Every car model these days comes with a catalytic converter.
It is a device that controls exhaust emissions and converts harmful gas and impurities from the combustion engine into less toxic pollutants.
These converters are primarily fitted on vehicles fueled by gasoline or diesel.
However, with an increase in technology every year, we currently have vehicles that do not need a catalytic converter.
Mostly this is possible only with all-electric cars that do not run on gasoline or diesel.
In this article, I have mentioned a few famous car models that do not have catalytic converters.
6 Cars Without Catalytic Converters
Let us check out the six cars that come without a catalytic converter.
1. BMW i3
First on the list is the BMW I3 which is an attempt by BMW to design a zero-emissions car.
This car became an outstanding element of the recently established BMW I subsidiary brand.
Of course, by its nature as an electric crossover, it does not have a catalytic converter.
It comes with an electric powertrain paired with a single-speed direct-drive transmission and rear-wheel drive setup.
The car races from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds.
It’s a 42.2-kWh Li-ion battery pack that can move up to 353 miles with a fully charged battery.
Fuel economy ratings achieved are at 102 MPGe for highway drive.
On the inside, it is beautifully done with recycled materials, with the cabin containing an open and airy charm.
But this is only on the front brown, and the rear seats are pretty cramped.
The back doors are fixed at the back, opposite the front doors.
The pillar does not separate the rear and front doors, thus creating a vast space that enables entry in the back.
If required, the rear seats can fold utilizing a soft-touch belt. The cargo area can accommodate a total of 14 suitcases on the inside.
Looking at the infotainment system, you get a massive screen with highly-responsive touch functionality.
Only Apple CarPlay and one USB port are integrated. However, it lacks Android Auto compatibility and power points.
Regarding the safety features, the i3 delivers multiple driver-assistance features, but nothing is standard.
Automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning are the only standard features.
Just like the safety features, the warranty coverage is also not standard.
Limited covers, powertrain covers, hybrid components covers, and complimentary maintenance coverages are included.
If looking for a change from catalytic converters to a zero-emission car, then the BMW i3 must be on your checklist.
However, note that it does not have a four-wheel drive option, which is its downside.
2. Chevrolet Bolt EV
Debuted in the year 2016, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is a subcompact hatchback that comes with a front electric motor that transmits around 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque just to the front wheels.
The setup delivers an enthusiastic reaction to accelerator intakes and great down-end torque that allows you to shoot off when moving.
Paired with a single-speed direct-drive transmission, it takes only 6.7 seconds to move from 0 to 60 mph.
Thanks to its 66.0 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, it offers a total mileage of 259 miles for a full charge.
A double-level charging cord is available, Level 1 for a 120-volt charging outlet and Level 2 for a 240-volt charging outlet.
On Level 2, a full charge takes only seven hours. Fuel economy ratings are 121 MPGe for city drive and 108 MPGe for highway drive.
On the inside, the cabin is done with upscale materials that give a soft touch.
Moreover, the redesigned rear seats are roomy and comfortable for three adults and are comfortable.
The trunk has a total capacity of 17 cubic feet behind the back seats, and with the rear seats folded down flat, it measures 57 cubic feet.
Looking at the infotainment system, it has a 10.2-inch touchscreen with the standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
A Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging pad are also present. Few physical knobs are present for tuning and volume.
Built-in apps, Spotify music, and Amazon Alexa are also integrated.
Moving on, the standard safety features present are forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking.
Automatic high beams, a 360-degree camera system, front pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert are integrated.
It goes without stating that there are no catalytic converter cars like the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which makes it a great first choice.
3. Hyundai Kona EV
Next on the list is the subcompact Hyundai Kona Electric which comes with an electric motor that produces 201 horsepower and 290 lb-ft torque.
The car races from 0 to 60 in 6.4 seconds. It has excellent driving dynamics with its front-wheel drive setup and 1-speed direct drive transmission.
With a 258-mileage capacity for a full charge, its 64.0-kWh battery pack can be charged using a 110-volt and 240-volt outlets.
A DC fast-charging station can be utilized to charge the battery.
Fuel economy is recorded at just 132 MPGe for city drive and 108 MPGe for highway drive.
On the inside, the cabin is created from comfortable quality materials.
The back seats and trunk area are tight, as it has to fit a battery pack.
The cargo area can accommodate five suitcases and 15 with the back seats folded down.
A few interior features include a sunroof, heated front seats, and a wireless smartphone-charging pad.
Moving on, the infotainment system comes with a touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
An eight-speaker Infinity audio system is paired with the multi-mode system.
Regarding the safety features, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist are standard across the models.
However, the adaptive cruise control is only delivered on the top-spec model.
Hyundai is known for its warranty coverage and is even better than many of its rivals.
Limited, powertrain, battery, and complimentary maintenance coverage are provided.
Overall, the Hyundai Kona Electric is a fantastic electric vehicle, and, like other electric cars, it does not have a catalytic converter.
It is undoubtedly an optimal option for EV lovers who would not have to deal with catalytic converters.
4. Tesla Model 3
Being an electric fastback sedan, the Tesla Model 3 is officially categorized as a compact executive car.
