Update: ‘Lotus Eletre,’ ‘Smart #1,’ ‘Mercedes EQS SUV,’ ‘Subaru Solterra,’ ’VW ID.5,’ and ‘Xpeng G9’ updated and ‘Li Auto L9’ and ‘VW Aero’ added.
The auto industry is undergoing a paradigm shift due to the carbon neutrality goals in North America, Europe, and China, and top automakers are preparing a massive ZEV onslaught to bring down their average emissions. 2022 will be the year with the highest number of new electric car concepts, world premieres, and market launches. More than 60 production EVs are debuting or launching for customers this year, and unsurprisingly most are SUVs. Many of the new electric cars 2022 will see debuting and/or coming to the showrooms will be models designed from the outset to run solely on electric power.
We have listed many models that have been unveiled recently as either they haven’t been shown in regional specifications (launched only in the home or limited markets) or they aren’t physically available yet in most countries. Detailed information on each upcoming electric car or electric pickup truck can be found in the links placed in the descriptions.
Aiways U6
The Aiways U6, the Chinese brand’s second EV, will be an SUV coupe. Positioned above the U5 SUV, it will be 4,805 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, and 1,641 mm tall, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase.
The U6 will reportedly be available with an ‘AP4000’ electric motor that generates 160 kW (214 hp) and 315 Nm (232 lb.-ft.). Developed indigenously, this motor will allow accelerating from 0-62 mph in less than seven seconds. Reports say that the range of the U6 will be 650 km (404 miles). The electric SUV coupe will have a top speed of 160 km/h. The U6 will likely go on sale in China in the coming months, and in Europe in the second half of the year. European markets may get it as a lease-only model.
New Audi e-tron
The 2022 Audi e-tron is more than a facelift if reports are to be believed. Expect it in showrooms in H2 2022. Image Source: Instagram/f.s_carspotting
The Audi e-tron, which broke cover three years ago in September 2018, will receive its mid-life facelift in 2022. New batteries, energy-saving motors, and enhanced recuperation will likely increase its range to around 600 km or 373 miles on the WLTP test cycle. It is rumored that the car could take the name Audi Q8 e-tron.
New Audi e-tron Sportback
Audi recently conducted winter testing of the new e-tron Sportback S at KALT 1, the secret winter testing facility of Volkswagen Group in Sweden. Image Source: Audi
The Audi e-tron Sportback will get its facelift along with the Audi e-tron. It will receive the same technical updates, and its WLTP range will likely increase to more than 600 km/373 miles.
Audi Urbansphere concept
The Urbansphere should be the North Star for the design and styling of future Audi electric SUVs. Image: Audi
The Audi Urbansphere concept will be the third and final model of the “sphere” show cars the company announced in July 2021. The Urbansphere concept will preview a new Audi electric SUV arriving in the mid-2020s. It may have dramatic proportions, futuristic light elements, highly advanced aero measures, and a highly comfort-focused interior designed for the Level 4 autonomous driving era.
Audi Q5 e-tron
The Q5 e-tron, arriving on the market this year, is aggressively priced and has three-row seating, but it is clearly a China-only exercise at this time. Image: Audi
The Audi Q5 e-tron is the brand’s latest attack on the Tesla Model Y. The mid-size electric SUV is developed as a luxury equivalent of Volkswagen ID.6 on the same MEB platform. Unlike the MLB-evo-based e-tron, the Q5 e-tron offers three-row seating in a 2+3+2 or 2+2+2 layout. Packing an 83.4 kWh battery pack, the first-ever Audi-badged three-row EV provides a CLTC range of 560 km (348 miles). Prices start at just CNY 400,000 (USD 62,981), which makes it more affordable than the e-tron that costs CNY 546,800 (USD 86,095) onwards. There’s no plan to launch the Q5 e-tron in the U.S. or in Europe.
BMW 3 Series Electric (BMW i3)
The first-ever pure electric BMW 3 Series (BMW i3) will debut in the first half of the year. Expect a BMW 3 Series eDrive 35 L with a rear-mounted motor generating 250 kW (340 PS/335 hp) and 410 Nm of torque. A 70.27 kWh battery pack will likely be the energy source and provide an NEDC range of 526 km or 327 miles. The first-ever 3 Series EV, a simple conversion, will likely be a China-only model, and global markets would get a 3 Series EV in the eighth generation around 2025 that will have the looks, interior, and specs to challenge the Tesla Model 3. You can read our article on the BMW Die Neue Klasse to learn more about the BMW’s future capabilities.
According to a report from autohome.com.cn, the new i3 could start reaching dealers by June 2022.
BMW i7
The BMW i7 will feature an unusually large kidney grille with an illuminated surround and split headlamps with the upper light elements made of crystal glass. Image Source: YouTube/BMW Group
BMW Group’s biggest EV debut this year will be the BMW i7, the pure electric sibling of the next-gen BMW 7 Series. The full-size electric sedan will compete with the Mercedes EQS and the Tesla Model S.
On March 16, 2022, the Media Day of the BMW Group Annual Conference 2022, BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse said that the i7 will be the most powerful variant of the next-gen BMW 7 Series family, which the company will unveil on April 20, 2022. BMW Group CFO Dr Nicolas Peter added that the i7 world premiere will be held in the same month.
Meanwhile BMW Group R&D chief Frank Weber revealed two key specifications of the i7. Weber said that the i7 “is driven by a unique BMW electric drivetrain with more than 600 electric horsepower.” In a follow-up press release, BMW Group stated a WLTP range of 580-610 km (360-379 miles) with an energy consumption rating of 19.7-18.9 kWh/100 km and an EPA-estimated range of 305 miles for the i7. These were targeted figures, not the official numbers released by the respective test agencies.
The i7 will make its presence felt from half a mile away with an unusually large kidney grille. BMW Group is not a fan of full-width light strips, but it has used an illuminated surround on the kidney grille. Split headlights will flank this grille, and their upper light elements will be made of crystal glass.
Inside, the i7 will flaunt a headline-making feature called BMW Interaction Bar, a light and function strip on the dashboard and door panels. A part of the car’s ambient lighting, the BMW Interaction Bar features integrated control buttons and provides visual and haptic feedback. A 31-inch ultra-wide screen with a 32:9 panoramic display format and 8K streaming resolution will make the i7 the car with the ultimate rear-seat entertainment system. Another highlight of the interior will be a newly developed panoramic glass roof called Sky Lounge.
BMW iX M60
The BMW iX M60 is not a new model technically, just another variant of the BMW iX. However, being the first BMW M model designed as an EV from the outset, it’ll be a significant launch deserving to be on our list. The iX M60 sports two motors generating 532 hp and 749 lb.-ft. of torque. Engaging the Sport mode boosts the power to 610 hp for ten seconds, while Launch Control allows temporarily increasing the torque to 811 lb.-ft.
