The range of electric cars is constantly growing. In the meantime, there are also many interesting models for families on offer. We present five of them. From the car for long-distance to the spacious one for the extended family to the cheap one for bargain hunters, everything is included.
E-cars are not yet suitable for every application scenario. But quite a lot of mobility needs can already be satisfied electrically. Here are five model suggestions for families.
For the long haul – Hyundai Ioniq 5
Range isn’t everything, even if Hyundai’s compact crossover has a range of up to 500 kilometers, depending on the variant. When driving on vacation or long weekend tours, a high fast charging speed also ensures freedom of movement. With up to 240 kW, the Ioniq 5 is one of the fastest models on the market thanks to the 800 volt battery system. That means: After 18 minutes, the energy storage should be filled up again to the 80 percent that is well tolerated by batteries, 100 kilometers are possible after 5 minutes. Only luxury cars from Porsche or Audi can keep up, but they also cost a lot more than the Koreans, which are available from 44,000 euros.
For kith and kin – Renault Kangoo E-Tech
High-roof station wagons are among the most popular family cars because they combine immense space with comparatively low prices. The first point also applies to the electric version of the Frenchman: the battery is installed in the underbody to save space, so that five tall people can be accommodated on comfortable individual seats. Row two can also be moved lengthways and folded down, creating up to 2500 liters of storage space. That should be enough for almost all application scenarios – from bulk purchases to dinghy transport. However, the target should not be too far away, as the range of 288 kilometers is rather modest. However, the electric Kangoo has no chance compared to the conventionally powered variants when it comes to price: if the petrol engine is available from 26,000 euros, the electric car costs 43,500 euros.
For price foxes – MG 4
Granted: 32,000 euros for a compact car is a lot of money. Compared to its direct competitors, which include the similarly tailored VW ID.3, the hatchback China sedan almost looks like a bargain. Also because the decent equipment and a seven-year warranty also contribute to the good price-performance ratio. Technically and in terms of driving behavior, the Chinese are quite at eye level with the Europeans. Depending on the variant, there are ranges of between 350 and 450 kilometers, the charging capacity at the DC connection is up to 135 kW. Minor disadvantages in operation are there to get over.
For the extended family – Opel Zafira-e Life
The Rüsselsheimer has a well-known name in the family car segment. But the current generation is no longer a van like its popular predecessor. Instead, the Zafira grew into a minibus that can accommodate up to nine passengers over a length of up to 5.31 meters. They all sit airy, alternatively, up to 4,900 liters of luggage can be loaded. Despite this, the Opel remains easy to handle in everyday use thanks to its garage-friendly height of 1.90 meters. If there is a weak point, it is the comparatively short range of – depending on the battery – 231 to 329 kilometers, which also shrinks particularly quickly at motorway speeds. The 100 kW/136 hp bus is therefore only suitable for holidays to a limited extent. At 63,250 euros, it is also quite expensive.
For a friendly appearance – VW ID.Buzz
Speaking of expensive: Hanover’s electric Bulli revenant goes a step further with its starting price of exactly 64,581 euros, but currently only offers space for a maximum of five people. However, the minibus makes up for the space disadvantage with an extra portion of charm. The fact that it is visually based heavily on VW’s iconic original bus and, with its knobbly proportions, comes across as present and friendly at the same time, also rubs off a little on the sympathy value of the occupants. When it comes to the drive and battery, the buzz is no slouch, with 150 kW/204 hp it offers sufficient power and a good range of 423 kilometers. The partly simple choice of materials in the interior and the generous width of 2.21 meters including mirrors must be considered as negative points. The latter makes the left lane taboo at many motorway construction sites.