The availability of electric vehicles has undoubtedly exploded in recent years, with numerous mainstream automakers now featuring at least one model in their lineup. Of course, consumers still share concerns that EVs are more expensive upfront, have a shorter range, and take longer to charge than it takes to refuel conventional cars. Still, continuous improvements have seen the pros of owning family-friendly EVs outweigh the cons, not to mention the government has also committed to supercharging America's efforts for an electric future through 'The Biden-Harris Electric Vehicle Charging Action Plan.'
Since government backing will soon alleviate the notable challenges with publicly-available charging infrastructure, many efficient, practical, and stylish EVs are now poised to become even more ideal for family life. Currently, the EV market is flooded with different body style options for every driver, from SUVs to hatchbacks, sedans, and station wagons. And since we'd love to help steer you in the right direction, here are some great family-friendly 2022 EVs you should consider buying.
10 Polestar 2
After a market test run with the headline-grabbing limited-run Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid, Polestar finally got down to serious business with the production of the Polestar 2. The sensational-looking Polestar 2 boasts superb quality, great tech, spacious interior, and decent drive.
Furthermore, its comfortable cabin, practicality, and decent range make it an exciting yet family-friendly EV. Polestar 2 variants include an entry-level 218hp Standard Range Single Motor version capable of 273 miles of range, a 225hp Long Range Single Motor model that does 335 miles on a full charge, and a top-spec 464hp Long Range Dual Motor edition.
9 Peugeot e-2008
The PSA Group has been on the up in recent years, and the bespoke styling design of the Peugeot e-2008 is a testament to how well the automaker has rebranded towards a battery-powered future. The e-2008 utilizes the same electric powertrain as the e-208 hatchback, but it boasts more interior space, a bigger trunk, more practicality, and loads of technology that make it an excellent choice for families.
Under the handsome bodywork lies a 50kWh battery with enough juice to cover 215 miles on a charge and a 100kW motor that delivers 109hp. Despite having one mechanical specification and power output, the e-2008 is available in six trim levels; Active, Allure, Active Premium, Allure Premium, GT-Line, and the top-spec GT Premium.
8 Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 is arguably one of the biggest head-turners in the EV space. It garners attention for its retro-inspired exterior styling, with no fake grille and a design accommodating all aero and pedestrian safety targets. Still, the luxury car-like ride quality, spacious yet plush interior, and ultra-rapid charging capabilities are among the standout features that make it the best in its segment.
The battery capacity allows for 240 miles on a charge, and topping off from 10 to 80% takes just 18 minutes at a fast charging point. In addition, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 attracts many families with a whopping 527-liter trunk capacity and a reasonable price tag for an EV that has so much to offer. And if that's not impressive enough, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 allows owners to power other electrical devices, even other EVs.
7 Volvo XC40 Recharge
The XC40 Recharge is Volvo's first all-electric model, and it features the same platform and electric drive motor as the Polestar 2. Nonetheless, the XC40 Recharge is more family-friendly than its stablemate since it's more practical, less sporty, offers softer riding comfort, more interior headroom, and extra storage space.
The pure electric XC40 Recharge is currently available in two trim levels, Plus and Pro. Buyers can choose a 69kWh battery with a 225hp single electric motor or a 78kWh battery with 397hp dual motors. The range stands at 260 miles between charges regardless of the powertrain option.
6 Skoda Enyaq iV
The Skoda Enyaq iV shares its 'skateboard' platform, powertrain, and technology with the Volkswagen ID.4, but it's undoubtedly far from a rebadged clone. The Enyaq iV has a unique all-rounded personality, a spacious cabin, inventive storage cubbies, a massive trunk, a decent drive, and a good range to suit family needs.
Enyaq iV flavors include an iV 60 with 250 miles of range, an iV 80 extending to 320 miles, and an iV 80x version capable of 310 miles of range between charges. The iV 60 boasts a 180hp electric motor, the iV 80 receives a more powerful 204hp electric motor, while the top-spec iV 80x houses an impressive 265hp electric motor.
5 Kia EV6
Interestingly, Kia built the EV6 on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60. However, the polarizing styling, excellent driving attitude, roomy cabin, and class-leading tech ensure it stands out in the crossover segment.
Although critics point out EV6 weaknesses such as poor rear visibility and slightly underwhelming trunk space, it is still a relatively sensible family car that has already received accolades as Europe's car of the year 2022. Solid, well-trimmed, reassuring, and easy to drive, the EV6 is available in either a 229hp rear-wheel-drive model with 316 miles of range or a 325hp four-wheel-drive version capable of 316 miles.
4 Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mach-E is fun and surprisingly refined, but most importantly, it proves that quick and stylish vehicles could still function as family-friendly vehicles. Although it's not a Mustang as most gearheads know it in any way, shape, or form, the Mach-E offers great curb appeal, great family space, reassuringly useful range, impressive charging capability, and an engaging drive.
Ford built the Mustang Mach-E on an all-new platform, and it's available in either Standard Range or Extended Range versions with either a single motor or twin motor. Power outputs range from 261hp for the Standard Range models to 286hp for Extended Range versions and 473hp for the top-of-the-range Mach-E GT.
3 Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 has been a great commercial success for Tesla, becoming the world's best-selling plug-in EV and the first electric car to surpass the one million global sales mark. Part of the Model 3's popularity arises from the ownership intangibles and features that make it a compelling purchase option as a family hauler.
In addition, Model 3 has achieved numerous awards for how well it blends four significant markers desired in a family-friendly EV; design, value, technology, and safety. Tesla offers the Model 3 in three trim levels, Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance, each with varying weaknesses and strengths in terms of cost, athleticism, and range.
2 BMW i4
BMW aimed the i4 at the Tesla Model 3, designing it just a bit longer but otherwise boasting the exact dimensions and intentions. The BMW i4 is an electric sedan\salon intended for the mainstream premium market, a segment it fiercely competes with not just the Model 3 but also the Polestar 2.
The new interface, snug and well-made cabin, enough range for all sorts of road trips, and fast charging make the i4 a compelling family car, and its non-spaceship aesthetics ensure that it's still a proper BMW. Flavors of the i4 include the 340hp rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 in basic Sport and M Sport trim levels, and the 544hp all-wheel-drive M50.
1 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Considered one of the best all-around EV wagons on the market today, the Taycan Cross Turismo is far better suited to family life than the regular Taycan. Despite their similarities, the Cross Turismo's capabilities, outlook, dynamic range, and dazzling comfort prove that Porsche has moved the game on.
The Taycan Cross Turismo is certainly on the hefty price side, but its practicality, impressive headroom, and luggage space emphasize form and function rather than Porsche's sporting heritage. Porsche offers the Cross Turismo in 4, 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S configurations, not forgetting the GTS Sport Turismo model introduced late last year.