Los Angeles Auto Show: The Electric Evolution Continues

Most Automakers Put Their Plug-in Cars Out Front in LA

The Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the most important forums for auto manufacturers to reveal concept cars and new models. The 2019 LA Auto Show was no exception, especially with anything electrified.

Manufacturers showcased more than a dozen electrified cars, SUVs and crossovers, demonstrating the importance of auto companies getting into this area of vehicle propulsion and the breadth of expanded plug-in offerings. Those that don’t get on board will be left behind—sooner than later.

Here is a brief alphabetical look at what was revealed in Los Angeles the second week of November 2019.

• Audi E-tron Sportback EV

The 2020 Audi E-tron Sportback is a fastback version of the E-tron crossover SUV. With two electric motors, one on each axle, driving all four wheels when needed, it produces 355 horsepower (hp) and 414 pounds-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque. Audi estimates the all-electric driving range at 277 miles. The Audi E-tron Sportback will go on sale in mid-2020.

• BMW i4 EV

BMW calls the all-electric 2021 BMW i4 sedan a four-door coupe that will slot between the i3 and i8. The i4 delivers 522 hp with an estimated 300-mile driving range. Look for the i4 to be at dealers late 2020.

• Ford Mustang Mach-E EV

Ford took the automotive world by storm on November 17 when they pulled the cover off the all-new, all-electric Mustang Mach-E crossover. Don’t let the name confuse you, and don’t worry about the current Mustang Coupe and Convertible going away, because they aren’t! The Mach-E will come in five trim levels, all of them are powerful and great handling. The GT Performance model goes 0-60 in about 3.3-seconds. Here is a more in-depth look at the Mustang Mach-E, which will arrive late 2020.

• Honda CR-V Hybrid

The all-new 2020 CR-V Hybrid is Honda’s first electrified crossover sold in America. Two electric motors and a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine will have better performance and fuel economy than the non-hybrid CR-V. The CR-V Hybrid is scheduled to be in Honda dealers in spring 2020.

• Hyundai Ioniq EV

With freshened exterior and interior styling, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric’s driving range has been increased from 124 to 170 miles, horsepower bumped from 118 to 134, the battery pack increased from 28 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 38.3 kWh, and the on-board charger goes from 6.6 kW to 7.2 kW. This competitively priced five-passenger sedan comes with Hyundai’s exclusive Lifetime Battery Warranty. The Ioniq Electric is already in showrooms.

• Hyundai Vision T PHEV

If you look closely, the Vision T plug-in hybrid crossover concept could become the next generation Hyundai Tucson. The size is about right, and with Hyundai being one of the fastest car companies to adopt vehicle electrification, it just makes sense that we may have seen a very early design concept of the popular Tucson. No powertrain information was provided by Hyundai, so check back with Clean Fleet Report for updates and news.

• Karma Revero GTS PHEV

The 2020 Karma Revero GTS is a performance version of the current Revero GT. Built in Southern California at the Karma Innovation and Customization Center, the new range of 380 miles is when using the range-extender engine to generate electricity. When fully charged, the Revero GTS can go 80 miles of all-electric driving—or you can go 0-to-60 in less than 3.9 seconds (with some range penalty). Pre-orders are being taken with production to begin in early 2020.

• Kia Niro Hybrid and PHEV

The refreshed exterior of the 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid and PHEV includes a new grille, projector headlights and newly styled 16-inch and 18-inch wheels. The interior received new design touches to the displays, including upgraded audio system, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Pricing and on sale dates will be in early 2020.

• Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring PHEV

The 2019 Lincoln Corsair SUV (powered by a gasoline 2.3-liter turbocharged engine) has been joined by the all-wheel drive 2020 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring plug-in hybrid, or PHEV. The Corsair PHEV has a 2.5-liter engine and two electric motors for a combined 255 hp. The all-electric driving range announced by Lincoln at the LA Auto Show was “more than 25 miles.” The Corsair PHEV has what Lincoln says is the first of the technology where the rear wheels are powered by electricity, supplementing the gasoline-powered front wheels. Pricing was not announced for the Corsair Grand Touring PHEV, which is scheduled to go on sale in mid-2020.

• Mercedes EQC EV

Mercedes-Benz has literally had a small presence in the all-electric business with its Smart ED and B250e. If the 2020 EQC 4Matic is any indication, they are here now and ready to fight for market share in the all-important crossover SUV market. Pitted directly against the Audi E-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, BMW iX3, and the Tesla Model X, the EQC 4Matic is priced slightly less ($67,900) and offers more horsepower (402 hp) and torque (561 lb.-ft.) than those other luxury models. The all-electric driving range was not announced, but an on-sale date of first quarter 2020 was revealed.

• Mini Electric

Finally, Mini goes all-electric! The all-new 2020 Mini Cooper SE will be at your local dealer in first quarter 2020 with a very attractive base price of $29,900. Deduct any federal, state and local tax incentives and the car could get into the high-$17,000 range. Not bad for what should be a fun car to drive with 181 hp and 199 lb.-ft. of torque. The estimated all-electric driving range of up-to 168 miles is low for this segment, but should be more than adequate for almost all drivers.

• Porsche Taycan EV

Sometimes you want Porsche to stop coming out with yet another car you desperately want. They have done it again with the all-new, all-electric 2020 Taycan 4S. This beauty, in its highest optioned form, puts-out 563 hp and is said to go 0-to-60 in 3.8 seconds. The all-electric range is estimated to be 282 miles with a base price of $103,800. However, to get that blistering speed, the price will be somewhere closer to $200,000. The 2020 Taycan 4S goes on sale at Porsche dealers in early 2020.

• Toyota Mirai FCEV

Toyota had two tough challenges to overcome when they released the Mirai in 2014. First–trying to get the public to buy a hydrogen fuel cell car, and second–overcoming that the Mirai was, to be polite, odd looking. Well, those days are over. The all-new 2021 Toyota Mirai is a stunning car with rear-wheel drive and is based on the Lexus LS platform. It is longer, lower and wider with larger wheels and a new, multi-layer paint process. The interior also was redesigned with new technology and materials, making the 2021 Mirai more upscale than the outgoing model. Still only sold in California and Hawaii, Toyota hopes to introduce the Mirai to more markets in the coming years.

• Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV

Come 2021, Toyota will have three versions of its best-selling RAV4 crossover. Currently in showrooms are the gasoline-powered RAV4 and the gas-electric RAV4 Hybrid. The all-new 2021 RAV4 Prime plug-in electric hybrid will be the most powerful and fuel efficient RAV4, with 302 hp and able to go 39 all-electric miles. Expect to see the RAV4 Prime in Toyota dealerships in summer 2020.

• VW ID. Space Vizzion EV

The Volkswagen ID. line of electric vehicles are just about ready to get to the showroom, if late-2020 is “just about.” First up will be the ID. Crozz crossover, due at the end of 2020. Next will be the ID. Buzz sometime in 2021, a minibus that harkens back to the VW Type 2 cult classics. The ID. Space Vizzion concept was revealed at the LA Auto Show, and shows that Volkswagen has not abandoned the station wagon, since it mimics the form of the Sportwagen. It’s due stateside in 2022.

These are exciting times in the auto industry, with new models and multiple propulsion options being introduced on a regular basis. There were other existing and future EVs at the show or happening nearby (we saw you, Tesla!). Whether it be electric, hybrid, PHEV, hydrogen fuel cell, natural gas, diesel or gasoline, future vehicles of all types will be safer, run cleaner and be more fuel efficient.

Photos by Lex Adams & the Automakers

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