Hot New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon
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The coronavirus pandemic has slowed auto development and production, but manufacturers’ plans to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) continue unabated. A record number of almost 100 pure electric EV models are set to debut by the end of 2024.
On the menu are cars, and an increasing number of SUVs and pickups, along with a broader array of plug-in hybrid models, which can run on mostly electric power for stretch before a gasoline engine kicks in and operates the vehicle more like a traditional hybrid.
The rollout of new EV and plug-in hybrid models across different segments is good news for consumers looking for an alternative-fuel vehicle that will fit their needs.
Here’s a rundown of some of the models that are most worth watching over the next couple of years. The list is alphabetical by automaker. Prices are estimates in most cases.
Audi Q4 E-Tron
Audi will expand the E-Tron nameplate later this year with the Q4 E-Tron. A close relative of the Volkswagen ID.4, Audi’s compact electric SUV will be built on the Volkswagen MEB modular electric vehicle platform. Based on its size, the Q4 E-Tron will compete with the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC40 Recharge. Audi has not yet announced the Q4 E-Tron’s driving range, which is the distance a vehicle can go between charges or fueling. The current range estimate for the Q4 E-Tron is 280 miles, but it is based on EU test standards, which are more optimistic than the U.S. ones. That is considerably less than the Model Y.
Cost: $45,000
On sale: Late 2021
Audi E-Tron GT
Audi's new flagship, the E-Tron GT, shares the electric vehicle architecture that underpins the Porsche Taycan, an EV that also falls under the aegis of Volkswagen Group, one of the world's largest automakers. The E-Tron GT features a layout and electric powertrain similar to the Taycan, but the styling and infotainment system are distinctively Audi. All E-Tron GT models will feature all-wheel drive. In performance-oriented RS trim, combined output from the front and rear motors is 637-horsepower, which Audi says is capable of launching the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph. EPA range estimates are not yet available for the E-Tron GT, but Audi's estimates are 238 miles for the base model and 231 miles for the RS.
Cost: $99,900
On sale: Summer 2021
BMW i4
The new BMW i4 is a conventional-looking EV that broadens the appeal of BMW’s electric offerings. There are two versions available. The eDrive40, with 335 hp and rear-wheel drive, is estimated to have a range of 300 miles. The all-wheel drive M50 with a maximum of 536 hp promises sports-car performance and 0-to-60-mph acceleration in under 4 seconds, but a lower range of 245 miles. It’s probably no coincidence that those acceleration numbers are similar to Tesla’s Model 3, a rival. With high-power 200-kW DC charging, available only in public venues, the i4 can gain up to 90 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Standard active safety systems include FCW, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, LDW, and LKA.
Cost: $55,000-$66,000
On sale: Early 2022
Learn more about the BMW i4.
BMW iX
The iX is BMW’s new electric flagship SUV. Designed from scratch and a showcase for the automaker’s latest tech, it’s nothing like any BMW we’ve seen before considering its massive grille, squared-off steering wheel, and wraparound floating touch screen. According to BMW, the iX will have 500 hp and employ two motors to give it AWD capability, and it will sprint from 0-62 mph in under 5 seconds. Range is claimed to be 300 miles, and it can add 75 miles of charge in 10 minutes of DC fast charging. Charging from empty on 240 volt will take 11 hours, which is par for the course.
Cost: $80,000-$100,000 EST
On sale: Early 2022
Cadillac Lyriq
The Cadillac Lyriq showcases next-generation styling for the brand and introduces a new modular electric platform. It is roughly the length and width of the Cadillac XT6 SUV. However, the Lyriq has a much different profile, being 6 inches lower in height and riding on a 9-inch-longer wheelbase. The dominant feature in the cabin is a curved 33-inch LED display that stretches from the instrument panel all the way to where the infotainment screen is traditionally placed. This builds on the presentation found in the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, which has a 38-inch curved OLED display. The initial Lyriq is a 340-hp, rear-drive model with a 100-kWh battery—a combination that the automaker estimates is good for at least 300 miles of range. Production starts in early 2022 at the Spring Hill, Tenn., facility. GM has pledged a $2 billion investment in that factory to support electric vehicle production. In addition, the company is spending $2.3 billion on a new battery manufacturing plant in the same town, as part of a joint effort with LG Energy Solution.
Cost: $59,990
On sale: Early 2023
Learn more about the Cadillac Lyriq.
