You’ve likely heard that electric vehicles are the cars of the future. But many motorists aren’t waiting. As EV sales climb, it’s becoming more evident that EVs are the cars of today.
With demand continuing to grow, carmakers are racing to expand their EV product line, introducing a growing number of EV models each year.
From the latest electric pickup truck to a pair of SUVs from an upstart company, these are some of the top EVs to hit the market this year.
Joining the growing list of electric pickup trucks in 2023 is the Chevrolet Silverado. According to the carmaker, the powerful vehicle will boast more than 750 horsepower and 785 foot-pounds of torque, all while going from zero to 60 mph in 4 ½ seconds and covering a 400-mile range on a full charge.
The first Silverado models are expected in the spring with a starting price of $39,900.
The Silverado isn’t Chevy’s only new EV for 2023. The automaker is unveiling an electric version of its Equinox SUV. It’s expected to have a range of 250-300 miles, plus 290 horsepower and up to 1,500 pounds of towing capacity. Five different trim levels allow buyers to add as many tech and performance features as they fancy.
The most alluring quality of the Equinox, however, might just be its price. The cost is expected to start at around $30,000 when it’s released later in the year. That would make it one of the least expensive EVs on the market.
There’s been plenty of buzz about Fisker and its electric vehicles, and soon the hype will become reality. The first offering from the all-electric car company is the tech-forward SUV Ocean. It comes complete with state-of-the-art features like a 17.1-inch rotating center touchscreen, a solar panel roof and “California Mode”, which lowers all the windows and retracts the roof with the touch of a button.
Pricing is expected to start at $37,499 when it becomes available later in 2023.
On the heels of 2022’s Hummer EV pickup debut comes its sister model: the Hummer EV SUV. As you’d expect, the SUV shares many of the same features as the pickup, including the popular crab walk, which allows it to move diagonally, and the Extract Mode, which lifts the suspension 6 inches when off-roading. Add in 830 horsepower and 11,500 foot-pounds of torque and you have a beast of a machine.
The Hummer EV SUV is due out later this year with a base price of $79,995.
The Ioniq 6 is Hyundai’s first all-electric sedan. It arrives on the heels of last year’s debut model, the Ioniq 5 electric SUV. The 6’s futuristic styling includes a distinctively rounded (and aerodynamic) roof. The design helps the car get an estimated 340-mile range. Inside, you’ll find two 12-inch screens housing the infotainment system and instrument panel. The midsize sedan, which is available in rear- or all-wheel drive, can get up to 320 horsepower and, according to Hyundai, go from zero to 60 mph in just five seconds.
Expected to arrive in the spring, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 will come with an estimated starting price around $45,000.
Lexus has a number of hybrid models in its portfolio, but finally joins the battery electric crowd with the Lexus RZ 450e. The SUV’s sleek silhouette coupled with distinctive lines give it the look of a modern day Batmobile. Bruce Wayne would have far fewer toys to play with, however. The RZ has a minimalist interior, contrary to many of the tech and gadget-heavy cars being manufactured today. Still, a 14-inch infotainment screen and the brand’s Safety Sense+ 3.0 package, which comes standard in all trims, should keep you safe and occupied.
The RZ is expected to start at $55,000 when it arrives in early 2023.
Polestar may not be a household name (it’s a subsidiary of Volvo), but you’re likely going to hear about the carmaker more and more in coming years. Such is the fate of electric-only marquees. Its portfolio expands in 2023 with the addition of the Polestar 3 (following the aptly named 1 and 2). This all-electric SUV comes equipped with the luxurious finishes you’d expect from a European marquee, as well as an extensive suite of safety features. Its dual-motor powertrain can generate more than 500 horsepower and 670 foot-pounds of torque. Preliminary results peg the Polestar 3’s range at 300 miles.
Due out in late 2023, the electric SUV will hit the marketplace with an estimated base price of approximately $84,000.
VinFast is another new player in the American EV market. The Vietnam-based company is setting up shop in the U.S. Its first two offerings for the American market are SUVs: the midsize VF 8 and full-size VF 9. The most interesting thing about VinFast, however, may not be its cars. The automaker offers a battery subscription service that is based on the owner’s usage.
Both are due out later this year. Pricing for the VF 8 begins at $59,000; the VF 9 at $83,000.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
