Top 5 electric cars to consider in 2022
The sale of plug-in electric vehicles is expected to rise to 20.6 million in 2025, making up 23% of new passenger car sales. Battery, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid are the three main types of electric vehicles currently being rolled out. You can choose one from either of these car types on the basis of your driving requirement and budget. Here are some of the top suggestions for electric cars to consider this year:
Kia EV6
The EV6 has a stylish exterior and classy interior with hi-tech features like smart parking and vehicle loading capabilities. This five-seater offers 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space even when the seats are not folded. The car’s engine has a 77.4 kWh all-wheel-drive powertrain, 321 bhp, 605Nm of torque from twin motors through a single-speed automatic transmission, and a range of 310 miles. It is quick to power up as a 350kW charger can charge the car from 10%-80% within 18 minutes. The driver assistance feature includes an augmented reality head-up display and remote smart park assist, which helps you park into a narrow space and pull out again when you are back by pressing a few buttons.
Nissan Leaf
Nissan’s Leaf is one of the cheapest electric cars in the market, costing under $20,000 after taking the tax credit of $7,500. This electric vehicle comes in five models with upgrades in battery power, interiors, and driver-assist features for higher-end models. It offers a 215-mile range, but hot weather or wind can impact the range. If you live in a large city with lots of routine driving, you may have to charge the Leaf overnight. It is easy to start and provides a comfortable driving experience.
Tesla Model Y
The car is cheaper than a few other electric vehicles but offers a world-class drivetrain system. The Model Y is fitted with regenerative braking with a one-pedal driving system, and you may need some time to get used to it. The estimated driving range is 330 miles, and the Model Y has similar dimensions to a compact SUV. With a starting price of around $61,000, the car has a taller cabin and a higher roof than the Model 3. It has a centrally mounted touch screen, offering the standard infotainment features, a digital sketching app, a karaoke machine, and games. You can reach a charging station, plug in, charge, and leave until it tops up. You don’t have to pay or use a card as the bill is processed automatically.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Bolt has a motor and single electric engine, with 200 horsepower and a torque of 266 through an automatic transmission. It has a 65-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a range of 250 miles. It comes with a dual-level charge cord reducing the need for a home charger as it can work with 120 or a 240-volt charger outlet. The driver’s seat is a 10-way adjustable, heated, and reclining seat, with a heated steering wheel and passenger seats. The drive-assist features include overtaking sensors, blind-spot alerts, parking distance sensors, rear cross-traffic alerts, and rear cameras and radars. An eight-inch touch screen is the best part of the infotainment system.
Polestar 2
Polestar 2 is made by Volvo based on its futuristic design for a concept car. The exteriors and interiors are minimalistic and have an Android Automotive OS. It is a battery-electric vehicle five-door liftback EV. It runs on a single-motor setup and can deliver 231 horsepower and a 0-to-60 time of 0.7 seconds. It has an EPA range of 270 miles per charge and is available in two trims. The Polestar 2 also has a standard infotainment system, self-cleaning headlights, and driver assistance features like emergency braking, lane centering, and pedestrian detection. Prices start at around $46,000.
Things that matter in an electric vehicle
The visible impact of electric vehicles on the environment is enthusing multitudes of people to switch over to eco-friendly transportation. The government has announced tax benefits for those buying electric cars and is spending about $7.5 billion on creating charging infrastructure to meet future demands. Before buying an electric car, here are a few factors to consider about the following features so that you can invest in the right one:
- Charging
You can charge some electric cars at home overnight, which will top the charge by morning. If you have a vehicle with a larger battery, you can upgrade your charging station at home with a 240-volt charger. Hybrid electric vehicles or HEVs have a gasoline engine and an electric motor. If you run out of charge, go to a gas station and top the car without using any plugs or cords. - Range
Look for electric cars with a good range so that if you have to drive a lot, you are not stranded without a charge en route. Most cars come with a range of 100 miles or above. - Cost
Electric vehicles will likely cost at least $10,000 more than their gasoline counterparts. You can verify with local, state, and federal government websites for tax credits and incentives that may significantly reduce your cost. - Maintenance and running costs
Maintenance of electric cars is less expensive as they have fewer parts. The cost of electricity is cheaper, and you will be able to notice your fuel bills reducing. They are fast and are less noisy compared to conventional costs.