The electric vehicle (EV) boom is going strong and innovations in technology, safety, luxury, and ability are growing with each new model. Many huge names in the manufacturing industry have revealed big plans for electrification in the next several years and some of the most popular and well-known models will be coming in hybrid or EV form shortly (or are already available).
With that in mind, alongside the ever-growing concerns of environmental effects and the growing cost of gasoline, 2022 might be the year to jump onboard with EVs. Charging stations are becoming more common, easily accessible, and affordable and many areas that might have been lacking in EVs of the past are on-par or better than gasoline counterparts now.
Whatever your preference - car, SUV/cross-over, or pickup, there is likely an EV you’d love available in 2022. This year, some EVs that are definitely worth their cost are available from makers such as Tesla, Hyundai, and Rivian.
Let’s take a closer look at some EVs that are worth spending on in 2022!
Best Electric Car To Spend On In 2022
The Tesla Model 3 2022 electric car once again proves Tesla is ahead of the game when it comes to EVs. Although the maker recently upped prices in some markets, the Model 3 is worth the price and the increase had the positive side effect of reducing wait times for the car. MSRP for the 2022 Model 3 currently begins at $48,490 for the standard base model. The Long Range model begins at $55,990, and the highest level available, the Performance, starts at $61,990.
The Model 3 is an exciting car to drive, even in the base model, which is rear-wheel drive only. The other two models are all-wheel drive. However, all iterations give adequate torque resulting in a great amount of ability in the sedan with the standard accelerating 0-60 MPH in 5.8 seconds, the Long Range in 4.2 seconds, and the Performance in just 3.1 seconds.
Ranges for the car start at an impressive 272 miles for the standard, which has a 7.6 kilowatt charger and a max Supercharger capability of 170 kW. The Long Range can reach up to 358 miles, and the Performance is capable of going up to 315 miles per charge. Both higher end versions are upgraded with a 11.5 kilowatt charger and have a 250 kW Supercharger capability.
Although the interior of the car is minimalistic, it is hardly lacking on technology. The dashboard features a 15-inch touchscreen that controls most functions. The steering wheel has two dials that control the rest (including mirrors, audio, and cruise control). The Model 3 is also equipped with voice controls for added safety so that the driver can keep their eyes on the road while adjusting things like the temperature.
As a speedy car with smooth acceleration and integrated technology that is always working to update via over-the-air automatic updates from Tesla, the Model 3’s lengthy range and safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (Top Safety Pick+ since 2019), make the car more than worth the price for 2022.
Best Electric Crossover To Spend On In 2022
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a compact crossover with a lot of desirable features packed into a stylish hatchback body. The Ioniq 5 is available in four trim options starting at just $39,950 and going up to a still reasonable $52,395 for the most expensive version according to Edmunds. The crossover is available in either rear or all-wheel drive and offers a choice of two battery packs: either a 58-kWh pack or a 77.4 kWh pack.
Most models are equipped with the larger battery pack as there is a delay on the availability of the smaller one. Those with all-wheel drive were real-world tested on range and were able to go up to 277 miles on a full charge (above the advertised offering of 256 miles). Those with rear-wheel drive are advertised with an offering of 303 miles of range.
The Ioniq 5 is equally impressive inside, boasting plentiful technological upgrades, reclining front seats with footrests, and ample passenger and cargo space. The dashboard is digitized, and the interior has been created using eco-friendly materials. With an innovative infotainment system, the Ioniq 5 has a 12-inch touchscreen on the dashboard alongside a 12-inch digital gauge cluster.
Overall, the Ioniq 5 has all the features you would want in a crossover - the ample room for passengers and cargo offered by an SUV with the stylistic approach and smaller footprint for better maneuverability offered by a car. Additionally, little touches of comfort like footrests and safety features like autonomous drive mode alongside Hyundai’s warranties for five years or 60,000 miles, complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles make the Ioniq 5 worth the cost in 2022.
Best Electric Pickup To Spend On In 2022
Rivian’s R1T pickup has been in the limelight of the EV world since inception and even beat out the Tesla Cybertruck for “Best Truck” at the 2021 LA Auto Show’s ZEVA (Zero Emission Vehicle Awards). The Rivian R1T is technology-rich and refreshingly designed, keeping the traditional values of a pickup while integrating new innovation.
With four electric motors pushing out a combined 908 ft lbs. of torque and up to 835 horsepower, the R1T in all-wheel drive is powerful for its size and can also accelerate 0-60 MPH in just three seconds. The truck is also available with a choice of battery packs - the standard (available on the dual motor only) is capable of up to 260 miles, the large pack can reach up to 314 miles, and the max pack can reach up to an incredible 400 miles on a charge.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the truck costs between $67,500 and $95,000. For that cost, though, you will get off-road ready specifications, ample and innovative cargo space (including the “gear tunnel”), a 4.5-foot truck bed, and plentiful technology in the form of two massive displays on the dash, digital gauges and more, making the 2022 Rivian R1T well worth spending on.