2024 is set to be a very busy year for new car launches. Manufacturers the world over are stepping up their electric car efforts – which, given the UK’s continuing headline-grabbing company car tax incentives for EVs, is great news for fleet car drivers who want to be seen in the very latest metal.
It’s also terrific news for those drivers that wish to take an electric car on salary sacrifice, which remains an ideal way for non company car drivers to access EVs at advantageous prices.
Every global car company is busily working on new electric cars, and many major new models are set to roll out in 2024. If you’re in the market for a new company car this year, you’re going to be spoilt for choice.
However, the market isn’t completely saturated with EVs just yet. There are new versions of some petrol and diesel-powered fleet car favourites too – and for those seeking a half-way house, plug-in hybrid versions will offer a longer EV range (and lower CO2 emissions) than ever before.
Here, we’ve taken a look at 12 new cars coming soon that deserve to be on the radar of everyone in the fleet and leasing industry. Which one will be lining up on your driveway some time in 2024? Read on to find out.
New cars coming spring 2024
Volkswagen Passat
UK release: spring 2024
The new Volkswagen Passat continues to offer a fleet-friendly range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The plug-ins now have a particularly generous EV range of over 60 miles, which will mean ultra-low CO2 and beneficial Benefit-in-Kind rates. Traditional diesels will have more affordable prices and ultra-long ranges between fill-ups. Sporting a sleek new style, the new Passat is now only available as a load-lugging estate. This reflects fleet car preferences – and has allowed the designers to create a bigger boot than ever. It measures 690 litres with the seats up, and a staggering 1920 litres with them folded. Latest infotainment tech is, we’re promised, easier to use than today’s systems, too. Oh, and if you prefer something more SUV-flavoured, there’s an all-new Volkswagen Tiguan coming in 2024 too, using much of the same tech as the new Passat.
BYD Seal
UK release: Q1 2024
The BYD Seal is a stylish new challenger to the Tesla Model 3 from this relatively unknown Chinese car company. It won’t be unknown for long, though – BYD has recently overtaken Tesla to become the biggest EV firm in the world. After establishing itself in the UK during 2023, BYD plans to ramp up its efforts considerably in 2024. The Seal is easily its most competitive car, with a smart and practical interior, loads of clever tech and a large 83kWh battery that gives an EV range of over 350 miles. It’s fast too, with the 530hp range-topper going from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. Prices are the clincher: they start from around £45,000, and even that rapid range-topper comes in at under £49,000
Skoda Kodiaq
UK release: spring 2024
The new Skoda Kodiaq builds on the success of the original large seven-seat SUV. It doesn’t radically reinvent things, but simply adds more of what matters: space, comfort, style and economy. Petrol and diesel versions go further to each gallon, while a plug-in hybrid will travel for more than 60 miles on a full battery. There isn’t a pure electric version, and value-focused prices reflect that – they’re expected to start from £35,000 for regular versions, and £45,000 for the PHEV. Once again, Skoda looks to have hit the nail squarely on the head – but if you really don’t want an SUV, Skoda will also roll out an all-new Superb hatch and ultra-capacious estate in 2024, too.
Peugeot e-3008
UK release: spring 2024
The Peugeot e-3008 is, as its name suggests, an electric replacement for the popular compact SUV. This one looks even more stylish on the outside, and has an even more premium cabin within. A choice of two batteries is offered. Even the entry 73kWh unit is a generous size, and good for 326 miles. The pricier 98kWh battery has an official WLTP figure of 435 miles, which is little short of exceptional – although prices are sure to reflect this. Regular cars will cost from around £45,000; the large battery will be well over £50,000 regular petrol and plug-in hybrid 3008 models will follow later for those whose allowance doesn’t stretch so far.
