When is an electric car not an electric car? – Companies need to be clear

Published on 7 May, 2022

The following highlights what is confusing about how the term “electric cars” is used. Alfa Romeo say their Tonale compact SUV (pictured) marks the brand’s “metamorphosis” into a new era of electrification.

I can take that as a sweeping generalisation of a process. But I have difficulty with them saying the Tonale marks the debut of their “first electric C-SUV”.

The fact of the matter is that the new car, which looks gorgeous by the way, comes as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. They are not fully-electric cars, though people might be led to think so.

Overview

The following highlights what is confusing about how the term “electric cars” is used. Alfa Romeo say their Tonale compact SUV (pictured) marks the brand’s “metamorphosis” into a new era of electrification.

I can take that as a sweeping generalisation of a process. But I have difficulty with them saying the Tonale marks the debut of their “first electric C-SUV”.

The fact of the matter is that the new car, which looks gorgeous by the way, comes as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. They are not fully-electric cars, though people might be led to think so.

There remains, despite exhaustive coverage, a lot of confusion about what constitutes “electric”. I think it should apply simply to battery-only electric vehicles (BEVs), not ones with fossil-fuel powered engines contributing in some way.

Sorry for being negative but I had to highlight the distinction and something tells me it won’t be for the last time.

Automotive chiefs need to be careful about how they describe their products.

It is a little bit like describing a facelifted model as “all new” when in reality only design tweaks and additional equipment have been added.

The Tonale is the brand’s “most technologically advanced” to date, they say. No arguing with that is there?

Their 160hp 48v hybrid variable-geometry turbo engine makes its debut. The 1.5-litre petrol combines with a 7spd dual-clutch transmission and 48-volt 15kW electric motor.

The second generation 48-volt lithium-ion battery has capacity that is more than twice that of batteries commonly used on hybrid systems, they say. And it has Alexa, the built-in-voice system. 

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