Industry News

As we gear up for 2024, the Irish automotive scene will showcase cutting-edge design and innovation. Join us here at Terrific.ie for a brief overview of the most anticipated EV launches, from sleek city cars to powerful track-ready SUVs. Get in the know about the best EVs coming to Ireland in the coming year.

Volkswagen ID.7

The Volkswagen ID.7 made its camouflaged pre-production debut in January 2023 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Its world premiere occurred in April 2023, simultaneously in Berlin and at the Shanghai Auto Show. Serving as the flagship vehicle for the brand, the ID.7 replaces both the Passat and the Arteon mid-size sedans. Built on the newly established MEB platform, it shares its foundation with other battery-electric vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Audi Q4 e-tron. Positioned in the D-segment, the ID.7 is likened to vehicles such as the BMW i4 and the Tesla Model 3. Volkswagen boasts it as the most aerodynamic model in the ID series.

Alfa Romeo Milano

Alfa Romeo is fashionably late to the EV scene, they recently introduced battery power in the striking 33 Stradale supercar. Onto 2024, Alfa is set to launch its first mainstream electric car, the Milano, slated for unveiling this April.

Reviving the Milano name, previously worn by the Alfa Romeo 75 saloon in the US, this moniker now graces a small SUV. Alfa's CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato, envisions the Milano as a contender against the Volvo EX30 and MINI Countryman. In the UK and Ireland, the Milano will be exclusively available as an EV, with a petrol mild-hybrid variant awaiting potential demand.

Built on the e-CMP platform shared with the Jeep Avenger and Peugeot E-2008, the Milano will launch with four-wheel drive, powered by a dual-motor setup—a feature soon to be shared with its Jeep counterpart. Utilising the Avenger's 54kWh battery, Alfa Romeo aims to infuse the Milano with its signature driving excitement by fine-tuning the chassis. Alfa is promising a blend of style, performance, and electric innovation.

Audi A6 e-tron

Audi is going full steam ahead in its electric vehicle journey, marked by the success of the Q8 e-tron, e-tron GT, and Q4 e-tron. The electric lineup will expand further in 2024, with the introduction of the Q6 e-tron SUV, followed by the stylish A6 e-tron. The A6 e-tron will be available in two body styles—a sleek coupe-inspired Sportback saloon and the classic Avant family estate car.

Both A6 e-tron variants will share the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) underpinnings with the upcoming Q6 e-tron, a collaborative effort with Porsche. This platform will also be utilised in the new Porsche Macan EV. The A6 e-tron may adopt the Q6 e-tron's dual-motor drivetrain for all-wheel drive, paired with a robust 100kWh battery pack. This combination could offer a range of around 650 km for the sleek saloon and wagon models. Audi's commitment to electric innovation is evident as it shapes the future of sustainable and stylish mobility.

Cupra Tavascan

Cupra's Tavascan concept, showcased in 2019, has now transformed into an eye-catching electric coupe-SUV, ready to take on rivals like the Kia EV6 and Nissan Ariya. Set to hit the market in 2024, the Tavascan shares its platform with the Cupra Born, VW ID.4, and Skoda Enyaq.

With a sporty vibe, the Tavascan boasts unique design touches, including sleek A-pillars resembling a racing helmet's visor and sculpted bodywork. The production model features Cupra's signature copper accents, distinctive badging, a black front fascia, and a striking three-triangle light signature.

Inside, the design includes bucket seats and a commanding 15-inch touchscreen. At launch, two versions will be available: a 282bhp rear-drive model with a range of up to 545 km, and the dual-motor VZ packing 335bhp, 679Nm of torque, and a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds. Cupra's blend of style and performance promises a unique addition to the electric vehicle scene in 2024.

Dacia Spring

The Dacia Spring, a compact electric city car, is set to hit UK and Irish shores in 2024, joining the ranks of affordable electric vehicles like the Citroen e-C3. After years of anticipation, the Spring brings its 3.7-metre length and sub-one-tonne weight to cover approximately 225 km with its 26.8kWh battery, extending to 305 km for urban driving.

The entry-level Spring 45 features a modest 44bhp electric motor, propelling the car from 0-62mph in a leisurely 19.1 seconds. Stepping up to the Spring 65 offers a more spirited 64bhp, achieving a more respectable 13.7 seconds for the same acceleration. Both versions are expected to be available in the UK and Ireland, boasting revised exterior looks and improved interior quality compared to their French counterparts.

Ford Capri

Ford is disregarding public opinion and continuing to chart new territory, slapping a Mustang badge on an electric SUV. Now, in another unexpected move, Ford is gearing up to resurrect the iconic Capri nameplate for an all-electric coupe SUV.

While the Mustang Mach-E already boasts a sleek design, the upcoming Capri takes the coupe aesthetic further with a sharply sloping roofline, aligning with the current trend seen in models like the Peugeot E-3008 and Cupra Tavascan. Spy shots reveal that the Capri, much like the Cupra, shares the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform, emphasising a similar silhouette.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai's N performance division debuts the Ioniq 5 N in 2024, showcasing its expertise in electric performance. With 641bhp and 740Nm of torque, this high-performance electric model achieves a 0-62mph sprint in 3.4 seconds. Hyundai's engineering enhancements include a sophisticated e-LSD in the rear motor and a torque vectoring system with 11 settings, providing optimal cornering capabilities.

The N e-shift feature mimics gear shifts, offering manual control with steering-wheel paddles or automatic mode. The Ioniq 5 N's distinctive design includes lightweight 21-inch alloy wheels, a redesigned front bumper with air ducts for battery cooling, and interior upgrades like new bucket seats and an N-badged steering wheel. 

Hyundai Ioniq 7

Hyundai's innovation extends beyond the Ioniq 5, as demonstrated by the sleek Ioniq 6 saloon and the award-winning Kona Electric, named Car of the Year 2023. Now, the Korean brand is set to broaden its electric range with the impending Ioniq 7 SUV.

Previewed in late 2021 as the Ioniq Seven concept, the production version is slated for a 2024 debut, retaining key features such as its bold, high-riding profile, sizable grille, and ultra-slim front light bar. Built on Hyundai-Kia's E-GMP bespoke EV platform, the Ioniq 7 is likely to share motor/battery configurations with the closely related Kia EV9.

In the UK, the EV9 features a 201bhp rear-wheel-drive model and an all-wheel-drive variant boasting a combined output of 379bhp and 700Nm of torque. Both configurations run on a 99.8kWh battery, providing a robust range of up to 349 miles. As Hyundai continues to push boundaries in the electric vehicle landscape, the Ioniq 7 promises to be a commanding addition to the brand's growing portfolio.

Conclusion
As we wrap up our tour of upcoming electric vehicles for 2024, it's clear the auto industry is steering towards a green and exciting future. From the sporty offerings of Cupra and Hyundai's N performance division to the bold moves by Audi and Ford, each car reflects a commitment to cutting-edge tech in the electric space.

Soon, our roads will welcome the Ioniq 5 N, the reborn Capri, the sleek Cupra Tavascan, and the stylish Audi A6 e-tron. Dacia's Spring brings an affordable option to the electric scene, while the Ioniq 7 SUV signals Hyundai's expansion into the electric SUV market.

In Ireland, where sustainability is a growing focus, these electric models symbolise a balance of innovation and environmental consciousness. As we look forward to these new rides, we're not just witnessing a shift in technology; we're part of a journey towards a greener, more enjoyable driving experience. The road ahead is exciting, and these cars are leading the way.