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5 Myths About At-Home Charging
One of the greatest benefits of owning an electric vehicle is the affordability and convenience of plugging in. Charging shouldn’t be a hassle. In fact, waking up every morning with a full ‘tank’ of electrons is an added convenience that saves time and money. But EVs are a new way of doing things, and adapting may involve a learning curve. We’ll address five common myths about charging at home while exploring a range of options for today’s EVs.
Myth #1: I have to wait around for my car to charge
This myth confuses EV road tripping with day-to-day ownership. Ready to have your mind blown? With an EV, you wake up with a full battery every single morning. Just charge your car while you sleep! How often do you go on road trips? On the interstate, it’s true that you can expect to spend roughly 20-40 minutes plugged in at a fast charger every 200 miles or so. For most drivers, road trips are few and far between, making the public charging inconvenience worth it in exchange for the many benefits of the EV lifestyle.
Myth #2: Charging is expensive
Once again, this myth confuses long-distance travel with how 90% of EV charging is done: at home. Not only is electricity far cheaper than gasoline, electric vehicles are also much more efficient than vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Smart home chargers can even schedule charging for the off-peak times when electricity is cheapest, which is usually in the dead of night.
Public fast charging sessions CAN be as costly as a tank of gas. But bear in mind that you’ll only use these fast chargers when you’re traveling long distances away from home. Want to avoid the most expensive charging stations? Simply do a little trip planning ahead of time using tools like PlugShare. Volkswagen, Hyundai and others have offered a period of free charging for new car buyers. Free charging incentives are something to consider when shopping for a new EV.
Real-world charging cost examples: America’s best-selling EV, the Tesla Model 3, has a usable battery capacity of about 77 kilowatt-hours, which will power about 350 miles of driving in the city, or 310 miles on the highway. The average residential electric rate in the US is $0.16 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Say you return home after a long day of driving and plug in. A full charge from empty to 100% will only cost $12.32 at $0.16 per kWh. But say you’re on the road, and you need to stop at EVgo or a Tesla Supercharger. At $0.50/kWh, public chargers can be more than twice the price of home charging. A full charge at one of these ‘expensive’ stations might cost you $30-40. Not bad comparable to today’s gas prices.
Myth #3: I have to buy an expensive home charger
All EVs come with a free ‘trickle charger’, also known as a ‘level 1’ charger. This is the kind of charger you simply plug into a regular 120 volt wall outlet. These chargers provide about 3-4 miles of charge per hour, but if you leave your car plugged in at home overnight, 12 hours will get you over 36 miles of added range. The average American drives just 25 miles per day. For the typical driver, a level 1 charger is enough to wake up to a full battery every morning.
If you regularly drive more than 50 miles a day and don’t want to stop by a public fast charger to top off your battery, then installing a faster ‘level 2’ home charger may be worth the expense. A level 2 charger requires a 240 volt outlet, the same kind that’s used for large home appliances like washers and dryers. Installing a 240 V outlet and buying a level 2 charger is not cheap. Parts and labor will set you back between $850-$2,000 in most cases. However, if you have a 240 V outlet already within reach of where you’ll charge your car, all you need to do is buy the level 2 charger. A decent level 2 charger sells for $300-$600. Many electric utility companies offer big rebates for EV charger installation, so be sure to check before you write it off as too expensive.
If your 240 V outlet is already supplying an appliance with power, you can purchase a splitter from NeoCharge, Splitvolt, or another maker. A splitter plugs in directly to the 240 V outlet. You then plug both the appliance and EV charger into the splitter. The appliance will always receive priority. When not in use, the splitter sends energy to the car charger. Splitters are often on sale for less than $350.
Myth #4: I’ll have to re-do my home’s electrical wiring
If, like most American drivers, you can manage just fine with the level 1 trickle charger, you won’t need to update any of your home’s electrical wiring. If you drive more than 50 miles each day frequently, you can either visit public fast chargers or opt to install a level 2 charger at your home. If you need to install a level 2 charger, there’s a chance that you’ll need an electrician to do some work, and possibly even upgrade your home to a modern circuit breaker box. If that’s required, you may need to spend somewhere between $1000-$2,000 for electrical upgrades. But in most cases, you won’t need to spend a dime on upgrades.
