2022 Automobile and Driver EV of the Yr: The Contenders

The F-150 Lightning is a workhorse designed as a lot for productiveness as for changing fence-sitters into the EV fold. Its crew-cab format and straight­ahead (if eerily quiet) inside shout standard F-150. Its 10,000-pound max tow ranking (8500 as examined), quite a few electrical shops, frunk, and cargo mattress arm it for a litany of duties. It drives with the rudimentary appeal of Ford’s longtime bestseller, regardless of a model-specific unbiased rear suspension. But the non-obligatory 131.0-kWh battery provides entrance and rear motors with as much as 580 horsepower, leading to a tire-squawking 4.0-second run to 60 mph. Vary tops out at 320 miles per the EPA (300 as examined), although on the freeway we noticed solely 230 miles in an unladen Platinum mannequin. Equally deceptive, its $41,769 base worth jumps to $74,419 if you’d like the full-zoot powertrain. Nonetheless, on the trail to an electrical future, the Lightning is a well-known face.

Specs

Base/As Examined: $92,669/$93,609
Mixed Energy: 580 hp
Mixed Torque: 775 lb-ft
Battery: 131.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 19.2 kW
Transmissions: direct-drive
Curb Weight: 6855 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.7 sec @ 107 mph
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
High Velocity (gov ltd): 110 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 180 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.77 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
• Mixed: 66 MPGe
• Vary: 300 mi

Rivian R1T Launch Version

A truck like no different.

Marc UrbanoAutomobile and Driver

If we had an award for the automobile that breaks essentially the most new floor, the Rivian R1T pickup would simply be our decide. And that is earlier than contemplating its 4 electrical motors, which allow near-supercar gap photographs. Intelligent performance abounds, with considerate options that really feel contemporary subsequent to the benchmarked sameness that usually plagues conventional pickups. The R1T takes benefit of latest storage spots afforded by the packaging of an EV powertrain. Nonetheless, Rivian sadly aped a few of Tesla’s fussiness, resembling steering-wheel buttons to regulate each mirror and steering-column changes. This latest R1T went considerably farther than a earlier mannequin we drove on our 75-mph freeway vary take a look at. It additionally rode extra firmly on the most important (22-inch) wheel-and-tire choice. The R1T’s smaller-than-full-size dimensions make the truck extra maneuverable, simpler to park, and extra doubtless to slot in your storage, however additionally they end in a again seat that is lower than beneficiant. Though the Rivian missed the highest spot in our voting, we proceed to be impressed.

Specs

Base/As Examined: $86,075/$93,100
Mixed Energy: 835 hp
Mixed Torque: 908 lb-ft
Battery: 128.9 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.5 kW
Transmissions: direct-drive
Curb Weight: 7036 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.5 sec @ 111 mph
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
High Velocity (gov ltd): 111 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 176 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.84 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
• Mixed: 70 MPGe
• Vary: 314 mi

Audi e-tron GT

A dear sports activities sedan that prizes efficiency.

Michael SimariAutomobile and Driver

Audi’s strategy for the e-tron GT sedan follows the identical path because the e-tron mid-size SUV. The four-ring model got down to make this EV appear and feel similar to the Audi sports activities sedans we all know and love, a lot because the e-tron apes Audi’s standard gas-powered crossovers. However a sports activities sedan is an entire lot extra thrilling than a luxurious SUV, and the 522-hp e-tron GT wowed us with its low-slung form, correct steering, and prodigious thrust. (There’s an much more thrilling 590-hp RS model that rockets to 60 mph in lower than 3.0 seconds.) It’s not less than as compelling because the Porsche Taycan with which it shares its platform, powertrain, and electrical structure. And it higher be, as a result of it is practically as costly too. Beginning at $103,895 for the usual mannequin and $143,895 for the RS, the e-tron GT is a pricey proposition however can be one among our favourite EVs to drive.

Specs

Base/As Examined: $103,895/$121,690
Mixed Energy: 522 hp
Mixed Torque: 472 lb-ft
Battery: 85.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive/2-speed automated
Curb Weight: 5148 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.9 sec @ 119 mph
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
High Velocity (gov ltd): 150 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 159 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.90 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
• Mixed: 82 MPGe
• Vary: 238 mi

Lucid Air Grand Touring

We are able to really feel it coming—oh, Lord.

