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Electric Cars, Trucks and SUVs With the Best Range in 2022

Electric Cars, Trucks and SUVs With the Best Range in 2022

You don’t have to spend one hundred grand to purchase an electric vehicle with great range in 2022. EVs aren’t cheap, but with fuel savings taken into account, the electric lifestyle starts to sound a lot more appealing. There’s a saying in electric mobility: range is king. That’s especially true for frequent road-trippers and those who live in one of America’s remaining charging deserts. These are the electric vehicles with the most range in 2022. 

Note: We’ve decided to place an emphasis on affordable electric vehicles with the most range. Affordability is a moving target in 2022’s crazy auto market, but in the realm of EVs, we’ve defined ‘affordable’ as EVs under $65,000. If you’re in the market for luxury, we’ve got those covered too.

Electric Cars With the Best Range

Tesla Model 3 Long Range (Dual Motor)

2022 Tesla Model 3

Range: 358 miles

Price: $57,190 with destination

Max charging speed: 250 kW (20-80% in 20 minutes, adding 214 miles of range)

0-60 mph (fun factor):

Federal EV tax credit qualification: No, credits were exhausted. Learn about EV incentives here.

See our full review of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range here

Polestar 2 Front-Wheel Drive

Polestar 2 range

Range: 270 miles

Price: $49,800 with destination

Max charging speed: 250 kW (20-80% in 20 minutes, adding 214 miles of range)

0-60 mph (fun factor): 6.8 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: Yes, learn more about EV incentives here.

See our full review of the Polestar 2 here

Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive

Range: 272 miles

Price: $48,190 with destination

Max charging speed: 150 kW (20-80% in 20 minutes, adding 163 miles of range)

0-60 mph (fun factor): 5.8 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: No, credits were exhausted. Learn about EV incentives here.

See our full review of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 here

Chevrolet Bolt

2022 Chevrolet Bolt range

Range: 259 miles

Price: $26,595 with destination (most affordable EV available today)

Max charging speed: 55 kW (adding 100 miles of range in 30 minutes, or 200 miles of range in 75 minutes)

0-60 mph (fun factor): 6.8 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: No, credits were exhausted. Learn about EV incentives here.

See our full review of the Chevrolet Bolt here

Here’s our list of the cheapest electric cars available today

Electric Crossovers/SUVs With the Best Range

Tesla Model Y Long Range (Dual Motor)

2022 Tesla Model Y range

Range: 330 miles

Price: $64,190 with destination

Max charging speed: 250 kW (adding 100 miles of range in 30 minutes, or 200 miles of range in 75 minutes)

0-60 mph (fun factor): 4.8 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: No, credits were exhausted. Learn about EV incentives here

See our full review of the Tesla Model Y here

Kia EV6 Rear-wheel drive

2022 Kia EV6 range

Range: 310 miles

Price: $42,155 with destination

Max charging speed: 235 kW (15-80% in 20 minutes, adding 217 miles of range in 18 minutes)

0-60 mph (fun factor): 7.3 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: Yes, learn more about EV incentives here.

See our full review of the Kia EV6 here

Hyundai IONIQ 5 Rear-wheel drive

Hyundai IONIQ 5 range

Range: 303 miles

Price: $45,295 with destination

Max charging speed: 235 kW (15-80% in 20 minutes, adding 197 miles of range in 18 minutes)

0-60 mph (fun factor): 7.5 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: Yes, learn more about EV incentives here.

See our full review of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 here.

Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 RWD

mustang mach-e range
Shrimp in an EV? Yes, of course.

Range: 314 miles

Price: $53,550 with destination

Max charging speed: 150 kW (10-80% in 45 minutes, adding 220 miles of range)

0-60 mph (fun factor): 6.1 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: Yes, learn more about EV incentives here.

See our full review of the Ford Mustang Mach-E here.

Cadillac Lyriq Rear-wheel drive

2023 Cadillac Lyriq

Range: 312 miles

Price: $64,185 with destination

Max charging speed: 190 kW (adding 195 miles of range in 30 minutes)

0-60 mph (fun factor): 6.4 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: No, credits were exhausted. Learn about EV incentives here

See our full review of the Cadillac Lyriq here.