The Model 3 attains a nearly silent, smooth speed with its electric motor. It makes about 184 horsepower and 177 lb-ft torque.
Its 1-speed direct drive transmission and rear-wheel drive setup make the car race from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
It holds its battery beneath the floor for a low center of gravity, which helps the car for a crisp direction change.
The steering is precise and nicely weighted, with three settings to adjust the steering exertion.
Interestingly, its 80.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides a mileage capacity of 315 miles for a full charge. Several options are available for charging.
The fast-charging stations, adapters for public charging, 120- and 240-volt outlets, and the home-charging station are provided.
Fuel economy is rated at 120 MPGe for city drive and 112 MPGe for highway drive.
On the inside, it is simple, with everything being controlled by a touchscreen present in the middle of the dashboard.
Its low, flat floor gives out an airy and spacious feel.
The front seats are comfortable and supported, while the back seats are cramped.
Using the 60/40 split-folding technique, the back seats can expand significantly into the trunk.
Seats also fold flat into the cargo floor for carrying more oversized items.
15 suitcases can be fitted with the back seats folded. There are also well-sized containers and cubbies all over the cabin.
Moving on, navigation, USB connectivity, and Bluetooth are standard on the infotainment system. Oddly SiriusXM satellite or AM radio is not available.
Entertainment options such as Netflix, arcade games, and YouTube are available on its central display,
The safety features provided are one of the best sets in the industry.
Automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, autopilot semi-autonomous driving system, and lane-departure warning are standard on all models.
Tesla’s Model 3 is a moving car perfect for anyone looking to move forward from a gas-powered and catalytic converter vehicle.
5. Mini Electric Hardtop (Cooper SE)
An electric alternative to the regular Cooper, this Cooper SE is gas-powered.
The Electric Hardtop is known for its affordability in the electric vehicles category in the market.
It comes with an electric motor that produces 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.
The car races 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is relatively faster than other EVs.
A single-speed direct-drive transmission and front-wheel drive setup make it an impressive drive.
Coming to its battery, it has a 28.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which provides a driving mileage of 110 miles on a complete charge.
It takes only 35 minutes to fast charge from 0 to 80 percent.
For home charging, you can use a 7.4 kilowatts charger to recharge the battery in 4 hours.
Fuel economy is rated at 115 MPGe for city drive and 100 MPGe for highway drive.
On the inside, the cabin features a digital gauge cluster with all the details of the battery and motor.
As guessed, the rear seats do not offer more space and cargo space.
A few interior features include double-zone temperature control, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad.
A new heat-pump technique utilizes less than 75% of the energy when heating the cabin.
The infotainment system has an 8.8-inch touchscreen, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and built-in navigation. It is paired with a Harman Kardon sound system.
Another exciting feature of the car is its patented smartphone app that allows the owners to warm or cool the cabin to their preferred temperature before climbing aboard.
Regarding the standard safety feature, forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning are present.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers, self-parking assist, pedestrian detection, and automatic headlights are also integrated.
Being an EV, the Electric hardtop (Cooper SE) has no catalytic converter.
With its great handling, top-tier technology, and excellent cabin, the Mini Electric Cooper SE is a fantastic and reasonable choice.
6. Audi E-Tron
The brand “Audi” shouts luxury, and the Audi E-Tron is no different.
This sports one is electrical that accomplishes everything you would anticipate from a classic Audi.
It comes with two electric motors, one on the front and the other on the back axle.
Together they supply power for an all-wheel drive setup with a two single-speed direct drive transmission.
When combined, they make 355 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque. This makes the e-Tron fast and composed.
Looking at its battery pack, it has a driving range of 218 miles for a full charge.
All models have a 150-kW fast charger that enables a refill from 0 to 80 percent in 30 minutes.
A 240-volt outlet can also fully charge the battery in 9 hours.
Fuel economy is rated at 76 MPGe for city drive and 78 MPGe for highway drive.
The cabin is done with outstanding technology and is practical.
Its dashboard is filled with a high-resolution digital gauge cluster.
A few interior features include a head-up display, four-zone temperature control, massaging front seats, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery.
Thanks to its nicely packed underfloor battery, that provides a huge space to the cargo area, estimated at 29 cubic feet.
With the rear row seats folded flat, it increases to 57 cubic feet.
Moving on, the infotainment system has dual touchscreens, an upper 10.1-inch display and a lower 8.8-inch.
The upper screen can access Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The lower screen is used for managing the temperature settings.
A few power points, a wireless charger pad, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are optional.
Regarding the standard safety features, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and self-parking assistance are standard.
Forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert are also present.
The Audi E-Tron has no catalytic converters and has zero possibility of pollution and getting into crisis with the EPA.
But it’s great things do not end here as the capability to tow around 4000 pounds is a classic SUV characteristic despite being an EV.
Conclusion
So here is the list of all the cars that do not come with a catalytic converter.
All cars mentioned on the list are eEVS that are not fueled by gasoline or diesel.
I hope you have learned more about the catalytic converter and all the cars that come without a catalytic converter.