Myth #5: I need a garage
A garage is just a matter of convenience. Sure, garages are great, but there’s nothing wrong with charging in your driveway. EVs were engineered to safely charge in any weather conditions. No one would buy them if you had to worry about electrocution on a daily basis! If you live in an apartment, townhome or condo, check with the property managers to see if there’s a dedicated spot for EV charging. Many communities now encourage EV charging and provide residents with access to complimentary level 2 chargers. Perhaps your inquiry will be the motivation they need to install some EV chargers.
The CarEdge Takeaway
Charging an EV is not the hassle it’s worked up to be. It is a big shift in the automotive lifestyle, but it brings benefits and cost savings that combustion vehicles can’t offer. You’ll most likely be able to fill up your battery every night with no additional expenses needed, but that can change for drivers who regularly go the distance. Hopefully this myth-busting resource will help you decide if EVs are right for you.
The 2022 Tesla Model 3: Updates and Pricing for the Top-Selling EV in America
(Updated June 2022) A recent survey says that 23% of American drivers say they’re considering an EV for their next vehicle purchase. Some are looking to save on fuel, and others are trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Many are turning to the Tesla Model 3, the most affordable Tesla available today. This sporty sedan is receiving some upgrades for the 2022 ‘model year.’ Tesla doesn’t follow the traditional model year cycle, but they’ve shared some immediate updates for their base model and long range sedans. We’ll cover how much the Model 3 costs, performance and specs, and just how long you’ll wait to take delivery in 2022.
Out With the Standard Range Plus, in With the Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3
Tesla has decided to rename the Standard Range Plus base version of the Model 3 the ‘Rear-Wheel Drive’ variant. Perhaps calling something ‘standard’ just wasn’t on-brand for the luxury automaker. This base trim has received some 2022 upgrades, most notably an increase in range from 262 miles to 272 miles on a charge with the included 18” aero wheels. If you add the 19” sport wheels, the range drops to 267 miles. Tesla has announced that it’s moving all base trims to new battery chemistry. The new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries will allow the car to repeatedly charge to 100% without risking as much harm to the life of the battery. New battery tech could be partially responsible for the range upgrade we’re seeing.
The Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 is powered by a single electric motor that produces 296 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque. Tesla has actually increased the 0-60 time for 2022, raising it to 5.8 seconds for the RWD trim. This software-limited acceleration could also contribute to the quoted higher range. At a Tesla Supercharger or other fast charger, its 60 kWh battery pack can accept up to 170 kW when nearly empty. In the real world, that means charging from 10-80% (adding 190 miles of range) takes about 26 minutes.
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive now sells for a notoriously non-negotiable $46,990, plus the $1,200 destination and doc fee. So the cheapest Tesla is now $48,190. Just a year ago, it was $38,190.
This Interior Is For Techie Minimalists
The Model 3’s interior features are typical Tesla, and the 2022 upgrades eliminate a few differences between the Long Range and base Rear-Wheel Drive trims. RWD now comes with a heated steering wheel and heated front and rear seats (if there’s enough chips for that!). This means that reduced audio quality is the main difference that will stand out between the interiors of the two. The RWD Model 3 includes the 15 inch horizontal touchscreen that Tesla is known for. Everything from your speedometer to Netflix and arcade games can be found on there, but Tesla’s Premium Connectivity package (remote wifi) is an additional $10/month. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto though.
All Model 3 trims come with 23 cubic feet of storage, with 15 cubic feet of space in the trunk alone. The seating area includes 97 cubic feet of total passenger space, which is quite good for a mid-size sedan. And then there’s that glass roof, which creates the illusion of even more interior room, but can be a pain since there’s no retractable sunshade. Black vegan leather comes standard, and white seats can be added for $1,000. Every exterior color except white and midnight silver will set you back between $1,000 – $2,000 more.
The All-Wheel Drive Long Range Model 3
The mid-level spec for the Model 3 is the all-wheel drive Long Range variant, which now has an MSRP of $57,990, and $59,190 with destination charges. With taxes and fees, a Model 3 Long Range will cost over $63,000 in 2022, with exact pricing depending on state sales tax.
That’s quite the hefty price tag, so what do you get for that kind of money? If range is your top concern, the Model 3 Long Range offers a solution with 358 miles of EPA-rated range, up from 353. Supreme efficiency and a 80 kWh battery pack gives the Long Range Model 3 one of the highest range ratings in today’s EV market. Electric all-wheel drive powertrains feature two motors, one powering each axle. If one motor were to ever stop working, electric all-wheel drive vehicles could continue the journey with the power of the remaining motor. Dual-motor power brings the AWD Model 3 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The AWD powertrain is excellent, but the 5.5 inch ground clearance will prevent most off-roading.
