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Cars, SUVs, and pickups, oh my! Here are the exciting new EVs to look forward to this year.
With the growing acceptance of electric vehicles and continued advances in tech and features, the future of EVs is exciting. Let’s have a look at the best electric models in 2022 to determine what they offer and how they compare to one another — or meet your criteria for a sweet new ride.
Drivers that prefer sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, and other types of cars have ample choice when it comes to deciding between the best electric cars in 2022.
MSRP: $40,690 for the standard base model (RWD) / $46,690 for the long-range model (dual-motor all-wheel drive)
EPA-estimated range: 267 miles for the base model / 334 for the long-range model
NHTSA safety rating: Five-star overall safety rating
Expected availability: June 2022 for the base model / March 2022 for the long-range model
The Tesla Model 3 was first introduced in 2016 as the automaker’s low-priced, high-volume EV offering. In 2020 alone, Tesla sold 206,500 Model 3s in the U.S., and in Q2 of 2021 became the first electric car to sell more than one million units globally. But what changes did Tesla make to the 2022 model over its previous iteration?
To start, Tesla changed the name of the standard base trim from Standard Range to Rear-Wheel Drive. The name change comes with improvements, too, with a new battery pack and improvements to the range of both the RWD and Long-Range trims.
Overall, the Tesla Model 3 is a solid contender for your first (or next) electric vehicle purchase. With each of its three trims targeting different drivers (including those looking for an EV with a longer range and better performance with its aptly named Performance trim), the Model 3 offers something for everyone.
MSRP: $31,000
EPA-estimated range: 259 miles
NHTSA safety rating: N/A (the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA)
Expected availability: Available now
The Chevrolet Bolt EV was first launched in 2017 as a compact hatchback EV with a 238-mile range. As one of the few electric vehicles on the market at the time — and following in the footsteps tire tracks of the hybrid Volt and fully-electric Spark EV — the Bolt had few competitors. But how has Chevy’s experience and headstart contributed to the Bolt’s newest iteration?
Though the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV has the same driving range as the 2021 model, it sells for $5,500 less. GM, which owns the Chevrolet brand, redesigned the interior of the car, increasing the infotainment display from 8.0 inches to 10.2. It also redesigned the interior to more closely resemble that of other Chevy models.
The Bolt also features one-pedal driving functionality. With a press of a button, drivers can shift to one-pedal driving mode, in which the car gradually comes to a stop as the driver’s foot eases off the accelerator. Braking in this way helps recharge the battery, potentially extending the Bolt’s range.
MSRP: $27,400 for the standard base S model
EPA-estimated range: 149 miles for the standard base S model
NHTSA safety rating: Five-star overall safety rating
Expected availability: Available now
The Nissan LEAF EV is the manufacturer’s technology flagship first made available in 2010. With an award-filled history, Nissan is adamant about using the LEAF to showcase its tech innovations while ensuring the vehicle is fun to drive.
One of the biggest changes is the addition of a CHAdeMO quick charger to the base LEAF trim (though CHAdeMO is likely a dying technology compared to CCS). Previously optional features have also been added as standard to the LEAF SV Plus trim, with the S Plus trim touting a larger battery range at the same starting price as the previous year’s base model.
As with the Chevy Bolt, the 2022 Nissan LEAF markets at a lower price point than the previous year’s model, potentially giving you a better bang for your buck without sacrificing any range — and with added features.
MSRP: $45,900 for the base long-range single motor model / $49,900 for the base long-range dual-motor model
EPA-estimated range: 265 miles for the base long-range single motor model / 249 miles for the base long-range dual-motor model
NHTSA safety rating: N/A
Expected availability: Available now
The Polestar 2 is the company’s first all-electric car, and a luxury hatchback to boot (or frunk). Moving away from the brand’s hybrid Polestar 1, the Polestar 2 aims to compete with the Tesla Model 3 in price and features.
Polestar — a Volvo brand with a history in racing — introduced the Polestar 2 in 2021. Having originally launched with a single dual-motor AWD model in 2021, the 2022 Polestar 2 comes in two trims: long-range single motor FWD and long-range dual-motor AWD. It’s also the first vehicle to make use of Google’s Android Automotive operating system, which gives car occupants full control over the vehicle’s features — and even install apps from the Play Store.
Additionally, the 2022 Polestar 2 has 6.9% increased range over its predecessor. And with over-the-air updates to improve performance, it’s easy to see why the 2022 Polestar 2 is a viable and competitive alternative to other EVs in its class.
MSRP: $82,700 for the standard base Sedan
EPA-estimated range: 200 miles / 225 miles with Performance Battery Plus
NHTSA safety rating: N/A
Expected availability: Available now
The all-electric Porsche Taycan was first released in 2019 and quickly outsold the brand’s flagship gas-powered 911. With a namesake originating from two Turkish terms roughly translating to “soul of a spirited young horse,” the 2022 Porsche Taycan should be the answer for drivers looking to get behind the wheel of an all-electric sports car.
The 2022 Taycan offers a wider variety of trims than last year’s model, particularly for those looking to get behind the wheel of an EV with supercar performance and specs. In addition, Porsche also updated the Taycan’s thermal management, charging, and infotainment system, which now includes Android Auto.
The 2022 Taycan also includes Remote Park Assist functionality, which lets a driver park their car via smartphone without requiring anyone behind the wheel. Those truly looking to make the EV sports car their own can take advantage of the Paint to Sample and Paint to Sample Plus options, which let Taycan owners choose from a variety of classic cult-favorite colors or another color of their choice, respectively.
In 2021, 55% of EVs in the global market were SUVs and crossovers. This gives eco-conscious drivers a growing variety of electric SUVs to choose from.
MSRP: $39,990 for the base EX trim
EPA-estimated range: 239 miles for the base EX trim
NHTSA safety rating: N/A (four-star overall safety rating for the 2021 Kia Niro Hybrid)
Expected availability: Available now
The Kia Niro EV first hit the market in 2019 as the electric version of its initial hybrid offering. The compact crossover seats five and allows for ample cargo space despite its relatively small size. And though it may not be the most exciting EV on the market, the 2022 Kia Niro EV offers improvements over last year’s iteration.
To start, a 10.25-inch dashboard touchscreen is included as standard on both trims, rather than being relegated to the costlier EX Premium trim as before. This improvement also includes a premium Harman Kadon sound system as standard, though the 2022 base model sells for slightly more than its predecessor.
Changes to the crossover’s styling include Kia’s new logo and badging, which is one of the more outright obvious differences compared to the 2021 model.
MSRP: $40,760 for the base Pro trim
EPA-estimated range: 250 miles for the base Pro trim
NHTSA safety rating: Five-star overall safety rating
Expected availability: Mid-2022
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is the second iteration of the brand’s compact crossover. To herald its new edition, the new model is produced domestically in the automaker’s Chattanooga, TN plant. This move helps reduce the MSRP of the latest model compared to that of its 2021 iteration.
The most significant change in the 2022 VW ID.4 over its 2021 model is a boost in horsepower in its AWD trims. Overall, given its recent addition to the Volkswagen product line, the 2022 ID.4 isn’t a massive upgrade from last year’s model, but it’s still a solid contender and an improvement over its first iteration.
MSRP: $34,000 for the standard SEL trim
EPA-estimated range: 258 miles
NHTSA safety rating: Five-star overall safety rating (for the gas-powered version)
Expected availability: Available now in select states
The 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric is an electric subcompact SUV similar in style and features as its gas-guzzling counterpart. The Kona shares many components and features with its Kia Niro cousin, though it’s a different enough EV to necessitate some thought if you’re in the market for a small electric SUV — in which case, the Kona is the smaller of the two.
But how’s the 2022 Kona different from last year’s model? To start, Hyundai eliminated the top Ultimate trim, leaving only the SEL and Limited models available to consumers. Though the battery pack, powertrain, and range remain the same in the 2022 model, Hyundai redesigned the SUV’s styling — both interior and exterior — to include a new grille, bumpers, head and tail lamps, seating materials, and a larger infotainment display.
MSRP: $43,895 for the base Select model
EPA-estimated range: 247 miles for the base Select model
NHTSA safety rating: N/A
Expected availability: February 2022 for the Select and California Route 1 trims / April 2022 for the Premium and GT trims
The Ford Mustang Mach-E was first introduced as an expansion of the automaker’s Mustang lineup. The electric crossover SUV was the first production vehicle tuned using Ford’s racing simulator, eventually snagging Car and Driver’s 2021 EV of the Year award. So how does the model’s second iteration stand up?
Ford updated the battery capacity of the Mustang Mach-E to, theoretically, extend the range (the EPA decided not to re-test the 2022 model). The changes to the 2022 Mach-E include an AWD option and the inclusion of a heated steering wheel and heated seats by default for the California Route 1 trim. Drivers also have different color options to choose from.
If you hope to keep a few extra bucks in your pocket, you may be in luck. The MSRP for the sporty GT edition dropped compared to 2021’s model, though it increased for both the Premium and California Route 1 trims.
MSRP: $70,000 for the base Explore Package trim
EPA-estimated range: 316 miles
NHTSA safety rating: N/A
Expected availability: 2022 (for Launch Edition trims; other models may be available as late as 2023)
The 2022 Rivian R1S is the startup manufacturer’s all-electric SUV entry. With seating for seven, the Rivian R1S is the only comparable competitor to the Tesla Model X, though it more closely resembles a classic SUV look compared to the latter’s coupe-like appearance.
Given that the R1S is one of Rivian’s first forays into the EV market (alongside its pickup EV option), it’s not yet broken in and proven like some of the other electric SUVs covered here. Still, the R1S promises exciting performance from its quad-motor powertrain, allowing for the capability of driving through more than three feet of water, rock-crawling at a 100% grade, and towing up to 7,700-pounds — all while going from 0 to 60 in three seconds.
Pickup trucks were the best-selling and most refinanced vehicles in 2020, highlighting the importance and popularity of the vehicle in the U.S. But, until now (and except for the highly memeable Tesla Cybertruck), the electric pickup market remained unfortunately bare.
MSRP: $67,500 for the base Explore Package trim
EPA-estimated range: 314 miles with the large pack / 400+ miles with the Max pack
NHTSA safety rating: N/A
Expected availability: 2022 (potentially earlier than the R1S delivery window)
The 2022 Rivian R1T is the pickup version of the automaker’s SUV and the first electric pickup to enter production. To that end, the R1T shares features and performance with the R1S, though it also edges ahead where it matters.
In addition to its promise of easily handling all terrain with its off-road mode, the R1T boasts 11,000-pound towing capability and a quad-motor powertrain. If you’re planning on testing that off-road capability, the R1T plans to keep you connected via onboard LTE and wifi connectivity. The truck bed itself provides access to two 120V outlets, with convenient storage in a “gear tunnel” positioned between the bed and cab — the latter of which offers seating for five, as well.
MSRP: $125,000
EPA-estimated range: 200 miles
NHTSA safety rating: N/A
Expected availability: 2022 or later
If the Tesla Cybertrunk epitomizes cyberpunk, the Bollinger B2 may do the same for dystopian. The 2022 Bollinger B2 electric pickup is longer than the startup’s electric SUV option, though that’s to be expected — and even celebrated — for a workhorse such as this.
The Bollinger B2 uses dual motors and puts out 614 horsepower. The four-passenger pickup sits at a weight class that exempts it from certain required safety regulations, such as airbags, which, ironically, fits its minimalist and utilitarian theme.
Still, with a 7,500-pound towing capacity and 5,001-pound payload capacity—including the ability to carry items up to 16 feet long inside a hollowed-out interior or partially in the cab by folding down its rear wall — the 2022 Bollinger B2 is a serious, if interesting, electric pickup to consider.
MSRP: Around $40,000 for the base entry-level trim
EPA-estimated range: 230 miles with the standard battery / 300 miles with the extended-range battery
NHTSA safety rating: N/A
Expected availability: Orders open in January 2022
The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle for more than 40 years, so it should be no surprise that it’s also Ford’s first electric pickup. As such, the automaker’s going all-out with the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, boasting of its 563 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque — the “most torque of any F-150 ever.”
Dual motors power the Lightning’s 4×4 system to target 0 to 60 in the mid-four-second range. And with the addition of independent rear suspension, drivers, passengers, and a payload of up to 2,000-pounds can experience a smooth ride regardless of road conditions or terrain. As for its towing capabilities, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has a maximum towing capacity of 10,000-pounds, making this an affordable — and impressive — electric pickup no matter your needs.
MSRP: $99,995 for the base EV3X trim
EPA-estimated range: 300 miles
NHTSA safety rating: N/A
Expected availability: Fall 2022
Though its first edition has already been released with reservations full for the foreseeable future, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV gives the once-controversial — and discontinued — model new and eco-friendly life. With an electric SUV variation planned for 2023, the five-seat Hummer electric pickup holds its ground in terms of features, functionality, and freedom.
The Hummer EV3X trim — the second-most expensive after the first edition — provides 830 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque, with as-yet-undisclosed towing and payload capacity. What sets the Hummer EV aside from other electric pickups may be its off-roading features, though: its crabwalk functionality lets the truck drive diagonally, and extract mode gives the truck up to six inches of extra lift to drive over obstacles or through water.
Electric vehicles offer something for everyone. They’re a tech advocate’s dream come true while assuaging the concerns of the eco-conscious (at least to an extent). And for the penny-pinchers among us, eliminating the cost of fuel is a gift that keeps on giving.
As automakers continue to embrace and innovate upon their electric vehicle offerings, the market is likely to grow even as the total cost of ownership of an EV drops. In short, the future of EVs — of all types and styles — is exciting.
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