See the latest EV availability and wait times for EVERY model

Electric Trucks With the Best Range

There are now three electric pickup trucks on American roads, but buying one is easier said than done. Everyone wants one, and wait lists extend months and in some cases, years. We’ve decided to include electric trucks that are not yet available for purchase, so long as specs have been released and reservations or orders can be placed today.

Ford F-150 Lightning XLT Extended Range 

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat

Range: 320 miles

Price: $72,474

Max charging speed: 130 kW (15-80% in 40 minutes)

0-60 mph (fun factor): estimated 4.5 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: Yes, learn more about EV incentives here.

See our full review of the F-150 Lightning here.

Chevrolet Silverado EV

2024 Silverado EV RST

Range: Estimated 400 miles

Price: $42,000 – $100,000+

Max charging speed: 350 kW (adding 100 miles of range in 10 minutes)

0-60 mph (fun factor): N/A

Federal EV tax credit qualification: No, credits were exhausted. Learn about EV incentives here

See our full review of the Silverado EV here.

Rivian R1T

Rivian R1T electric truck

Range: 314 miles

Price: $80,000 – $100,000+

Max charging speed: 220 kW (10-80% in 40 minutes)

0-60 mph (fun factor): 3.0 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: Yes, learn more about EV incentives here.

Learn more about Rivian’s R1T and R1S full-size SUV.

Luxury Electric Vehicles With the Best Range

Lucid Air Grand Touring

Lucid Air

Range: 516 miles

Price: $139,000

Max charging speed: 300 kW (adding 300 miles of range in 20 minutes)

0-60 mph (fun factor): 2.6 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: Yes, learn more about EV incentives here.

See our full review of the Lucid Air here.

Tesla Model S Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive

Model S range

Range: 405 miles

Price: $101,990

Max charging speed: 250 kW (adding 200 miles of range in 15 minutes)

0-60 mph (fun factor): 3.1 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: No, credits were exhausted. Learn about EV incentives here

Mercedes EQS 450+

Mercedes EQS 450+ range

Range: 350 miles

Price: $139,000

Max charging speed: 200 kW (adding 200 miles of range in 20 minutes)

0-60 mph (fun factor): 5.5 seconds

Federal EV tax credit qualification: Yes, learn more about EV incentives here.

See our full review of the Mercedes EQS here.

What does the future hold? Not necessarily more range, surprisingly. Many auto analysts expect range for relatively affordable EVs to settle in around the 250-350 mile range. Why? Battery shortages loom on the horizon. Raw materials are in high demand, and there are only so many places on Earth to get lithium, cobalt and other materials.

Should you buy an EV now or wait? If you can find what you want for MSRP or very close to it, it just might be the right time to buy or lease. All signs point towards higher EV prices for 2023 and 2024 model years.

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The Hidden Risks of EV Fast Charging (and Free Charging Incentives)

The Hidden Risks of EV Fast Charging (and Free Charging Incentives)

fast charging battery degradation

Until there’s a Carfax for electric vehicle battery health, car buyers should bear in mind the unknowns of the used EV market. We’re used to hearing of highway miles versus stop and go, or oil changes every 3,000 miles. When it comes to the health of a 1,000 pound battery pack that costs $15,000 to replace, it’s important to know how ownership habits affect the longevity and performance of a modern electric car. How does fast charging impact the health of the battery? Is it worse than plugging in at home? We’re about to address these very important questions and more. 

The Dangers of Relying On Public Fast Chargers

In automotive media, we often harp on the quickest charging possible. I’m guilty of that myself, and it IS an important measure of an electric vehicle’s engineering. EVs will never win over the masses with charging rates like this. However, reliance on direct current (DC) fast charging is a real threat to the longevity of EVs that we all expect and embrace. A ruined battery with a stunted lifespan is not only an expensive fix, it’s horrible for the environment. 

