With the electric vehicle market seeing so much growth recently, the last five years have seen some of the greatest advancements in EVs, proving that electric motors have what it takes to compete with gas-powered cars. 2022 was a year that perhaps saw the largest strides made by automotive manufacturers, with each car type seeing outstanding electric entries into the market.
Whether it was through speed, style, or practicality, the EVs released in 2022 undoubtedly raised the bar much higher than in previous years, as the technologies continue to advance at a higher rate. With manufacturers both improving on past models and introducing brand-new cars into their lineup, 2022 saw a big increase in demand for electric cars, with a whopping 60% increase of EVs on the road compared to 2021. With so many to choose from, here are the best EVs that launched in 2022.
This article about the 10 best EVs of 2022 was compiled using data from the manufacturers’ websites, along with other outlets such as Car and Driver, to provide accurate information.
1 2022 Porsche Taycan
Range: Up To 227 Miles
A car that shares quite a few similarities with the Audi e-tron GT, the 2022 Porsche Taycan had to feature on this list for not just that reason, but for how unique this electric sports sedan is. Both cars are built on the same Volkswagen Group electric platform, but the Taycan very much has its personality.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
2 Permanent-Magnet 93.4 KWh Synchronous AC Batteries |
Horsepower |
469 HP |
Torque |
263 LB-FT |
Range |
Up To 227 Miles |
Transmission |
Two Speed Automatic |
Driveline |
AWD |
0-60 Speed |
3.0 Seconds |
(Specs sourced from Porsche)
With its all-wheel-drive and adaptive air suspension provide a precise, thrilling driving experience that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else, perfectly fine-tuned as only Porsche can do. The Taycan also doesn’t lack in the comfort area due to the air suspension and high-quality materials inside, making it a great car to use every day. With a range of up to 227 miles, it does fall short of other EVs on this list, but the Taycan can still be used for longer journeys.
2 2022 Audi e-tron GT
Range: Up To 238 Miles
There was quite a lot of buzz around Audi’s first major venture into the world of EVs with the e-tron range. By the year 2022, Audi was 3 years into full production of its EV range, with the e-tron GT being such a standout across the entire industry. Firstly, the exterior design of the car is nothing sort of spectacular, being widely regarded as one of the best-looking EVs released at the time.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
2 Permanent-Magnet 85.0 KWh Synchronous AC Batteries |
Horsepower |
469 HP |
Torque |
464 LB-FT |
Range |
Up To 238 Miles |
Transmission |
Two Speed Automatic |
Driveline |
AWD |
0-60 Speed |
3.6 Seconds |
(Specs sourced from Audi)
The 2022 e-tron GT managed to find a solid balance between performance and comfort, something that’s been present in almost all modern Audi sedans and wagons. the e-tron GT utilizes the performance benefits that EV motors can produce, with excellent acceleration and handling, compared to its competitors. This car has become a staple model for Audi’s vision of the future, with the 2022 model taking this vision to new heights for the later models yet again improve on.
3 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
Range: Up To 259 Miles
The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt is one of the best all-rounder EVs to release throughout the year. The larger hatchback provides more space than you’d initially think, making it a great family car and one to take on both quick or long journeys. It’s also a great value for money for an EV, kitted out with high-tech, easy-to-use amenities.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
Permanent Magnet 149 kWh Battery |
Horsepower |
200 HP |
Torque |
266 LB-FT |
Range |
Up To 259 Miles |
Transmission |
Single Speed Automatic Precision Shift |
Driveline |
FWD |
0-60 Speed |
6.4 Seconds |
(Specs sourced from Chevrolet)
With an impressive 200 horsepower, the ’22 Bolt provides an ideal amount of power in a split second. The car does have a lower range than other EVs in this list with 259 miles, but this is still a solid amount considering the affordable nature of the car. The Bolt is a great example of the sheer practicality EVs can provide, with Chevrolet’s entry being super adaptable to any setting, and being just as easy to drive in each.
4 2022 Volkswagen ID.3
Range: Up To 265 Miles
Striking a great balance between everyday practicality and driving fun is the 2022 Volkswagen ID.3. While not having the same power as other EVS in this list, the ID.3 does put more focus on functionality over performance. Being one of the best-selling EVs on the market, it’s no surprise that the car’s easy-to-drive, comfortable nature was the first choice for so many.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
150 kWh Battery |
Horsepower |
150 HP |
Torque |
228 LB-FT |
Range |
Up To 265 Miles |
Transmission |
Two-Stage Single Speed Automatic |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 Speed |
7.1 Seconds |
(Specs sourced from Volkswagen)
On the inside, the 2022 ID.3 has a considerable amount of room, despite its smaller size. It can comfortably fit four passengers inside, with each person having plenty of breathing space. The ID.3 also excels in towns and cities, with a turning circle the same as the much smaller Up model. The gentle yet responsive power output also gives all the confidence necessary in whatever situation on the road.
5 2022 Mustang Mach-E
Range: Up To 305 Miles
When the Mustang Mach-E was announced, the use of the iconic nameplate on an electric SUV threw quite a few people off. We’re all used to Mustangs being all-powerful muscle cars, not an SUV built for everyday driving. However, the Mach-E does still share a visual resemblance to the ‘regular’ Mustangs, being the perfect inspiration for what turned out to be a fantastic-looking car.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
70.0 kWh Battery or 91.0 kWh Battery |
Horsepower |
226 HP |
Torque |
317 LB-FT |
Range |
Up To 305 Miles |
Transmission |
Single Speed Automatic |
Driveline |
AWD |
0-60 Speed |
4.8 Seconds |
(Specs sourced from Ford)
Taking Ford into new territory with the Mustang, the ’22 Mach-E is still a great choice for those looking for a sporty electric SUV, that has all the capabilities to be a reliable, practical family car. With a luxurious interior designed with comfort in mind, the Mach-E also has a solid range of up to 305 miles. Ford managed to produce a great all-around electric SUV with the ’22 Mach-E, competing with the very best in its class.