Michael SimariAutomobile and Driver

Lucid often is the new child, however the model does not lack confidence. Its leadoff effort, the Air sedan, is a six-figure moonshot that vaults to the entrance of the pack in the important thing metrics of vary and energy. Lucid went as far as to design its personal diminutive however potent electrical motors and energy-dense battery pack. This beginner wraps that subtle engineering in a easily engaging exterior. The neat-looking inside is a step up from Tesla—though too many operations rely upon touchscreens, and we had been broiling below the headerless windshield and glass roof.

We would beforehand wrung out the top-dog 1111-hp Dream Version Efficiency mannequin and located it to be the quickest EV we have ever examined, each when it comes to prime velocity, the place it reached 173 mph, and on the charger, the place it gulped electrons at a median fee of 135 kilowatts (and a peak of 297 kilowatts). For this competitors, we had the 819-hp Grand Touring, and it hit the identical Vmax and achieved a 60-mph time of three.0 seconds and a 410-mile vary at a gradual 75 mph (the EPA estimates a 516-mile vary).

These are some spectacular numbers. However we had been additionally conscious of this quantity: $140,500, the lofty as-tested worth of our Grand Touring mannequin, which suffered a number of squeaks, creaks, and a few powertrain whine. Lucid plans so as to add extra accessible Air variants, such because the upcoming $89,050 Pure model, and we eagerly anticipate having one at subsequent yr’s EV of the Yr competitors. That is one EV startup whose swagger appears to be justified.

Specs

Base/As Examined: $140,500/$140,500
Mixed Energy: 819 hp
Mixed Torque: 885 lb-ft
Battery: 112.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 19.2 kW
Transmissions: direct-drive
Curb Weight: 5212 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 10.7 sec @ 132 mph
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
High Velocity (gov ltd): 173 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 193 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.82 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
• Mixed: 131 MPGe
• Vary: 516 mi

GMC Hummer EV Pickup

Large-truck vitality.

Andi HedrickAutomobile and Driver

The factor to remember about the GMC Hummer EV is that that is all intentional. Sure, GM’s first electrical pickup is a 1000-hp Hummer that appears one step faraway from Monster Jam, and that may be a very deliberate technique to vary the dialog round EVs. When you purchased a first-generation Nissan Leaf and suppose the Hummer EV is dumb, effectively, after all it’s! It is not for you. It is for individuals who drive lifted one-ton Duramax duallies and suppose electrical vehicles have 50 horsepower and are made from kelp. If the Hummer EV attained sentience, the very first thing it will do is smash via your fence to ask in the event you’ve received a spare Monster Vitality decal.

If you flooring the Hummer EV, the ass finish squats and the steering goes mild as rattling close to 5 tons of truck does its greatest Cigarette-boat impression, prompting involuntary profanity. It seats 5, which it will describe as two and a half Insane Clown Posses. Together with all else, we’re fairly certain this represents the primary pairing of 35-inch tires with blue-tinted T-tops. We suspect GM began with a temper board that featured High Gas dragsters, double-neck electrical guitars, and the forged of Duck Dynasty.

The Hummer EV is an unique, the identical means a McLaren or a Ferrari is. GM will get round to constructing extra affordable electrical vans, certain, however for now it is a billboard pointed straight on the Vehicles Gone Wild crowd, inviting all of them to get onboard with the EV revolution. Or else.

Specs

Base/As Examined: $110,295/$118,039
Mixed Energy: 1000 hp
Mixed Torque: 1200 lb-ft
Battery: 212.7 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.5 kW
Transmissions: direct-drive
Curb Weight: 9640 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.9 sec @ 106 mph
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
High Velocity (gov ltd): 106 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 211 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.73 g

Genesis GV60 Efficiency

This buzzworthy EV has lots to speak about.

