Will electric hot hatches be a hit ?
Discussion
We all love a hot hatch in the uk , but will an electric version prove as popular. A mini JCW seems to be one of The first offerings with reportedly 300bhp . Not to sure what the other big players are doing but this segment has to be to big to miss out on . In theory an electric hot hatch should deliver the goods with instant torque and power out of the corners , I guess weight would be an issue. I currently have a great hot hatch , and wondered how an electric version would compare . My biggest concern would be the lack of a manual gearbox . Would you buy an electric hot hatch ?
Neil1323bolts said:
I currently have a great hot hatch , and wondered how an electric version would compare . My biggest concern would be the lack of a manual gearbox . Would you buy an electric hot hatch ?
Good point regarding the manual gearbox. I wonder whether manufacturers will add them in somehow, perhaps as flappy paddles.If they don't then there's going to be no sound other than a generic whine from all EVs (unless manufacturers by design or accident find ways to generate distinct sounds).
It seems that hybrids (bar the Suzuki Swift at least) twin power with automatic transmissions, so that's an indication of where things are going.
If there's no manual then other than the speed and handling, what engagment will there be with the driving? I couldn't see myself in any rush to get one.
It's an interesting development to follow: what is the future of hot hatches?
Max_Torque said:
I've already got one, it's brilliant !
1,200 kg, 180 bhp, rwd, carbon tub, with a hatch at the back ;-)
I think I've got that one too ;-) although it's more like 1350-1400 KG with the later batteries anyway. 1,200 kg, 180 bhp, rwd, carbon tub, with a hatch at the back ;-)
Hot hatch EV I'd have any day of the week. I've been wanting a Renault Sport ZOE since the Zoe came out and although it doesn't seem likely, the news is clear that Alpine (with help from Lotus?) will bring out an EV hatchback... given their fondness for light weight that is very encouraging and would be of real interest. Hopefully the price tag isn't toooooo premium!
Let's see now, a 250 bhp or even 400 bhp hot hatch with no worthwhile sound and 1 gear.
Or a 400 bhp A45 AMG or even 400 bhp RS3, with great sounds and lots of ratios to toy with. The latter sounds amazing with a sports exhaust, the former less so but still light years better than an electric whine or artifical noise via speakers.
Both cars go to 500 bhp with little effort too, putting them in supercar territory, perfromance-wise.
Or a 400 bhp A45 AMG or even 400 bhp RS3, with great sounds and lots of ratios to toy with. The latter sounds amazing with a sports exhaust, the former less so but still light years better than an electric whine or artifical noise via speakers.
Both cars go to 500 bhp with little effort too, putting them in supercar territory, perfromance-wise.
Darinz said:
Max_Torque said:
I've already got one, it's brilliant !
1,200 kg, 180 bhp, rwd, carbon tub, with a hatch at the back ;-)
I think I've got that one too ;-) although it's more like 1350-1400 KG with the later batteries anyway. 1,200 kg, 180 bhp, rwd, carbon tub, with a hatch at the back ;-)
Hot hatch EV I'd have any day of the week. I've been wanting a Renault Sport ZOE since the Zoe came out and although it doesn't seem likely, the news is clear that Alpine (with help from Lotus?) will bring out an EV hatchback... given their fondness for light weight that is very encouraging and would be of real interest. Hopefully the price tag isn't toooooo premium!
I'd have thought hot hatch could well make the best EVs as the currently de rigeur 2 litre turbo 4 that pops and farts on every shift is hardly a powerplant for the ages.
The potential offered by the mass centred and low down, no reason to not be RWD and throttle response that makes a mockery of that offered by any petrol engine, ever, could make for cars that are an absolute hoot to drive.
It's just the amount of the aforementioned mass that is the problem
The potential offered by the mass centred and low down, no reason to not be RWD and throttle response that makes a mockery of that offered by any petrol engine, ever, could make for cars that are an absolute hoot to drive.
It's just the amount of the aforementioned mass that is the problem
BroadsRS6 said:
Let's see now, a 250 bhp or even 400 bhp hot hatch with no worthwhile sound and 1 gear.
Or a 400 bhp A45 AMG or even 400 bhp RS3, with great sounds and lots of ratios to toy with. The latter sounds amazing with a sports exhaust, the former less so but still light years better than an electric whine or artifical noise via speakers.
Both cars go to 500 bhp with little effort too, putting them in supercar territory, perfromance-wise.
But you're forgetting that an e motor fir each wheel offers instantly variable ayc. Which has the potential for a significantly more fun hot hatch than any of the current super hatches.... I'll concede noise though. Or a 400 bhp A45 AMG or even 400 bhp RS3, with great sounds and lots of ratios to toy with. The latter sounds amazing with a sports exhaust, the former less so but still light years better than an electric whine or artifical noise via speakers.
Both cars go to 500 bhp with little effort too, putting them in supercar territory, perfromance-wise.
It really is the direction Mitubishi should have gone down to progress the Evolution line.
Fun is just from how efficient an engine and traction is?
Alcohol free beer would seem to be a similar argument. Ticks lots of boxes. But is it really as much fun at a party? Surely a really hot hatch should BE uncouth, it should BE loud and yes, it should scare you every so often.
