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October 2022 Update: Hyundai and Kia models with dual-clutch transmissions are subject to a new recall and stop-sale. Model year 2021 – 2023 vehicles are included. See the details below.
A recall remains in effect for the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. This recall is separate from another recall earlier this year in which nearly 6 million vehicles produced between 2011 and 2019 were flagged for separate fire risks. See the details and learn how to check if your VIN number is included below.
Let’s dive in to what you need to know about Kia & Hyundai fire recalls.
What Kias & Hyundais are being recalled for fire?
NHTSA Recall ID
Vehicle Make
Vehicle Model(s)
# Vehicles Recalled
Recall Date
21V331
KIA
2013-15 Optima and 2014-15 Sorento
440,270
5/10/2021
21V308
HYUNDAI
2021 Santa Fe
2
5/3/2021
21V301
HYUNDAI
2019-20 Elantra, 2019-21 Kona and Veloster
125,840
4/28/2021
21V303
HYUNDAI
2013-15 Santa Fe Sport
151,205
4/28/2021
21V277
KIA
2022 Kia Carnival
2,744
4/21/2021
21V259
KIA
2021 Seltos, 2020-21 Soul
147,249
4/13/2021
21V208
HYUNDAI
2021 Genesis G80, GV80
147
3/25/2021
21V160
HYUNDAI
2015-16 Genesis, 2017-2020 Genesis G80
94,646
3/10/2021
21V161
HYUNDAI
2019-21 Genesis G70
552
3/10/2021
21V137
KIA
2017-19 Cadenza, 2017-21 Sportage
379,931
3/4/2021
20V750
KIA
2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima, Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage
294,756
12/2/2020
20V746
HYUNDAI
2012 Santa Fe, 2011-13 and 2016 Sonata Hybrid, 2015-16 Veloster
128,948
12/1/2020
20V630
HYUNDAI
2019-2020 Kona
6,707
10/13/2020
20V543
HYUNDAI
2016-2021 Tucson
652,054
9/4/2020
20V518
KIA
2019 Stinger
9,443
8/27/2020
20V519
KIA
2013-15 Optima and 2014-15 Sorento
440,370
8/27/2020
20V520
HYUNDAI
2013-15 Santa Fe Sport
151,205
8/27/2020
20V399
KIA
2020 Sedona
5,385
7/8/2020
20V393
HYUNDAI
2011-2012 Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster
Hyundai and Kia owners began suing the automakers in 2015 after they refused to pay to repair or replace the Theta II engine. Hyundai settled the class-action suit.
What is this lawsuit about? The people who filed these lawsuits are called Plaintiffs, and the companies they sued, HMA, HMC, and others, are called Defendants. The Plaintiffs allege that the Class Vehicles suffer from a defect that can cause engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and engine fire. They also allege that engine seizure or stalling can be dangerous if experienced. Furthermore, the Plaintiffs also allege that some owners and lessees have been improperly denied repairs under the vehicle’s warranty. HMA and HMC deny Plaintiffs’ allegations.
Which Hyundai vehicles are included? The “Class Vehicles” are 2011–2019 model year Hyundai Sonata, 2013–2019 model year Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and 2014–2015 and 2018–2019 model year Hyundai Tucson equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter genuine Theta II gasoline direct injection engines within OEM specifications.
What can I get from the settlement?
Warranty Extension
Reimbursement for Past Repairs
Reimbursement for Rental Car, Towing, Etc.
Compensation for Inconvenience Due to Repair Delays
Compensation If You Traded In or Sold a Class Vehicle
Compensation for Vehicle Involved in an Engine Fire
Rebate Program
2020-2022 Hyundai Palisade Recall
On August 22, 2022, the NHTSA issued a recall and stop-sale for model year 2020-2022 Hyundai Palisades in the United States. 245,030 Palisades are impacted. Affected new Palisades will not be available for purchase until they have received the recall fix.
The recall is due to a newly discovered fire risk that has resulted in three fires in Canada, and several instances of melted components.
A safety report filed with the NHTSA explains that debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
On August 22, 2022, the NHTSA also issued a recall and stop-sale for model year 2020-2022 Kia Tellurides in the United States. 36,417 Kia Telluride VIN numbers are impacted. The stop-sale means that affected new Tellurides will not be available for purchase until they have received the recall fix.
