The Future of Electric SUVs

Once maybe deemed a futuristic fantasy, electric SUVs are very much a present reality. With new models being launched on a regular basis. 

Some love, some lament. But what does the future of these vehicles entail? 

Earlier this month, Citroen CEO Vincent Cobée gave quite the statement, when he said, “The world of SUVs is done.”

With a growing focus on reducing carbon emissions and a more sustainable future, the demand for electric vehicles has skyrocketed. Will electric SUVs be a part of this?

Pros of Electric SUVs

• Improved Technology: Advances in battery technology have increased the range of EVs, making them a practical choice for daily use. No longer do we need to worry about running out of juice halfway through a road trip.
• Government Incentives: Governments around the world are offering incentives to encourage the adoption of EVs. The aim being to make them more affordable to the public.
• Better Charging Infrastructure: The charging infrastructure has improved so much that recharging is becoming more convenient by the day. Geography depending.
• Environmentally Friendly: Electric SUVs produce zero emissions, making them a more sustainable option compared to traditional fuel powered vehicles.
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership: With lower maintenance costs, electric SUVs have a lower total cost of ownership, making them a more attractive option for consumers.

Cons of Electric SUVs

• Limited Range: Despite advances in battery technology, the range of electric SUVs is still limited compared to traditional fuel vehicles. And in some cases compared to smaller, sleeker EVs.
• High Initial Cost: Despite government incentives, the initial cost of purchasing an electric SUV is still higher than that of a traditional SUV in many places.
• Charging Time: Recharging an electric SUV fully can take several hours, which can be a disadvantage for drivers who need to charge their vehicles quickly.
• Charging Availability: The charging infrastructure is still in its early stages, and not all areas have access to charging stations. There is a postcode lottery at play for many EV drivers.

No, you’re not going mad. But maybe I am. As some of the pros and the cons fall under the same category. 

That’s the issue with many of these arguments. On one hand a point can seem like a good thing, but, you may find yourself limited. 

Range being the perfect example. Advances are being made, true, but the basic design of an SUV is not always the most aerodynamic. This can lead to less range when compared to more sleek and smaller vehicles. 

The importance of tyres for electric SUVs

When it comes to electric SUVs, the importance of quality tyres can't be overstated.

Much like car tyres - those designed for EVs play a crucial role in the performance, safety, and overall efficiency of an electric SUV.

EV-specific tyres are designed to meet the unique demands of electric vehicles, such as a Tesla Model Y. They're made with low rolling resistance, which helps to improve the efficiency of the vehicle and increase the range of the battery. EV tyres also have a higher load capacity, which is important for heavier electric vehicles.

Is there a future for electric EVs?

As with most things, the answer is a very dissatisfying 'it depends'. At present the market for these vehicles is expected to continue growing. 

So long as there is further improved technology, increased affordability, and a better charging infrastructure put in place – then electric SUVs may yet become an integral part of the automotive industry.