Audi A6 e-tron
UK release: spring 2024
The long-awaited Audi A6 e-tron will finally give the brand a rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQE and BMW i5. Intentionally distinct from the current Audi A6, it will be offered in sleek saloon and Avant estate guise, with a choice of batteries delivering a potential range of over 400 miles. Expect hot versions to offer more than 500hp. Audi is also set to reveal a new Q6 e-tron SUV in 2024, and both models will be based on an exotic new platform dedicated to EVs, called PPE. This architecture is the real deal, alright – an all-new Porsche Macan EV based on it will also be launched in 2024
Volvo EX30
UK release: spring 2024
The Volvo EX30 is a small SUV that looks just as stylish as the firm’s larger models. A really chic piece of design, it has a similarly futuristic interior, complete with central screen that replaces almost every button. This will take a bit of getting used to, but Volvo assures us that by doing it this way, it can pack in even more tech for the money. Speaking of which, prices that start from just £33,795 are guaranteed to cause a stir – that’s exceptionally affordable and will be reflected in competitive lease rates. True, the Extended Range version most will really want costs from £38,545, but the boost in range from 213 miles to 296 miles will be worth it. Besides, by modern standards, that’s still not expensive, which is why we’re tipping this tax-friendly new Volvo EV to be a real hit.
New cars coming summer 2024
Ford Explorer
UK release: summer 2024
The exciting Ford Explorer will kick off the blue oval’s transition into an electric car company in earnest. Developed in partnership with Volkswagen, it is derived from the VW ID.4 but has all-Ford styling and interior. There will be a range of power outputs, from 170hp rear-wheel drive to 340hp all-wheel drive, and a choice of batteries – the largest will give an EV range of over 300 miles. Ford will tap into the systems successfully used by its CVs to make charging on the move easier, and it will undoubtedly drive and handle in the fun way the brand is well known for. Prices are likely to start north of £45,000.
Polestar 3
UK release: summer 2024
The large and luxurious Polestar 3 is a full-size SUV that will take on electric rivals including the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. It’s derived from the new Volvo EX90, another flagship EV SUV coming in 2024, but the Polestar 3 has a sportier appearance and more dynamic drive. It is still plush and welcoming inside though, with entertainment from the latest iteration of Google-based infotainment. A whopping 107kWh battery will give a range of up to 379 miles, and ample power means performance won’t be lacking, either.
Renault Scenic E-Tech
UK release: summer 2024
The Renault Scenic E-Tech marks the return of the MPV, albeit still with stylish SUV looks and sure-footed stance. Only offered as a pure EV, Renault wants the Scenic E-Tech to challenge the Tesla Model Y head-on – indeed, the French firm is targeting prices that will undercut the £44,990 Model Y. Range will be generous too, with the range-topping 87kWh battery giving almost 380 miles between charges. The interior will be practical and spacious for five, with a high-tech Google-based infotainment system and plenty of clever design touches adding to its family-friendly appeal.
New cars coming late 2024
MINI Aceman
UK release: late 2024
An all-new MINI Cooper Electric arrives in spring 2024, with a petrol-powered range of models also available. But the really big news for MINI comes towards the end of the year, with the launch of the all-electric Aceman crossover SUV. An all-new model from the ground up, it effectively replaces the quirky Clubman and sits below the larger Countryman in the firm’s SUV line-up. It will use the same tech as the conventional MINI Cooper, with a 40kWh battery promising prices from around £35,000, and a larger 54.2kWh battery giving a range of almost 250 miles. The dedicated EV platform will give a surprisingly spacious interior too, despite its compact 4m-long exterior dimensions.
Range Rover Electric
UK release: late 2024
The car for the company whose CEO also wants to go green. The Range Rover Electric could be a standard-setting machine, with the refinement of a Rolls-Royce and the sort of ultra-desirable prestige to do justice to the industry titans it will waft around in zero-emissions comfort. The regular Range Rover – which is already offered as a plug-in hybrid, remember – is already heavy and expensive, so the Range Rover Electric is going to be even more so. But if you can afford it, what a way to go green it will be – and the company is anticipating such demand, it’s already opened a waiting list for those eager to be first on the reservations list
Citroen e-C3
UK release: late 2024
The Citroen e-C3 could be one of the most significant new launches of 2024. That’s because it’s been designed from the ground up as an affordable EV, rather than an expensive version of a regular supermini. The five-door crossover-style machine could be priced from as little as £22,000, easily making it one of the UK’s cheapest EVs. Yet it will still have a 44kWh battery delivering an official WLTP range of just under 200 miles. It will be able to use 100kW DC rapid chargers too, meaning longer trips won’t be too onerous either. This pretty new Citroen really could be an electric car gamechanger, both for company car fleets and salary sacrifice takers.
