Which is the best electric car for you?

The number of electric cars on the roads is steadily increasing: in 2019, just 4% of all new registrations had an electric engine, whereas this number has already reached 16% for the first half of 2022, as reported by Auto Schweiz. If plug-in hybrid models are included, one in four newly driven cars in Switzerland has a plug. The number of models available from the individual AMAG brands VW, VW NF, Audi, Škoda and CUPRA is similarly increasing. But which of these many cars is the right one for you? What are your everyday needs in terms of range? How much space do you need? What do you want the car to look like? And what is your budget? We are offering some guidance for anyone new to electric cars.

Models for urban singles and couples

Are you employed, live in the city or a metropolitan area and do you generally drive short or medium distances to the office, for shopping or going out? All of these requirements suggest a small or compact car such as the CUPRA Born or VW ID.3. This will handle the often arduous stop-start traffic found in urban areas without issue and without harming the environment.  As well as battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV) would also be a good choice as they can run purely in electric mode for distances of up to 30 kilometres, which would be perfect if you don't need to travel long distances. Another urban benefit of smaller cars is that they can fit even in tight parking spaces. 

But which of these two cars should you choose? The classic, popular and well-established ID.3? Or the brand-new CUPRA Born with its very sporty look, both inside and out? The CUPRA is also a little more dynamic to drive. The choice is, first and foremost, a matter of taste, as there is very little difference in terms of range (CUPRA: 427 kilometres, VW: 417 kilometres).

Cars for families

You want to be able to consistently rely on your set of wheels – which in terms of electric cars means a large range and enough storage space. As an active family with one or more children, you are out and about in your car a lot. You have to balance your weekly commute with taking your children to and from school, sports clubs, music lessons and shopping. You do not want to have to be constantly recharging the battery. The perfect solution is the AMAG’s family SUVs such as the VW ID.4, the brand-new VW ID.5 (a SUV coupé based on the ID.4), the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Škoda Enyaq iV, which can manage distances of over 500 kilometres with ease on a single charge. This means you can drive without charging during the holidays or at weekends, both within Switzerland and in neighbouring countries. Tip: check whether you can have your own AMAG wall box installed at your house. This makes charging your vehicle particularly easy. 

These four models are also ideal for the large amount of kit that families have, thanks to their large 540-litre boots. As the battery is mounted out of the way on the underside of the electric vehicle, all passengers enjoy lots of legroom and space. 

Models for sports fans

You are the sporty type. You care about your vehicle’s performance and appearance. The ideal choice for you would be the Audi e-tron GT, offering a very sleek look, at least 476 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 in 4.1 seconds, and a large range of 487 kilometres. The electric engine delivers its full torque from the moment you start, making for a pretty responsive drive. 

Alternatively you could go for the brand-new Škoda Enyaq Coupé RS iV, with its eye-catching mix of powerful SUV and elegant limousine. In terms of performance, this vehicle cannot quite keep up with the Audi e-tron GT at 299 hp, but at the wheel of this sporty car, you will accelerate easily and zip around the streets while still enjoying plenty of space for the whole family. 

Perfect for entrepreneurs and adventurers

Do you take part in a sport that involves a lot of equipment, have an unusual hobby or a particularly large family? Or do you just like heading out for a drive in your vehicle for a few days or even weeks to enjoy the feeling of limitless freedom? Try the brand-new VW ID. Buzz is perfect for you! Available from September from your AMAG branch, this is a multifunctional yet iconic vehicle that meets a variety of needs – with 1121 litres of baggage space. If you need even more room for your (sports) kit, the second row of seats can be folded down, increasing the luggage capacity to 2205 litres.

The VW ID is ideal. Buzz is similarly great for professionals, such as tradespeople. The Cargo version has 3.9 square metres of luggage capacity and the surface area is big enough to take two Euro pallets, including loading. The ID. Buzz also makes a great mobile office thanks to its high level of connectivity. You can work literally anywhere and at any time! Another alternative to the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo is the VW New Multivan with a plug-in hybrid engine.