Just as with the Hyundai Palisade recall, the Telluride recall is due to a newly discovered fire risk that has resulted in three fires in Canada, and several instances of melted components.
A safety report filed with the NHTSA earlier this month explains the risk of concern. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch circuit board may cause an electrical short. If a short occurs, accumulated debris may ignite and cause a fire.
At a time when the average transaction price for a new vehicle is inching closer to $50,000, getting your money’s worth matters more than ever. Electric vehicles are popular, but they’re expensive. Most importantly, not all EVs are equal in terms of range, charging speed, and overall value for the money. These are the worst deals for a new electric car in 2022, plus some better alternatives on the market today.
Toyota bZ4X
Long the authority when it comes to hybrid powertrains, the world waited with great anticipation for the first all-electric Toyota. The automaker that brought us the legendary Prius collaborated with Subaru to engineer the 2023 Toyota bZ4X, and its sibling the Subaru Solterra (more on that below). The result is puzzling. At a time when Hyundai, General Motors and of course Tesla are bringing cars to market with fast-charging times under 30 minutes, Toyota jumps into the game with an electric crossover that takes a whole hour to charge under optimal conditions.
Okay, so it charges slowly. What about the Toyota bZ4X’s range? The front-wheel drive bZ4X is rated for 242 miles with the Limited trim, and 252 miles on the XLE. Upgrade to dual-motor all-wheel drive, and range suffers. The AWD Toyota bZ4X is EPA-rated for 222 miles on the Limited, and 228 miles with lower trims.
Pricing starts at $43,215 before incentives, and tops out at $49,995 for the bZ4X Limited all-wheel drive.
Here’s a summary of what the 2023 Toyota bZ4X offers:
Up to 200 miles of range added in one hour
Peak 150 kilowatt (FWD) or 150 kilowatt (FWD) charging
222 to 252 miles of range, depending on trim and motor configuration
Two different battery suppliers, depending on the trim selected
bZ4X pricing: $43,215 – $49,995
The bZ4X does qualify for the $7,500 EV federal tax credit
Subaru Solterra
I get why Subaru drivers love their cars. I’m a fan of the outdoorsy, all-terrain capable vehicles at an attainable price. Now that Subaru’s first electric vehicle has arrived, I’m heartbroken. It’s not a compelling EV, especially compared to the competition as a 2023 model.
Toyota’s new electric platform paired with all-wheel drive and the Subaru badge will set you back at least $46,220, and the Solterra Touring’s MSRP is a lofty $53,220. Range isn’t anything to brag about. In fact, it just might cause range anxiety from day one.
2023 Subaru Solterra
Price: $46,220 – $53,220
Range: 222 – 228 miles
Add up to 180 miles of range in one hour (peak 100 kilowatt charging)
8.3 inches of ground clearance (best in class)
X-MODE electric traction control settings
Perhaps if you don’t travel too far off the beaten path, the 2023 Subaru Solterra could be right for you. But that defeats the purpose of having a Subaru, doesn’t it?
When it comes down to the specs, looks and driving experience, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge is not a bad car. Many owners love its zippy performance and Scandinavian looks. What’s not to like? The price paired with the range. The XC40 Recharge is not an affordable EV. With a starting price of $51,700 and most trim options ending up around $60,000, this Volvo’s price approaches that of its competitor: the Tesla Model Y.
Here’s what to expect from the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge:
223 miles of range
Up to 156 miles of range added in 37 minutes
Google operating system for infotainment
0-60 time of 4.7 seconds
Qualifies for the federal EV tax credit
Jaguar I-PACE
The I-PACE was one of the first electric vehicles to earn mainstream popularity in North America. When it arrived in 2018, range and charging capabilities were on-par with the best. What’s the problem then? Jaguar has not invested in powertrain upgrades for the I-PACE, and it has consequently fallen out of favor among EV buyers.
The 2022 Jaguar I-PACE starts at an MSRP of $71,200, plus destination and fees. What do you get for such a lofty price, other than the Jaguar brand?
