The electric revolution is here
Despite a pandemic creating massive supply chain issues in the automotive manufacturing sector, 2021 introduced us to a host of mass-produced electric vehicles.
And not just from niche manufacturers like Tesla, Polestar or Rivian. With nameplates like Taycan and Mustang, the world’s largest manufacturers began their transition to selling primarily electric vehicles.
Indeed, last year EVs saw major growth in the world’s largest automotive markets with sales increasing by 160 per cent in the first half of 2021 — that’s 2.6 million units, or 26 per cent of new sales in the global automotive market.
But if 2021 was the year which truly introduced the idea of the mass adoption of electric cars into the mainstream consciousness, 2022 will be the year which normalizes that idea. 2022 will likely be the year which permanently settles the debate surrounding which power source will dominate personal transportation in the immediate future.
In total there are roughly 50 electric vehicles from both major manufacturers like Kia, Volkswagen, Ford, Stellantis and GM, as well as newcomers like Byton, Canoo and of course, Tesla planned for release between 2022 and 2023.
Genesis, Hyundai and Kia are releasing eight EV models this year alone. Lincoln will have its first electric vehicle. As well as Lexus. There’s even an electric Jeep Wrangler on the way.
Granted, most of these upcoming EVs are eye-wateringly dull crossover SUVs and economy cars. Luckily, however there are some very interesting EVs to be excited about in 2022.
Audi A6 e-Tron
While technically only a concept for the time being, there’s little to threaten the idea that Audi won’t shift the A6 e-Tron into production this year, sharing major components with the Porsche Taycan and being sold alongside the gas-powered A6.
In concept form, the A6 e-tron concept uses two electric motors to create a combined output of 469 horsepower — again, the same setup as the entry-level Taycan.
Also expected this year from Audi are the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron SUVs.
BMW i4
An electric 4-series is big news for BMW. This isn’t some experimental, niche model they’re introducing as a stand alone product like the iX or i3. This is an electrified version of their flagship product — the very face (oh, right THAT face) of the brand.
What’s perhaps most interesting is the i4 offers similar performance to the current gas-powered 4-series. As standard, expect a 335-hp electric motor propelling the i4 to 100 km/h in under six seconds and an 81.5-kWh battery pack, which the EPA estimates is good for around 480 km of range. Oh, and the i4 also comes standard in rear-wheel drive. So all is not lost.
You can order your i4 from BMW now. Same goes for the iX SUV. Both are expected to arrive this year.
However, you’ll have to wait a little longer for the i7 from BMW.
Cadillac Lyriq
As a final insult to boomers and automotive traditionalists, the first electric Cadillac will soon be upon us. It will be an SUV, and it has to be said, it does look quite handsome — if not entirely modern looking. Cadillac says the Lyriq will be on a unique EV platform — so this one won’t be a straight EV alternative to the Escalade, built on the same EV platform as the Silverado and Hummer. Likely, the Lyriq will compete against small SUVs such as the Jaguar I-Pace.
According to Cadillac, both a single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive variant will be offered, with a driving range of more than 480 km.
Also coming down the pipe is the Cadillac Celestiq, which is theorized to be the new flagship SUV, sharing technologies with the Hummer EV.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
Chevys has promised 30 upcoming EV offerings, including the Blazer, Equinox and Silverado which will likely be realized as 2023 model years and may only be available the same year.
All the same, the Silverado is definitely the most noteworthy of the upcoming EV Chevys this year.
GM’s Ultium battery pack is promised to offer 640 km on a single charge. And while the Silverado EV will be offered in a variety of trims, perhaps most note-worthy are the fully loaded RST models with 664 horsepower. Surely enough power to make any EV holdout a believer.
The Silverado’s twin, the GMC Sierra, will also be receiving an EV variant.
Ford F150 Lightning
Ford will also be releasing an Explorer EV for the 2023 model year, but there is perhaps no more noteworthy EV in 2022 than the one based on the world’s fastest selling vehicle — the F150 Lightning.
The headlines? An EPA-estimated goal of 370 km range for rear-drive trucks. 482 km for the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive models. 775 pound-feet of torque is available on both variants, and the dual-motor has a top horsepower rating of 563 hp. Ford estimates the truck can get to 100 km/h in the mid-4.0 second range. Which is hot sports car territory.
Dodge eMuscle
We don’t really know what Dodge has planned for their first “eMuscle” car. All we really know for sure is that the Scat Packs and Hellcats will be phased out for the 2024 model year, the released renderings of their concept “eMuscle car” look very much like a ‘68 – ‘70 Dodge Charger (including the return of the “Fratzog” logo) and the horsepower goal is likely somewhere around 1,000.
Yes, the Jeep Wrangler EV will almost definitely beat Dodge’s “eMuscle” to market. You probably won’t be able to buy whatever it is Dodge is working on this year. But come on, this is the one we’re all really looking forward to.
Mercedes-Benz EQG
Mercedes is expected to launch 5 EV models between 2022 and 2023 — including the EQE, a Tesla Model 3 competitor, and the EQA, a compact EV SUV.
But most interesting by far is the EQG — an electrified variant of the rap-video favorite, G-wagen (even though we’re expecting this one much more into 2023). While a concept debuted at the 2021 Munich auto show, we don’t know much more than that the EQG will have four-wheel drive, as thanks to a motor for each individual wheel.
Porsche Macan EV
It’s almost a wonder Porsche didn’t attempt an EV crossover first — like just about every other manufacturer did. Still, even without the runaway success of the Taycan, a Porsche EV crossover should have been assumed inevitable.
The Macan EV, like upcoming Audi EVs, will utilize the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). It will also presumably share the Taycan’s electric motors and battery packs.
Tesla Cybertruck (maybe?)
Oh, the Cybertruck. A theoretical 9,000 lb eyesore which some love to hate and others hate to love. Also, the subject of the most hilarious product reveal fail ever.
If Elon Musk was to be believed back in 2019, the Cybertruck will compete directly with the Ford F150 and start around $40,000. Apparently, 200,000 potential buyers put down deposits on the Cybertruck and production is supposed to start this year.
Time will tell if the Cybertruck goes over as well as Cyberpunk. But whether you’re excited to see it flop, or excited to get your own, it’s noteworthy nonetheless.
Tesla Roadster (big maybe)
This one we’re expecting more for the 2023 year, but at least we can look forward to learning more about the supposed 1.9 second to 100 km/h, physics-defying second generation Roadster from Tesla.
The Roadster is theorized to have an all-wheel-drive system and perhaps several electric motors that, along with a 200.0-kWh battery pack — which could theoretically produce a range of almost 1,000 km.
As with everything with Tesla, we’ll have to wait and see if the real thing lives up to the hype. But, if we’re talking about the same company who currently produces a humdrum sedan which just happens to be the world’s fastest accelerating car, it may be foolhardy to bet against the performance capabilities of their sports car efforts.
Keyword: 10 EVs to Get Excited About in 2022