The iX M60 takes only 3.6 seconds to speed up to 60 mph from a standstill. That makes it 0.8 seconds quicker than the iX xDrive50. While the iX xDrive50 tops out at 124 mph, the iX M60 can attain a significantly higher top speed of 155 mph. It uses the same 106.3 kWh battery pack, but while the iX xDrive50 can deliver a range of up to 324 miles, it runs out of juice at 280 miles. Do note that both these range figures are preliminary EPA estimates, and final EPA numbers are pending.
The BMW iX features a BMW M-modified dual-axle air suspension, M Sport brakes with blue calipers, and uniquely designed 22-inch wheels in a special Titanium Bronze finish. However, the 22-inch wheels are optional; as standard, the iX M60 comes with 21-inch wheels. Inside, iX M60 customers feel more excited about the drive, thanks to a pulsating motion in the seat surfaces and a corresponding display on the BMW Curved Display, plus a specially developed drive sound.
The iX M60 will hit the U.S. market this June with a USD 105,100 MSRP (excl. USD 995 destination and handling).
BMW iX1
The BMW iX1 would become the cheapest BMW electric car later this year, following the discontinuation of the i3 in the summer. Image Source: YouTube/BMW Group
The next-gen X1 will be available as a pure electric vehicle. The all-electric variant, BMW iX1, will serve as an indirect successor to the i3, the production of which will stop in July 2022. Reports speak of two iX1 variants: iX1 eDrive20 FWD and iX1 eDrive30 AWD. The base variant may have a single motor producing less than 200 hp, and the top-end variant will likely have two motors delivering a combined power of around 250 hp.
Zipse announced at the Media Day of the BMW Group Annual Conference 2022 that the BMW iX1 will debut at the end of the year. He also revealed a sketch of the upcoming electric SUV’s front-end. The iX1 will give a powerful impression with sharp twin-eyed headlights, a wide and angular kidney grille, and large, C-shaped edgy side air inlets. With production rumored to begin in November 2022, expect the sales launch in early 2023.
BYD Seal
The BYD Seal is the second model under the brand’s Ocean series following the BYD Dolphin. It’ll be an Xpeng P7/Nio ET5/Tesla Model 3 rival built on the BYD e-Platform 3.0, equipped with the BYD Blade Battery. To be available in RWD and AWD variants, it will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph as quickly as just 3.4 seconds, as per Chinese media reports.
Spy shots suggest that the BYD Seal will be a low-slung sedan. It features a steeply sloping roofline and a sleek greenhouse, traits that give it the impression of a four-door coupe. Flush door handles, all-glass roof, and sport seats with side bolsters, integrated headrests, and fluorescent green piping are some highlights of the car. The Seal could be significantly cheaper than the Tesla Model 3, costing between CNY 220,000 (USD 34,640) and CNY 280,000 (USD 44,087), when it launches later this year.
BYD Sea Lion
As per Chinese media reports, the BYD Sea Lion is a new midsize electric SUV competing with the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Nio ES6, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Internally called BYD UX, it hits the company’s domestic market in the third quarter (July-September 2022). It will likely be cheaper than most rivals, with prices falling in the CNY 200,000-250,000 (USD 31,491-39,363) range, positioned above the BYD Yuan Plus.
2022 BYD Tang EV
The 2022 BYD Tang EV will be a thoroughly facelifted version of the electric SUV that arrived in November 2018. It features a contemporary design with a more aerodynamic and sleeker front fascia similar to the recently unveiled BYD Yuan Plus, and offers customers a considerably higher range. Exports of the updated model should commence shortly after the Chinese launch, which will reportedly take place in April.
2022 BYD Han EV
The BYD Han EV will get a refreshment and an upgraded powertrain this year. Pictures of the future model from China reveal that the 2022 Han EV features a reworked front and rear design, new alloy wheels, and colored brake calipers. The front motor will produce 180 kW (241 hp), 17 kW (23 hp) more than the current model. Where the Han EV can cover a distance of 605 km (376 miles) with its biggest, 76.9 kWh battery pack, the 2022 BYD Han EV gains a bigger 85.44 kWh battery pack, which will provide a range of up to 715 km (444 miles) in the local test cycle.
Cadillac Celestiq
A bold and dramatic electric luxury sedan, the Celestiq will be Cadillac’s new flagship. The interior would be sleek and minimalistic, offering a luxurious and spacious seating space. Split headlights, large glass roof with individually dimmable sections, a 23-inch curved display, and a comfy 2+2 seating layout are among the expected features.
GM has confirmed that the Cadillac Celestiq will be one of its first models available with Ultra Cruise, a “door-to-door” hands-free driving technology more advanced than Super Cruise. The company is developing the car on its third-generation global EV platform. Expect the new electric full-size sedan to offer a range of up to 400 miles and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of under five seconds. The Cadillac Celestiq will debut by June 2022, and go on sale next year.
Chevrolet Blazer EV
The Chevrolet Blazer EV range will include a high-performance SS variant. Image Source: GM
The Ultium-powered Chevrolet Blazer EV will be a zero-emission alternative to the Blazer midsize SUV that arrived in June 2018. GM hasn’t revealed details, except for the release date. Mary Barra, Chair and CEO, GM, said during the CES 2022 keynote in January 2022 that the company will reveal the Blazer EV later this year. It will launch it in the U.S. in Spring 2023. On March 9, 2022, GM revealed a teaser of the upcoming EV in the performance-spec SS variant. The company said that the pure electric Blazer SS will also debut later this year.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
The Chevy Equinox EV debuted at CES 2022 on January 5, 2022. It is GM’s new pure electric compact SUV that will compete with the VW ID.4. It features a bolder and sportier design compared to the ICE Equinox, and though it looks smaller and squarer, it could be more spacious, as it appears to have a long wheelbase, courtesy of GM’s third-gen EV platform.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV will be available in a sportier RS trim. Image Source: GM
The Equinox EV features a more upmarket interior with a sleeker dashboard, a fully digital instrument cluster, a floating touchscreen infotainment system, horizontally positioned, slim central AC vents, and a more compact climate control panel. It will be available with GM’s Super Cruise autonomous driving system. The Equinox EV will go on sale in 2023 with a starting price of around USD 30,000.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
Unlike the GMC Hummer EV pickup, the Chevrolet Silverado EV will have versions priced from MSRP of $39,900 to $105,000 (plus DFC) when it hits the market in 2023.
GM’s could steal the Ford F-150 Lightning’s thunder if it gets its first mainstream all-electric pickup right – the Chevrolet Silverado Electric, which was unveiled on January 5, 2022, at the virtual CES. In spring 2023, the Silverado EV will debut on the market with the WT (Work Truck) variant offering GM’s longest-range battery pack with a GM-estimated range of 400+ miles on a single charge. In fall 2023, a fully loaded RST First Edition model will follow, for regular customers.