234 miles of range
Add 187 miles of range (0 to 80%) in 45 minutes at a DC fast charger
0 – 60 time of 4.5 seconds
Qualifies for the federal EV tax credit
Lucid Air
Seasoned electric vehicle enthusiasts may be surprised to see the Lucid Air on this list of overpriced EVs, but hear me out. Although the newly-released 2022 Lucid Air starts at $78,900, you’d be hard pressed to find one in 2022 for under $150,000. Lucid’s design is sharp and sleek, and it’s certainly worthy of a luxury price tag. But if you want all the bells and whistles seen in Lucid’s commercials, brace yourself for sticker shock. The fully-loaded Lucid Air Dream Edition costs $169,900.
Within the electric luxury sedan segment, the Lucid Air makes the Tesla Model S look like a bargain. Although the base ‘Air Pure’ starts at $77,400, the Air Pure won’t be available until late 2022 at the earliest. If you’re looking for luxury, a glass roof, and insane performance, the Tesla Model S offers that and more at $99,990. Even with the federal EV tax credit factored in, the Lucid Air Dream Edition costs over $50,000 more, and stepping down to the Lucid Air Grand Touring at $139,900 will still cost 30% more than the Tesla.
At least you get some impressive specs with the Lucid Air, but the competition offers more value and a longer track record of build quality and electric powertrain performance. Still, the Lucid Air is the range king of all electric cars for now.
Price (for early 2022 availability): $139,900 – $169,900
Range: 406 to 520 miles on a charge
The fastest charging: adds up to 300 miles of range in 20 minutes
At CarEdge, we’re all about solutions. If you’re on the market for one of these overpriced electric cars, here are some more compelling EVs to take for a test drive.
Electric Crossovers
2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5
Why? For less than $50,000, this retro-styled EV sports a roomy cabin, decent range, and ultra-fast charging powered by the new e-GMP platform’s 800-Volt engineering.
Price: $44,875 – $56,200
Range: 256 to 303 miles
Charge time: Adds 180 – 200 miles of range in 18 minutes (230 kW charge speeds)
Why? If you love the Hyundai IONIQ 5’s specs and pricing, but aren’t a fan of the looks, chances are the Kia EV6 will be right up your alley. This sporty electric crossover is also powered by the new e-GMP platform’s 800-Volt architecture for the fastest charging available.
Price: $40,900 – $55,900
Range: 274 to 310 miles
Charge time: Adds 190 – 210 miles of range in 18 minutes (230 kW charge speeds)
Why? You’d be hard-pressed to find a dissatisfied Mustang Mach-E owner. This EV is on a much more sport-oriented suspension, with a family-friendly modern interior.
Price: $43,895 – $61,995
Range: 224 to 314 miles
Charge time: Charging improvement incoming via over-the-air update, but for now, the Mustang Mach-E adds 59 miles of range in ten minutes, and charging from 10%-80% takes about 45 minutes.
Why? This is still the best electric crossover on the market. Great efficiency, range and charging speeds paired with Tesla’s superior over-the-air update capabilities makes this EV the EV sales leader. If only it still qualified for the federal tax credit!
Price: $62,990 – $82,990
Range: 303 – 330 miles
Charge time: Add 200 miles of range in 15 minutes at over 1,200 Tesla Supercharger locations in North America.
Availability: Available now via Tesla’s direct-to-consumer sales, or pre-owned on CarEdge Car Search.
Does it qualify for the federal EV tax credit? No, not unless the tax credit is revised by congress.
Why? If you can find one at MSRP, the ID.4 is a solid choice for those opting for a more leisurely, less sporty EV. However, it has lost much of its appeal ever since the Hyundai and Kia electric crossovers hit the market with much faster charging.
Price: $41,230 – $52,500
Range: 249 – 260 miles
Charge time: Add up to 190 miles of range in 40 minutes
Why? Tesla’s first mass-produced model has matured into the gold standard among luxury EVs. It’s pricey, but sky-high resale value and frequent OTA updates make this Tesla a smart choice for those in the market for something larger than the more popular Model 3.
Price: $99,990 – $156,990
Range: 348 – 405 miles
Charge time: Add up to 200 miles of range in 15 minutes
Availability: Available now via Tesla’s direct-to-consumer sales, or pre-owned on CarEdge Car Search.
Does it qualify for the federal EV tax credit? No, not unless the tax credit is revised by congress.
Why? The first dedicated electric vehicle from Mercedes to make it to North America is something to behold. It doesn’t have the Tesla Supercharger network, but the interior is luxury on another level.
