If you’re looking for the newest and best EVs, you can spend a lot of time online, checking out websites, and probably still never get to see an EV you might be interested in. Because many of them are either a scarcity on car lots or entirely online!
So how is an interested EV buyer even supposed to know what’s out there? A great place to start is a car shows, preferably a major car show (thin LA, DC, New York, and Detroit, for example). And if you can’t get there, that’s what I’m for. I’ll go there! In fact, I just attended the latest New York International Auto Show, really just to catch up in the industry since we’ve all been hiding in our homes for two years.
What I found is that the world has gone electric! If you weren’t thinking about electric vehicles (EVs) before gas prices jumped the shark, you might be thinking about it now. And so are all the auto manufacturers. I never intended to cover just the EVs in New York but there were so many of them, I couldn’t ignore them. They even had the entire lower floor dedicated to an EV Test Track.
Here’s your primer on what’s hot in the EV market right now.
The Big Three Automakers Go EV
Admittedly, Ford, GM, and Chrysler (now Stellantis – a family of auto brands including Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, Fiat, and more) have been slow and sporadic to the EV space. While GM came in strong with early contenders like the Chevy Volt and Chevy Bolt, some would argue their electrification strategy was simply to offset their gas guzzlers. But even their gas guzzlers are going electric!
Ford F-150 Lightning
Officially launched end of April, the Ford F-150 Lightning has a starting price less than $40,000 (but you’re probably gonna go way up in price with all the options). Its standard configuration uses two electric motors offering all-wheel drive. Where it really shines is performance.
- Starts at $39,947
- 426 hp up to 563 hp
- 775 lb-ft torque (the most of any F-150 ever)
- Range 230 to 320 miles
- Capable of towing up to 10,000 lbs
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a clear Tesla competitor. And I didn’t really think it would qualify as a “real Mustang” until I drove it! It’s fast – doing 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds with the extended range battery and eAWD. But wait for the GT performance and that increases to 0 to 60 in just 3.5 seconds.
- Starts at $43,895
- 346 hp (eAWD)
- 428 lb-ft Torque (eAWD)
- Range 247 to 270 miles
Chevy Bolt EV
I first reviewed the Chevy Bolt back in 2017 when electric cars still felt like a novelty. The Bolt is still a solid contender and a great commuter car, especially with the one pedal driving. Note that it’s only available in front wheel drive.
- Starts at $31,500
- 200 hp
- 266 lb-ft torque
- Range 259 miles
Chevy Bolt EUV
Like the simplicity of the Chevy Bolt but need a little more room? Welcome to the Chevy Bolt EUV – an “electric utility vehicle.” Its style is a bit more rugged and offers more interior space and leg room. It’s also longer and heavier than the Bolt EV and is only available in front wheel drive.
- Starts at $33,500
- 200 hp
- 266 lb-ft torque
- Range 247 miles
Chevy Silverado EV
The eagerly anticipated electrified truck has a 2023 release date. It’s set to have a large battery providing up to a 400 mile range with dual electric motors giving standard all wheel drive. And it’s going to be fast. (0 to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds)
- Starts at $39,900
- 510 up to at least 664 hp
- 780 lb ft torque
- Range 400 miles
- Capable of towing up to 10,000 lbs
Chrysler Airflow (concept)
Although the Stellantis group (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram) hasn’t been a major player in the EV space, all brands have plans to release electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, aiming for 40% of their sales to be electrified by 2030. (Check out the Jeep Wrangler 4xe). Chrysler showed off a concept for the Airflow, “an intelligent battery electric vehicle that reinvents the user experience from the inside out. Because mobility is so much more than Point A to Point B.” As of right now, there is speculation that it could come to market in 2024 with a 2025 model
- Potentially up to 402 hp
- Range up to 400 mile
Japanese Automakers Dominate the EV Space
Nissan Ariya
Nissan has an ambitious electrification plan, aiming for 23 electrified models for Nissan and Infiniti, including 15 all-electric vehicles, by 2030. The Ariya is certainly going to move the needle. It’s low and wide design is reminiscent of the Murano and it is considered a crossover. Single or dual motors are available depending on your preference for speed and AWD and larger batteries are options as well. The Ariya is available in Fall of 2022 and deposits are being taken.