Kia EV6 fast charging
The 2022 Kia EV6 charges from 15% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

Every new tech revolution brings its own growing pains. With the personal computer came lessons learned about viruses, scammers and how to use email without annoying everyone. EVs bring a new set of challenges, but they’re challenges that can easily be overcome with a little bit of outreach and driver education.

So without further ado, here’s a public service announcement from CarEdge Electric:

Don’t rely on fast charging for your daily charging needs

Why is this important enough to shout from the rooftops? DC fast charging stresses batteries to the point of degradation. Let’s take a look at a recent literature review of what scientists have found.

Authors Bhagavathy et al. (2021) summarized the last decade’s worth of research in the realm of battery degradation. Here are the key takeaways:

  • Frequent use of DC fast charging can cause battery capacity to decrease by 3% to in some cases 6%
  • High current generates more heat, and it’s the heat that damages the battery

Who cares, 3% to 6% is nothing, right? Not so. When most electric vehicles have a rated range of just 220 to 275 miles, every mile counts. Losing 6% of rated range to degradation would drop my own Hyundai IONIQ 5’s range from 256 miles on a charge down to 240 miles. I’d rather treat my battery nicely and keep that extra 16 miles of driving range. I might need it someday.

Other factors that reduce the longevity of EV batteries are:

  • Frequently operating the vehicle below 5% state of charge
  • Frequently letting the vehicle sit with a state of charge near or at 100%. 
  • Frequent fast charging in extreme temperatures

Generally, 10% – 85% is the range of optimal battery health. 

Don’t Abuse Free Charging Incentives

EV charging costs
The Volkswagen ID.4 comes with three years of free charging at Electrify America

More likely than not, the electric vehicle you’re in the market for comes with some kind of free charging incentive. This is great for road trips, but be careful not to abuse the privilege. If you rely on DC fast chargers at Electrify America or Tesla Superchargers all the time simply because you can, you may end up wishing you didn’t when your range slips away quicker than expected.

Here’s everything you’ve wanted to know about Electrify America charging stations

Battery Chemistry Matters

Almost all electric vehicles use some version of the tried and true lithium ion battery. The specific chemistry of each battery is what gives it particular performance characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. Most are named after the makeup of their cathodes, the negatively-charged electrode. 

To further explain, here are a few of the most common electric vehicle battery chemistries:

Battery ChemistryStrengthsWeaknessesFeatured In:
NCM (Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt)High energy density, lower cost, longer lifespanCan't have optimal energy AND powerFord Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, some Teslas
NMA (Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Aluminum)Cobalt-free (good for Earth)Some have lower energy densityTBD
NCMA (Lithium-Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese-Aluminum)Less cobalt (good for Earth), higher energy densityLimited supplyGM's Ultium platform, some Teslas
LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate)Rechargeability, long life, low cost, availabilityLess energy dense, less powerTesla Model 3 RWD
Solid-State (many chemistries in development)More energy dense, safer, faster chargingYet to be produced at mass scaleTBD

One of the greatest strengths of the lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery is its ability to withstand repeated charge and discharge cycles better than other batteries. A rear-wheel drive Tesla Model 3 with LFP batteries would not be as harmed by repeated fast-charging as an EV with other battery chemistries. Perhaps that’s why Hertz was so eager to buy 100,000 of them for their rental fleet!

What Will the Future Bring?

Solid-state batteries in development
Solid-state batteries in development

For years, engineers and EV enthusiasts alike have been anticipating the arrival of the first solid-state batteries in production electric-vehicles. When will it happen at last? It’s looking like 2025 at the earliest. And even then, solid-state batteries may only arrive in hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains (according to Toyota’s plan). 

Other than that, the future is here folks. Competing battery chemistries are in a tug-of-war for market share and ‘strategic partnerships’, as the automakers like to call it. But more important than automaker plans is the need for drivers to learn the nuances of EV ownership. Don’t fast-charge your EV just because you can, do it when you must. Otherwise, we could be looking at a used EV market swamped with degraded and abused batteries just a few years down the road. That wouldn’t help the EV revolution one bit. 