Price: $102,310 – $108,510
Range: 350 miles
Charge time: Add up to 200 miles of range in 20 minutes
Do you agree with this analysis, or did we miss the mark? Please, let us know in the comments below, or join us at the CarEdge Community to talk cars, deals and more. Our CarEdge auto experts are ready to take the headache out of your car buying experience.
Q1 2025 Update: Preliminary sales and market share numbers are here. See the latest U.S. EV market share estimates below as we await final numbers.
As electric cars, trucks and SUVs continue to enter the mainstream in 2025, the tug-of-war between EV startups and legacy giants is heating up. Will Tesla hold its lead, or will Ford, General Motors and the rest catch up? Bookmark this page for the latest quarterly and monthly sales and market share updates for electric vehicles in the United States.
Q1 2025 Electric Vehicle Market Share and Sales (U.S.)
Q1 2025 EV sales numbers showed the strength of the U.S. electric vehicle market during the slowest months of the year for car buying. Here are some standouts that got our attention:
U.S. EV market share was 7.5% in Q1 2025, up year-over-year but down from 8.7% the previous quarter.
EV sales volume was up 11.4% year-over-year, totaling 294,250 sales in the first quarter.
Tesla’s U.S. EV market share held steady at 43.4%, but sales are down 9% year-over-year.
General Motors doubled EV sales since Q1 2024, while Ford’s EV sales were up slightly.
Stellantis, Honda, and Volkswagen Group gained EV market share in the first quarter as new models began to sell in volume.
In the first quarter of 2025, battery electric vehicle market share reached 7.5% of all new car sales in the United States. This is up from 7.0% EV market share in Q1 2024, but down from 8.7% in Q4 2024. In terms of total sales volume, battery electric vehicle sales were up 11.4% year-over-year according to Cox Automotive.
Q1 2025 EV Sales Totals
Here’s how U.S. EV sales totals in Q1 2025 compare to the past three years:
In Q1 2025, Tesla is down to 43.5% of EV market share in America. Tesla remains the dominant player in an increasingly crowded field. According to analyses by Cox Automotive, Tesla sales accounted for 49% of all EVs sold in the US in 2024, down from 55% in 2023, and 62% in 2022. At the start of the year in Q1 2022, Tesla had a 75% EV market share in America.
Ford, GM, and Hyundai Motor Group continue to fight for second place. Hyundai and Kia EV sales soared in 2024. Last year, Ford’s EV sales were overtaken by GM somewhat unexpectedly. GM launched the successful Equinox EV and Blazer EV in 2024. However, the Silverado EV and Sierra EV have not sold in the high numbers GM is hoping for.
Volkswagen Group was back on the scene in Q1 with healthy sales of the Volkswagen ID.4 and the new electric Porsche Macan.
Historical Data
Q1 2023
Q2 2023
Q3 2023
Q4 2023
Q1 2024
Q2 2024
Q3 2024
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
7.3%
7.2%
7.9%
8.1%
7.3%
8.0%
8.9%
8.7%
7.5%
Electrified (HEV, PHEV, BEV)
14.5%
16.0%
17.7%
16.0%
17.8%
19.1%
21.2%
TBD
TBD
In 2024, the US EV market share reached 8.1% of all light vehicle sales, up from 7.3% of sales in 2023. In 2022, 5.8% of the new cars Americans bought were fully electric, which was a sharp increase from 3.2% in 2021.
According to EIA.gov, Combined sales of hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles in the United States rose to 16.3% of total new light-duty vehicle sales in 2023. In 2022, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and BEV sales were 12.9% of total sales.
Electrified powertrains continue to see rapid growth, despite less growth in the electric-only segment.
If you’re in the market for an affordable electric vehicle, you’ve likely already arrived at the realization that ‘affordable’ doesn’t mean cheap in 2022. In fact, our own CarEdge list of the best affordable electric cars features one car (the Tesla Model 3) that now starts just shy of $50,000. Are there any truly cheap electric cars available today? You may be surprised with what we found.
2022 Nissan LEAF
After earlier rumors suggested that the Nissan LEAF was to be discontinued, a Nissan executive recently stated that the LEAF is here to stay. That’s GREAT news for EV affordability.
We must point out that General Motors decided to slash the price of the LEAF’s competitor, the Chevy Bolt, to steal the title of ‘cheapest EV in America.’ More on that below.
