When I first started writing about the sustainability highlights of the global motor shows in 2015 (which of course wasn't that long ago), things were very different. 'Dieselgate' hadn't happened, and for the majority of manufacturers, introducing a mild-hybrid into one model felt like a sensible 'toe-dip into the water' around future powertrains. Fast forward to today, and Frankfurt 2017 was always going to be a milestone, with the German automotive industry using it as a showcase of their future strategies. Rather than outline all of the new models and concepts, I've picked-out a few of the significant updates, with each title providing a link to further information from the manufacturer.
Audi Aicon
Audi have revealed their Audi Aircon design concept, with advanced autonomous controls meaning the inside space is a luxurious place to relax.
BMW i3s
Announced towards the end of August, the BMW i3S is a sporty take on their highly successful i3 (which has also had some revisions). Coming with a 135kW electric motor, and sports suspension, the i3s should appeal to the more enthusiastic driver. A 2 cylinder petrol engine is available to provide range extension too, as an option.
BMW i Vision Dynamics (i5)
Still at BMW, their much anticipated EV to sit between the i3 and i8 has been revealed in concept form. It is likely to be called the i5, with four doors, and an anticipated range of 373 miles.
It's due to be launched in 2021, perhaps giving the chance for Tesla, Jaguar and even Mercedes to build significant market share with their respective models. I'd also assume that with improved battery densities, they might revise the range upwards before then?
Worth also mentioning that BMW have announced their intention to offer 25 models with an electrification option by 2025, with 12 of them being pure electric.
Honda CRV
With the number of SUVs being sold in Europe, and the vast majority being diesels (Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and stablemate Lexus NX300h/RX450h being exceptions), it's great to see the popular Honda CRV getting a Hybrid option. But perhaps what's more interesting is that the only other option in Europe will be a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine - a very clear sign that they don't see the market for diesels in the very near future.
Honda Urban EV Concept
Honda have stolen a lot of headlines, and perhaps some hearts, with its cute and gorgeous Urban EV Concept. With a more than a whiff of Mk1 Golf, I expect VW are fuming at such a vehicle being released in Frankfurt! Although it's just a concept, Honda have confirmed a 2019 production release for something very similar, so I'd be surprised if it isn't a strong seller.
Honda have also committed that every new European model will have an electrification powertrain option.
Finally, Honda also released more information about their Power Manager proposition. Similar to solutions from Nissan, it's some clever hardware and software which will allow a user to optimise the energy consumed, stored and sold through a 'Vehicle to Grid/Home' (V2G/H) solution.
Jaguar IPACE eTROPHY
We've already seen the launch of the iPace, due to hit showrooms next year. But Jaguar didn't disappoint us - outlining the introduction of a new racing series to run alongside the Formula E races. Much like the existing Touring Car Championship in the UK, let's hope it delivers a really exciting and engaging showcase for EVs. Jaguar Land Rover will offer an electric option (inc. hybrid) in all its model lineup from 2020, with rumours of a plug-in Range Rover Sport to be released this year
Mercedes EQA Concept
By 2022, Mercedes-Benz Cars is planning to have more than ten all-electric vehciles on the market - and their EQA concept shows how they might tackle the compact segment. It will have twin electric motors (one per axle), and a range up to 400km.
MINI Electric Concept
Not wanting Honda to take all the cuteness points, MINI (part of the BMW Group) have revealed their MINI Electric Concept, planned to be built in Oxford (but powertrain built in Germany)
Smart Vision EQ ForTwo Concept
With traditional car ownership dwindling, and car/ride-sharing models growing in significance, I was surprised not to see more models explicitly designed to support these new business models. Daimler-owned Smart have done so though, with a neat concept, the Smart Vision EQ ForTwo Concept.
Samsung SDI
Finally, Samsung revealed some battery innovation, with a modular system, allowing additional modules to be added to deliver additional range. They've also introduced a reduced height form-factor, inevitably of interest to car manufacturers wanting to maximise internal space.