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Does Temperature Affect Electric Vehicle Performance? Yes, But the Details Matter

Does Temperature Affect Electric Vehicle Performance? Yes, But the Details Matter

2022 Tesla Model 3

Until charging stations are commonplace, owning an electric vehicle will require more planning and preparation than one would expect for a day’s drive. Range is the new MPG, however real-world range isn’t easy to pin down. When the U.S. EPA provides official range ratings, the figures are based on vehicles driving in controlled environments on a predetermined track. EV ownership is full of nuances, and one of the greatest is the affect of weather on range. Let’s explore how electric vehicles perform in cold weather, hot weather, rain and wind. 

Electric Vehicles in Cold Weather

Cold weather reduces EV range, but how much depends on how toasty you keep the cabin. Sub-freezing temperatures reduce range by between 12% and 30%, but that’s without the climate control on to warm the cabin. Data from AAA found that once the heater is turned on, EV range can drop by as much as 41%. Some real-world tests have found range losses closer to 50% with below-zero temperatures. That’s not good if you travel long distances across the northern states or the Interior West. More on specific impacts below.

Electric Vehicles in Hot Weather

Yes, hot weather does reduce EV range. According to research conducted by AAA, hot temperatures don’t have quite as great of an impact as cold temperatures, but it’s still noticeable. In temperatures of 95 degrees Fahrenheit and the air conditioning on, driving range decreases  by 17% on average.

A 17% drop in range would mean that a Model Y normally rated for 330 miles on a charge would get closer to 273 miles. Not too big of a deal. For electric vehicles with less EPA-rated range, it matters more. The standard range 2022 Nissan Leaf normally gets 150 miles on a charge, but that would drop to 124 miles in 95-degree weather. Ouch.

Does Rain Affect EV Range?

Rain, snow and anything else falling from the sky does lower EV range. Why? It creates drag, and EV efficiency is all about aerodynamics. The heavier the rain, the greater the impact on range, even if temperatures are perfect for battery performance.

Speaking of which, what is the ideal temperature for electric vehicle battery performance? Geotab’s analysis of data from 4,200 EVs found that 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21.5 Celsius) is ideal for battery performance. That’s not only perfect for maximum range, it’s great weather all around. Learn more in Geotab’s full report

How Much Does Wind Impact EV Range?

Similarly, wind’s impacts on electric vehicle range have to do with drag. Drag is in essence aerodynamic friction. Your fancy new electric car can’t slide through the air so efficiently with friction working on it. 

Wind can work against you or for you. With a steady tailwind pushing you along, it’s common to exceed range expectations even on the highway. When there’s a substantial headwind, range drops, and sometimes by quite a lot. The impacts of wind on EV range are much more noticeable at highway speeds. It’s possible to gain or lose up to 20% of expected range depending on wind direction.

Weather Impacts Depend on Model and Battery Chemistry

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

Temperature impacts battery performance differently depending on battery type and overall vehicle engineering. Features such as a heat pump, advanced battery preconditioning and even heated seats are just some of the many ways that engineers can do their best to optimize EV performance in suboptimal weather. 

EV data specialists at Recurrent looked at data from all of the popular electric vehicle models. They found that EV range in hot and cold weather varies widely from one make and model to another. 

Here’s how some of America’s most popular electric vehicles are affected by cold weather and summer heat. 

MakeModelRated RangeReal-World Range (70 deg F)Cold Weather Range Loss
TeslaModel 3353 miles339 miles335 miles (-5% from rated range)
TeslaModel Y330 miles320 miles323 miles (-2% from rated range)
TeslaModel S405 miles397 miles380 miles (-6% from rated range)
TeslaModel X351 miles326 miles326 miles (-7% from rated range)
FordMustang Mach-E305 miles284 miles198 miles (-35% from rated range)
ChevroletBolt259 miles254 miles171 miles (-34% from rated range)
NissanLeaf226 miles237 miles205 miles (-9% from rated range)
HyundaiKona258 miles288 miles240 miles (-7% from rated range)
Audie-tron222 miles224 miles206 miles (-7% from rated range)

For a full breakdown of Recurrent’s findings, check out their 2021 report here

It’s Not Just EVs….