Price: Starting at $27,400
Range: 150 to 226 miles, depending on battery size
Charging Speed: Either 50 kW or 100 kW speeds, depending on battery
Tesla is the face of electric cars today, but for years it was the Nissan Leaf at center stage. When Nissan brought the Leaf to market in 2010, it was a short-ranged novelty that somehow began to catch on. With just 73 miles of range on a good day, the first iteration of the Leaf was a bug-eyed appliance good for around town, but not much else.
Over a decade later, and the 2022 Nissan Leaf is a lot better than the first. However, it’s still a budget vehicle, and you get what you pay for. Still, it’s a great entry point into EVs for many. The Leaf now has enough range to make regional travel realistic, but charging speeds have unfortunately remained too slow to make it easy. If you’re eager to get into an electric car for under $30,000, you’ll surely want to check out the 2022 Nissan Leaf.
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV – The Cheapest Electric Car
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Price: Starting at $26,595
Range: 259 miles
Charging Speed: 55 kW speeds (adds 100 miles in 30 minutes of charging)
Tax Credit: The Bolt no longer qualifies for the federal EV tax credit, but state incentives may apply
The 2023 Chevy Bolt is the cheapest electric car today. It is available at dealers nationwide, as long as the mandatory recall fixes have been completed. See who has inventory at CarEdge Car Search: Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV
General Motors has sold over 100,000 Chevrolet Bolt EVs since launching the subcompact crossover in 2016. In 2021, the Bolt gained a new sibling: the larger Bolt EUV. Shortly after the Bolt EUV joined the show, several Bolt battery fires spurred a very urgent recall into action. When all was said and done, battery supplier LG Chem was found to be responsible for the Bolt battery fires, and agreed to pay General Motors $2 billion in damages.
Fast forward to 2022, and most Chevrolet Bolt’s (all for sale) have received new battery packs. The Bolt is a GREAT deal now that it’s fixed. If you’re never in a rush on road trips (or just plan to use the car around town), the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt is worth a look. It charges painfully slow, but hey, it is the cheapest electric car today.
If you check out used Bolts, request official documentation showing that all recall work was completed. The Bolt will be eligible for the new EV tax credit here in the United States, but only after 1/1/2023. See our full guide to EV tax credits for more info.
2022 Hyundai Kona EV
Price: Starting at $34,000
Range: 258 miles
Charging Speed: 100 kW speeds (180 miles added in 47 minutes)
The 2022 Hyundai Kona EV is no Tesla, but it has decent range and room to fit most lifestyles. Plus, it’s really cheap AND still qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit.
For just $34,000 before incentives, you can become the owner of the original Hyundai EV. This front-wheel drive subcompact crossover gets 258 miles on the charge, exceptional range for a budget EV. Some owners get over 275 miles on a single charge. The Limited trim, top-of-the-line option comes in at $42,500.
If you plug in at home, charging to 100% from a 240-volt dryer outlet will only take you about 9 hours from 10% state of charge. That will get you a full battery overnight while you’re sleeping. At a fast charger, the Kona is behind the competition. In 47 minutes, the Kona Electric charges from 10% to 80% capacity.
The all-new Hyundai IONIQ 5 has stolen the show with more range, MUCH faster charging, and retro looks, but it starts closer to $45,000 with destination and availability is very limited. For those who are willing to give up a few luxuries, the Hyundai Kona EV is a solid choice.
2022 Kia Niro EV
Price: Starting at $39,990
Range: 239 miles
Charging Speed: 100 kW at a DC fast charger (adds 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes)
The Kia Niro electric version is the sibling to the aforementioned Hyundai Kona EV. Both source their power from a 64 kilowatt-hour battery, which is a tad smaller than more expensive electric cars. The Niro EV can charge at up to 100 kilowatt speeds at a fast charger. At least that’s better than the Nissan LEAF and Chevy Bolt.
The Niro EV’s back seat is slightly more spacious than the Kona’s, so it’s more popular with families and those with large pets. There’s also a plug-in hybrid version. For just a few thousand dollars more, keep in mind that you could check out the base trims of the newer Kia EV6, Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Volkswagen ID.4.
2022 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop Electric
Price: $30,750
Range: 114 miles
Charging Speed: 50 kW speeds (about 90 miles of range in 36 minutes)
For just over $30,000, you can own an electric Mini. It’s practically a luxury golf cart! Jokes aside, it’s not a bad deal IF you don’t plan to go very far. With 114 miles of EPA-rated range, it’s a zippy way to scoot around town.
