’ve not had a mass-produced EV. Until now.
The Honda e is their first-ever mass-produced EV, and it’s everything I want a small Japanese hatchback to be. It’s got cutesy styling, a sharp steering rack, and a zippy motor – everything Hondas are known for, sans the VTEC bwaaaah. It’s all futuristic inside with screens everywhere, but with a welcoming Honda familiarity to it.
BMW iX.
BMW was one of the first luxury car companies to recognise the importance of electric mobility, with the launch of the BMW i sub-brand back in 2011. With charging infrastructure back then spotty at best, the BMW i models were somewhat of a novelty.
Now though, they’ve got their latest EV flagship, the iX. It’s not just an electrified petrol BMW X model, but a fully-electric car from the ground up. It’s got futuristic exterior styling (complete with massive controversial grille), and an eco-friendly, lounge-like interior. Think open-pore wood panelling and diamond-cut crystal glass… fancy!
Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo.
Before you wonder, what’s an enthusiast-written article without a performance car… well, here it is. Porsche’s Taycan GTS Sport Turismo is the sporty, long-roof version of their Taycan electric vehicle, and my god does it look good.
In ‘GTS’ trim, the Sport Turismo gets a dual-motor setup good for 598 hp/850 Nm, and a 3.7-second century sprint. Other sporty touches include blacked-out details on the exterior, and black ‘Race-Tex’ upholstery, which is a material partially consisting of recycled polyester.
Polestar 1.
Ok fine, the Polestar 1 isn’t going to be available in Singapore, and it’s a PHEV, not a full EV. Put these technicalities aside, however, and it’s hard to argue that the Polestar 1 is an incredibly pretty car. It’s got a sporty coupe silhouette and Swedish flair inside, while the 600 hp/1,000 Nm drivetrain is good for a 4.2-second century sprint. I want one.
Now that you’ve seen my five EVs for Christmas, make your own list with reference from our Rides section and share it with us here!