The Model 3 Long Range offers a few other upgrades over the RWD version. The Long Range can accept a 250 kW charge rate, which cuts charging time from 0-80% down to 32 minutes. Premium audio supplies 14 speakers, 1 subwoofer, 2 amps, and immersive sound. LED fog lamps are included.
The Model 3 Performance
The track-minded Model 3 Performance’s 450 horsepower and 471 lb-ft of torque propel it to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. The extra power chops the range down to a still-respectable 315 miles. Pricing for the Model 3 Performance starts at $61,190. Tesla has not yet announced any 2022 updates for the Performance version.
Autopilot and Full Self-Driving in the 2022 Tesla Model 3
Autopilot (essentially adaptive cruise control + lane centering) is standard with all Tesla’s. The beta version of Full Self-Driving (FSD) can be added to any Tesla for an additional $12,000. It’s important to note that FSD is far from perfect, and it requires driver attention at all times. Some early access FSD testers say that it demands even more attention than regular driving for the time being. Tesla employs cameras for its autonomous driving, whereas most automakers use some combination of radar and camera inputs. All Tesla’s receive over-the-air updates, so FSD and other tech features are subject to change.
Incentives May Return, but Don’t Bet on It
Tesla prices have increased across the board in 2021. Three factors seem to be at play that are contributing to this. First, the elephant in the room: chips. The chip shortage is affecting multiple components in electric vehicles. Tesla seems to have fared better than most with regards to semiconductor supply, but at a cost. Next, there’s demand. Following record-breaking sales in every quarter of 2021, demand continues to outpace supply. Will Tesla buyers pay $10,000 more for a Model 3? If wait times are any indication, it seems like they are. On top of demand from the ‘little guys’, Hertz just ordered at least 100,000 Model 3’s.
Finally, there’s the likelihood of federal incentives once again applying to Tesla vehicles. It’s been years since Tesla last qualified for the $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs. Automakers are eligible until they sell 200,000 EVs, a milestone Tesla reached in 2017. With ongoing debate in congress, revisions to the EV federal tax credit are far from certain.
The 2022 Tesla Model 3: One of the Best, but It Ain’t Cheap
For car buyers looking to go electric, the Model 3 offers a sporty, minimalist design for those hoping to avoid range anxiety. This is an EV made for road tripping. Tesla’s Supercharger network, over-the-air updates and critically-acclaimed Full Self-Driving are just some of the reasons this electric sedan has been America’s top-seller for three years. Tesla updates are one heck of a moving target, as multiple updates are transmitted to cars every year via over-the-air updates. We’ll keep you updated with what you need to know at CarEdge. The EV space is getting crowded quickly, and the competition has its sights set on Tesla. What do you think? How much longer will the Model 3 remain king of the EVs?
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2023 Subaru Solterra Pricing, Range, and Recalls (October Update)
October update: For months, the Subaru Solterra and its Toyota sibling the bZ4X were under a recall and stop-sale. The Solterra recall was due to the risk of the wheels literally falling off. Finally, a fix is in, and the Solterra is about to go on sale. But is it worth the lofty price?
Subaru is known for two things: standard all-wheel drive, and diehard fans who will never drive anything else. It was big news when Subaru announced the first EV to join the lineup. As the owner of a Forester myself, I had high expectations.
Now that the Solterra is here, I’m disappointed. There are a few serious deal-breakers. The newly-released EPA range figures will make road trips a hassle, and slow charging speeds are not going to help. Solterra Pricing? It’s not cheap. Here’s what we know about the 2023 Subaru Solterra.
Subaru Solterra Pricing and Range
In April, Subaru Solterra prices were announced. Hopefully there aren’t any dealer markups, because Solterra prices are already pretty high for the slow charging and mediocre range. But at least you get AWD with solid ground clearance.
| Base MSRP | Destination | MSRP + Destination | |
| Subaru Solterra Premium | $44,995 | +$1,225 | $46,220 |
| Subaru Solterra Limited | $48,495 | +$1,225 | $49,720 |
| Subaru Solterra Touring | $51,995 | +$1,225 | $53,220 |
Official EPA range for the Solterra is 228 miles in the Premium trim (with 18″ wheels), and 222 miles with the Limited and Touring trims. Considering the Solterra has a 72.8 kilowatt-hour battery, that’s not very good efficiency.
