- More automakers than ever are introducing electric vehicle models. Not just Tesla – traditional brands as well.
- Fully electric vehicles are available in everything, from sedans and SUVs, to trucks, and even sports cars.
- The future is electric; multiple governments have already banned the sale of new gas-powered cars in the next decade or two.
The future of driving is almost certainly in electric vehicles. While EVs have been around for a while now, they are rapidly gaining momentum. Technology is getting better all the time, making EVs a realistic choice for many average drivers who used to worry about being stranded with a dead battery. On top of that, many jurisdictions have passed laws banning the sale of new gasoline vehicles after certain dates (the year 2030, for example).
Tesla may have led the electric car into a brave new world, but traditional automakers aren’t giving up their market share. These days you can buy everything from a budget sedan, pickup truck, or top-speed supercar – all running on battery power. Let’s take a look at the most prominent EVs (and hybrids) coming to market in 2021 and 2022.
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Type: Compact SUV
Starting Price: $55,085
Volvo is betting on EVs hard, and the XC40 Recharge is one of their most attractive offerings. It’s extremely similar in style and features to the gasoline powered XC40 – a popular SUV in its own rights – except for the all-electric powertrain.
A 75-kWh battery provides up to 402 horsepower. Even better, standard all-wheel drive is included. Volvo claims the XC40 Recharge can travel up to 200 miles on a single charge. That’s a bit lower than some competing long-range offerings, but it’s still a decent trade off for the power the XC40 Recharge provides.
Pros:
- High-tech luxury features
- A 0-to-60 mph time of just 4.7 seconds
- Capable of fast-charging
- Extremely safe, living up to Volvo’s reputation
Cons:
- Only 200 miles of range may see some buyers look elsewhere
- The gas model of the XC40 is much cheaper
2022 Volvo C40 Recharge
Type: Compact crossover SUV
Starting Price: $59,845
Although technically a different model, the Volvo C40 Recharge is very similar to the XC40 we just finished talking about. It’s basically the sportback version, with an identical powertrain. It has a slightly better range, at about 210 miles. It also costs a little bit more, which will get you some extra luxury features (but not more mileage or speed).
The C40 Recharge is currently available for pre-order for a deposit. However, production didn’t begin until the Fall of 2021. You won’t be able to get your hands on one until late 2021 at the very earliest. A 2022 arrival is much more likely.
Pros:
- This vehicle will integrate high-tech safety features
- High-level comfort and spaciousness
Cons:
- Higher priced than the XC40 Recharge with the same range
- Not actually available yet
2022 BMW i4
Type: Sedan
Starting Price: $56,395
For those not interested in an electric SUV, BMW is hoping you’ll fall in love with the new i4. It’s a big step up from their previous EV offering, the i3. This EV actually sports that iconic BMW styling that so many drivers have fallen in love with over the years. You wouldn’t even know it’s an EV unless you looked closer.
The i4 comes with standard rear-wheel drive and a 81.5 kWh battery. It can produce 335 horsepower and drive for roughly 300 miles on a single charge.
Pros:
- Much more stylish than BMW’s previous electric offerings
- Fast charging capabilities
Cons:
- The base model pales in comparison to the M-badged version – which is $67,000
- Might not win over Tesla enthusiasts
2022 BMW iX
Type: SUV
Starting Price: $84,194
Not even BMW can deny that SUVs are the hottest vehicles on the planet. Whether it’s soccer moms needing room for grocery runs and sports equipment, or young professionals who need the space to pack for a weekend getaway, it seems like everyone wants an SUV these days. So, if you’re in the market for a luxury all-electric SUV, the BMW iX is a great place to start.
Arriving sometime in 2022, the iX will feature an impressive 515 horsepower and 300 miles of range. And of course, it will include all the high-end bells and whistles that lure buyers to a premier brand like BMW.
Pros:
- Can potentially compete with the Tesla Model X
- A 0-to-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds
- Can drive 90 miles on just 10 minute of charging
Cons:
- That starting price will scare off the average buyer
- The sportier M-model is on the way, and will be even better – and much more expensive
2022 Volkswagen ID. Space Vizzion
Type: Wagon
Starting Price: $55,000 (Estimated)
Volkswagen is the world’s largest automaker, so it’s no surprise they are shifting heavily into EVs. When the ID.Space Vizzion made its debut as a concept car, it turned plenty of heads. It’s a fully electric station wagon with a 300-mile range scheduled to hit the U.S. marketplace sometime in 2022.
