It’s no secret that the automotive industry has historically had a large ecological impact. Production of steel, rubber, glass, plastics, and paint doesn’t come at zero cost to the planet—even when a lot of the materials in cars are recycled. In addition, cars create emissions as they are used and driven around. Because of this, manufacturers have been working hard to produce cars that are cleaner, greener, and more efficient. Consumers are demanding more and more environmentally friendly features, and you will likely have the opportunity to see some leading models in your career.
Read on for a few of the coolest new eco-friendly cars!
1. The Kia Soul EV May Pop up in Careers in the Auto Industry
The 2020 Soul EV runs on a 64 kWh battery that produces 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. The battery is liquid-cooled as opposed to the air-cooled battery in its predecessor. Liquid cooling can withstand more power and takes up less space, something you may see in an auto mechanic career.
The 2020 model improves upon the 2019 version by taking on a sleeker, sportier look, moving away from the sharper boxiness from before. This model retains the Kia Soul’s reputation for being a great family car, with good value, roomy seats in the back, and ample cargo space. It’s a smaller option compared to the Kia e-Niro and a bit lower to the ground. The range is 391 km and it has a 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds.
2. The Volkswagen e-Golf Offers Compact Efficiency
The e-Golf is a compact all-electric, completely taking gasoline out of the equation. As more companies move towards all-electric vehicles, the e-Golf sets a great example. Its battery has a 201 km range and is a 35.8 kWh 323 V lithium-ion. It has 134 hp and attracts drivers who don’t want to stand out too much. In fact, the style of the exterior blends in and doesn’t immediately scream electric vehicle.
The Volkswagen e-Golf also won a 2019 10Best award from Car and Driver. That’s no surprise as not only does it have clean, green features, but it also boasts a design that moves away from the stereotypical clunky styles of EVs. This car will blend in rather than broadcast its environmental agenda.
3. The Hyundai Kona Electric Brought Electric Sub-Compact SUVs to Canada
The Kona Electric is a small crossover-type vehicle. It’s the first electric sub-compact SUV in Canada, traveling up to 415 km on one charge. The Kona Electric is entirely free of emissions with 201 hp. It has a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds, powered by a 64 kWh battery.
It has one-pedal driving, as well as a regenerative braking system. If you become a mechanic you may encounter regenerative braking in various cars. When the driver eases off the acceleration, the system will temporarily send kinetic energy from the car’s momentum to the battery pack by converting it into electricity.
4. Keep an Eye Out for the Nissan Leaf when You Become a Mechanic
The Nissan Leaf is another eco-friendly compact car. The 2019 models have a 40 kWh battery pack and a 110 kWh electric motor that offers 147 horsepower, along with a 0-60 time of 7.4 seconds. That battery pack, when fully charged, gives enough power for a 241 km range. In addition, 236 lb-ft of torque gives this car instant power delivery and a perky driving experience. Regenerative braking is also a feature on this car, making it a fun option that many drivers turn to.
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