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
The Bolt EUV, a new small front-wheel-drive SUV, is built on the same platform as the freshened 2022 Bolt EV. It features clean and uncluttered styling. The EUV is more than 6 inches longer than the hatchback model, has a longer wheelbase, and more legroom for rear passengers. Both the Bolt EV and EUV share the same 200-hp electric motor that drives the front wheels. EPA range estimate for the EUV is 247 miles on a full charge. The instrument panel features a multicolor instrument display and a large center stack touch screen, along with a smattering of buttons and switches. Active safety features including FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator come standard. Super Cruise, the driver assist technology that allows hands-free driving as long as the driver pays attention to the road ahead, is available.
Cost: $33,995-$43,495
On sale: Summer 2021
Learn more about the Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The Lightning name returns on an electrified F-150 crewcab truck with prodigious power and strong work capabilities. On sale in spring 2022, this pickup is offered in two power configurations, with 426 and 563 hp. The standard-range battery promises 230 miles of range, and the extended-range battery is projected to provide up to 300 miles. Among the benefits for going electric is a large front trunk that can hold two sets of golf clubs. Further, the F-150 Lightning boasts up to a 2,000-pound payload capacity (standard range) and 10,000-pound tow capacity (extended range). Power plugs in the “frunk” and bed add to the truck’s versatility. And familiar innovations carry over from the regular F-150, such as foldaway gear selector and deeply reclining seats. The Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0 suite is standard, with FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, lane keeping assist, parking obstruction warning, and rear automatic braking.
Cost: $40,000-$90,000
On sale: Spring 2022
Learn more about the Ford F-150 Lightning.
Genesis GV60
Genesis has unveiled its first electric vehicle, based off a platform shared with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Details will be released as its production date draws closer.
On sale: 2022
GMC Hummer EV
The Hummer badge was once antithetical to alternative fuels, representing hulking, gas-guzzling SUVs inspired by military vehicles. But the all-new, electric Hummer EV SUV and pickup truck promise to be both green and off-road ready, with gratuitous power and sports-car-quick acceleration. The nameplate's revival is led by the five-seat, four-door pickup truck. Its 5-foot pickup bed features a power tonneau cover and multifunction tailgate. Both vehicles have removable glass roof panels to create an open-air driving experience. Among their tricks are the ability to "crab walk," or move diagonally; up to 18 cameras for negotiating trails; and available Super Cruise driver assistance. The Hummer EV pickup truck launches in 2022 with the pricey, full-featured Edition 1 boasting 1,000 hp and promising 350+ miles of range. The SUV follows a year later, with top output being about 830 hp. Over the following two years, other less expensive versions of each will be offered with reduced power and range.
Cost: $79,995 to $112,595
On sale: Early 2022
Learn more about the GMC Hummer EV.
Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is the brand’s first car designed from the ground up to be electric. Sized like a Ford Mustang Mach-E, the EV6 crossover promises to be the first in a series of upcoming EV models. The EV6 will be offered in a number of powertrain configurations, with rear- and all-wheel-drive versions, and several motor combinations. Acceleration is said to be as swift as 3.5 seconds 0 to 60 mph. The EV6 is compatible with 400- and 800-volt fast charging stations in public places, enabling the car to go from 10 to 80 percent charge in 18 minutes. A neat feature: The EV6 is capable of powering other equipment or serving as an emergency power source for your home. A comprehensive suite of active safety features, including FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, RCTW, lane keeping assistance, and a driver attention monitor, will be offered.
Cost: $45,000-$55,000
On sale: Late 2021
Lucid Air
A large, sleek, all-wheel-drive sedan designed to compete with ultraluxury models such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Tesla Model S, the Lucid Air will eventually be available in a few formats. The first to arrive will be the most expensive one—a 1,080-hp dual-motor sedan with a $169,000 price. Less powerful versions will arrive later, including a 800-hp dual-motor model and a couple of single-motor models with either 480 or 620 hp. The car, its batteries, and the 900-volt electric architecture were engineered in-house, and have already been tested and proved on Formula E cars. Lucid says the base model will have more than 400 miles of range, with a proprietary charging system that makes it possible to add 300 miles of range in 20 minutes using a DC fast charger. An SUV based on the Air is expected to follow.
Cost: $77,400 to $170,000
On sale: Late 2021
Learn more about the Lucid Air.