While detailed specifications are awaited, General Motors says that the Silverado EV RST will generate up to 664 hp and 780 lb-ft of torque in the ‘Wide Open Watts Mode,’ enabling a GM-estimated 0-60 mph time of under 4.5 seconds.
Chrysler Airflow Concept
Chrysler says that the Airflow Concept is equipped with the STLA AutoDrive Level 3 autonomous driving system, also upgradeable via OTA updates. Image: Stellantis
The all-electric Chrysler Airflow finally debuted at the CES 2022 in Las Vegas. A familiar concept from Stellantis’ EV Day and Software Day presentations in 2021, the Airflow previews technologies of Chrysler’s next-generation battery electric vehicle due for release in 2025. The Airflow uses two 150 kW (201 hp) electric motors, one in the front and one in the rear. The car is equipped with a battery that can travel up to 350–400 miles on a single charge. There’s no plan to launch a production version of the Airflow concept.
Dodge electric muscle car concept
A Dodge electric car is coming in 2024, and it could be either the next-gen Dodge Challenger, a variant of the redesigned model, or its differently named alternative. What’s certain is that it will be a muscle car, and a concept version will break cover later this year.
Later this year, Dodge will unveil its first battery-electric muscle car concept, which will offer the performance and unique attitude that Dodge is known for. This new model will hit the streets in 2024.
Carlos Tavares, CEO, Stellantis (Stellantis long-term strategic plan on March 1, 2022)
Citroen e-C3
The Citroen C3 for emerging markets, internally called Citroen CC21, will have a pure electric variant called Citroen e-C3 (codename: Citroen eCC21). It could arrive in Europe as a Dacia Spring challenger. Expect it to come in 30-40 kWh battery pack variants, with a front electric motor generating around 60 or 80 PS, depending on the configuration. The highest possible WLTP range could be about 250 km or 155 miles, when it launches in the market next year.
Ford electric SUV on MEB platform
Now that the Mustang Mach-E has made its ‘mark’ in the mid-size EV segment, Ford plans to disrupt the more competitive and globally relevant compact e-SUV segment. For Europe, the company calls this a “medium-sized crossover,” though. The company is developing this SUV based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, primarily for European sales.
The Ford MEB SUV due in 2023 is one of the four electric SUVs Ford wants to have in its EV line-up in Europe by 2024. Image Source: Ford
While the Ford MEB SUV’s engineering might be similar to Volkswagen’s ID.3 or ID.4 in many ways, the design will not be a commonality. If there’s one thing that Ford doesn’t need, it’s to take design cues from the Germans and give another reason for customers to overlook its derivative. Spy shots of an alleged concept model that appeared on the European web media last year hinted that the company is betting on a tough and boxy design for differentiation.
Ford says that its new medium-sized crossover EV is a five-seater, and has confirmed a range of 500 km (311 miles) for its ID.4 competitor. The Blue Oval plans to reveal the name later in 2022 and commence production at the Ford Cologne Electrification Centre in Germany in 2023.
An Autocar report says that the Blue Oval could revive a popular name from the past for the new electric SUV it plans to put into production in 2023. Cortina, Probe, Escort, Sierra, and Capri are some of the well-known discontinued models. While Ford is open to a legacy nameplate, it has ruled out retro designs. Unlike Renault and Hyundai, Ford is not interested in releasing retro or neo-retro EVs.
Genesis GV60
The Genesis GV60 is on sale in South Korea already, but it’s coming to the U.S. in Spring 2022, as confirmed by the brand on the local website. The youngest SUV from the Genesis brand aims to break the shackles in its segment with a new type of design, 350 kW ultra-fast wired charging, wireless vehicle charging, face recognition, virtual mirrors, and more. Sure, all of that won’t be available stateside, at least not right from launch, but the fact that it’s a groundbreaking model for the South Korean luxury automaker is clearly evident.
Expect the GV60 to come in at a starting price of around USD 55,000 in the U.S. market. Image: Genesis
One interesting feature of the GV60 we can look forward to being available in the U.S., unlike wireless vehicle charging, is Crystal Sphere. When the vehicle is not on, it’s a piece of art that appears to be hovering in the air and adds to the vehicle’s mood lights. As soon as the vehicle starts, the sphere rotates and shows its other side, which houses the EV’s electronic gear selector.
A 77.4 kWh battery pack is standard, while the power and torque figures range between 168 and 320 kW (225 and 429 hp) and 350 and 605 Nm (258 and 446 lb.-ft.), respectively. The maximum possible range Genesis claims in South Korea is 451 km (280 miles). A Boost mode available in the top-end configuration increases the power and torque temporarily to 360 kW (483 hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb.-ft.) respectively, making it possible to finish a 0-62 mph sprint in four seconds flat.
Genesis GV70 EV
The Genesis Electrified GV70 will likely arrive in the U.S. in the first half of 2023. Pictured is TopElectricSUV’s rendition of the e-SUV.
The Genesis Electrified GV70 is a mid-size electric SUV competing with the BMW iX3, Mercedes EQC, and the Tesla Model Y. It features a 77.4 kWh battery pack and two motors generating a combined power of 320 kW (429 hp) and a combined torque of 700 Nm (516 lb.-ft.). Plus, there’s a boost mode that allows temporarily unlocking 360 kW (483 hp) of system power and accelerating from 0-62 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
The Electrified GV70 supports 350 kW ultra-fast chargers, allowing topping up the battery pack from 10-80% in just 18 minutes. According the official South Korean test method, its energy efficiency rating and range are 4.6 km/kWh (2.9 mi/kWh) and 400 km (249 miles), respectively.
Rumor has it that the Electrified GV70 would be the first Genesis model and also the first EV from Hyundai Motor Group made in the United States. Expect the U.S. unveil this year, followed by the launch in 2023. In South Korea, the Electrified GV70 costs KRW 73.32 million (approx. 61,000)* and is available to pre-order now.
*Based on a 3.5% individual consumption tax after EV tax benefits
GMC Sierra electric pickup Concept
The GMC Sierra Electric pickup will be available only in the Denali trim, and will be manufactured at the Orion plant. Image Source: GM
The first GMC electric pickup will debut as a concept this year, and it could be the upmarket version of the Chevrolet Silverado for North America. The GMC Sierra electric pickup truck should get GM’s third-gen global EV platform and Ultium EV technologies. Similarly, expect it to come in retail and fleet versions. With a battery pack potentially as large as over 100 kWh, it could offer more than 400 miles of range.
GM has released a teaser of the first GMC electric pickup, confirming that this model will be available only in the Denali trim.
