2023 Car News: Electric SUVs and Ludospaces for the Family

The family electric car offer will increase in 2023 with SUVs like the Peugeot e-3008, as well as microvans and Asian models.

There aren’t only high-end large vehicles or small city cars among the new electric cars. In between, family models can be suitable without needing to be five meters long. Many already exist on the automotive market, but the catalog will welcome more new entries.

Will the Peugeot e-3008 be the future star among family electric SUVs?

The star will undoubtedly be the Peugeot e-3008. It will likely debut late in the year, as it will inaugurate Stellantis’ new STLA Medium electric platform. As an electric version of the famous SUV, it will differ from the thermal and hybrid versions, which are expected to continue. We expect between 400 and 600 km of range for this model, which will be Made in France.

Not entirely in competition because slightly more compact, the Mini Countryman will grow to make room for its little brother, the Mini Aceman. It will approach 4.40 meters and will therefore have a 100% electric version.

This SUV will face another new rival, the BYD Atto 3, with its 4.45 meters. This electric car is the flagship of the Chinese brand, which announces a price of €43,690, with very rich equipment. The Vinfast VF7, another Asian but from Vietnam, will try to challenge this launch with its sleek style. Like the VF8 and VF9, it offers two versions, here with 150 and 260 kW motors. Like its big brothers, it will offer options for purchase, battery leasing, or full rental.

Electric microvans to handle big

If SUVs hold almost half of the automotive market, microvans haven’t disappeared. The most popular Renault Kangoo returns with a new generation, which previously existed only as a utility or thermal version. The 2023 electric Kangoo branded “E-Tech” features a 90 kW motor, sufficient to move it on any occasion. Its battery, however, is limited to 45 kWh, for an autonomy of 285 km in mixed cycle. Larger, the French model offers between 850 and 2,500 liters of cargo space depending on the version. It thus competes with the Peugeot e-Rifter and Citroën ë-Berlingo, with a starting price of €37,500, excluding bonuses.

The Renault microvan also gives rise to a cousin. The Mercedes EQT shares the technical base and much of the bodywork with the Kangoo E-Tech. The electric star adds a specific front end and a slightly more upscale interior. As the family version of the eCitan utility and the electric version of the Classe T, the EQT has not yet announced its prices, which will start above €40,000 in France.

XL family electric SUVs

They are not of the usual size (between 4.40 and 4.60 meters), but these models emphasize family use with quite attractive prices. Notably, the Fisker Ocean is a good example. This American brand, which existed ten years ago with its plug-in hybrid sedan Karma, is making a comeback in 2023. However, the return is fully electric, with the SUV Ocean measuring 4.77 meters. Its entry-level version One already offers 440 km of range at a price of €41,900. It will be manufactured in Europe, specifically in Austria, and will compete with the Tesla Model Y with already abundant standard equipment.

A Chinese rival will challenge it if it dares reveal itself in 2023. The Seres 5, which is still a tease, is expected to arrive this year. Much more modern in appearance than the little brother Seres 3, this 4.70m SUV draws inspiration from the Ford Mustang Mach-E. It promises high performance and a range of 500 km, but its price remains unknown.

Also read: 2022 Auto Show: new models and concepts in photos