The Solterra’s Design
A length of 184.6”, width of 73.2” and height of 64.9” makes it similar in size to the Forester, but the exterior design language is hardly similar.
The front fascia is not unlike a more angular version of the Mustang Mach-E, with a faux grill outline and aggressive LED headlights. Black plastic cladding above the front wheel wells won’t bother most buyers, but it might be too much plastic for some. The rear of the Solterra features c-shaped taillights that just might be Toyota-inspired. Overall, the Solterra is definitely a model you’ll want to see in person before deciding if it fits your style.
Electric All-Wheel Drive
The Subaru Solterra’s off-roading capabilities are bolstered by 8.3” of ground clearance and the new e-SUBARU symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Subaru says that the new AWD system channels smooth linear output from Subaru StarDrive Technology, which enhances traction in all kinds of weather and terrain.
The front and rear electric motors produce a combined output of 215 horsepower, which is a tad more than the gas-powered Forester and Outback. StarDrive delivers on-demand torque (248 lb-feet) and multiple regenerative braking modes to replenish the battery without compromising ride comfort.
All electric AWD systems have the added benefit of quicker reaction times versus combustion counterparts, as electricity simply moves faster with fewer parts. These days, fewer parts could be key to overcoming inventory shortages. If you hit a patch of black ice, the e-SUBARU AWD system will always respond quicker than the gas-powered equivalent. As with internal combustion models, Subaru continues to offer X-MODE to improve performance in low-friction conditions.
The Subaru Solterra’s Interior
The Solterra’s interior design features may not appeal to those looking for a more minimalist atmosphere. The interior features a large 12.3” center display with a mix of haptic and physical controls, complimented by a smaller display that serves as the gauge cluster above a somewhat small steering wheel.
This digital gauge cluster is placed quite far from the driver’s seating position, but we won’t know how noticeable that is until taking it for a drive. The Solterra might be a welcome sight to those distressed by the absence of physical controls in some newer models. But if you’re anti-piano black, you won’t be too happy with its abundant use throughout the cabin. Interior dimensions are on par with the Forester, with 126 cubic feet of total passenger + cargo volume, 96 cubic feet of passenger space and 30 cubic feet of cargo area.
The Solterra’s Safety Features
The Solterra comes standard with a long list of driver assist technologies:
- Safety Exit Alert (New)
- 360-Degree Surround-View Camera (New)
- LED headlights with high beam assist
- Automatic pre-collision braking
- Automatic pre-collision throttle management
- Lane departure warning
- Blind Spot Monitor with Lane Change Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Range and Charging Disappoint
The EPA rated the Subaru Solterra’s range at 222 miles for the slightly heavier Limited trim, and 228 miles for other trim options. For a 2023 model, that figure is below nearly all of the competition in the electric crossover segment, even among those with AWD. All trims come with a 71.4 kWh battery, which is quite big for such a mediocre range estimate.
Here’s how the Subaru Solterra’s all-wheel drive competitors compare:
- Volkswagen ID.4: 240 – 249 miles
- Hyundai IONIQ 5: 256 miles
- Kia EV6: 274 miles
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: 211 – 270 miles
- Tesla Model Y: 303 – 330 miles
The Solterra’s charging speed is limited to 100 kW at a DC fast charger. That’s even more disappointing than the EPA range figures! Some new EVs, such as the all-wheel drive Hyundai IONIQ 5, make up for mediocre range figures with impressive charging.
Subaru claims that the Solterra can charge from 10% to 80% in 56 minutes. Do you want to wait around for an hour to gain 180 miles of range? I have a small child, so I sure wouldn’t.
Before you go off dismissing EVs as slow-charging appliances on wheels, take a look at how the Subaru Solterra’s competitors fare:
- Hyundai IONIQ 5: 10 to 80% charge (179 miles) in 18 minutes at 230 kW speeds
- Kia EV6: 10 to 80% charge (192 miles) in 18 minutes at 230 kW speeds
- Tesla Model Y: 10 to 80% charge (231 miles) in 22 minutes at 250 kW speeds
- Volkswagen ID.4: 10 to 80% charge (174 miles) in 29 minutes at 135 kW speeds
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: 10 to 80% charge (189 miles) in 38 to 45 minutes at 150 kW speeds
Surveys show that between 80% and 90% of EV charging is done at home. However, Solterra drivers will have to factor in hours of charging time when heading out on a long road trip.