Nissan Ariya
The Ariya will be Nissan’s first electric SUV when it goes on sale in the U.S. in late 2021. The compact SUV has a starting price around $40,000. There will be standard- and long-range battery versions and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Front-drive versions make 215 hp, with the dual-motor AWD models producing 389 hp. The front-wheel-drive model equipped with the long-range battery will have an estimated driving range of up to 300 miles. The cabin has a large, horizontal display screen that serves as both the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The Ariya will have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Standard driver assistance features include FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, RCTW, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Cost: $40,000 to $50,000
On sale: Late 2021
Learn more about the Nissan Ariya.
Porsche Macan EV
The Macan was Porsche’s entrée into the popular compact SUV segment and quickly proved to be a best-seller. A battery electric version will accompany its gasoline-powered counterpart, albeit on a different, EV-specific platform co-developed by Audi and Porsche. The Macan EV will use the same 800-volt electric architecture that’s now in the Taycan electric sedan. (Current Macan GTS shown.)
Cost: $75,000
On sale: 2022
Rivian R1T and R1S
The R1T is an all-electric pickup scheduled to beat Tesla’s Cybertruck to the market by two years. It has a promised range of up to 400 miles, up to 750 hp, and 11,000 pounds of towing capacity. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is claimed to be 3 seconds. It also has a transverse tunnel between the bed and the cab for storage. The R1S is a three-row luxury SUV version. Rivian is the rare tech startup that has attracted heavy-duty investors, including Amazon, Ford, and Cox Automotive. Unlike other EV companies that have faded like vaporware, Rivian may have the ability to sop up some of the pent-up demand for an electric pickup while Tesla is still developing its Cybertruck concept.
Cost: $67,500 to $77,500
On sale: June 2021 (R1T) and August 2021 (R1S)
Learn more about the Rivian R1T and R1S.
Subaru Solterra
Subaru has announced its entrance into the EV market in 2022 with an all-electric SUV called the Solterra. Subaru faithful have been waiting with bated breath for news of the automaker’s plans to go electric as other automakers, one after another, have signaled their intent. Details are scant—mirroring other automakers’ announcements of upcoming EVs—but Subaru said the Solterra was developed as part of a joint venture between itself and Toyota, and will be built in Japan and China on Toyota’s new dedicated all-electric vehicle platform, known as e-TNGA. Subaru calls it the e-Subaru platform.
Learn more about the Subaru Solterra.
Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck is an upcoming all-electric pickup. Aside from its one-of-a-kind angular experiment of a truck, the design replaces the traditional truck frame with a hard stainless steel "exoskeleton," similar to airplane design, and extra-strong glass for the windows. Tesla announced a base price of under $40,000, but we would take that with a grain of salt, based on the company's record of frequent price hikes. The truck will come in three variations, with battery ranges of 250, 350, and 500 miles. The top-end version promises acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, combined with the ability to tow 14,000 pounds. The prototype is expected to evolve, and decrease in size slightly.
Price: $39,900-$69,900
On sale: Available for preorder now. Delivery estimated to be late 2022 at the earliest.
Learn more about the Tesla Cybertruck.
Toyota bZ4X
Toyota said in April 2021 that it is developing an SUV in partnership with Subaru based on a new dedicated all-electric vehicle platform, known as e-TNGA. Dubbed bZ4X, the new EV will incorporate Subaru’s deep experience developing all-wheel-drive systems. Toyota says the bZ4X will fall under its Toyota bZ—“beyond zero,” a reference to zero emissions—brand umbrella, which includes six other bZ models to be introduced by 2025. Both automakers are withholding further details on their upcoming SUVs until closer to production.
Volvo C40 Recharge
Based on the XC40 SUV, the C40 Recharge combines the ride height of an SUV with just the cargo space of a hatchback car. In addition to the scrunched rear roofline, Volvo says the C40 is “lower and sleeker” than the XC40 recharge. The C40 also has a slightly different front end, a totally new rear view, and a leather-free interior. Like the XC40 Recharge and the Polestar 2 model with long range and all-wheel drive, the C40 will have a dual-motor setup and 78-kWh battery, and an estimated range over 200 miles.
Price: $58,750
On sale: Fall 2021
Learn more about the Volvo C40 Recharge.
Electric Cars 101
Electric cars are bringing some of the biggest changes the auto industry has seen in years. On the “Consumer 101” TV show, Consumer Reports expert Jake Fisher explains to host Jack Rico why these vehicles might not be as newfangled as you think.
