By Andy Hum

Audi R8 E-Tron

If it were a man, the first thing that the Audi e-tron would proudly say to you would be, “Hello. I have 4,500Nm of torque”. Yes, you’ve read that right – 4,500Nm of torque isn’t a typo and that’s more than three-and-a-half times as much as a Bugatti Veyron. It’s powered by four electric motors and lithium-ion batteries instead of nickel-metal hydride ones like many other EVs, and has a practical range of up to 248km. It’s no rocket, with a 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds, but it does 60-120km/h in just 4.1 seconds!

It also boasts a futuristic ‘car-to-x communication’ system, which allows the e-tron to connect wirelessly to a network of automotive transmitters. The network enables useful exchange of information between itself and other cars, shopping malls and even traffic lights, with the objective of improving safety and smoother traffic flow.

BMW ActiveHybrid 7

The ActiveHybrid 7 is as far away from production as your chequebook is from your hand. Powered by a monstrous 465bhp 4.4-litre twin-scroll turbocharged V8 with an electric motor, the ActiveHybrid 7 makes 700Nm of torque and boasts an impressive 0-100km/h time of just 4.9 seconds – nearly as quick as a Porsche 911 Carrera.

It has an automatic start-stop function that switches its engine off when the car comes to a standstill or gets stuck in traffic jams. Also unique is its air-conditioning system, which works even when the engine is shut-off, unlike many other cars with auto start-stop systems. You won’t find air-conditioned seats in this one like those in the current 7 Series, but what you get in return is even cooler. It’s air-con is operable via the remote control – useful for those scorching days when your car has been left under the sun.

Mercedes-Benz S 500 Hybrid

Unlike conventional hybrids, the S 500 Plug-in Hybrid features a direct-plug design, which allows its battery to be recharged straight from the socket – a power point with 3.3kW will charge it in four-and-a-half hours. And though it has a silky-smooth 3.5-litre V6, its electric motor alone can keep the car going for a good 30km – excellent for urban commutes.
It may be pretty fast off the line, taking 5.5 seconds to do 0-100km/h, but what’s most outstanding is Mercedes’ fuel consumption claim of 3.2 litres per 100km (combined) – that beats even the ultra-frugal Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion.

Volkswagen E-Up!

Gid-E-Up and hop on the crazy electric train! Volkswagen’s tiny car transports four adults in a ‘3+1’ configuration. As a result of ingenious packaging, the dashboard has been shrunk, allowing more legroom for both front and rear passenger. Too bad, though, for the one behind the driver.

It’s little electric motor makes 210Nm of torque from the go, giving the car a quick launch time of 3.5 seconds. From 0-50km/h, that is. Also armed with a lithium-ion battery, the E-Up! has a range of 130km, and is dubbed by Vee-dub as the ‘Beetle of the 21st Century’.