The Space Vizzion (we know, it’s a strange name) will be one of the first VW EVs to come to America. However, they have at least 25 more models planned using their EV architecture. This model looks sharp, is spacious, and features a Tesla-like 15.6 inch center touchscreen that controls everything.
Pros:
- One of the wagons available as an EV
- Aerodynamic design
- Incredibly spacious
Cons:
- Can wagons still compete against the more popular SUV segment?
- Could be delayed to 2023
2021 Mustang Mach-E
Type: SUV
Starting Price: $43,995
When it comes to putting the pedal to the floor and feeling the full power of those fossil fuels exploding, the Ford Mustang is a brand that does it extremely well. Which is why many felt it was strange that Ford was leveraging the Mustang name to sell a… *checks notes*… battery-powered SUV? No, that’s not a typo.
The Mustang Mach-E is directly competing with the Tesla Model X. It’s stylish, handsome, and – most importantly – featured the iconic pony logo on the front. It’s rated for about 305 miles of range, although that drops a bit if you opt for more performance like all-wheel drive.
Pros:
- Lower entry price than some competing models
- Iconic Mustang branding
- The EV motor provides impressive instant acceleration
Cons:
- It’s not really a Mustang though, is it?
- Top trim level sees price balloon to $66,000
2022 Cadillac Lyriq
Type: SUV
Starting Price: $59,995
Even classic luxury brands like Cadillac can’t ignore the electric revolution. This elongated SUV brings the old-school handsome appearance that Caddy is known for, while adding in a ton of modern-day features. Built on GM’s new scalable battery architecture, the Lyriq offers more than 300 miles on a single charge.
The most eye-catching feature is the 33-inch curved LED display that sits in the dashboard. It acts as both the instrument cluster and infotainment unit. It’s truly a sight to behold. For those who want even more comfort inside, a top-of-the-line Platinum version of the Lyriq will sell for about $90,000.
Pros:
- A beautiful and comfortable interior
- Plenty of upgrades available
Cons:
- All-wheel drive is not standard
- The Lyriq is Cadillac’s very first EV offering – will it be worth it?
- May be pushed to 2023
2022 GMC Hummer EV
Type: Truck
Starting Price: $79,995
It’s incredibly ironic that the Hummer – the poster boy vehicle for the wasteful gas-guzzling culture of previous generations – is being resurrected as an all-electric truck. Then again, GMC marketing knew exactly what it was doing when they announced the Hummer EV.
The Hummer EV will actually be available as both a large SUV and a modified pick-up. There are three different motor set-ups, providing a varying degree of speed, acceleration, and towing capacity. It features up to 1,000 horsepower, which can propel the Hummer EV from 0-to-60 in just 3.0 seconds flat. It also has an estimated range of 350 miles per charge.
Pros:
- Maybe the coolest vehicle on this list
- The Hummer brand is back!
Cons:
- Top-tier trimlines will easily break six-figures
2022 Porsche Taycan
Type: Performance Sports Car
Starting Price: $84,050
The all-EV Porsche Taycan is one of the most fun cars to drive – electric or not. The battery-powered motor provides an insane acceleration that makes it feel like you’re racing around in a super-powered go-kart. The motor generates at least 522 horsepower (and up to 750 hp on higher priced trimlines). It hits 60 mph in 2.4 seconds. And if you’re more into cruising down the highway than tearing up the test track, the Taycan has a range of about 200 miles per charge.
With multiple configurations, there’s a Taycan for everyone. The good news is that the base version is less than a hundred-grand. The bad news is that the best version of the Taycan – the Turbo S model – is almost $200,000. Still, every expert who’s driven this performance EV says it’s an absolute blast to drive.
Pros:
- A true Porsche driving experience
- Relatively cheap entry price (for a Porsche, anyway)
Cons:
- Range is much lower than the Tesla Model S
- Not bursting with advanced safety features
- The best-equipped models are much more expensive
2022 Tesla Roadster
Type: Performance Sports Car
Starting Price: $200,000
The original Tesla Roadster helped usher in a new era of EVs. Its performance and style made people realize that electric cars didn’t need to look nerdy or lame. You could finally drive a bonafide hot car without needing to fill it up at the pumps.