If i go back to a truly hot hatch i want something really powerful, seats 4 if need be and is a little lairy. A breathed on 500 bhp RS3 sounds like fun to me.
Alcohol free beer would seem to be a similar argument. Ticks lots of boxes. But is it really as much fun at a party? Surely a really hot hatch should BE uncouth, it should BE loud and yes, it should scare you every so often.
If i go back to a truly hot hatch i want something really powerful, seats 4 if need be and is a little lairy. A breathed on 500 bhp RS3 sounds like fun to me.
For me, a hot hatch is more about chuckability, involvement and fun than outright performance. I think "involvement" is the only real challenge for EVs although it's fair to say that the majority of current hot hatches also get slated for lack of involvement too so maybe it won't be much different after all!
Chris
Chris
BroadsRS6 said:
Let's see now, a 250 bhp or even 400 bhp hot hatch with no worthwhile sound and 1 gear.
Or a 400 bhp A45 AMG or even 400 bhp RS3, with great sounds and lots of ratios to toy with. The latter sounds amazing with a sports exhaust, the former less so but still light years better than an electric whine or artifical noise via speakers.
Both cars go to 500 bhp with little effort too, putting them in supercar territory, perfromance-wise.
Don't they both use automatic gearboxes? And doesn't the Merc use artificial engine noise? Like the Golf R and 1er...Or a 400 bhp A45 AMG or even 400 bhp RS3, with great sounds and lots of ratios to toy with. The latter sounds amazing with a sports exhaust, the former less so but still light years better than an electric whine or artifical noise via speakers.
Both cars go to 500 bhp with little effort too, putting them in supercar territory, perfromance-wise.
Evanivitch said:
BroadsRS6 said:
Let's see now, a 250 bhp or even 400 bhp hot hatch with no worthwhile sound and 1 gear.
Or a 400 bhp A45 AMG or even 400 bhp RS3, with great sounds and lots of ratios to toy with. The latter sounds amazing with a sports exhaust, the former less so but still light years better than an electric whine or artifical noise via speakers.
Both cars go to 500 bhp with little effort too, putting them in supercar territory, perfromance-wise.
Don't they both use automatic gearboxes? And doesn't the Merc use artificial engine noise? Like the Golf R and 1er...Or a 400 bhp A45 AMG or even 400 bhp RS3, with great sounds and lots of ratios to toy with. The latter sounds amazing with a sports exhaust, the former less so but still light years better than an electric whine or artifical noise via speakers.
Both cars go to 500 bhp with little effort too, putting them in supercar territory, perfromance-wise.
I suspect the majority of the car buying public, who are impressed with EVs and their speed will relish a hot hatch of some kind. I suspect they could be rather fun. Their limitations hopefully being weeded out.
It's us old school lot who prefer noise, gear changes and that involvement you can get from a hot hatch. So amongst us lot, probably not.
Personally I prefer the idea of EV's being silent and powerful in cars where that's the criteria now like an S Class for example.
It's us old school lot who prefer noise, gear changes and that involvement you can get from a hot hatch. So amongst us lot, probably not.
Personally I prefer the idea of EV's being silent and powerful in cars where that's the criteria now like an S Class for example.
captain.scarlet said:
Neil1323bolts said:
I currently have a great hot hatch , and wondered how an electric version would compare . My biggest concern would be the lack of a manual gearbox . Would you buy an electric hot hatch ?
Good point regarding the manual gearbox. I wonder whether manufacturers will add them in somehow, perhaps as flappy paddles.It would be a fun mode that for most drivers would get used twice and then never used again, as it would make the car slower and require more effort.
I reckon the future for such enthusiasts could be motor retrofits with switchable characteristics.
AmyRichardson said:
Evanivitch said:
BroadsRS6 said:
Let's see now, a 250 bhp or even 400 bhp hot hatch with no worthwhile sound and 1 gear.
Or a 400 bhp A45 AMG or even 400 bhp RS3, with great sounds and lots of ratios to toy with. The latter sounds amazing with a sports exhaust, the former less so but still light years better than an electric whine or artifical noise via speakers.
Both cars go to 500 bhp with little effort too, putting them in supercar territory, perfromance-wise.
Don't they both use automatic gearboxes? And doesn't the Merc use artificial engine noise? Like the Golf R and 1er...Or a 400 bhp A45 AMG or even 400 bhp RS3, with great sounds and lots of ratios to toy with. The latter sounds amazing with a sports exhaust, the former less so but still light years better than an electric whine or artifical noise via speakers.
Both cars go to 500 bhp with little effort too, putting them in supercar territory, perfromance-wise.
The reason we have 8-speed+ boxes is because they're trying to remain in the power band, something an electric motor does largely by default.
AmyRichardson said:
And does that even matter? Manual was the enthusiast's choice because auto & semi-auto options weren't fast/tactile/predictable enough - but if there's no shifting and you're always in the power band and delivery is completely predicable then what's the issue? It sounds like Fred Dibnah worrying that his new car doesn't come with a coal shovel.
That's not entirely true though. Electric motors still need a gearbox because although they do have maximum torque from zero that drops off as speed rises. Hence although Tesla's don't gearboxes they have multiple motors with different gearing for acceleration and "highway". Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff