The Eclectic Electric Car Market: 2022 & Beyond

Perhaps the most recognizable of the electric fleet segment, today’s electric vehicles are a far cry from the moonlander-like models that debuted not so long ago. Today’s electric cars are faster, sleeker, safer, and more connected than ever. But which one is right for you?

 

BMW i4

Range: 245+ miles                           Availability: 2022

On the heels of the recently discontinued i3 rolls the BMW i4, BMW’s flagship electric car. Manufactured in Munich but available in the U.S. in 2022, the i4 will be available in 4-door and hatchback versions with 245+ miles of range per charge. The i4 will feature two electric motors that generate 335 and 536 hp, depending on model, with a 0-60 mph speed under 6 seconds. In the U.S., the i4 should recharge quickly, making about 90 miles after 10 minutes of charging. The first round of available i4s is already sold out and should start making deliveries around June 2022. In December, BMW debuted a sedan version of its i3 in China, though it may never be available stateside due to poor sales of the previous version.

 

Chevrolet Bolt EV

Range: 259 miles                             Availability: 2022

The venerable Bolt is one of the most recognizable American electric vehicles on the road today. Though beset by electric battery fires, there's little doubt the Bolt is part of a broader electric future, though, and it's EPA-est. range of 259 miles on a full charge helps. Chevrolet also covers standard installation of a Level 2 charger at home, enabling new adopters peace-of-mind regarding range and versatility amid its 40,000 public charging stations across the country. The 2022 Bolt features 200 hp, seats five, hits 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and qualifies for most state rebates for electric vehicles. Recalls aside, the Bolt continues to earn high marks from reviewers.

 

Hyundai Genesis Electrified G80

Range: 260+ miles                           Availability: 2022

The 2022 Hyundai Genesis Electrified G80 is now available. Genesis is the luxury brand of Hyundai, and the G80 will be its flagship electric vehicle. The G80 reportedly nets over 260 miles on a standard charge and features fast-charging capability with a 22-minute refresh up to 80% battery capacity. It makes 0-60 mph in under 5.0 seconds on dual front and rear motors and makes 364 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Inside and out, the electrified version of the G80 is very similar to its gasoline-powered cousin. There are not many details available about the electrified version of the G80.

 

Lucid Air

Range: 520 miles                             Availability: 2022

The Lucid Air is one of the first electric luxury sedans to truly disrupt the U.S. market. It's the flagship model from startup Lucid Motors and boasts a whopping 520 miles of EPA-estimated all-electric range and up to 1,111 horsepower at the highest level (the base model makes 471 miles; not bad). The Air comes in five models; the entry level boasts a single electric motor, RWD, and 480 horsepower. The other four feature dual electric motors and AWD, and all promise a top speed of 168 miles per hour. The Air uses a 112.0-kWH battery with DC fast-charging capability, which can revamp up to 300 miles in 20 minutes. The Air boasts the largest frunk space—10 cubic feet—of any electric vehicle. New owners benefit from three years of complimentary charging at one of 635 Electrify America charging stations (VW, the parent company, plans over 1,800 stations/10,000 chargers by 2026). For now, the upper-level model Grand Touring and Dream edition cars are available, with the more modest versions shipping later in 2022.

 

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Range: 350+ miles                           Availability: 2022

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the first all-electric sedan available from the German automaker in the U.S. Poised as one of the flagship models of MB's electric future, the EQS comes in two powertrains (RWD and AWD) making 329 and 516 hp and 0-60 mph in 5.5 and 4.1 seconds, respectively, though as of September the automaker says only the larger version will be available in the U.S. Both models purport to make 350 miles on a single charge. Positive reviews abound for the lithium-ion battery-powered car, which can recharge to full capacity in approximately 11 hours on a 240-volt (Level 2) charger, and recharge about 70% of its battery in 35 minutes using a DC fast charger. Three trims levels are available. In the middle of next year, Mercedes-Benz also plans to release the more modest 2023 EQE, another all-electric luxury sedan, with estimates of a 300+ mile range and 288-hp debut with more to follow.

 

Mini Cooper SE

Range: 110 miles                             Availability: 2022

The not-so-mini-anymore Mini Cooper soldiers on, and the electric SE version is now available. A smaller battery pack means it makes just 110 miles on a full charge, but the Mini SE isn't made for cross-country adventuring. The SE is loaded with new styling and customization options, including a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen, heated steering wheel, and lane-departure warning system. The 32.6-kWH battery helps make 181 hp and 199 lb.-ft. of torque, and go-kart like handling accentuates its 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The battery offers 80% charging in 35 minutes on a fast-charging system and four hours on home AC at 7.4 kilowatts. Qualifying for the standard $7,500 tax credit, Mini has also promised a limited edition with more exclusive interior and exterior treatments.

 

Nissan Leaf

Range: 226 miles                             Availability: 2021

The Nissan Leaf was one of the first eco-friendly vehicles to come to market in 2010. More than a decade later, the market is wildly different, and the Leaf remains a steady option among a crowded EV segment. What it lacks in range it makes up for in value, with five battery sizes and ranges spanning 149-215 miles per charge. The Leaf features one-foot driving (though it has a brake pedal), decelerating when off the accelerator and feeding that lost energy back into the battery. The Leaf uses an older version of charger called the CHAdeMO for fast charging, which is less popular than newer CCS-style plugs. The Leaf is generally regarded as the cheapest conventional electric vehicle in the 2022 MY and garners a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

 

Polestar 2

Range: 233 miles                             Availability: 2022

The 2022 Polestar 2 is a fastback-bordering-on-crossover. Featuring either a dual-range motor for 249 miles, 408 hp, and 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, or a long-range single motor for 270 miles, 231 hp, and 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds, the Polestar 2 is a sleek offering from Volvo, its parent company, intended to compete with the best long-range electric cars in the market. Luxury abounds inside, with the upper trim options available in vegan and reconstructed wood. Polestar hopes to appeal to luxury fleets of six or more cars, qualifies for the U.S. $7,500 tax credit, and serves as an entry point to the US-manufactured Polestar 3 electric SUV, expected to begin production in 2022. The Polestar 2 is equipped with a 78-kW onboard charger and supports up to 150 kW of DC fast charging, which charges the vehicle to 80% capacity in about 40 minutes.

 

Porsche Taycan

Range: 227 miles                             Availability: 2022

If there's cutting-edge technology, Porsche is sure to have it, and the move toward electrification is no different. The 2022 Taycan is a luxury sedan that handles and feels like a top-of-the-line auto—in other words, like a Porsche. In its review, Car and Driver said, "Stomping the accelerator is like firing a missile," though the Taycan lacks the battery-regenerative braking function of other EVs. There are five models available that range in horsepower from 402 to 750, though that zip comes with a price—the Taycan's range is 199-227 miles, depending on the battery option. The 93.4 kWh battery can be charged to 80% in 23 minutes with a high-voltage DC charger, and a more conventional 50-kW fast charger pushes the time to just over 90 minutes. It's a Porsche, so it's made for driving and not cargo, so space is limited, though a fifth rear middle seat is available.

 

Tesla Model 3

Range: 353 miles                             Availability: 2022

Not much is available on the 2022 Tesla Model 3; many early reports suggest Tesla is feeling the microchip and component shortage the same as everybody else, despite what the manufacturer says to the contrary. Tesla doesn't strictly observe vehicle model years, but prices are up and delivery times are longer (same as almost everyone else). The 3 should be available in single-motor, RWD at the base trim level as well as dual-motor AWD trims. Range varies from EPA-rated 267 and 353 miles from the 2021 version. Perhaps the best benefit of Tesla's base model is continued free access to its expansive network of fast-charging stations across the country.

 

Tesla Model S

Range: 412 miles                             Availability: 2022

The 2022 Tesla Model S remains a Tesla—sleek, connected, iconic in its own "helped forge the electric vehicle" way. Tesla's more luxurious sedan can reach up to 412 miles on a charge, and the highest model—the Plaid—can make 1,020 hp, putting it firmly in the supercar category. As one of the leaders in electric innovation, the Model S is one of the most efficient electric vehicles available. It features a large frunk and the rear cargo area also has a large underfloor storage space. The S features a large, dashboard-dominating infotainment control screen and a secondary gauge cluster and touchpad in the rear. It can make 0-60 mph in under 3.0 seconds and scores 5 stars on NHTSA crash test ratings.

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Originally posted on Automotive Fleet