Michael SimariAutomobile and Driver

Genesis gave its first EV, the GV60, loads for individuals to soak up. From the biometric scanners on the B-pillar and sprint to the crystal-ball mechanism that rotates to disclose a shift dial, the GV60 is a good dialog starter. Beneath its fashionably funky exterior, its superbly crafted cabin, dotted with tech and good ergonomics, helps it really feel extra upscale than its tidy footprint and $59,985 start line recommend. Spend near $70K for the 483-hp Efficiency AWD mannequin (a step up from the 314-hp Superior AWD trim) and the GV60 rips to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Your most well-liked quantity of regenerative braking (or none in any respect) is a faucet of a steering-wheel paddle away. Likewise, you’ll be able to channel Area Invaders to anechoic chambers with an array of sound profiles.

The GV60’s street manners make it extra cruiser than stormer. The EPA pegs it at both 235 or 248 miles per cost, relying on trim. Extra impressively, the 800-volt electronics allow the 77.4-kWh battery to cost extraordinarily rapidly. There are a number of demerits: The again seat is tight, Apple CarPlay requires a twine, and the rear suspension sometimes feels unsettled when pushed laborious. Maybe the automotive’s best problem will come from its Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 platform-mates, each of which value considerably much less. However the GV60 does precisely what it ought to for a newish model like Genesis: create buzz.

Specs

Base/As Examined: $68,985/$69,560
Mixed Energy: 483 hp
Mixed Torque: 516 lb-ft
Battery: 77.4 kWh
Onboard Charger: 10.9 kW
Transmissions: direct-drive
Curb Weight: 4862 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.2 sec @ 112 mph
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
High Velocity (gov ltd): 151 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 180 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
• Mixed: 90 MPGe
• Vary: 235 mi

Mercedes-AMG EQS 4Matic+

Merc’s prime electrical sedan falls wanting flagship standing.

Michael SimariAutomobile and Driver

In concept, the EQS should excite us. In any case, in AMG type, this all-wheel-drive electrical luxurious automotive produces 751 horsepower, permitting it to race to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds. It is even able to going 290 miles at 75 mph on a full cost (the non-AMG EQS580 can go 350 miles). In observe, essentially the most performance-oriented variant of the three-pointed-star model’s electrical hatchback left us dispirited. Sure, its construct high quality and inside supplies far surpass these from the likes of Lucid and Tesla, however the EQS fails to imitate the cosseting traits of its gas-powered counterpart, the S-class.

Notably, the EQS’s again seat lacks the grandeur we anticipate of a flagship mannequin, because the automotive’s partially-consumed-lozenge form places a noticeable dent in rear-seat headroom—a trait the upright place of the three-across bench’s mounted backs exacerbates. Slightly, the EQS prioritizes its cabin’s entrance quarters. All-wheel-drive variants have a dashboard with a trio of digital shows residing below a single 56.0-inch piece of glass. Mercedes calls this setup the Hyperscreen. It is a powerful function that is hindered by its tendency to draw mud and replicate daylight. And the EQS shouldn’t be precisely rewarding to drive, even in AMG guise, as its muted controls and its brake pedal’s lengthy journey and spongy really feel fail to encourage confidence.

Mercedes put quite a lot of effort into creating an electrical analogue to its S-class sedan. Nonetheless, the automaker’s middling execution of this idea ends in the EQS being much less of an equal to its gasoline kin and extra of an understudy.

Specs

Base/As Examined: $148,495/$159,055
Mixed Energy: 751 hp
Mixed Torque: 752 lb-ft
Battery: 107.8 kWh
Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW
Transmissions: direct-drive
Curb Weight: 5911 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.4 sec @ 119 mph
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
High Velocity (gov ltd): 154 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 167 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.92 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
• Mixed: 77 MPGe
• Vary: 277 mi

Genesis Electrified G80

The undercover EV.

Michael SimariAutomobile and Driver

The transfer to electrification granted designers a corridor cross to get wild with exterior styling. But when a low-slung hood or a spaceship profile is not your factor, look no additional than the Genesis Electrified G80.

Maybe the best enchantment of the Genesis model’s newest electrical providing is that not like so many different new EVs, it is not a utility automobile. It is available in a single trim stage with loads of creature comforts, together with a wealthy leather-based inside. Apart from the one-piece crest grille embossed with diagonal strains to imitate the nostril of the gasser G80, there’s actually no telling the 2 aside from the entrance.

Out again, the omission of tailpipes is a tip-off that an electrical motor at every axle has changed the internal-combustion energy­practice. Mixed, they generate 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Activate Sport mode and the entrance tires lay rubber because the 5047-pound sedan leaps to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and plows via the quarter-mile marker in 12.8 seconds at 106 mph.

