Best Electric Car 2021: Technology
EVs are the most modern, high-tech, new-age cars available, right? Well, in terms of in-car tech, no…Electric cars are often thought of as the future of motoring and should therefore somehow also be a futuristic, Jetsons kind of vision for how things will be – but now, instead of later. While that might be true of some EV battery technology and electronics, the truth is that – aside from a large tablet-style display on some models – for the most part there is not much, if any, more infotainment technology in a mainstream EV than you’ll find in a conventional-engined premium-spec new car costing around $40,000.
Today’s new vehicle buyers can all expect an infotainment system that keeps them entertained, informed and connected when in the car.
The technology is advancing all the time, so let’s see what our eight contenders for carsales’ Best Electric Car 2021 – which are ground-breaking in many other ways – can achieve.
Firstly, every EV on test allows you to perform simple operations such as pair your phone for telephone calls and audio streaming.
They offer at least a couple of USB ports to charge your devices and to connect your smartphone for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring. There is also the opportunity to not only listen to whatever your phone apps offer, but to tune in via an embedded AM/FM radio.
The stand-out infotainment screen here worth mentioning belongs to the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus. It’s a 15-inch touch-screen, dominating the centre of the dash and in fact is the only info screen at all – there is no instrument cluster.
All the other dashboards in the EVs on test are mundane by comparison, with the Hyundai Kona Electric Extended Range Highlander the only one with a fully digital instrument cluster.
But at least all have some kind of centre colour infotainment screen.
The Tesla Model 3 also has numerous features incorporated in its infotainment system not seen elsewhere. These include ‘Sentry Mode’, which can be set up to monitor the car with multiple cameras when parked, as well as a standard dash-cam when driving.
Other features on the Tesla include the ability to connect to Wi-Fi to undertake over-the-air software updates, for example.
The Model 3 also has what are commonly known as ‘Easter eggs’ – hidden fun features that you’re invited to unlock – such as Emissions Testing Mode, Romance Mode, Sketchpad, Santa Mode, Mars Rover, Rainbow Road as well as others that reference Back to the Future, Monty Python, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and the Rick and Morty sitcom.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is increasingly offered in mainstream segments. However, here only the MINI Cooper SE Yours offers it.
Half of the models on test provide wireless phone charging for suitable smartphones, as found on the Hyundai IONIQ Electric Premium, Hyundai Kona, MINI Cooper and Tesla Model 3. In fact, the Tesla goes one better with two charging pads supplied.
Digital radio (DAB+) is commonly expected in more expensive vehicles, and sure enough all but the MG ZS EV offer this feature here.
All models represented here have embedded satellite navigation as standard, with traffic sign recognition and, in most cases, live traffic updates. The MG ZS is the only one to miss out on the latter.
An embedded SIM is installed in the Hyundai IONIQ, MINI Cooper and Tesla Model 3, offering remote smartphone app control of door locks and air-conditioning activation, for example.
In the Tesla, you can even use your smartphone (loaded with the Tesla app) instead of the key fob for keyless entry and start, boot opening and other functions.
The SIM in the Hyundai IONIQ is activated for the first 12 months for no charge, and thereafter remains free if you take your EV into a Hyundai dealership for annual servicing.
The Tesla’s SIM has cellular connection for the life of the car for basic operations such as sat-nav and over-the-air updates, while a paid Premium Connectivity service (free for the first 30 days, then billed monthly at $9.99 a month) unlocks more features such as live traffic updates and internet radio.
Most EVs on test have a minimum of two USB ports up front – USB-A and fast-charging USB-C in the Tesla Model 3. The Hyundai IONIQ and Nissan LEAF e+ make do with just one USB port, which goes against the gain for a high-tech vehicle.
Most offer a high-end branded sound system such as Bose (Mazda MX-30 Electric and Nissan LEAF), JBL (Kia Niro), Harman Kardon (Hyundai Kona) or Infinity (Hyundai IONIQ).
While seemingly not budget audio systems, the stereos in the MG ZS and Tesla Model 3 are not promoted as being produced in collaboration with a high-end audio brand.
Best Electric Car 2021 contenders:
Hyundai IONIQ Electric Premium
Hyundai Kona Electric Extended Range Highlander
Kia Niro EV Sport
Mazda MX-30 Electric Astina
MG ZS EV
MINI Cooper SE Yours
Nissan LEAF e+
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus
Best Electric Car 2021: Intro
Best Electric Car 2021: Safety
Best Electric Car 2021: Comfort and convenience
Best Electric Car 2021: Driving performance
Best Electric Car 2021: Ownership costs
Best Electric Car 2021: Verdict
Related: All the latest EV info is at www.carsales.com.au/electric
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