The world of self-driving cars is rapidly changing. While Tesla used to be the sole creator of these high-tech vehicles, there are multiple companies entering the industry and rivaling the capabilities of Tesla’s creations.
While fully autonomous cars are still a while away, especially with personal injury claims on the rise following a handful of accidents, this new competition could propel the industry forward. Here are the top rivals Tesla will face in the coming years.
Nissan’s Leaf e+
The Leaf isn’t new, but Nissan released the e+ this year complete with new capabilities. For starters, the range on this electric car is roughly 226 miles. Self-driving abilities are limited to driver assistance, helping drivers stay in and change lanes. However, the luxury tech inside the Leaf e+ fully competes with Tesla.
Chevrolet’s Bolt EV
General Motors released the Bolt before Tesla even had an electric car on the market. It proved to be an affordable model in a world of new technologies, and the 2019 model proudly carries on that tradition. While it might have less range than the Model 3, it’s sleek design and driver comforts are on-par with Tesla at the moment.
BMW
BMW is aiming for a fleet of 12 electric vehicle models on the market by 2025. Autonomy features aren’t predicted yet, but these cars are expected to boast top-level technology for the 2020’s. In the meantime, concept models show futuristic looking designs alongside major improvements to current electric and self-driving capabilities.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen might be Tesla’s largest rival in the years to come. The company unveiled a conceptual remake of their classic bus with an interior that almost looks like a spaceship. This, along with two sedans, are expected to feature the latest in autonomous technology while blowing Tesla’s Model 3 out of the water in terms of electric car capabilities.
In the meantime, their I.D. crossover SUV hits the market in 2020 along with a mini version. Both cars look incredibly futuristic inside and out, showing off how far the automobile industry has come and what consumers might be able to look forward to in the future. The I.D. mini is expected to have a range of over 350 miles.
K-Byte
If you haven’t heard about K-Byte, that’s because the startup is relatively new. Based out of China, K-Byte is working on highly futuristic electric models with sleek designs just like Tesla. Instead of focusing on performance metrics, the company is looking to create top-of-the-line luxury features.
Cabin space, touchscreens, and other features combine to create something wholly modern without sacrificing an inch of driver comfort. Their current model in the works is expected to have a range of 250-325 miles despite their interior-centric focus, which is more than enough to rival Tesla’s capabilities.
Looking To The Future
These are just a few of the companies and vehicles coming out swinging in the self-driving, electric market. This much-needed competition is expected to bring about a rapid growth of technology and user features, giving consumers more to enjoy while making the roads safer.
Autonomous capabilities may even help reduce the need for DUI defense lawyers someday, but it’s going to be over a decade until the market sees full autonomy. In the meantime, assistive features will help reduce the number of accidents per year no matter the cause.