The U.S. Department of Energy says that vehicles powered by traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) also suffer efficiency losses as a result of hot and cold weather. ICE vehicles are especially impacted by hot weather due to air conditioning power requirements. The Department of Energy estimates that ICE vehicles lose about 25% of their typical fuel economy when operating with air conditioning on high settings. 

One major difference between EVs and ICE vehicles is the affect of cold weather. Electric vehicles use quite a bit of energy to run the heater, whereas ICE vehicles redirect heat generated by the engine and therefore avoid significant effects on efficiency. 

Although EV charging stations are becoming commonplace around major cities, many interstate highways have sparse charging infrastructure. Until charging stations are more reliable and easier to find, driving an EV in cold and hot weather will complicate EV ownership and delay EV adoption. A national charging network is on the way, and public fast-charging networks are growing quickly. With EV market share soaring every month, it’s imperative that we find solutions to this seasonal challenge that affects millions. 

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Electric Vehicle Savings: Here’s How Long It Takes to Break Even with $5 Gas Prices (Updated)

Electric Vehicle Savings: Here’s How Long It Takes to Break Even with $5 Gas Prices (Updated)

We hear it all the time: electric cars save you money. Electricity is cheaper than gas, EVs require less maintenance, and incentives abound. However, there’s no hiding the fact that electric vehicles are expensive, especially the models with the best range, performance and charge rates. To shed light on the reality of electric vehicle savings, we dug deep into the data. How long does it take to break even when buying an EV? We were surprised with what we found.

Five Examples of EVs Versus Combustion Competitors

Tesla Model Y Versus BMW X4

Tesla Model Y savings
The best-selling EV in America, the Tesla Model Y. Check out our full review.

The X4 is one of the most direct competitors to the 2022 Tesla Model Y, the best selling electric vehicle in America. Although Tesla models no longer qualify for the federal EV tax credit, the cost of the BMW X4 and high fuel consumption make this an interesting comparison.

ModelMSRPPrice Difference IncentivesFuel EconomyRangeTime to Refuel Cost to Refuel ($5.00/gal or $0.14 per kWh)Annual Fuel Cost (15,000 miles)Average Annual Maintenance CostTime to Break Even
BMW X4 xDrive30i$51,800-- 24 MPG413 miles5 min$86.00$3123$228
Tesla Model Y Long Range$62,990+$11,190State and local only3.8 mi/kWh (125 MPGe)330 miles20 to 30 min$10.50$477$774 years

Ford F-150 Lightning Versus F-150 3.5 Liter 4WD

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
F-150 Lightning electric truck (full review here)

Pickup trucks get the worst fuel economy. It’s just a matter of physics; the shape of a truck is not aerodynamic, and they’re often heavy. The F-150 Lightning weighs 35% more than the gas-powered F-150. So you would think that the time to break even would be shorter when buying an electric truck over the combustion equivalent.

This side-by-side comparison highlights the importance of price parity for EVs. When EVs are similarly priced to ICE vehicles, the cost of ownership savings are crystal clear. But what about when the electric version costs over $25,000 more out the door? Have a look for yourself. 

ModelMSRPPrice Difference IncentivesFuel EconomyRangeTime to Refuel Cost to Refuel ($5.00/gal or $0.14 per kWh)Annual Fuel Cost (15,000 miles)Average Annual Maintenance CostTime to Break Even
Ford F-150 Platinum 4WD 3.5$62,070-- 20 MPG520 miles5 min$130.00$3750$228
Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum$90,874+$28,804Fed, state and local2.1 mi/kWh (70 MPGe)320 miles45 min$18.34$860$779.5 yrs (7 yrs with tax credit)

Toyota bZ4X Versus Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X (full review here)

Toyota sells nearly half a million RAV4s every year. Will things change now that Toyota has launched its first fully-electric vehicle? The all-new bZ4X lacks the range and charging speed to compete with the best in 2022’s electric segment, but how does it stack up to the popular RAV4 hybrid? How long would it take to break even when paying a premium for the electric bZ4X?