Tesla recently announced a second generation of the beloved Roadster, due sometime in 2022. They claim it has a top speed of 250 mph and a 0-to-60 mph time of just 1.9 seconds. It will probably have all-wheel drive and have two (or even three) battery packs that combine for an incredible 620 miles of range. Unfortunately, the starting price isn’t cheap.
Pros:
- Incredible performance and range
- A drop-dead gorgeous sports car
Cons:
- Very expensive
Tesla Cybertruck
Type: Truck
Starting Price: $39,000
Tesla really shocked the world when it unveiled the Cybertruck. While an electric pick-up truck was always on the table, the Cybertruck looked like a cross between an alien spaceship and something out of a Mad Max movie. Opinions were varied, to say the least.
However, the stainless-steel Tesla truck has grown on us since that first unveiling. It can tow up to 14,000 pounds and has a driving range of 500 miles at the highest trim levels. Even the $40,000 base model will attract a lot of interested buyers, since the EV truck market is still relatively thin (though set to expand quickly).
Pros:
- Low starting price will appeal to many truck enthusiasts
- Tesla claims the exterior is bulletproof. Experts are waiting to confirm.
- Lots of storage space and configuration options
Cons:
- Unconventional design may not appeal to everyone
- Could be delayed until 2023
Rivian R1T and Rivian R1S
Type: Truck and SUV
Starting: Price: $67,000 and $72,500
We’re lumping these two together. Electric vehicle startup Rivian is coming to market with two models – the R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV. They are both built on the same platform, making them very similar in terms of performance. Depending on the exact model you want, they can drive for up to 400 miles on a single charge.
The main difference between the two (beside the truck bed) is the towing difference. The SUV can only tow 7,700 pounds, while the truck can tow up to 11,000. The R1T is expected to start making deliveries in late 2021, but the R1s won’t be available until 2022.
Pros:
- Various trimlines to accommodate all needs and price points
- Rugged appearance, with standard all-wheel drive
Cons:
- Starting price of around $70,000 is more than other EV trucks
- Brand new company and product without a solid reputation (yet)
2021 Nissan Ariya
Type: Crossover SUV
Starting Price: $40,000
Nissan was an early pioneer of EVs, with the Leaf being one of the first electric vehicles to be considered an overall success. Now they are investing in a new generation of EV technology, with the 2022 Ariya SUV. It offers up to 300 miles of range, plenty of interior space, and a starting price that makes it a great choice for families.
The Ariya doesn’t focus on high speed like a Tesla does. Or towing capacity like Rivian or the Hummer. Instead, it’s trying to appeal to environmentally conscious suburbanites who like the idea of buying an EV, but not the additional costs.
Pros:
- Offers 389 horsepower
- Features ProPilot 2.0, Nisssan’s semi-autonomous driving system
Cons:
- The longer range model costs extra
- Not as stylish as the Tesla Model X or the Mach-E
2022 Ford F150 Lightning
Type: Truck
Starting Price: $42,000 (estimated)
The gas-powered F-150 has been the best selling truck in North America for years. Ford’s most recognizable vehicle can be found on both suburban driveways and work sites all over the country. In 2022, an all-electric version will join the lineup.
Featuring two different battery packs, the F-150 Lightning (get it, it’s electric?) will have a range of 230 or 300 miles, depending on rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Ford claims their new EV truck will generate 563 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. It can also two up to 10,000 pounds, when probably equipped.
Pros:
- Great starting price
- America’s best-selling truck is finally electric
- Can go from 0-to-60 mph in about four seconds
Cons:
- May not match the towing capacity of the Cybertruck
- Maximum range of 300 miles
2022 Audi Q4 e-tron (and e-tron Sportback)
Type: Crossover SUV
Starting Price: $45,000 (estimated)
Audi’s offerings in the electric SUV space are the Q4 e-tron and the Sportback version of the same vehicle. Similar in size to their gas-powered Q5 crossover, the Q4 features a couple different motor configurations. The base motor provides 201 horsepower, while the upgraded dual motor gives 295 horsepower.
You can get up to 250 miles of driving range, depending on the exact model. On top of that, you get the luxury Audi craftsmanship that makes them a leading automotive brand. The interior is full of tech features and other cool gadgets. There’s also a full range of driver-assist and advanced safety features.
Pros:
- Great starting price for a luxury SUV
- The top model is only $10,000 more than the base model
Cons:
- The Q5 seats five, but adults in the backseat may feel cramped
- Less cargo space than competing electric SUVs
2022 Kia EV6
Type: Compact Crossover SUV
Starting Price: $45,000 (estimated)
The EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle. It’s built on the same E-GMP platform that will be the basis of a whole lineup of KIA EVs in the coming years. For now, though, the EV6 will be Kia’s premier electric offering.