On the open street, the Electrified G80 is relaxed and can journey as much as 290 miles on a cost. When it is time to juice up, recharging from 10 to 90 % on a 350-kW DC fast-charger takes 32 minutes. When the street coils, the usual rear-axle steering and the heft of the 1204-pound battery hung low within the chassis assist the Electrified G80 graciously hug an apex.

For now, Genesis will provide the Electrified G80 solely in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. Ultimately, it will likely be accessible throughout the continental U.S. as Genesis continues its push to be all electrical by 2030.

Sedans, although, are a troublesome promote. Convincing EV consumers to think about them may very well be troublesome—regardless of how nice this one is.

Specs

Base (C/D est): $80,000
Mixed Energy: 365 hp
Mixed Torque: 516 lb-ft
Battery: 87.2 kWh
Onboard Charger: 10.9 kW
Transmissions: direct-drive
Curb Weight: 5047 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.8 sec @ 106 mph
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
High Velocity (C/D est): 150 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 184 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.90 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
• Mixed: 100 MPGe
• Vary: 290 mi

BMW iX xDrive50

Why be regular?

Marc UrbanoAutomobile and Driver

When designing an electrical automobile for 2022, you’ll be able to go one among two methods: Retrofit an present automobile with an electrical powertrain or begin from scratch and create one thing that is exterior the norm. BMW selected the latter when creating the iX SUV. It is delightfully unconventional, beginning with the electrical motors, which forgo the everyday everlasting magnets in favor of current-excited motors that remove the necessity for rare-earth magnets. However the iX’s design is the place BMW allowed itself to go hog-wild. Though we’re divided over its exterior design, all of us agree its inside design is much less polarizing. And its distinctive strategy to luxurious makes this Bimmer stand out. The iX is not low cost, and a high-end cabin is predicted when the beginning worth is $84,195, however the BMW seems to be and feels dearer inside than pricier machines such because the Mercedes EQS and the Lucid Air. Efficiency is excellent for an SUV of this dimension, and the 516-hp iX xDrive50 hits 60 mph in simply 4.0 seconds and dispatches the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds at 114 mph. An much more energy­ful M60 mannequin is becoming a member of the lineup for 2023. EPA estimated driving vary is a powerful 315 miles, and the iX’s 105.2-kWh battery charged rapidly in our testing, though the Air’s battery did higher. There are nonetheless some pretty standard SUV attributes right here, together with a spacious rear seat and cargo space, however the issues that make the iX totally different are what make it particular.

Specs

Base/As Examined: $84,195/$104,195
Mixed Energy: 516 hp
Mixed Torque: 564 lb-ft
Battery: 105.2 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Transmissions: direct-drive
Curb Weight: 5707 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.4 sec @ 114 mph
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
High Velocity (gov ltd): 124 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 158 ft
Braking, 100-0: 321 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
• Mixed: 86 MPGe
• Vary: 315 mi

Kia EV6 Wind AWD

Arduous to outline however straightforward to love.

Michael SimariAutomobile and Driver

The Kia EV6 raised a vexing query the primary time we laid eyes on it: Is it a automotive or an SUV? (Reply: Sure?) Whereas it is based mostly on the identical underlying structure because the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (extra clearly an SUV), its wheelbase is 3.9 inches shorter, and its general top is 2.2 inches decrease. And but the EV6’s foreshortened cabin nonetheless has as a lot rear legroom and much more entrance legroom than the Ioniq 5’s. With equivalent propulsion techniques to the Ioniq 5, it will appear the EV6’s hard-to-define look is the largest distinction between the 2 vehicles, um, SUVs, er, automobiles.

That is definitely true of the pair’s efficiency. The 320-hp, two-motor, all-wheel drive fashions—the EV6 GT-Line and Ioniq 5 AWD—each posted all-but-identical 60-mph instances and skidpad grip. Most of their different take a look at outcomes are equally shut. The EV6 has barely extra vary, which tops out at 310 miles for the two-wheel-drive mannequin. They’re priced on prime of each other too.