- Starts at $45,950
- 238 hp up to 349 hp
- 221 lb-ft torque
- Range up to 300 miles (with larger battery)
Toyota bZ4x
Toyota knows EVs, as they’ve been in the space for a long time and plan to have 30 battery-powered electric vehicles by 2030. The bZ4x is their latest offering, co-developed with Subaru. It will be available at US dealers by mid-2022 and i considered a small SUV.
- Starts at $42,000
- 201 to 215 hp
- 196 or 248 lb-ft torque
- Range up to 250 miles
Subaru Solterra
Subaru finally enters the EV space with a little help from Toyota, in this co-developed project (see above). But by the first half of 2030, Subaru promises that every single one of their vehicles will be electrified through their e-Subaru Global Platform. And don’t worry – with 8.3 inches of ground clearance and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, it’s still meant for Subaru ruggedness.
- Starts at $49,995
- 215 hp
- 249 lb-ft torque
- Range 220 miles
Korean Automakers See a Bright Future in EVs
Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai has made a strong showing with their all-electric SUV, the Kona Electric. But they intend to have 23 battery-electric vehicles by 2025.
- Starts at $34,000
- 201 hp
- 291 lb-ft torque
- Range 258 miles
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Part of the all-new, all-electric Ioniq subbrand, the Ioniq 5 was a hot car at the auto show. Not only was it constantly surround but it has its own designated driving track. With its smooth ride and stylized exterior, this could convert the Prius skeptics of 10 years ago. Available in single or dual motor, with an extended range battery.
- Starts at $44,000
- 225hp to 320 hp
- 258 to 446 lb ft torque
- Range 256 to 303 miles
Kia Niro EV
Sister brand Kia says that it plans to build 11 new electric vehicles by 2026 and an easy way to start that is with an existing platform like the Kia Niro. The Niro EV is considered a subcompact SUV that has new styling, a focus on recycled materials, and a more digital interior.
- Starts at $42,000
- 201 hp
- 291 lb-ft torque
- Range 253 miles
Kia EV6
This dedicated EV crossover is a game changer. It’s got amazing style and a range of options depending on your personal needs and wants. The Light trim gives you an entry level EV with excellent commutability while the upcoming GT (due in late 2022) will hit 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
- Starts at $40,900
- 167 hp up to 576 hp (GT)
- 258 to 446 lb ft torque
- Range up to 310 miles
Kia EV9 (concept)
Let’s say you like the idea of EVs but you just need more space. Kia hears you and presents the EV9 concept, offering 3rd row seating. Rumor has it that it’s more than a concept with estimated delivery planned for 2023.
- Similar to the planned Hyundai Ioniq 7
- Estimated range 300 miles
Enter the Other Worldly EVs – Germany, Vietnam, and Smaller Players
Volkswagen ID.4
No one wants to talk about the ID.Buzz more than I do. But what VW is pushing right now is the ID.4, a small electric SUV. Although a little slower in the EV space, Volkswagen plans to produce 22 million electric vehicles in next ten years.
- Starts at $41,230
- 201 hp to 295 hp
- 229 lb-ft torque
- Range 280 miles
Vinfast VF8
Never heard of Vinfast? Neither had I. It’s a startup focusing on EV and is part of Vingroup, a Vietnamese base automotive group. The VF8 and its larger sister VF9 are here to fill the large and functional SUV space loved by so many Americans. What’s cool about Vinfast is their differntiators: they have a battery subscription program which includes free battery replacement if battery capacity drops below 70%. And a $200 deposit on a VF8 translates to a $3,000 e‑Voucher towards the future purchase of your VinFast vehicle. Available in the second half of 2022.
- Starts around $41,000
- Up to 402 hp
- Up to 457 lb-ft torque
- Range 292 miles
Indi
Created in Los Angeles, California in 2017, INDI EV specializes in the design of the next generation of electric vehicles. They offer unique features like Vehicle Integrated Computer (VIC) capable of high-end gaming and give consumers the freedom to customize their vehicle in countless ways, like changing the sound of the horn or building a dog gate in the trunk.
- Starts at $45,000
- 475 hp
- Range 300 miles
See Something You Like?
This list doesn’t even cover all of the EVs on the market – only those in attendance at the New York International Auto Show. No Honda, Acura, Mazda, BMW, Mercedes, GMC, Cadillac, Volvo, and many more just weren’t there. So you may have to do a little more research on your own.
If you want to take a closer look at all of the above models, including a glimpse of the interior, check out my video tour os the newest and best EVs.