It features a driving range of 300 miles and a variety of configurations. Between battery size and all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, the EV6 will generate anywhere between 167 and 576 horsepower. It can go 0-to-60 in 3.5 seconds. So while it may not look like a performance car, it can certainly perform like one if you equip it properly.
Pros:
- A standard package of driver-assist technology
- Able to accept over-the-air software updates
- Back seat space is generous
Cons:
- Not as big as an SUV
- Wagon-like design may not appeal to those wanting a sportier EV sedan
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Type: Compact Crossover SUV
Starting Price: $45,000 (estimated)
If you don’t like the look of the Kia EV6, perhaps the Ioniq 5 will appeal to you. It also rides on the E-GMP platform. It also has a single- or dual-motor configuration options, although the horsepower only ranges from 225 to 320.
The Ioniq 5 is expected to be available sometime in the Winter of 2022. Hyundai promises that quick charging will allow the Ioniq 5 to go from 10-percent to 80-percent charged in just 18 minutes.
Pros:
- The Ioniq 5 features Level 2 autonomous driving, similar to GM’s Super Cruise feature
- Competitively priced, even at higher trimlines
- Hyundai has one of the best warranties in the auto industry
Cons:
- Not as powerful as the Kia EV6
- A longer-range model would have been a nice addition
2022 Lucid Air
Type: Luxury Sedan
Starting Price: $77,400
Lucid started as a battery technology company in 2007. Somewhere along the line, they figured they should just go ahead and build the whole car, instead of only providing the batteries. Thus, the Lucid Air was announced. After raising a ton of capital and building their own production facility in Arizona, the Air is scheduled to hit the public sometime in 2022.
This stylish luxury sedan wants to compete directly with Tesla. It boasts 480 horsepower and a whopping 406 miles of range. Lucid also promises over-the-air updates (like Tesla) and self-driving software (like Tesla!). For those with the extra bucks, the top-trim Lucid Air Dream Edition actually gets closer to 500 miles per charge and generates 1,111 horsepower!
Pros:
- Could finally be a true alternative to those who despise Tesla (or its CEO, Elon Musk)
- A handsome and refined interior, packed with technology
Cons:
- Only 30,000 units per year are planned at first
- Moving up from the base model gets very expensive
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS
Type: Luxury Sedan
Starting Price: $96,000
Mercedes can’t let Tesla and Lucid have all the fun. They’ve announced they’re also coming to the luxury EV sedan party, with the upcoming EQS model. On the outside, it’s classy, but understated, as all Benz models tend to be. It really shines inside (and under the hood) though.
The EQS will feature Mercedes’ new Hyperscreen dashboard. It’s a 56-inch touchscreen that spans the width of the entire vehicle. It includes the instrument cluster, the infotainment system, and then an auxiliary screen in front of the passenger seat. It even incorporates the front heating/cooling vents. In short, the Hyperscreen is a sight to behold.
Under the hood, the EQS is offered in two different motors – a 329 horsepower rear-wheel drive version or a 516 hp all-wheel drive model. The 107.8 kWh battery promises to provide a little more than 300 miles of driving per charge (although Mercedes itself suggests it could top 400 miles).
Pros:
- Mercedes first fully electric offering in the U.S.
- Packed with expected Mercedes luxury features
Cons:
- Only two trims to choose from
- A lot of a la carte upgrades drive up the price
2022 Subaru Solterra
Type: Crossover SUV
Starting Price: $37,000
We actually don’t know a lot about the Solterra yet, other than that it’s on the way. Promo photos from Subaru keep the car darkly shaded, obscuring any real details. What we do know, however, is that it will be another crossover SUV with a fully electric powertrain.
We don’t have any numbers on battery size or driving range. However, given Subaru’s reputation, we expect the Solterra to come with standard all-wheel drive and enough durability to handle more than just smooth asphalt surfaces. If they can keep the price below $40,000, the Solterra has an excellent chance of snatching up some EV market share.
Pros:
- Will likely have Subaru’s world-class handling and traction systems
- Competitively priced in the EV SUV segment
Cons:
- Not a lot of hard details have been announced yet
- Subuaru are a bit late to the party when it comes to EVs