The age of electrification is upon us. Once considered fringe or experimental, electric vehicles (EVs) are now entering the mainstream. Major automakers around the world have committed billions of dollars towards electrifying their fleets over the next decade.

This electric revolution is even reaching the pinnacle of the auto world - the luxury segment. High-end brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Porsche are all diving into EVs.

Here's a look at how luxury carmakers are embracing battery power and what it means for the future.

Going Green

One major driving force behind the push for electric vehicles is sustainability. As climate change continues to threaten the planet, governments and consumers want automakers to reduce emissions.

EVs have no direct exhaust emissions, which helps improve local air quality. Several countries have announced plans to phase out gasoline and diesel cars over the next 10-15 years.

Luxury brands don't want to be left behind this seismic shift. They are investing heavily in EVs to align with environmental priorities and regulations.

Some Most known Companies making EVs

Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler plans to electrify its entire portfolio by 2022.

The iconic S-Class sedan will have a plug-in hybrid version by 2020 and a fully-electric variant by 2023.

BMW is releasing 25 electrified models by 2023 - half of which will be fully electric.

Audi will offer 12 EV models by 2025, including e-tron versions of its core A4, A6, A7 and A8 vehicles.

Going green is good branding as luxury buyers increasingly value sustainability. Offering desirable high-end EVs enhances an automaker's eco-friendly image.

Performance and Technology

While helping the environment is important, luxury customers expect much more than just green credentials. They want performance, comfort, styling and technology.

The good news is electric drivetrains actually enable automakers to push boundaries in these areas.

EVs provide instant acceleration and smooth responsive power across all speeds. The near-silent operation enhances comfort and isolated ride feel.

Designers have more freedom to experiment thanks to the compact and flexible EV platform. The lack of an engine upfront creates opportunities for innovative exterior styling and interior space utilization.

Luxury EV makers are also packing their models with advanced technology and connectivity features.

Porsche offers a top-of-the-line electric vehicle

German sports car icon Porsche offers a top-of-the-line electric vehicle with its Taycan.

Developed from the ground up as an EV, the sleek and muscular Taycan has a range exceeding 200 miles and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds thanks to its high-performance battery pack.

The interior features digital touch displays and Porsche's latest infotainment. The Taycan proves EVs can be exotic, thrilling driver's cars - a key message for traditional performance-focused luxury brands.

New Choices

One obvious advantage of electric vehicles is the lack of tailpipe emissions provides greater freedom to designers and engineers.

Without traditional powertrain constraints, vehicle layouts can be completely reimagined. This allows luxury automakers to explore novel formats and choices beyond sedans and SUVs.

Jaguar has captured attention with the I-PACE, a sporty crossover with crisp handling and a refined interior.

Combining the best attributes of cars and SUVs, the I-PACE demonstrates the creativity enabled by EV architectures. Audi will also offer an "Icon of Progress" halo EV model rumored to have autonomous driving capabilities and radical styling.

The electric shift also creates opportunities for luxury brands to fill lower price points. While wealthy buyers will continue to opt for opulent flagship models, opening up entry-level choices allows brands to attract new demographics.

For example, Mercedes is planning a range of smaller electric cars, likely wearing its EQ technology sub-brand. Offering a portfolio of EVs covering diverse price ranges will help luxury automakers adapt in the electric age.

The Road Ahead

While Tesla pioneered the luxury EV segment, traditional high-end automakers are now fully joining the party.

For both business and environmental reasons, brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Porsche are charging ahead with major electric vehicle initiatives. This will transform the premium market over the coming decade.

For luxury buyers, the shift is providing exciting new sustainable options without compromising performance, styling or craftsmanship.

From sports cars to SUVs and sedans, electric choices are expanding. For the brands themselves, moving upscale helps accelerate EV adoption and build economies of scale to reduce costs.

The synergy goes both ways - EVs enable luxury marques to keep advancing automotive luxury.

The age of electrification has arrived. While the transition brings challenges, savvy luxury brands are responding with products that prove electric vehicles can attain new heights of premier motoring. The future looks bright - and highly energized - for this top echelon of the auto world.

Charging Infrastructure

One key challenge that still needs to be addressed is building out a robust public charging network. While most luxury EV owners will charge at home overnight, long distance travel requires fast and reliable charging stations along major routes.

Automakers are actively working with governments and energy companies to standardize connectors and expand high-powered charging corridors between cities.

Tesla has led the way with its proprietary Supercharger network, and now others are catching up. Ionity, a joint venture between BMW, Daimler, Ford and VW, plans to install 400 fast chargers across Europe by 2020.

In the US, Electrify America funded by Volkswagen emissions fines will install thousands of chargers over the next several years.

Convenient public charging will be essential to persuade customers to go electric, especially for those in urban areas without private parking.

New Technologies

As battery costs fall and energy densities rise, EVs are gaining practicality nearly on par with gasoline models.

However, automakers won't stop innovating to further improve the ownership experience. Solid state battery technology under development could significantly boost ranges while decreasing charging times.

Vehicle-to-grid systems may allow cars to store and supply power to homes and grids, creating new revenue streams. Advances in autonomous driving will integrate especially well with electric vehicles' sophisticated driving dynamics systems and lower maintenance needs.

Conclusion

Luxury carmakers are embracing electric vehicles, driven by sustainability, customer demand, and new possibilities. EVs offer performance, comfort, styling, and technology that align with luxury buyers' expectations.

The electric shift creates opportunities for luxury brands to fill lower price points, attract new demographics, and advance automotive luxury.

While challenges remain, such as charging infrastructure, automakers are innovating to further improve the EV ownership experience. The future looks bright for luxury EVs.