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9 EVs Making Their Production-Ready Debut at the LA Auto Show
This year’s Los Angeles Auto Show features the debut of several electric vehicles to the North American market. With so many competitively priced EVs hitting the roads next year and the likelihood of expanded EV rebates or tax credits, the future is looking electric. After the cancellation of the 2020 LA Auto Show, legacy automakers and industry newcomers alike are eager to show off their latest and greatest. We’ll take a closer look at nine production-ready EVs that stand out as top contenders in this rapidly growing market.
Nissan Ariya – arriving early 2022
CarEdge’s Take
- Quite nice for a Nissan: The aerodynamic design and next generation tech of the Ariya represents a step up for Nissan as it looks beyond the pioneering Leaf.
- Range: estimated 300 miles, TBD
- Price: $45,950 – $58,950 (not including incentives)
Nissan was an EV pioneer when it launched the Leaf back in 2011. For years, Nissan led the pack, only to fall to the likes of the Chevy Bolt and Tesla in the second half of the 2010s. So Nissan’s all-new Ariya has a lot to live up to, and it will be up against plenty of crossover competition.
This electric crossover features futuristic design language and a suite of next-gen tech. Dual 12” screens provide the driver with Nissan’s latest infotainment and digital gauge cluster. The car is capable of receiving remote over-the-air updates to improve performance and tech, a feature popularized by Tesla.
The interior is open and roomy, but the sloping roof design makes for just 15 to 17 cubic feet of rear cargo space, depending on whether AWD adds a rear motor. The 300 mile target range is on par with class leaders like the Model Y and Mustang Mach-E. However, charging speed is not impressive at just 130 kW, likely requiring around 35-40 minutes to charge to 80% on a road trip. But keep in mind that most EV charging is done at home overnight.
The three front-wheel drive trims produce 238 horsepower, reaching 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. Nissan clearly thinks highly of the Ariya, as it’s priced above several competitors. The Venture+ base trim starts at $45,950 before incentives, and the premium Platinum+ offers AWD and 389 HP for $58,950. During the reservation period, Nissan only offers its e-4ORCE AWD on the top Platinum trim.
Toyota bZ4X – arriving spring 2022
CarEdge’s take
- Toyota’s Beyond Zero debut: Toyota dominates the hybrid segment, but this late entry to the EV game is playing catch-up.
- Range: 250 miles (lower for AWD)
- Price: estimated under $40,000 (not including incentives)
In 2019, Toyota announced that it was teaming up with Subaru to develop a new electric platform that would power the two automaker’s EVs in the 2020s. Now, we get to see the fruits of their research and development. The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is the first offering from Toyota’s new Beyond Zero class of vehicles.
This Rav4-sized compact crossover has a low roofline and polarizing exterior design, akin to a crossover version of a Prius. But there’s plenty of space with 30 cubic feet of cargo room. A big 12” screen stands out, and there’s a mix of haptic and old-school physical controls. Front-wheel drive is standard, offering up to 250 miles of range. It’s not terribly quick, with just 201 HP in FWD models.
The bZ4X arrives in spring of 2022 with an expected base price under $40,000 before incentives.
Subaru Solterra – arriving sometime in 2022
CarEdge’s Take
- All-wheel drive plus range anxiety: Subaru’s first all-electric vehicle offers outdoorsy dimensions but not enough range to stray too far from the interstate.
- Range: 220 miles
- Price: Estimated $37,000 – $45,000 (not including incentives)
Subaru’s half of the partnership with Toyota has resulted in the all-new Solterra electric compact crossover. Spoiler alert: It’s nearly identical to the Toyota bZ4X, with one unsurprising distinction. The Solterra features standard all-wheel drive and ground clearance suitable for light off-roading at 8.3”, matched only by the Volkswagen ID.4.
Lugging around the extra weight from the second motor hurts the Solterra’s range, as it’s expected to be rated for just over 220 miles on a charge. For a 2023 model, that’s a bit disappointing, especially for an automaker that prides itself in going off the beaten path (where chargers are few and far between).
The estimated starting price is expected to be in the mid to upper $30,000’s for the lower trims, likely reaching into the $45,000 range fully-loaded.
Kia EV6 – arriving January 2022
CarEdge’s Take
- Efficiency and charging reign supreme: The EV6 recently beat Tesla’s previous record in a race across the US from coast to coast.