ModelMSRPPrice Difference IncentivesFuel EconomyRangeTime to Refuel Cost to Refuel ($5.00/gal or $0.14 per kWh)Annual Fuel Cost (15,000 miles)Average Annual Maintenance CostTime to Break Even
Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid$30,545-- 40 MPG580 miles5 min$72.50$1,875$228
Toyota bZ4X XLE FWD$42,000+$11,455Fed, state and local3.5 mi/kWh (119 MPGe)252 miles1 hour$10.19$606$778 years (2.7 yrs with tax credit)

Subaru Solterra Versus Subaru Forester

2023 Subaru Solterra
2023 Subaru Solterra EV (full review here)

Subaru’s first EV is built on the same electric platform as the new Toyota bZ4X. Subaru is known for being Earth-friendly, but is the new Solterra EV friendly to your wallet? With range and charging figures more akin to 2015’s standards than today’s best EVs, the Subaru Solterra is off-road capable, but a tough sell for those who truly venture off the beaten path. 

ModelMSRPPrice Difference IncentivesFuel EconomyRangeTime to Refuel Cost to Refuel ($5.00/gal or $0.14 per kWh)Annual Fuel Cost (15,000 miles)Annual Maintenance CostTime to Break Even
Subaru Forester base $25,395-- 29 MPG481 miles5 min$83.00$2,588$228
Subaru Solterra Premium$46,220+$20,825Fed, state and local3.1 mi/kWh (104 MPGe)228 miles1 hour$9.97$677$7710 years (6.5 yrs with tax credit)

Hyundai IONIQ 5 Versus Hyundai Santa Fe

Charging 2022 IONIQ 5
2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV (full review here)

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 won big at the 2022 World Car Awards, but is it a winner for your wallet? It all depends on how much you drive, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. The Hyundai Santa Fe just received a total makeover, and its price remains much lower than the IONIQ 5’s. Still, EVs are super efficient and electricity is cheap. Just how long would it take to break even when buying an IONIQ 5 EV instead of the more affordable Santa Fe crossover?

Disclaimer: I own a Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited AWD, and it’s awesome.

ModelMSRPPrice Difference IncentivesFuel EconomyRangeTime to Refuel Cost to Refuel ($5.00/gal or $0.14 per kWh)Annual Fuel Cost (15,000 miles)Average Annual Maintenance CostTime to Break Even
Hyundai Santa Fe SEL$27,875-- 26 MPG489 miles5 min$94.00$2,883$228
Hyundai IONIQ 5 SEL RWD$45,900+$18,005Fed, state and local3.4 mi/kWh (114 MPGe)303 miles20 to 30 min$10.15$502$777 years (4.2 yrs with tax credit)

Electric Vehicle Savings: Other Factors to Consider

Kia EV6 bidirectional charging
2022 Kia EV6

Incentives

In many states and localities, thousands of dollars of additional incentives are available. Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and California are just some of the states with very generous EV incentives. State and local incentives can reduce the time to break even considerably. For example, in Delaware, buyers of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 will break even versus the Santa Fe in just 3.5 years with the federal EV tax credit and state rebates factored in. 

Conversely, for car buyers who can’t take advantage of the federal EV tax credit or any state incentives, it will take many more years to reap the full savings of switching to an electric vehicle. In the case of the new Ford F-150 Lightning, it could take up to 8 years to break even without any incentives, assuming 15,000 miles per year of driving. 

Check this out >>> The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center’s DSIRE database is the BEST one-stop resource for all EV incentives. Plus, you’ll see what solar power incentives are available in your area too.

Miles Driven

The difference between driving 10,000 miles per year and 20,000 miles per year is massive when it comes to realizing the savings of driving an EV. The average American driver travels about 14,000 miles per year in their vehicle. Simply put, long-distance commuters, frequent travelers and fleet operators will see the greatest cost savings of going electric. 