Why didn’t I include Mazda’s first fully-electric vehicle on this list? It’s a brand-new model, yet it only gets 100 miles of range on a charge. That, and the fact that it is only sold in California as a regulatory compliance vehicle for now. Come on, Mazda! That’s not enough range to safely make it across Los Angeles!
CarEdge’s Take
An electric car under $35,000? Sounds like science fiction, but as you can see, a few can be had for what used to be considered average car prices. Most of these cheap electric cars don’t have the best range, the fastest charging or the need for speed, but they won’t drain the bank like a Tesla will. Let me know which cheap EVs you’re checking out in 2022.
Some parting advice: consider all options, and test drive as many electric vehicles as you can. You’ll be amazed at what’s out there, and even more amazed at what’s to come.
My very own Hyundai IONIQ 5 has a special trick up its sleeve. In fact, even Tesla can’t claim it. In 2022, very few electric cars are engineered with 800-volt architecture. While still an outlier, all signs point towards an auto industry heading in the direction of faster charging, better efficiency, and smaller battery sizes – all of which are unlocked by promising 800-volt electrical systems in EVs.
800-Volt Electric Powertrains Bring Faster Charging and Engineering Benefits
The mass adoption of electric vehicles largely depends on the ability to find real solutions for a few ownership challenges for today’s EV drivers:
Charging is too slow
Range is not enough
Batteries are too expensive to replace
Most electric vehicles in 2022 are built on 400-volt systems, but these systems have limits. Indeed, some automakers are quite happy with their 400-volt EV platforms. Tesla manages to find other ways of mastering efficiency and power delivery, and has not mentioned plans for a voltage upgrade. One BMW senior engineer called settling with a 400-volt platform the “best compromise”, but not everyone agrees.
800-volt systems can deliver double the power through the same current, or if desired, the same power through half the current. The result is roughly 50% faster charging for the same battery size. As a result, batteries can be made smaller and overall weight is reduced, increasing efficiency and ideally lowering the cost of the vehicle.
Would a car need a massive battery with a 500-mile range if it can charge a smaller battery that’s good for 250 miles in just 15 minutes? What is that smaller battery was A LOT cheaper?
Which Electric Vehicles Use 800-Volt Architecture?
In 2022, just a few electric vehicles use 800-volt systems for power delivery and charging.
Of particular interest is the different paths taken by Ford and GM for their upcoming electric trucks. The F-150 Lightning is built on 400-volt architecture, while the Chevrolet Silverado EV is jumping to 800-volt architecture, and the result is much faster charging speeds for the Chevy. Will this matter to consumers, or will brand loyalty win out?
Why doesn’t Tesla use 800-volt charging? We’re not sure, but clearly they’ve found success with their existing 400-volt architecture.
Solid-State Batteries Approach Production
Fortunately, a whole host of solutions are uniting to offer a better way forward for EVs. And it’s not all about charging speeds. Solid-state batteries are finally approaching real-world usability following decades of research and development. For the better part of the last decade, $100 per kilowatt-hour was the affordability target for battery development. That goal was reached, but the latest raw material shortages are sending prices back up, and electric car prices have gone up accordingly. The U.S. Department of Energy thinks that $60 per kilowatt-hour is within reach, however it’s increasingly looking like solid-state batteries may offer the only path to such low-cost batteries.
Toyota says it will be the first to bring a solid-state battery into a production vehicle. In typical Toyota fashion, their solid-state battery will debut in a hybrid powertrain rather than a full battery-electric vehicle. It looks like the world will see what solid-state battery chemistry is capable of in 2025.
Innovation Continues at Lightning Speed
Faster charging, better range, and (hopefully) lower prices are promised time and time again with every new EV model announcement. 800-volt architecture and solid-state batteries are the headlining developments that automakers are working on behind the scenes. We didn’t even touch on new battery chemistries, manufacturing methods, and electric motor breakthroughs in the works. We’ll have to save that for another day, as there’s always something new to talk about in the EV space.
But the promise of faster charging and energy-dense batteries begs the question: would you take faster charging over more range? It’s looking like that will be the EV debate of the decade. What are your thoughts? Let us know in a comment or over at the CarEdge Community Forum. What matters most when you head out on a journey?