GMC Hummer EV SUV (GMC Hummer SUV)
The GMC Hummer EV SUV, the second GMC supertruck, will go on sale in the U.S. next year, but is likely to enter trial production this year. More practical for families than the GMC Hummer EV Pickup, it will offer similar capabilities in smaller dimensions. The trim line-up is the same: EV2, EV2X, EV3X, and Edition 1.
The Edition 1 trim will go on sale first, in early 2023, and then the EV2X and EV3X will follow in spring 2023. The EV2 trim will become available in only spring 2024. Interestingly, the SUV costs the same as the pickup in the EV2, EV2X, and EV3X trims. Its Edition 1 trim, costing USD 105,595, is USD 4,700 cheaper than that of the pickup.
The EV2 and EV2X trims will get two motors producing 625 horsepower, while the EV3X and Edition 1 will boast a tri-motor setup with 830 horsepower. The EV2 trim will likely have a smaller battery pack that provides a range (GM est.) of 259+ miles, although an option to upgrade to a larger battery pack that provides a longer range of 300+ miles will be available. GM estimates 300+ miles of range in all other trims, which means it could employ the latter as standard in them.
Electric Hummer SUV TrimPriceDeliveriesEV2USD 79,995Spring 2024EV2XUSD 89,995Spring 2023EV3XUSD 99,995Spring 2023Edition 1USD 105,595Early 2023
New Honda HR-V-based EVs
Honda has announced two small electric SUVs, called e:NS1 and e:NP1. These EVs are rebadged and restyled versions of the same product and essentially conversions of the latest global HR-V to run on battery power. A 134 kW (180 hp)/310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) front motor powers the Honda HR-V electric. Two battery pack options would be available, a 53.6 kWh unit offering a CLTC range of 420 km (261 miles) and a 68.8 kWh unit offering a CLTC range of 510 km (317 miles). Honda is looking at exporting e:N Series models from China, but it hasn’t said anything yet about launching e:NS1 or e:NP1 in other markets.
Chinese reports suggest that the Honda e:NS1 will go on sale in China between March and May. The Honda e:NP1 will also reach Chinese showrooms by June, say Chinese news reports.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the brand’s most crucial launch in 2022. A zero-emission alternative to the Hyundai Sonata within the lineup, the Ioniq 6 will lock horns with globally popular Tesla Model 3, the incoming VW Aero B sedan, and China’s Xpeng P5. Pixelated headlights and tail lights, a Porsche-esque, coupe-style silhouette, 350 kW ultra-fast charging capability, virtual mirrors, and an illuminated grille should be among its highlight features.
The top-end Ioniq 6 should employ two motors that generate 230 kW (313 PS/308 hp) of total power and get their energy from a 77.4 kWh battery pack. Expect a WLTP range of approximately 500 km or 311 miles from the most range-focused configuration.
According to a report from hankyung.com, production of the Ioniq 6 will begin in July 2022, connoting that the South Korean launch could take place in the third quarter, followed by the U.S. launch in the final quarter or in 2023.
2023 Kia Niro EV
The new electric SUV will likely arrive in the U.S. in the second half of this year as the 2023 Kia Niro EV. Image: Kia
The Kia Niro EV has undergone a full model change, entering its second generation. It looks bolder and funkier, drawing inferences from the 2019 HabaNiro concept, with a contemporary interior that is clearly inspired by the EV6.
In Sweden, Kia offers the 2023 Niro EV with only a single electric motor generating 150 kW (201 hp) of power, and a 64.8 kWh battery pack that provides a range (homologation pending) of up to 463 km (288 miles). Fast-charging from 10 to 80% SoC takes 43 minutes. Expect only a marginal improvement in range in the U.S. market, but better space levels, thanks to the increased length and wheelbase.
Kia has confirmed it will launch the second-gen Niro in the U.S. in Q4 2022 (October-December 2022). The company hasn’t revealed the launch timeline of the electric variant specifically.
Electric Jeep SUV
Following its world premiere this year, the first electric Jeep will be launched in Europe in H1 2023. Image: Stellantis
In an interview with ABC News in December 2021, Jeep CEO Christian Meunier said that the company will launch the first Jeep electric car “at the end of next year (late 2022).”
The first Electric Jeep SUV will likely be a conversion of a yet-to-be-revealed entry-level SUV codenamed Jeep 516. Positioned below the Jeep Renegade, the Jeep 516/Jeep Junior could measure around 157 inches in length and sit on the CMP platform. A modified CMP platform, called e-CMP, will likely underpin the electric variant of the Jeep 516.
Production of the first Jeep electric SUV will likely take place at Fiat’s Tychy plant in Poland in February 2023, which would mean a spring 2023 sales launch. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has confirmed that the launch will take place between January and June 2023. He has also said that this will be the first of many zero-emission Jeep SUVs to come, as the electrification goals for the brand include offering every SUV with an all-electric powertrain from no later than 2025.
Lexus RZ
The Lexus LF-Z will arrive in showrooms in 2022 as the Lexus RZ. Image: Lexus
The Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept has evolved into a production electric SUV called the Lexus RZ. Lexus is predicting a range of 600 km (373 miles) and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of just 3 seconds for its first bespoke EV. One of the main talking points of this model could be the combination of a steering yoke and a steer-by-wire system. Steer-by-wire requires less physical input for turns as it allows the vehicle to turn with less steering angle, and it’s more precise. The steering has no mechanical connection with the wheels.
When Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) President Akio Toyoda took a test drive of the RZ, he felt it a bit during relaxed cruising. However, as soon as Toyoda stepped on the pedal, the RZ’s character changed, and it accelerated rapidly. “It’s like night and day!,” a surprised Toyoda exclaimed.
Lotus Eletre
The Lotus Eletre features a world-first LiDAR consisting of deployable sensors that appear only when required. Image Source: Lotus
Designed in the UK and to be manufactured in Wuhan, China, the Lotus Eletre is a performance-focused E-segment SUV challenging the Tesla Model X and Polestar 3. It’s a sporty crossover-SUV design with sharp cuts and creases at the front and rear. It also has short overhangs and a long wheelbase. The rear, with its highly raked windscreen and full-width LED taillamps, is reminiscent of the Lamborghini Urus.
Lotus has developed the Eletre on a new platform called Lotus Premium architecture. The company has installed a 100+ kWh battery pack in the SUV, targeting a WLTP range of up to 600 km (373 miles). The Eletre supports charging at 350 kW, and Lotus expects just 20 minutes of charging to provide a range of 400 km (248 miles). 22 kW AC charging support is standard.
Its electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the rear wheels, produce a combined power of at least 600 hp. With this setup, the Eletre can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under three seconds. The vehicle is now available to order, and customer deliveries will commence in 2023. China will be the first market to receive the new electric SUV, followed by the UK and European countries.