- Range: ~ 270 – 300 miles
- Price: ~$45,000 – $58,500 (not including incentives)
Kia’s first dedicated EV and companion to the popular eNiro takes the automaker’s EV game to the next level. Kia and sister company Hyundai have unveiled their new e-GMP electric platform, and the results are impressive. The EV6 is getting rave reviews in Europe where it’s already on the road, and it seems to be a serious contender for EV market share.
With range up to 300 miles and fast charging from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes (!), the EV6 is a sign of the electric offerings to come in the mid-2020s. Don’t let the base version’s 58 kWh battery and 167 horsepower fool you; most rear-wheel drive trims come with a 77.4 kWh battery (on par with class leaders) and 225 hp. All-wheel drive brings the power: 320 hp comes standard with AWD, and the GT option launches it to a very impressive 576 hp and a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds.
This Kia has turned out to be a real Model Y competitor. Price options are to be determined, but the EV6 is likely to start in the mid-40s.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 – arriving to select US markets winter 2021
CarEdge’s Take
- A retro-inspired car from the future: The evocative design of this compact crossover is sure to turn heads. It also speeds through charging sessions.
- Range: 269 – 300 miles
- Price: $40,000+ TBD (not including incentives)
Rarely does an all-new car enter the market with the novelty that the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is bringing to North America. Hyundai’s bold, futuristic yet retro design is unlike anything else on the road. It’s like science fiction made real. Hyundai says the design is partly inspired by the 1975 Hyundai Pony, South Korea’s first mass-produced car for export.
The result is an angular and pixel-inspired Tucson-sized crossover. Although it’s the Kia EV6’s e-GMP platform sibling, they don’t share any design language. The IONIQ 5 comes in three trims. Standard rear-wheel drive produces 225 hp and a 0-60 time of 7.4 seconds. All-wheel drive brings that up to 320 hp and a zippy 0-60 of 5.2 seconds.
Range is impressive but not exceptional. RWD variants are expected to have about 300 miles of range, and AWD offers 269 miles. Like the EV6, the 350 kW level 3 charging speed is class-leading with over 200 miles of range added in just 18 minutes. Unlike most of today’s EVs, the IONIQ 5 and EV6 are capable of bidirectional charging. This means that you can plug household appliances into the car for power in the event of a power outage or remote camping adventure.
Hyundai still has not released pricing for the US, but if Canada’s prices are any hint, expect it to start in the mid 40s.
Ford F-150 Lightning: available spring 2022
CarEdge’s Take
- This truck powers your home or jobsite: The F-150 Lightning serves as a back-up power source that can power an entire home for days, or power tools for hundreds of hours. It has a massive frunk too.
- Range: 230 – 300+ miles
- Price: $39,974 – $52,974 (not including incentives)
Ford’s success with the popular albeit controversially named Mustang Mach-E has shown that the top-selling automaker in America is serious about electrification. Now, Ford is electrifying its most popular segment: trucks. The F-150 has been the best-selling truck for 44 years, so it’s a bold move to introduce a new powertrain. But if nearly 200,000 preorders is any indication, the strategy is working out for Ford.
The F-150 Lightning checks all the boxes and then some. The standard-range battery offers 230 miles of range, and the long-range battery brings it up to 300 miles. Payload is an impressive 2,000 pounds, and it can tow up to 10,000 pounds. It’s not yet clear how much range is eaten up by towing.
The 4×4 variants powered by two separate motors add head-turning power, carrying the truck to 60 mph in the mid-4 second range. Ford’s BlueCruise driver assistance technology allows for hands-free driving on over 100,000 miles of US roads. Yet another impressive feature of the Lightning is the gigantic frunk, or front trunk, that occupies the space under the hood.
Pricing starts at $39,974 for the commercially-focused Pro trim, but the real value and comfort features start at $52,974 for the XLT, and levels up to over $89,874 for the Platinum. Ford says that lifetime maintenance costs will be about 40% less than internal combustion equivalents, and fleet operators are taking notice. There’s a lot to love about this electric truck, and it will be interesting to see how it compares to the elusive Tesla Cybertruck and GM’s upcoming electric trucks.
Rivian R1T: available now
CarEdge’s Take
- Built with purpose in mind: Rivian’s brand is all about making outdoor adventure sustainable. The R1T is the ultimate backcountry crew-cab from the future.