6 2022 GMC Hummer EV
Range: Up To 329 Miles
For one of the boldest, brashest EVs on the market, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV delivers brutal amounts of power provided by its electric motor. The Hummer model has always been loved for its bold appearance, but this electric version with three motors manages to produce up to 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
Dual or triple “Ultium Drive” Permanent Magnet Batteries |
Horsepower |
1,000 HP |
Torque |
11,500 LB-FT |
Range |
Up To 329 Miles |
Transmission |
Single Speed Automatic |
Driveline |
AWD |
0-60 Speed |
3.5 Seconds |
(Specs sourced from GMC)
Despite its size and huge weight, the Hummer EV is surprisingly easy to drive, with fantastic interior space, as expected from a Hummer. While this makes the ’22 Hummer EV smooth to drive on the road (with a solid range of 329 miles), the Hummer can also attack the off-road trails even better than the gas-powered models, due to the big increase in torque provided by the electric motors under the hood.
7 2022 Tesla Model Y
Range: Up To 330 Miles
Another one of Tesla’s leading models in their EV range, the 2022 Model Y is the manufacturer’s SUV entry into the market, yet again setting a new standard for performance and efficiency. Despite its size, the Model Y maintains the blistering acceleration of the smaller models but this time with the practicality improvements of an SUV.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
Permanent Magnet Synchronous 67.6 kWh AC Battery |
Horsepower |
295 HP |
Torque |
310 LB-FT |
Range |
Up To 330 Miles |
Transmission |
Single Speed Automatic |
Driveline |
AWD or RWD |
0-60 Speed |
4.4 Seconds |
(Specs sourced from Tesla)
The Model Y is one of the most flexible models on this list, being a great choice for long journeys as well as quick trips across a suburban setting. In true Tesla fashion, the interior is also kitted out with cutting-edge technology with a futuristic, minimalist design. The extra space in the Model Y only adds to the comfort and sense of space present in smaller Tesla models.
8 2022 BMW iX M60
Range: Up To 348 Miles
In the world of electric SUVs, very few have been as well received as BMW’s entry into the industry with the iX M60. The 2022 model takes everything great from the gas-powered BMW SUVs and combines them with the opportunities that only an EV can provide. The ride of the iX M60 is quiet and comfortable, providing a luxury-feeling experience when cruising along.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
2 Synchronous AC 105 kWh Batteries |
Horsepower |
619 HP |
Torque |
811 LB-FT |
Range |
Up To 348 Miles |
Transmission |
Single Speed Automatic |
Driveline |
AWD |
0-60 Speed |
3.8 Seconds |
(Specs sourced from BMW)
The iX M60 also comes with a much-appreciated Sport mode, with the famous M series experience being well and truly present. The electric motor means that the excitement from smaller M performance models can be applied to this SUV, delivering outstanding performance for a car this size. If you’re looking for a bigger EV with capabilities to be a gentle cruiser with tonnes of performance up its sleeve, the 2022 BMW iX M60 should definitely be a car to consider within the German outfits EV range.
9 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid
Range: Up To 390 Miles
When it comes to the world of electric vehicles, no ‘best ofs’ list is complete without mentioning one of the pioneers of the industry, Tesla. Constantly setting the standard with their models, the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid comprises just about everything that makes electric cars so extraordinary. With up to 412 miles of driving range, the Model S Plaid sits right at the top end of the electric sedans of the year, with its space and comfort present in its minimal interior making the car ideal for all journeys.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
3 AC Permanent Magnet Batteries |
Horsepower |
1,020 HP |
Torque |
1,050 LB-FT |
Range |
Up To 390 Miles |
Transmission |
Single Speed Automatic |
Driveline |
AWD |
0-60 Speed |
1.9 Seconds |
(Specs sourced from Tesla)
One of the most popular features of Tesla cars, especially the Model S, is the blistering acceleration. The ’22 base model manages to achieve 0-60 MPH in just 1.9 seconds, with the Plaid model improving the stat to 2.1 seconds. As well as this, the Plaid’s third motor increases the horsepower to a staggering 1,020 horses. The incredible speed and power may seem like the Model S is all about performance, however, the car is gentle and responsive, with a great sense of control behind the wheel.
10 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition
Range: Up To 520 Miles
When Lucid Motors joined the EV scene, their cars became known for the luxurious finish, perfectly fitting for the manufacturer’s name. The Lucid Air model is one of the model elegant EVs to be released thus far, both inside and outside, with the 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition maintaining all the luxury of the base model but adding performance that can rival the very best of the EVs.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
2 Permanent-Magnet 118.0 KWh Synchronous AC Batteries |
Horsepower |
1,111 HP |
Torque |
1,025 LB-FT |
Range |
Up To 520 Miles |
Transmission |
Single Speed Automatic |
Driveline |
AWD |
0-60 Speed |
2.5 Seconds |
(Specs sourced from Lucid)
The Dream Edition is available in two main variants, the P model, optimized for speed and acceleration and the R model, optimizing range. No matter which model you choose, both are equally enjoyable to drive, with the Dream Edition exuding incomparable opulence in the EV world.
Sources: Manufacturers’ websites, along with other outlets such as Car and Driver.
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