Few need reminding what Tesla is and what it does – even before the recent flurry of news about the company and its founder, Elon Musk.
Since its inception a little more than 20 years ago, the brand has been synonymous with electric cars. However, competition is rising. Chinese manufacturer BYD recently surpassed Tesla in global sales for the first time.
Despite the continuing popularity of Tesla in the Middle East, there are now plenty of quality alternative options for those looking for a fossil-fuel-free ride that doesn’t hail from the Musk stable.
Here are the best ones, from budget-friendly to proper automotive monsters.
BYD Atto 3
Price: From Dh110,000
The Chinese-built Atto 3 is proving to be a popular option among those looking for an inexpensive but decent-quality compact SUV. It isn’t BYD’s cheapest vehicle at about Dh110,000 for a base model. But for an electric vehicle, that puts it firmly at the reasonable end of the market.
The Atto 3 is value for money. It is a roomy and comfortable vehicle that’s a lot of fun to zip around in.
The cost makes the car a strong contender in its sector, but on the higher spec versions drivers can get more than 400km range out of a single charge, which is also a plus point. Anyone after a compact ride for their daily commute or the odd trip between Dubai and Abu Dhabi could do worse.
Polestar 4
Price: From Dh199,900
Swedish manufacturer Polestar has steadily been releasing electric vehicles over the past decade or so. It continues to impress with its distinctly Scandinavian minimalistic approach to design, allied with innovation that echoes the country’s greatest manufacturers from yesteryear (Saab being a particular example).
The 4 is an SUV coupe and has evidently been designed to be on the sporty side, being the fastest production car Polestar has built. There is lots of innovation happening inside and out, with the lack of a rear windscreen being a particular feature. Drivers see what’s going on behind via a camera, giving a much greater view.
The priciest models have a solid range, with Polestar citing nearly 600km from a single charge. The base model is available for less than Dh200,000, which makes it a respectable choice for those not wanting to spend a fortune.
Kia EV6
Price: From Dh220,000
Kia, the former bicycle manufacturer from South Korea, has been dipping a tentative toe into the electric vehicle market and the EV6 is one of its most impressive forays into that field. The model has distinct spaceship feel inside the cabin.
The car is practical and fun to drive, with the longest-range models offering around 500km worth of fun on the tarmac. It’s roomy on the inside – surprisingly so – and the cabin is well-equipped and ultra-modern with Kia emphasising sustainability by decking everything out in vegan leather.
The EV6 is fast, too, with the GT version able to hit 100 kph in well under five seconds. The base models in the UAE start at around Dh220,000.
Lucid Air
Price: From Dh310,000
Lucid is another company offering vehicles with some impressive vital statistics, not least in terms of range. For distance, the Air has that covered and then some, with estimates suggesting travel around 700-800km on a single charge. Put in context, that’s about half a dozen journeys from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
The high-end versions are fast: the nippiest will go from 0-100kph in about two seconds, which is pretty neat for a four-door sedan. The inside of the Air is impressive, too. The centre touchscreen is a whopping 34-inch affair, which is accompanied by a retractable pilot panel dedicated to vehicle controls.
The car’s starting price of about Dh310,000 makes it one of the more expensive options on this list, but the figures associated with it would seem to justify that. Bear in mind that this is for the base model and it will be significantly more for the fastest versions.
Lotus Evija
Price: From Dh8.5 million
Lotus’s Evija was the brand’s first foray into electric vehicles and, to underline this change in direction, it has some distinct drama around it. It can get to 100 kph in a little more than three seconds, but it doesn’t stop there. The car can hit 300 kph in nine seconds (if the driver has the nerve to keep the pedal to the metal.).
The Evija looks very much like a Lotus but, unlike the brand’s previous creations, any look of the cheeky chappie has gone and in its place sits a fierce machine looking to turn heads both in fear and awe. It adheres to what the brand calls its carved-by-air philosophy.
The Evija is, of course, not at the budget end of the market and estimates suggest a price of about Dh 8.5 million.
Rimac Nevera
Price: From Dh10 million
Moving into hypercar territory with Rimac, the Nevera has been designed from the tyres up to be on the hairy side. This sleek speedster is from Croatia and the figures associated with it are eye watering.
The car has more than 1,900 horsepower and 2,360Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0-100kph in about 1.8 seconds and has a top speed of more than 400 kph (not that that will be much use to you outside of a track, but still).
The range is also decent, with Rimac claiming nearly 550km on a single charge. Don’t expect any of this to be cheap, of course. With so much power, it shouldn't be surprising that those interested can expect to pay more than Dh10 million.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The%20pillars%20of%20the%20Dubai%20Metaverse%20Strategy
%3Cp%3EEncourage%20innovation%20in%20the%20metaverse%20field%20and%20boost%20economic%20contribution%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20outstanding%20talents%20through%20education%20and%20training%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20applications%20and%20the%20way%20they%20are%20used%20in%20Dubai's%20government%20institutions%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAdopt%2C%20expand%20and%20promote%20secure%20platforms%20globally%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20the%20infrastructure%20and%20regulations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More on Quran memorisation:
The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima
Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650
Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder
Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Most%20ODI%20hundreds
%3Cp%3E49%20-%20Sachin%20Tendulkar%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E47%20-%20Virat%20Kohli%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E31%20-%20Rohit%20Sharma%2C%20India%0D%3Cbr%3E30%20-%20Ricky%20Ponting%2C%20Australia%2FICC%0D%3Cbr%3E28%20-%20Sanath%20Jayasuriya%2C%20Sri%20Lanka%2FAsia%0D%3Cbr%3E27%20-%20Hashim%20Amla%2C%20South%20Africa%0D%3Cbr%3E25%20-%20AB%20de%20Villiers%2C%20South%20Africa%2FAfrica%0D%3Cbr%3E25%20-%20Chris%20Gayle%2C%20West%20Indies%2FICC%0D%3Cbr%3E25%20-%20Kumar%20Sangakkara%2C%20Sri%20Lanka%2FICC%2FAsia%0D%3Cbr%3E22%20-%20Sourav%20Ganguly%2C%20India%2FAsia%0D%3Cbr%3E22%20-%20Tillakaratne%20Dilshan%2C%20Sri%20Lanka%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The years Ramadan fell in May
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
BABYLON
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Damien%20Chazelle%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Brad%20Pitt%2C%20Margot%20Robbie%2C%20Jean%20Smart%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cp%3EHigh%20fever%20(40%C2%B0C%2F104%C2%B0F)%3Cbr%3ESevere%20headache%3Cbr%3EPain%20behind%20the%20eyes%3Cbr%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3Cbr%3ENausea%3Cbr%3EVomiting%3Cbr%3ESwollen%20glands%3Cbr%3ERash%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More on Quran memorisation:
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
The biog
Marital status: Separated with two young daughters
Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo
Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian
Favourite Motto: Their happiness is your happiness
Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon
Three ways to limit your social media use
Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.
1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.
2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information.
3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
Australia squads
ODI: Tim Paine (capt), Aaron Finch (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye.
T20: Aaron Finch (capt), Alex Carey (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth.
Read more about the coronavirus
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017
Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free
Day 1 fixtures (Saturday)
Men 1.45pm, Malaysia v Australia (Court 1); Singapore v India (Court 2); UAE v New Zealand (Court 3); South Africa v Sri Lanka (Court 4)
Women Noon, New Zealand v South Africa (Court 3); England v UAE (Court 4); 5.15pm, Australia v UAE (Court 3); England v New Zealand (Court 4)
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
More about Middle East geopolitics
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