- Range: 300 – 400 miles
- Price: $67,500 – $83,000+ (not including incentives)
As of 2020, there were zero electric trucks available to North American buyers, but that’s all about to change in a big way. The next few years are going to see exploding growth in the electric truck market, with legacy automakers like Ford and GM introducing trucks alongside newcomers like Rivian and Tesla.
Among the emerging crowd, the Rivian R1T stands out. It’s a boldly futuristic truck designed with adventure in mind. It’s less of a truck for the construction site, and more of a truck for overlanding and exploring wilderness. Backed by both Ford and Amazon, Rivian has put in over a decade of research and development into the design of its first vehicle.
The result is a mid-size crew-cab pickup with 300 to 400 miles of range, depending on battery options. A host of driver assistance features and intuitive tech make the Rivian an excellent choice for the highway and the trail. The R1T is powered by up to 800 hp and launches to 60 mph in as little as 3.0 seconds. An adjustable air suspension lifts the ground clearance up to 14 inches in off-roading situations, while making it possible to lower the clearance significantly on the highway for better fuel economy. Towing is up to 11,000 pounds and payload capacity is 1760 pounds.
The Rivian R1T starts at $67,500 for the Explore trim with a 300+ mile range. The Adventure package with the extended-range battery will set you back $83,000. Rivian also has a full-sized SUV in the works, and they’re beginning to fill Amazon’s order for 100,000 electric delivery vehicles. You read that right! That’s a lot of demand for a company that has delivered well under 1,000 vehicles at the time of this writing.
Fisker Ocean – available late 2022
CarEdge’s Take
- A legendary designer’s unique EV: The sleek aesthetics of this crossover make it a rolling piece of art and an example of sustainable design.
- Range: 250 – 350 miles
- Price: $37,500 – $69,000+ (not including incentives)
Henrik Fisker’s electric ambitions got off to a rough start a decade ago. The Fisker Karma sports car sold 2,000 units before issues with the battery supplier ceased production in 2012. But Fisker is back and they mean business. The stylish Fisker Ocean compact SUV is all the rage at this year’s LA Auto Show. Mr. Fisker is a veteran designer at heart, so it’s only natural that the Ocean is a truly beautiful car.
Starting at a competitive $37,500, the base trim offers 250 miles of range and 275 hp. The upgraded Ocean Ultra bumps up to 340 miles of range, all-wheel drive and a sporty 540 hp with a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds. But that’s not all. For $69,000, the Ocean Extreme offers a 3.6 second 0-60 time and over 350 miles of range. Fisker is even going to offer a no-commitment lease option for just $379/month, which is basically a subscription service.
On top of the impressive specs and pricing, the Fisker Ocean is largely made of recycled and sustainable materials, and some trims will include a rooftop solar panel. Fisker says he wants this fresh start to produce the highest quality vehicles from day one. That’s why they’ve teamed up with Austrian automaker Magna to produce the Ocean. Magna has made cars for Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar for decades, so it’s safe to say Fisker’s production is in good hands.
Lucid Air – available now
CarEdge’s Take
- What range anxiety? At 520 miles and 131 MPGe, this luxury sedan has claimed the title of Range King for the 2022 model year, a title that it stole from Tesla’s Model S.
- Range: 406 – 520 miles
- Price: $78,900 – $170,000+ (not including incentives)
This ultra-luxury sedan is pushing the frontier of EV technology, but at a luxury price point. The base Air Pure starts at $78,900, and top trims exceed $170,000. What do buyers get for that kind of money? The EPA-rated range of up to 520 miles is industry-leading, beating even the Tesla Model S.
The Air Dream Edition Performance produces 1,111 hp and a 0-60 time of just 2.5 seconds. The interior has been described as pure luxury, with panoramic screens, an expansive glass roof and nearly silent cabin standing out to those lucky enough to get a test drive.
Lucid is already building cars at its new plant in Arizona. Following Tesla’s example, the new automaker plans to first produce luxury vehicles before eventually offering more affordable models. An SUV is in the pipeline too. This startup is one to watch.
The Takeaway
The 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show has been a stage for automakers to share their commitment to electrification. Beyond the production-ready EVs, several concept designs also made their debut. By 2030, industry experts estimate that at least one out of four new cars sold in America will be electric. What we’re seeing in the unveiling of 2022-2023 models is competition. And when automakers innovate and compete for your business, it’s almost always a win for the consumer.
