Electric Cars To Have On Your Radar
This feature is in the March/April Next Wave Issue. Click here to subscribe.
With an increased global industry focus on sustainability and preservation, several premium manufacturers have joined the effort by committing to all-electric lines. While Tesla vehicles continue to move units, both Volkswagen and General Motors (which includes Cadillac and Hummer) are among the first to pledge an all-electric lineup by 2025, and new brands such as Volvo’s Polestar and Amazon-backed Rivian have come on the market as all-electric lines. If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, here are four picks that will be making a splash on the roads in the next few seasons.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GMC
HUMMER EV SUV
Compare with: Tesla Model X
Long ago, in a time called the aughts, Hummers ruled the road. Rising gas prices and an increased focus on sustainability led to the supersized brand exiting the market. But a decade later, Hummer is back, and this time, it’s an all-electric brand. The first model (there’s also a pickup version), the already wait-listed EV Edition 1 (up to 1,000 hp), will be available in early 2023 and delivers the behemoth proportions that brand lovers crave. It is the first to feature GM’s new modular platform and Ultium battery system, a hands-free driver assistance system, fast charge capability, an optional extreme off-road package and—wait for it—can move diagonally in crab mode. gmc.com
The Rivian R1S PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
RIVIAN R1S
Compare with: Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator
This large, 800 hp SUV’s debut was all the buzz at auto shows back in 2019. But information about the all-electric brand and the three-row, seven-seater model was limited. The highly anticipated R1S has an imminent arrival of 2023 and features an increasingly popular all-glass panoramic roof, under-seat and front trunk storage, roof tent capacity, a reputed wading depth of up to 3 feet, in-car Wi-Fi connectivity and vegan leather seats that you can configure to suit your passenger or cargo load, plus automatic steering and speed adjustment on command. rivian.com
The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
FORD MUSTANG MACH-E GT
Compare with: Jaguar I-Pace, Porsche Taycan 4S
The 2022 480 hp Mach-E GT is an updated and expanded take on the American classic. The four-door SUV (a striking departure from the classic two-door sport car) is the top-of-the-line model and comes standard with such tech features as a 15.5-inch touchscreen, navigation, charging station locator, FordPass Connect that allows for scheduled remote starts and a Bang & Olufsen nine-speaker sound system. What will be most familiar to Mustang devotees is the performance, responsiveness and fun of the ride—the Mach-E GT goes from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds. ford.com
The Polestar 2. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
POLESTAR 2
Compare with: Tesla Model 3, Audi Q4 E-Tron
If “family sedan” brings to mind a clunky, sedate ride, it’s time to introduce you to the 2022 Polestar 2. From the sleek, distinctive lines of the exterior to the cabin’s equally eye-catching, embossed textures (the panoramic glass roof is a standout), the spacious five-seater delivers on the aesthetics and offers ample safety and tech features, including a huge, tablet-sized screen that lets you add car-friendly apps, a foot-operated tailgate and 360-degree camera visibility. Need more convincing? Just slide behind the wheel and give the 408 hp engine a chance to shine. polestar.com