Maxus MIFA 9 MPV
The Maxus MIFA 9 is a full-size electric MPV that accommodates up to seven people to travel together in luxury, style, and absolute comfort. It offers a highly digital and very relaxing interior with multiple screens in the front, reclining seats featuring leg rests and massage function, and more.
With a standard 90 kWh battery pack, the MIFA 9 can provide a range of 520 km (323 miles) on a full charge. In 2023, SAIC, Maxus’ parent company, plans to release an upgrade that increases the CLTC range to more than 650 km (404 miles)! That’d be incredible for a luxury people mover noticeably bigger (and possibly heavier, too) than Toyota’s gas-powered Sienna. SAIC has confirmed that it will launch the MIFA 9 in the UK, Norway, and various other European markets in 2022.
Mercedes EQS SUV
The EQS SUV will be a Made in America model. Image Source: Instagram/constantin.holzer
The Mercedes EQS SUV, Mercedes-Benz Group’s first bespoke electric SUV, will be a zero-emissions alternative to the Mercedes GLS. According to an Autocar report, the EQS SUV will measure 5,160 mm (203.1 in.) in length.
Digital Headlights, MBUX Hyperscreen, automatically opening comfort doors, rear-axle steering, and Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR-HUD) should be the key features of the EQS SUV. Expect the top-end configuration to boast dual motors with up to 400 kW (544 PS/536 hp) of power and a 107.8 kWh battery pack. The most range-focused configuration will be able to travel around 600 km (373 miles) on the WLTP test cycle.
Mercedes-Benz Group has confirmed that the EQS SUV will break cover on April 19, 2022. This will be the brand’s first U.S.-built pure electric model, and its U.S. launch will take place later this year.
Together with our Mercedes-Benz dealer partners, we will advance our position with the electric EQS-sedan, all new SL, new C-Class, EQE, EQS SUV and EQB in 2022 and further accelerate our long term ambitions for an electric future.
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO, MBUSA (2021 U.S. annual sales announcement on January 7, 2022)
Mercedes EQE
The Mercedes EQE is the brand’s most important high-volume EV launch this year. An eco-friendly alternative to the staple E-Class, the EQE belongs to the popular executive EV segment that includes big names like Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, and Nio ET7.
Initially, the EQE is available in only a rear-wheel drive variant called EQE 350+, with a 215 kW/530 Nm rear motor that depends on a standard ~90 kWh battery pack. The mini-EQS will deliver a WLTP range of up to 660 km (410 miles) in its base variant, as per the officially released information.
A report from JESMB says that deliveries of the EQE 350+ will begin in April 2022. The driving range will be between 554-651 km (344-405 miles) depending on the equipment, as per the report. This report states 90.56 kWh as the exact battery pack capacity.
Another report from JESMB says that Mercedes-Benz will take orders only for pre-configured and pre-manufactured EQE 350+ initially. There will be four package options: Advanced Package, Advanced Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus. Customers preferring the typical built-to-order way will have to wait longer to place orders and take deliveries. Production of the EQE for all the markets except for China takes place in Bremen (Germany). China will get the new electric car from the BBAC JV factory in Beijing.
Mercedes-AMG EQE
The Mercedes EQE now has two AMG performance variants: Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4MATIC and EQE 53 4MATIC+ (confirmed for the U.S.). The AMG variants sport two motors and a 90.6 kWh battery pack comprising ten modules consisting of 360 pouch cells. The AMG EQE 43 4MATIC delivers a range of up to 533 km/331 miles (WLTP) and the AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ maxes out at 518 km/322 miles (WLTP). Do note that the latter is a provisional figure.
The AMG EQE may not look as strikingly different from the EQE as an AMG E-Class does from the E-Class, but it packs a plethora of performance-oriented changes, including AMG-specific wiring harness, BMS, thermal management, suspension, grille, alloys, and more. The AMG EQE 43 4MATIC draws 350 kW (469 hp) and 858 Nm (633 lb.-ft.) from the two motors. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph).
The AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ draws 460 kW (617 hp) and 950 Nm (701 lb.-ft.) from the two motors by default. A 0-100 km/h sprint takes 3.5 seconds and the top speed is 220 km/h (137 mph). With an optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package, it’s possible to increase the power to 505 kW (677 hp) temporarily and accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.3 seconds. The top speed also increases with the boost function – 240 km/h (149 mph).
According to the first JESMB report mentioned above, deliveries of the EQE 43 AMG 4MATIC will begin in April 2022. The driving range (WLTP) will vary based on the equipment, starting at 462 km (287 miles) and going up to 533 km (331 miles). The EQE 53 4MATIC+ will become available to order at a later date and deliveries will begin in the summer.
JESMB reports that unlike the EQE 350+, the EQE 43 AMG 4MATIC will be available to configure and order right from launch.
Mercedes EQE SUV
Mercedes’ most crucial new model EV to be revealed in 2022 might not be the EQS SUV but the Mercedes EQE SUV. That’s because it would be a direct rival to the globally popular Tesla Model X that serves as the benchmark in E-segment for various aspects and the BMW iX. According to the Autocar report mentioned in the Mercedes EQS SUV section, it will be a 4,850 mm (190.9 in.)-long model and most likely premiere at the 2022 Guangzhou Auto Show this November.
The EQE SUV could come with a 90 kWh battery pack offering a range of over 400 miles on the WLTP cycle in a single-motor RWD variant. The single-motor RWD variant could employ a PMSM generating 288 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Customers should get the option to specify a smaller battery pack or a dual-motor powertrain offering higher performance and AWD drivetrain layout. It could take until the first half of 2023 for the EQE SUV’s deliveries.
Mercedes EQT MPV
Mercedes says that the spacious seven seater offers state of the art connectivity, combination of versatility and comfort, and maximum quality in the small van segment. Pictured is TopElectricSUV’s rendition.
The Mercedes EQT will be an all-electric small passenger van offering a classier styling and more premium equipment compared to the Mercedes Citan, for the European market. Previewed by the Mercedes Concept EQT, the pure electric variant of the first-ever Mercedes T-Class is likely to have a 44 kWh battery pack and a 75 kW/245 Nm motor spinning the front wheels. The WLTP range could be between 160 and 180 miles. Similar to the Citan, the EQT is a modified Renault Kangoo E-Tech and is to be manufactured at the same French facility. It should go on sale in the last part of the year.
Mercedes EQB
Like the Genesis GV60, the Mercedes EQB is on sale in China and Europe. The U.S. launch will take place in 2022, the company has confirmed. The Mercedes EQB will be one of the most affordable seven-seat electric SUVs in the U.S., although a five-seat version will be available for those who don’t need the extra row of seats. The third-row seat will be suitable for people with a height of up to 5 feet 4 inches.