With the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, a driver who travels 15,000 miles per year and can take advantage of the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit should expect to break even versus a combustion F-150 in 7 years. However, if they drive 25,000 miles per year, the break even period narrows to just 4 years. After that, they will be saving roughly $4,000 every year in fuel and maintenance costs. Clearly, EVs make more sense as a long-term purchase. 

Maintenance

The maintenance figures included in this cost comparison is sourced from We Predict, a Michigan-based data analysis company. They dug deep into automotive maintenance data and found that during the first three years of vehicle ownership, the average annual maintenance for an electric vehicle is just $77. And based on personal experience, that’s likely for new tires (EVs are MUCH heavier). 

During the same period, combustion vehicles average $228 in annual maintenance, with most of the costs in the first few years going towards oil changes and the like. 

We may be underestimating the maintenance savings associated with going electric when comparing luxury brands. For example, BMW is notorious for costly maintenance. Opting for a Tesla Model Y over a BMW will likely result in even greater maintenance savings, and therefore a reduced break-even period. 

Gas Prices!

ev charging station

As of early June 2022, the average gas price in the United States is $4.87 per gallon. In California, it’s $6.34. Nevada, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon and Illinois all have gas prices much higher than the national average. In these states, EV drivers will see even greater fuel savings. 

Let’s take a closer look at an example of someone purchasing a Hyundai IONIQ 5 in California. We’ll assume that the consumer qualifies for the full $7,500 EV tax credit and the $2,500 state rebate for a zero-emissions vehicle. They drive 15,000 miles per year. At gas prices of $6.34 per gallon, the break even point for the IONIQ 5 versus the Hyundai Santa Fe arrives in just 2.5 years, versus 4 years for the rest of the nation. That figure includes the 59% higher residential electricity rates in California. 

CarEdge’s Take

What can we learn from this EV cost of ownership comparison? The specifics of your situation matter. 

  • What combustion vehicle are you considering in addition to an EV? 
  • What’s the fuel economy for each option? 
  • Do you qualify for the full federal EV tax credit?
  • Are there local or state incentives in your area? 
  • How many miles do you drive each year?
  • How long do you plan to keep the vehicle?

These are the most important questions to ask when deciding whether or not it makes sense to buy an EV in 2022. Have questions? Let us know in the comments, or better yet join the CarEdge family at caredge.kinsta.cloud/community. You can also reach me at justin@CarEdge.com. We’d love to hear from you.

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These 5 Electric Vehicles are Overpriced!

These 5 Electric Vehicles are Overpriced!

ev charging station

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

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

Subaru Solterra 2023

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?

Here’s our full review of the Subaru Solterra.

Volvo XC40 Recharge

Volvo XC-40 Recharge

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

Jaguar I-Pace EV

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

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
  • Luxury, but at significant cost

Here’s our full review of the Lucid Air.

Alternatives to Consider

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

The 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)

Availability: Available now. Check CarEdge Car Dealer Reviews to find the best dealers to work with.

Does it qualify for the federal EV tax credit? Yes!

Learn more with our in-depth review of the IONIQ 5.

2022 Kia EV6

Kia EV6

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)

Availability: Available now. Check CarEdge Car Dealer Reviews to find the best dealers to work with.

Does it qualify for the federal EV tax credit? Yes!

Learn more with our in-depth review of the EV6.

2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E

2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E

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.

Availability: Available now. Check CarEdge Car Dealer Reviews to find the best dealers to work with.

Does it qualify for the federal EV tax credit? Yes!

Learn more with our in-depth review of the Mustang Mach-E.

2022 Tesla Model Y

2022 Tesla Model Y

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.

Learn more with our in-depth review of the Model Y.

2022 Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen ID.4

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

Availability: Available now. Check CarEdge Car Dealer Reviews to find the best dealers to work with.

Does it qualify for the federal EV tax credit? Yes!

Learn more with our in-depth review of the ID.4.

Electric Luxury Sedans

2022 Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S

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.

Learn more about the Model S.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes EQS EV

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

Availability: Available now. Check CarEdge Car Dealer Reviews to find the best dealers to work with.

Does it qualify for the federal EV tax credit? Yes!

Learn more with our in-depth review of the EQS.

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. 

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