The 15 Most Anticipated Cars of 2022 (and They’re All Electric!)
It’s happening. Our global shift to battery-powered vehicles—necessary to help stem the destruction of the planet unleashed by the burning of fossil fuels—is finally underway. The most important and direct sign of this change is the manufacture and release of a range of electric vehicles (EVs) in categories that consumers are compelled by and actually want to drive and purchase.
The coming year will see this occur, with literally scores of new, fully-electric, and hybrid-assisted EVs arriving in dealer showrooms. Importantly, for a nation dangerously addicted to trucks, vans, and SUVs—they now make up more than 75% of all new vehicles sold in America, and they contribute greatly to our soaring roadway death tally—many of these vehicles will fit into the electric or hybrid category.
And more EVs are on the way—hundreds, in fact. As automakers move to meet global emissions targets in a last-ditch effort to corral catastrophic climate change, nearly every one has pledged to fully electrify their fleet by the end of this decade. To prepare you for your electric future, we’ve compiled this list of our favorite forthcoming EVs for 2022 as an introduction to this imminent voltaic smorgasbord. Get ready to plug in.
Audi A6 e-tron
Audi prides itself on being forward-thinking and futuristic. But with its conservative styling, and lackluster range, its initial EV offering didn’t wow us. However, this conceptual iteration of a forthcoming mid-size sedan—with a 469 hp motor, a 435-mile range, and a lovely technical profile—feels back on brand.
BMW i4 M50
Though styled like a traditional four-door sport sedan, BMW’s latest sporting all-electric car hosts a roomy hatchback, as well as all-wheel drive, making it a versatile, year-round, all-weather hauler. And haul it does. With 536 hp—more than the brand’s gas-powered M4—it should zip from 0-60 mph in just 3 seconds.
Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid
The latest entry in the venerable ultra-luxe carmaker’s journey toward a fully-electric fleet is a plug-in hybrid version of its stately four-door classic. Combining a twin-turbocharged V6 and an electric motor makes it as quick as its V8-powered sibling, while able to drive 25 miles on its rechargeable battery alone.
Cadillac Lyriq
The first all-electric vehicle from America’s longest-lived automotive brand is this mid-size luxury SUV. With handsome and futuristic styling inside and out, high-tech features, and a range of over 300 miles, it is not only positioned for success, but it is also a harbinger of Cadillac’s all-electric future. Bring on the electric Escalade!
Ferrari 286 GTB
Though the plug-in motor on this new exotic provides only 15 miles of pure electric range, it adds an intense amount of boost to the already potent turbo-charged V6 for a total of a whomping 819 hp. Expect slingshot-like acceleration, precision handling, and a preview of all-electric Ferraris to come.
Ford F-150 Lightning
This full-size, fully-electric pickup may be the most significant of all forthcoming EVs. Not just because the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in America for 45 years, but because big trucks guzzle more gas and spew more emissions than most vehicles. Shifts in that segment heighten the impact.
GMC Hummer EV
Like the Ford, this is a fully-electric, full-size truck that promises to shake up a profligate category. Unlike the Ford, it revives an ignominious nameplate from the past. Also, unlike the Ford, it has removable roof panels and up to 1,000 hp—enough to scoot the 9,000-pound truck from 0-60 in just three seconds.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai’s handsome and innovative vehicles have caught our eyes, and this sporting hatchback is no exception. Inspired by a concept penned by the legendary Giorgetto Guigiaro when the brand first launched, this affordable, all-electric, and retro runabout will offer all-wheel drive and a range of up to 300 miles.
Jeep Wrangler Magneto
Jeep recently dipped its toe into the all-electric category with its 4xe plug-in hybrid, which provides 20 miles of battery range and maintains Jeep ruggedness. But Jeep also teased this concept for a fully-electric Wrangler. Silently and odorlessly crawling through the backcountry seems ideal.
Land Rover Range Rover
An all-new Range Rover has been unveiled, and it’s a gorgeous, evolutionary design. The luxury truck’s powertrains have evolved as well. Shortly after it launches in the US this spring, a robust plug-in hybrid version will be available with 60 miles of battery range. A fully electric version will follow in 2024.
Lucid Air
The phrase “Tesla Beater” is often thrown around in discussions of EVs, but it’s never been more appropriate than with this handsome luxury sedan from American start-up Lucid. It beats the best Teslas on range (520 miles), power (1,111 hp), acceleration (0-60 in 2.5 seconds), and interior and exterior styling (just look at it).
Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln’s charmingly palatial people mover acquires new front and rear styling, a larger infotainment screen, and a hands-free highway driving system. But we’re most compelled by the rumored inclusion of PowerBoost, a hybrid engine that uses a battery and electric motor to improve fuel economy by 25%.
Maserati MC20
Maserati is trying, once again, for a comeback. This time, the 107-year-old Italian sport-luxury automaker is pinning its hopes on electrification, with plans to create gas, hybrid, and fully battery-powered versions of its entire lineup. It will start with this gorgeous, two-seat supercar rumored to go electric in 2022.
Mercedes-AMG SL
The SL roadster is an icon: The longest-running nameplate from the world’s oldest carmaker. Now, in its seventh generation, it’s about to get electrified for the first time. Though it will launch with a potent gasoline powered V8, a plug-in hybrid system inspired by Mercedes’s Formula One car will soon follow.
Polestar 3
Volvo’s upscale, all-electric sub-brand has already impressed us with its first two offerings: A sports coupe and a hatchback. Now it has (mostly) unveiled its third: An SUV. With a swoop-y, coupe-like exterior and an elegant Scandinavian-designed interior, it promises a beguiling mix of function, fashion, and sustainability.
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