Can electric SUVs really be the family car of the future?
New electric SUVs are making longer journeys a reality, with some models offering up to 366 miles of WLTP range from a single charge, easing range anxiety for UK drivers.
It’s no secret that searching for the perfect family car is a total balancing act. It must be large enough for school runs and all the sports gear, while still having enough room for the weekly shop for a growing family. Still, the vehicle should also be comfortable for longer road trips and capable of handling staycations without squabbles over the boot space.
Many UK drivers still flinch when they hear “electric” due to concerns about range, charging times, price, and whether it can fit into their lifestyle. Thankfully, newer EV models are beginning to ease those concerns, with more range, faster charging, and better practicality to make it a genuine option as the main family car.
Range and charging: what about longer journeys
There was certainly a time when EVs were seen as useful for shorter, zippier city trips. Range anxiety limited us to smaller trips because we felt uncomfortable making longer journeys. EV range has improved significantly to the point where longer trips across the UK are just as normal as daily commutes or school drop-offs.
The smart #5 electric SUV is one such example, offering enough range for all types of journeys – from daily driving to lengthier road trips. Depending on the version, the smart #5 offers up to 366 miles of WLTP range from a single charge. Naturally, the weather, traffic, and driving style will all affect the range, but this gives drivers considerably more flexibility on bigger trips.
Many petrol or diesel drivers are so used to a quick stop at a station to refuel, that the idea of charging seems unfamiliar. There’s no point denying that adjusting to electric charging takes some getting used to, but the change isn’t as dramatic as many believe.
Charging points are now available across the UK, from motorway services and public car parks to destinations in towns and cities. If we take the smart #5 SUV, for example: the car can be charged from 10% to 80% in around 18 minutes. This is due to a 100kWh battery and harnessing DC charging of up to 400kW.
It does mean that a charge during a trip will turn into a break instead of a quick pit-stop, but this time to relax for a while is never a bad thing on longer journeys. Overnight charging at home means that your EV will be ready to go the next day with a full battery.
Can it handle everyone’s belongings?
Family SUVs really start to be tested when it comes to packing. Most modern electric SUVs come with ample space, with around 630 litres of space being common, while this can expand to roughly 1,500 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
The good news for bigger families is that front and rear USB charging ports are available in the cabin of electric SUVs, so there will be less fighting about charging phones and gaming consoles.
What will life with an electric SUV really be like?
In reality, probably not so different from the car you have now. The smart #5 starts at £39,800, but electric cars are often cheaper than petrol or diesel cars in the long-term. This is due to home-charging and having cheaper maintenance costs because of fewer moving parts.
As for charging, just think of it like you would for a petrol or diesel car. The electric SUV will tell you how many more miles you can drive before a top-up is needed, and you certainly won’t need to plug it in as often as you might a mobile phone.