Every year, more new electric vehicle models are rolling out, and 2022 is no exception. In particular, many new SUVs and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) are hitting the market, expanding the options for zero-emissions vehicles. In the second part of our four-part series about new electric vehicle models, we’re exploring all-electric SUVs and CUVs.
These new models join the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Kona electric, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and the Ford Mustang Mach-e in the utility vehicle market segment. Once the dust settles, it will be interesting to see which models take this soon-crowded market by storm.
The new year will bring new models from some legacy automakers with experience in the EV space, including Audi, Chevy, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Volvo. In addition, American EV startup Rivian will soon release its second electric vehicle, and Mazda will debut its first. Let’s take a peek at the new options in the electric SUV and CUV segment.
Audi Q4 e-tron
This luxury compact SUV is the fourth all-electric vehicle in the Audi e-tron series lineup and is based on the Volkswagen Group electric MEB platform. It has a 241-mile range and an 82 kWh lithium-ion battery.
The base e-tron model starts at $44,995, a lower starting price than the gas-powered Q5, and features a 77-kWh battery and a 201 horsepower motor. In addition, there will be a dual-motor version with all-wheel drive and 295 horsepower. Both models feature charging speeds up to 125 kW, which provides about a 50% charge in 30 minutes.
Chevy Bolt Electric Utility Vehicle (EUV)
The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV offers a 247-mile range, a starting price of $33,995, and a roomier cabin than the Bolt hatchback. This 200 horsepower EUV features a 65 kWh battery pack and a more rugged exterior style than the Bolt. It also features front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is not an option.
Although the Bolt EUV joins a crowded compact SUV market, its lower starting price tag and semi-autonomous driving capabilities could make it appealing. For example, its starting price is a couple thousand less than the Hyundai Kona electric.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
This midsize crossover features futuristic styling and advanced technology to shift the user experience. The rear-wheel-drive Ioniq 5 has a range of 300 miles and a 77.4 kWh battery pack.
Some auto industry insiders say the Ioniq 5 will be disruptive. Its 800-volt powertrain architecture enables the fastest charging of any EV and even allows bidirectional charging to power other things. This means the Ioniq 5 can act as a battery and provide 3.6 kW of power to other gadgets. This feature could be especially helpful during power outages and when the utility grid is out of reach.
The Ioniq 5 should come out “winter 2021” with a starting price of around $44,000. Hyundai has big plans in the EV market and plans to launch a total of 23 battery-electric vehicles by 2025.
Kia EV6
This is one of 11 new electric vehicles promised by Kia by 2025, and it uses the same E-GMP architecture as the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The versions will range between 167 and 576 horsepower, and Kia will offer both rear and all-wheel-drive options. The two battery options are 58 and 77.4 kWh, and the EV6 has a range of up to 300 miles. Its starting price is $58,500 and should be available in early 2022.
Mazda MX-30
This is Mazda’s first electric, and it comes in both an all-electric and a plug-in hybrid version. Unfortunately, the EPA-estimated range is just 100 miles from a 33 kWh battery pack, which seems disappointing given the competition. It has a sporty exterior and a 143-horsepower motor that drives the front wheels. The starting price of $33,470 is similar to the Bolt EUV’s, but the MX-30 delivers less than half the driving range.
Nissan Ariya
This crossover is the second electric vehicle from Nissan, and the longest-range version has an estimated range of 300 miles. It has dual front- and rear-motor drive configuration and will feature ProPilot 2.0, Nissan’s new semi-autonomous driving system.
The Ariya’s release in the U.S. market is expected early in 2022. At a starting price of around $40,000, it is likely to compete with the Tesla Model Y, though it seats only five passengers, fewer than the Model Y’s seven.
Rivian R1S
Although the startup Rivian has gotten a lot of attention for its all-electric truck, it is also entering the SUV market. Built on the same platform as the truck, the SUV also features the same battery pack and range options. The SUV can tow less than the truck (7,700 versus 11,000 pounds) but it can seat seven instead of five. It will have a starting price of $72,500 and an estimated range of 316 miles.
Rivian has received a lot of hype recently for its introduction into the EV market. In fact, it recently became a publicly-traded company and was valued at $100 billion in its debut, making it the biggest IPO of 2021.
Volvo C40 Recharge
This vehicle is basically a sportback version of the XC40 Recharge, yet it is offered as an electric-only vehicle. It has the same powertrain as the XC40 Recharge and the Polestar 2 and features two electric motors and a 75 kWh battery pack. This Volvo is expected to have a 210-mile range and be available in early 2022. The starting price is expected to be around $59,845, which is $4,700 more than the XC40 Recharge.
In the third article of our four-part series about new electric vehicle models, we will look at all-electric trucks planned for 2022.