With a standard 66.5 kWh range, the EQB offers a WLTP range of just 419 km or 260 miles. Its EPA-est. range would be even lower. Two motors generating 225 hp/288 hp of power and 288 lb.-ft./384 lb.-ft. of torque will be available in the EQB.
Mercedes Vision EQXX (Mercedes EQXX Concept)
The Mercedes EQXX concept previews a future Mercedes car and isn’t just a design project. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes Vision EQXX (Mercedes EQXX) is a demonstrator of the Mercedes-Benz Group’s next-gen technologies aimed at making EVs practical and readily adaptable. Moreover, it previews a future Mercedes car, potentially a Mercedes CLA/CLS electric successor.
With a drag coefficient of just 0.17 Cd, the EQXX concept is the most aerodynamic Mercedes-Benz. It’s also the brand’s most efficient car, with an ultra-low energy consumption of less than 10 kWh/62 miles (WLTP). Weighing 3,858 lbs (gross), it’s lighter than the CLA. The battery pack operates at an unusually high voltage of more than 900 volts, and the net energy capacity is close to 100 kWh. A 150 kW motor powers the concept, and with a range of more than 620 miles (preliminary estimate), the EQXX can travel from New York City to Cincinnati on a single charge.
MG4 EV (MG CyberE)
The MG4 EV/MG CyberE will be a compact hatchback. Pictured is TES’s render of the electric vehicle.
The MG EV line-up will see the addition of a hatchback this year. Reports say that the name of this EV, internally called MG EH32, will be MG4 EV or MG CyberE. Measuring 4,300 mm (169.3 in.) in length, and hoisted on 17-inch wheels, it will be a compact electric car competing with the likes of VW ID.3, Cupra Born, and Nissan Leaf.
The new electric hatchback could be a major launch for MG in Europe, which has a strong demand for C-segment hatchbacks. MG says that it has developed this model keeping European customers in mind. It plans to conduct the European premiere in Q4 2022 (October-December 2022). Expect the launch in the Old Continent to take place in early 2023.
Next-gen MINI 3-door Hatch
Next-gen MINI Electric render previews the front design of the new generation city car.
The next-gen MINI 3-door Hatch would be ready to make a public appearance in 2022. Unlike in the current-gen model, the new electric variant (Mini Cooper SE) should be part of the range right from the start. MINI has released pictures of a camouflaged prototype of the next-gen 3-door MINI Electric, indicating that an official reveal might not take more than a few months. However the first production models are to roll out not before mid-2023, which puts the U.S. launch around fall 2023.
Nio ES7
Nio is developing a new SUV positioned below the ES8, called Nio ES7. The company has started testing it on the public roads in China, indicating that it could conduct the domestic launch in the second half of 2022. Nio Director and President Qin Lihong earlier said that the ES7 release (reveal) will take place in mid-April.
Nio will develop the new SUV on the Nio Technology Platform 2.0 (NT2.0 platform). The company initially used this platform for the ET7 and then the ET5. The ES7 could go on sale in China at the end of the year and then in Europe in the first half of 2023.
Nio ET5
Chinese automaker Nio will keep Tesla on its toes with multiple EV launches. The company will launch the Nio ET7 in China, Germany, Norway, and other countries starting on March 28, 2022. In September 2022, it plans to launch the Nio ET5, an electric mid-size sedan positioned below the ET7.
The Nio ET5 will have a 75 kWh/100 kWh/150 kWh battery pack that provides a CLTC range of over 550 km (342 miles)/over 700 km (435 miles)/over 1,000 km (621 miles). Nio plans to commercialize a 150 kWh solid-state battery pack in late 2022, and that could be the top-end battery pack option of the ET5. Should the pricing work out, the company may introduce that option in its entry-level car at a later stage. In China, prices of the Nio ET5 start at CNY 328,000 (USD 51,645) before subsidies and CNY 258,000 (USD 40,623) with BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service).
Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya is arguably the brand’s most exciting car to come out in years, more so than the all-new Z. Nissan unveiled the Ariya in July 2020 with a target to put it on sale in Japan in mid-2021 and the U.S. later the same year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the semiconductor chip shortage pushed the Japanese delivery commencement timeline to winter (December 2021-February 2022). The launch in the U.S. will take place in fall 2022.
The Nissan Ariya could achieve a WLTP range of up to 311 miles, a 0-62 mph sprint time of as low as 5.1 seconds, and a top speed of 124 mph. It would rival the likes of ID.4/ID.5.Nissan had presented the Ariya at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show last July.
Pininfarina Battista
The Pininfarina Battista, the most powerful car ever designed and made in Italy, aims to set a new benchmark for road-legal sports cars. With its sub-two second 0-100 km/h acceleration time, thanks to four motors generating 1,900 hp and 2,360 Nm (1,741 lb.-ft.), it’s better than a Formula 1 race car. A 120 kWh battery pack feeds the motors, and Automobili Pininfarina expects it to provide a range of up to 500 km (311 miles). Automobili Pininfarina will start manufacturing the Battista by April 2022, and it won’t produce more than 150 units of the all-electric hyper-GT.
Polestar 3
The U.S. will get the Polestar 3 as a locally produced model. Pictured is TES’s render of the SUV.
The Polestar 3 will be a large electric SUV-coupe competing with the Tesla Model X and the upcoming Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron. It will debut a new design language and have no traces of Volvo in its looks, unlike the Polestar 1 and Polestar 2 which were previewed by Volvo 40 concept vehicles. Its production will be in two continents, Asia and North America. A Chinese plant will serve the domestic market and some overseas markets. Volvo Cars’ U.S. plant located in Ridgeville, Berkeley County, South Carolina, will manufacture the Polestar 3 for the remaining markets.
The Polestar 3’s production for the American market will begin in Q1 2023, however its debut will take place in 2022. In the interim period, Polestar would build the required sales network, by bringing a new large retail format to the U.S. in summer 2022.
Renault Megane E-Tech Electric
The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is an alternative to the ICE Megane built to suit the changing customer preferences to crossover/SUV body style and pure electric powertrain. The swanky new Megane is the first model from the French brand’s second-gen EV portfolio, with a hope to repeat the success of the Zoe.
The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric will be available in two battery pack variants that offer a WLTP range of up to 470 km (280 miles). All the configurations will have only one motor, though the power and torque figures would vary. The quickest configuration will take 7.4 seconds for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint. Watch out for the Megane E-Tech at the dealerships in Europe in the coming days.
smart #1
The smart #1 unveiled in its final form this year before reaching dealers in Europe in 2023. Interesting to note that the car rides on Chinese carmaker Geely’s SEA platform. Image: SRK Designs
The smart #1 (codename: smart HX11), the first smart electric SUV, debuted as a near-production concept (smart Concept #1) at the Munich Motor Show (IAA 2021). It will celebrate its world premiere on April 7, 2022, and the European launch will take place in January 2023, as per a report from JESMB.