The EV6 goes its personal means with design, with a form that appears like a race helmet on wheels, or possibly an area capsule, and an intriguing inside design rendered in mid-grade supplies. The variations past which can be extra about look than perform. Each have intuitive touchscreens, steering-wheel paddles to regulate regenerative braking, loads of passenger room, and a suspension tune that permits energetic dealing with whereas successfully filtering unruly pavement.

The EV6’s shut relationship to the terrific Ioniq 5 speaks to its bona fides. Whether or not you suppose it seems to be like a automotive, an SUV, or one thing from planet elsewhere, it is unquestionably a powerful EV.

Specs

Base/As Examined: $52,195/$54,190
Mixed Energy: 320 hp
Mixed Torque: 446 lb-ft
Battery: 77.4 kWh
Onboard Charger: 10.9 kW
Transmissions: direct-drive
Curb Weight: 4574 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.1 sec @ 103 mph
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
High Velocity (gov ltd): 118 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 181 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
• Mixed: 105 MPGe
• Vary: 274 mi

Volvo C40 Recharge

It takes greater than Scandinavian type to make an incredible EV.

Michael SimariAutomobile and Driver

Our drive evaluations for EV of the Yr are a gush of first impressions. We cycle via a number of vehicles every day: drive, swap, replicate, repeat. Our personal Elana Scherr likened this form of testing to automotive velocity relationship. And on this situation, our intestine tells us that the Volvo C40 Recharge shouldn’t be a automobile we might need to have a long-term relationship with.

It is not that the C40 Recharge is unattractive or initially off-putting—something however. It is wearing upscale, fastback sheetmetal, and its no-leather inside has a cultured, well-tailored look. However we favor vehicles which can be enjoyable to drive, and the C40 Recharge actually is not. It rides stiffly, and when pushed briskly on twisty roads, it feels unsettled, like a practice automotive teetering excessive up over the rails.

We should always like this Volvo as a result of it is fast—60 mph arrives in 4.3 seconds. However we really want it had much less energy; the chassis weaves nervously off the road when your proper foot asks for the C40 Recharge’s full 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. Its 226-mile EPA vary is without doubt one of the stingiest within the EV section, its glass roof has no sunshade, and its Google-based infotainment system does not seem to be a lot of an enchancment over Volvo’s previous-generation iteration.

The world of EVs is evolving quickly. It does not take far more than a short dialog with the C40 Recharge to find out that there are higher prospects accessible.

Specs

Base/As Examined: $59,845/$60,540
Mixed Energy: 402 hp
Mixed Torque: 486 lb-ft
Battery: 75.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Transmissions: direct-drive
Curb Weight: 4763 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.9 sec @ 108 mph
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
High Velocity (gov ltd): 115 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 178 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.82 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
• Mixed: 87 MPGe
• Vary: 226 mi

Tesla Mannequin S Plaid

Past ludicrous.

Marc UrbanoAutomobile and Driver

Tesla’s gone Plaid, which is why it was incumbent upon us to incorporate the 1020-hp variant of the automaker’s revised Mannequin S sedan. Although the Model S Plaid’s three-motor powertrain might take prime billing on the Mannequin S’s lengthy listing of updates, it is from the one function that piqued our curiosity. Notably, the Tesla’s ergonomically challenged steering yoke drew loads of commentary. As did the shortage of column-mounted management stalks for the likes of flip indicators and windshield wipers. As an alternative, these features exist as touch-capacitive controls on the yoke’s spokes.

Nonetheless, the Plaid’s straight-line acceleration is an plain draw. Attending to 60 mph takes a mere 2.1 seconds, and the quarter-mile goes by after 9.4 ticks. Bringing the Plaid to a halt was much less of a thrill, as our rented automotive’s brakes routinely exhibited indicators of fade. Briefly, the Mannequin S Plaid provides a battery-electric twist to the traditional muscle-car formulation.

Specs

Base/As Examined: $131,440/$137,440
Mixed Energy: 1020 hp
Mixed Torque: 1050 lb-ft
Battery: 99.3 kWh
Transmissions: direct-drive
Curb Weight: 4828 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 2.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 9.4 sec @ 151 mph
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
High Velocity (gov ltd): 162 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 150 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.08 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
• Mixed: 101 MPGe
• Vary: 348 mi