Audi Aicon
Audi have revealed their Audi Aircon design concept, with advanced autonomous controls meaning the inside space is a luxurious place to relax.
 |
| Audi Aicon Design Concept |
Announced towards the end of August, the BMW i3S is a sporty take on their highly successful i3 (which has also had some revisions). Coming with a 135kW electric motor, and sports suspension, the i3s should appeal to the more enthusiastic driver. A 2 cylinder petrol engine is available to provide range extension too, as an option.
 |
| BMW i3s |
BMW i Vision Dynamics (i5)
Still at BMW, their much anticipated EV to sit between the i3 and i8 has been revealed in concept form. It is likely to be called the i5, with four doors, and an anticipated range of 373 miles.
It's due to be launched in 2021, perhaps giving the chance for Tesla, Jaguar and even Mercedes to build significant market share with their respective models. I'd also assume that with improved battery densities, they might revise the range upwards before then?
Worth also mentioning that BMW have announced their intention to offer 25 models with an electrification option by 2025, with 12 of them being pure electric.
 |
| BMW i Vision Dynamics (i5) |
Honda CRV
With the number of SUVs being sold in Europe, and the vast majority being diesels (Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and stablemate Lexus NX300h/RX450h being exceptions), it's great to see the popular Honda CRV getting a Hybrid option. But perhaps what's more interesting is that the only other option in Europe will be a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine - a very clear sign that they don't see the market for diesels in the very near future.
 |
| Honda CRV Hybrid |
Honda Urban EV Concept
Honda have stolen a lot of headlines, and perhaps some hearts, with its cute and gorgeous Urban EV Concept. With a more than a whiff of Mk1 Golf, I expect VW are fuming at such a vehicle being released in Frankfurt! Although it's just a concept, Honda have confirmed a 2019 production release for something very similar, so I'd be surprised if it isn't a strong seller.
 |
| Honda Urban EV Concept |
 |
| Honda Urban EV Concept |
Honda have also committed that every new European model will have an electrification powertrain option.
Finally, Honda also released more information about their Power Manager proposition. Similar to solutions from Nissan, it's some clever hardware and software which will allow a user to optimise the energy consumed, stored and sold through a 'Vehicle to Grid/Home' (V2G/H) solution.
 |
| Honda Power Manager |
Jaguar IPACE eTROPHY
We've already seen the launch of the iPace, due to hit showrooms next year. But Jaguar didn't disappoint us - outlining the introduction of a new racing series to run alongside the Formula E races. Much like the existing Touring Car Championship in the UK, let's hope it delivers a really exciting and engaging showcase for EVs. Jaguar Land Rover will offer an electric option (inc. hybrid) in all its model lineup from 2020, with rumours of a plug-in Range Rover Sport to be released this year
 |
| JAGUAR IPACE eTROPHY |
Mercedes EQA Concept
By 2022, Mercedes-Benz Cars is planning to have more than ten all-electric vehciles on the market - and their EQA concept shows how they might tackle the compact segment. It will have twin electric motors (one per axle), and a range up to 400km.
 |
| Mercedes EQA Concept |
MINI Electric Concept
Not wanting Honda to take all the cuteness points, MINI (part of the BMW Group) have revealed their MINI Electric Concept, planned to be built in Oxford (but powertrain built in Germany)
 |
| MINI Electric Concept |
Smart Vision EQ ForTwo Concept
With traditional car ownership dwindling, and car/ride-sharing models growing in significance, I was surprised not to see more models explicitly designed to support these new business models. Daimler-owned Smart have done so though, with a neat concept, the Smart Vision EQ ForTwo Concept.
 |
| Smart Vision EQ ForTwo Concept |
Samsung SDI
Finally, Samsung revealed some battery innovation, with a modular system, allowing additional modules to be added to deliver additional range. They've also introduced a reduced height form-factor, inevitably of interest to car manufacturers wanting to maximise internal space.
 |
| Samsung SDI |
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