The Smart #1 could be available with two battery pack options, with the larger unit’s capacity pegged at 60 kWh. Initially, a single motor producing more than 195 kW (265 PS/261 hp) could be standard. The maximum WLTP range could be around 430 km or 267 miles. Dual-motor AWD configurations may follow a year or so after the launch aimed at driving enthusiasts.
Subaru Solterra
The Subaru Solterra, the brand’s first EV, is a sister model of the Toyota bZ4X. Image Source: Subaru
The Subaru Solterra is the Japanese automaker’s first EV. Co-developed with Toyota, the compact SUV will go on sale in the U.S. by mid-2022 as a rival to the likes of Volkswagen’s ID.4 and Nissan’s Ariya. The e-Subaru Global platform/Toyota e-TNGA platform-based EV will come in 150 kW (201 hp) single-motor FWD and 160 kW (214 hp) dual-motor AWD configurations internationally. However, the U.S. will get only the latter. With a standard 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Solterra should provide an EPA-est. range of between 250 and 300 miles.
Unlike the Ioniq 5, Subaru’s Solterra is available across the United States. However, its availability will likely be very limited at launch. Rumors on several forums are that some dealerships in the U.S. and Canada will receive the Solterra in single-digit numbers this summer.
Subaru Solterra reservations in the U.S., currently closed, started on February 8, 2022. Interested customers could pre-order their Solterra by placing a deposit of USD 250. They will be able to place a confirmed order between April and May, and deliveries will begin later in the summer. Reservations are closed now, and those who want to reserve now may need to wait for a year.
Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV will offer a WLTP range of up to 545 km/339 miles. Image Source: Skoda
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV, as its name suggests, is the coupe version of the Enyaq iV that went on sale in 2020. It features a sportier and aerodynamic exterior design. The drag coefficient is lower than that of the Enyaq iV (0.257 Cd) – 0.234 Cd.
Skoda will sell the Enyaq Coupe iV with 58 kWh and 77 kWh battery packs and 132 kW/150 kW single-motor and 195 kW/220 kW dual-motor powertrains. The coupe version can travel (on the WLTP cycle) more than 545 km or 339 miles on a full charge. It offers 570 liters of boot space, only 15 liters lesser than that of the SUV.
In its high-performance ‘RS’ variant, the Enyaq Coupe accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 6.5 seconds and offers 20 km/h (12 mph) more top speed than the standard variant – 180 km/h (112 mph). Another highlight of the Enyaq Coupe RS iV is its exclusive Mamba Green paint option, which helps onlookers identify it as a Skoda RS model though it operates silently.
The Enyaq Coupe iV’s production has begun in Mlada Boleslav (Czech Republic). Skoda is offering only the high-performance Enyaq Coupe RS iV initially, for a price of EUR 57,700 (Germany). Customer deliveries will begin later this year.
SsangYong Korando e-Motion
Ssangyong digitally unveiled the Korando e-Motion last year, and the model will go on sale in the UK in early 2022. A conversion of the latest Korando, the Korando e-Motion electric SUV uses a 61.5 kWh battery pack and a 140 kW motor. With a WLTP range of just 339 miles (211 miles), it should appeal mainly to customers with short-range driving needs like daily commute.
The SsangYong Korando e-Motion has been launched in Europe. Image Source: SsangYong Motor
In the UK, the Korando e-Motion will be available in three trims: ELX, Ventura, and Ultimate, priced at GBP 30,495, GBP 34,995, and GBP 37,995 respectively. While SsangYong was planning a U.S. launch earlier, its current financial state indicates that it will not happen anytime soon. Regardless, the Korando e-Motion’s specs seem noncompetitive for its wide-scale acceptance in the U.S. market.
Toyota bZ4X
Some markets will get the Toyota bZ4X with a yoke steering, but the U.S. won’t be one of them! Image Source: Toyota
The Toyota bZ4X will go on sale in the U.S. in Spring of 2022. It will be available in two variants, a FWD variant with a 71.4 kWh battery pack and an AWD variant with a 72.8 kWh battery pack. The FWD variant will have a 150 kW (201 hp) motor, while the AWD variant will pack more punch with motors generating a combined power of 160 kW (214 hp). Toyota expects the FWD variant to deliver a range of up to 250 miles. The Toyota bZ4X will be available with a yoke steering and a steer-by-wire system optionally in some markets, but not in the U.S.
Toyota Corolla-like bZ EV
The Toyota bZ SDN is the concept version of the incoming Corolla-like EV. Image Source: Noriaki Mitsuhashi/N-RAK PHOTO AGENCY
Toyota has joined hands with the Warren Buffet-backed BYD to develop a budget electric sedan, as per a Reuters report. Featuring BYD’s low-cost and safety-focused Blade LFP batteries, the new Toyota EV could be cheaper than the bZ4X, and is expected to start at CNY 200,000 (USD 31,491) in China. The potential Xpeng P5 rival would be like a Corolla, but with a bigger rear-seat section. It is expected to debut next month and go on sale in China in late 2022. This model could be Toyota’s second bZ EV, although that would not mean a global launch is planned in the immediate future.
A few weeks after Reuters published the report, a new concept called Toyota bZ SDN debuted. The concept car features characteristics very similar to the details mentioned in the report, and so, it could be the model that leads to the Corolla-like EV. We’ll have to wait until April 2022 to know for sure.
2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge features a C40 Recharge-like front-end. Image Source: Volvo Cars
The Volvo XC40 Recharge has received a minor refreshment, and it will go on sale in the U.S. in the new avatar this year. The front-end is similar to the C40 Recharge SUV-coupe, and it features a cleaner faux upper grille, a new front bumper with sportier outer ends, and new fog lamp housing, curvier headlamps, and subtly tweaked tail lamps. Along with the mid-life update, the XC40 Recharge has received the C40 Recharge’s Fjord Blue paint option. In the UK, the prices of the new XC40 Recharge start at GBP 43,550.
VW Aero Concept
The VW Aero concept is the electric equivalent of the Passat. Image Source: Volkswagen
The VW Aero will be a further development of the VW ID. Vizzion concept, another show car, but only closer to production. It is likely to be among the few sedans built on the MEB platform, indirectly replacing the Passat sold in both Europe and the United States. Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstatter has said that the VW Aero has a “super-aerodynamic design,” which is evident in the teaser pictured above, and “an unprecedented space and a premium interior.”
The Aero concept will debut in April 2022. The production version will break cover in 2023, and it will go on sale in China first, in the second half of the year.
VW ID. Buzz
The VW ID. Buzz has debuted for the European market. The U.S. launch will take place in 2024. Image Source: Volkswagen
With the VW ID. Buzz, Volkswagen has reinvented the iconic VW Microbus/VW Bulli for the 21st century. The first versions presented to the European market come with an 82 kWh battery which powers a 201 hp electric motor that produces 229 lb-ft. Top speed is electronically limited to 90 mph. The ID.Buzz supports 11 kW AC charging and up to 170 kW DC fast charging, recharging the battery from 5 % to 80% in just 30 minutes.
The MEB platform-based van gets 39.6 cu ft, while the ID. Buzz Cargo offers 3.9 cubic meters of space. All specifications here for the European-spec ID. Buzz. The U.S. version will have a longer wheelbase, and details will be revealed closer to the North American launch (2024).
VW ID.6 (global)
You read it right. Volkswagen is making a global VW ID. 6, and it’ll be the production version of the VW ID. Vizzion concept car, not an SUV like the China-only VW ID.6. In the words of Brandstatter, the ID.6 will be “a highly emotional four-door coupe.” It will be the successor to the VW Passat sedan in the U.S. and European countries. Road-testing is underway, and a world premiere in the second half of 2022 seems plausible. Expect to see the electric sedan in the showrooms in the U.S. in 2023.
VW e-up! (Relaunch)
The VW e-up!, the German automaker’s smallest electric car, is coming back to showrooms. The e-up! was Germany’s second highest-selling electric vehicle in 2021. Volkswagen has sold more than 80,000 units of this model worldwide to date. The company had stopped taking new orders at the end of 2020 because the delivery times had risen to up to 16 months.
The e-up! uses a 32.2 kWh battery pack that provides a pure electric range of 258 km (160 miles). A permanent magnet synchronous motor generating 61 kW (82 hp) and 210 Nm (155 lb.-ft.) powers the front wheels. The e-up! comes with a CCS charging plug for fast charging. 40 kW is the maximum supported DC charging power, and at that rate, it takes 60 minutes to charge the battery pack to 80% level. Charging the battery pack to 80% SoC using a 7.2 kW normal charger takes a little over four hours.
The VW e-up! is now available to order again in Germany, and it will gradually reach more European countries. It costs EUR 26,895 in the brand’s home market, but it is applicable for a EUR 9,570 subsidy there.
U.S.-built VW ID.4
The VW ID.4 will get cheaper in the U.S. in the second half of 2022, as the U.S.-bound units will come from the local factory in Chattanooga (Hamilton County, Tennessee) instead of the German plant in Zwickau. Volkswagen aims to reduce the base price of the ID.4 from USD 39,995 to around USD 35,000 with localization. According to a Bloomberg report, U.S. production of the ID.4 will begin in June 2022, so customer deliveries could start before the end of next summer.
VW ID.5
The VW ID.5, including the VW ID.5 GTX, will go on sale in Europe in the first week of May this year. The coupe version of the ID.4 offers a more aerodynamic design (as low as 0.26 Cd). It is available to order in Europe, and in Germany, prices start at EUR 46,515. Volkswagen has confirmed the ID.5 for only European buyers. Available in single-motor 2WD and dual-motor AWD configurations, the ID.5 accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds. The regular ID.5 travels 520 km or 323 miles (WLTP) on a full charge, while the ID.5 GTX is capable of 490 km or 304 miles (WLTP).
Volkswagen started the production of the ID.5 at the Zwickau plant in Germany in February 2022, but hasn’t commenced customer deliveries. Image: VW
The ID.5 series will get a software update later this year that brings Plug & Charge support. Moreover, the 77 kWh configurations will gain bidirectional charging support with this update. Expect Volkswagen to offer vehicle-to-home function which allows powering the home using the energy stored in the EV’s battery pack. The company may enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging, too.
The company builds the ID.5 alongside the ID.4 at its Zwickau factory in Germany. The ID.5 is Volkswagen Group’s sixth and final model to enter production at the Zwickau plant as part of the factory’s transformation into a dedicated EV production site.
Large Volvo SUV (Volvo Embla?)
Volvo Cars plans to unveil the production version of the Volvo Concept Recharge and begin production in the U.S. in 2022. Think of it as a zero-emission Volvo XC90 alternative and a Tesla Model X competitor. It will look softer than the ICE model and offer way more advanced driver assistance systems. Inside, it will have a compact, fully digital instrument cluster and a freestanding touchscreen infotainment system, both running the Android Automotive OS software. The company will introduce a new nomenclature along with this EV. LiDAR will be part of the standard equipment, Volvo Cars has confirmed.
The new Volvo electric SUV will be the brand’s first model named in a new convention. Instead of a traditional name in which there’s a combination of a name and a letter, Volvo Cars will use a proper name. Hakan Samuelsson, the company’s CEO, has told Automotive News Europe that the name will start with a vowel. Not long before Samuelsson’s remark, we noticed that the company had filed a new trademark application for the name ‘Embla.’ Samuelsson said we’ll get to know the name in March 2022.
2022 Wuling MINI EV
The Wuling Hongguang MINI EV (Wuling MINI EV) will see the addition of a new variant this year that offers more convenience, suggests a report from autohome.com.cn. This variant will use a 26.5 kWh battery pack (almost double the current highest capacity) that provides a CLTC range of 280 km (174 miles), which will make it more practical as a primary car. A report from InsideEVs suggests that the incoming version will have a punchier motor that develops 30 kW of power, 10 kW more than that of the currently available configurations. With a reported 2,997 mm length (+80 mm) and a 2,010 mm wheelbase (+70 mm), it promises more space as well.
On March 11, 2022, Wuling launched updated Hongguang MINI EV and Hongguang MINI EV Macaron models in China, as per another report from autohome.com.cn. Both are available in 120 km (75 miles) and 170 km (106 miles) range variants. The updated MINI EV features new, three-spoke alloy wheels, while the 2022 MINI EV Macaron comes with an illuminated front brand logo, along with horizontal light strips on its flanks.
Xpeng G9
Expect to see the showroom-spec Xpeng G9 in the coming months. Image Source: Xpeng Motors
Xpeng Motors has introduced a new electric SUV slotted above the Xpeng G3i – the Xpeng G9. The high-riding alternative to the XPeng P7 is the brand’s flagship SUV. The Xpeng G9 rides on the same Edward platform, and it debuts XPILOT 4.0, which will allow full-scenario assisted driving from vehicle start-up to parking. The G9 has an amazing potential in the export market as a challenger to the VW ID.4, as the company has developed the product from the outset with international standards in mind. Xpeng Motors will reveal the interior and full specifications of the G9 closer to its launch, which will take place in Q3 2022 (July-September 2022).
Featured image: Toyota
Keyword: 63 Upcoming Electric Cars to be unveiled/launched in 2022 – TES Top Picks