Will 2023 bring more affordable EVs with more range and faster charging? These are the five best new electric models coming to a charging station near you.
2024 Honda Prologue – Is It Even a Honda?
Later this year, Honda’s first electric vehicle to take to North American roads will be beginning production ramp-up. The Honda Prologue electric crossover is expected to be a 2024 model with a late-2023 arrival. However, we’re looking forward to the Prologue for reasons you might not expect.
Honda waited too long to get into the EV game. While many argue that Honda’s decision to focus on hybrid powertrains was a good move for their sales and bottom line, the delay ultimately resulted in Honda looking for strategic partners as an avenue for electrification. In the case of the 2024 Honda Prologue, Honda is working closely with General Motors to bring the same Ultium powertrain in the Chevrolet Silverado EV into Honda’s first American-made EV. But this won’t be a Chevy Bolt 2.0. The Prologue will benefit from a new, much better generation of EV engineering.
What makes GM’s Ultium electric powertrain so special?
Not only is the Honda Prologue going to be powered entirely by GM’s Ultium electric platform, GM is going to build the Prologue EV from start to finish. This begs the question, is the Prologue even a Honda at all? It’s starting to sound a lot like Chevrolet’s Equinox EV with the Honda nameplate.
Why then are we looking forward to the Honda EV that’s really a Chevy with a Honda badge? It’s all about the hope and promise of the Ultium platform. Here’s why this is worth getting excited about:
- Ultra-fast charging up to 350 kilowatts, meaning charge times under 30 minutes.
- More range, with over 300 miles on a charge expected for the Honda Prologue.
- Mastery of efficiency: General Motors touts engineering feats that have brought the Ultium powertrain’s efficiency to the next level. This includes a new kind of heat pump.
Want to know more about the Honda Prologue electric crossover SUV? Here’s our full breakdown of the Prologue.
2023 Fisker Ocean
Ironically, Fisker’s first shot at vehicle production ended when the first batch of Fisker Karma electric sports cars succumbed to the saltwater floods of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. But that didn’t stop Fisker from naming their next vehicle the Fisker Ocean.
The Ocean is an electric crossover that targets three consumer demands that EV automakers have so far struggled to unite under the umbrella of one electric model: over 300 miles of range, versatile capabilities, and affordable pricing. It’s almost as if the Fisker Ocean is on track to be an electric Subaru Forester with goals like that.
Plus, if you’re the type of driver that shies away from commitment, Fisker has a sweet deal for you. The innovative Fisker Flexee Lease option lets you lease the Ocean for $379/month with no term commitment. You can hand back the car at any time. It’s essentially a long-term rental with no strings attached.
The Fisker Flexee Lease requires an initial payment of $2,999, and it includes up to 30,000 miles per year. Maintenance is covered. Sounds like a great deal if you ask me!
Here’s what we love about the 2023 Fisker Ocean:
- Pricing starting at $37,499 before incentives
- Range from 250 to 250 miles, depending on options
- Tech-forward design yet ready for adventure
Learn more about the Fisker Ocean electric crossover in our deep dive review. More to come!
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6
Three out of four car buyers today opt for a crossover, SUV or truck. We’ve all heard it before: sedans are on their way out. Not so, says Hyundai. And judging from the reactions to the IONIQ 6’s design debut, the masses still have an appetite for a sleek sedan, as long as it brings something new to the table.
In a welcome surprise, the IONIQ 6 went on sale months earlier than expected. With up to 361 miles of range and ultra-fast charging speeds adding 200 miles of range in under 20 minutes, this is one of the best. Browse Hyundai IONIQ 6 listings in your area.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV
Just one year ago, there wasn’t a single electric pickup truck available for purchase. Tesla’s Cybertruck started the electric pickup conversation with the swing of a sledgehammer in 2019, but other automakers are much closer to bringing electric trucks to market. The outdoorsy Rivian R1T has begun deliveries, and the GMC Hummer EV is crab-walking its way into customers’ hands. But these two premium offerings are at a higher price point than what the majority of drivers can afford. Enter the Ford F-150 Lightning (on sale now) and its chief competition, the all-new Chevrolet Silverado EV.
The electric Silverado is not just a standard truck with an electric motor. It’s much more than that, and far more capable.
Is the Silverado EV better than the F-150 Lightning? Here’s how they compare:
| Starting Price | Fully-Loaded | Range | Max Charge Speed | Vehicle-to-Load Output | EV Tax Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado EV | $39,900 | $105,000 | "up to 400 miles" | 350 kW | 10.2 kW max | No (cap reached) |
| F-150 Lightning | $39,974 | $90,874 | 230 to 320 miles | 150 kW | 9.6 kW max | Yes |
Something to keep in mind: F-150 Lightning buyers have already had their hopes dashed by outrageous dealer markups. What was supposed to be a reasonably-priced electric truck is more often selling to the highest bidder. Will the same happen to the Silverado EV late next year? Considering that Ford, not GM, is the automaker publicly working on a way to end EV dealer markups, it appears likely.
Still, this electric truck is going to be awesome. Here’s our full review of the Silverado EV.
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
Two Chevys on this list? Crazy, right?! GM’s $2.3 billion joint venture with battery engineering powerhouse LG Chem is beginning to work it’s way into products, and we’re thrilled for what’s to come.
Just about all we know of the upcoming Equinox and Blazer EVs is by way of CEO Mary Barra’s online enthusiasm. Here’s what we know so far.
- GM claims that the Equinox EV will have a starting price around $30,000. We expect that to bump up towards $40,000.
- Both the Equinox and Blazer EV will be powered by the next-gen Ultium platform
- There will be both fleet and retail versions of the Equinox EV.
- The Equinox EV will arrive at Chevy dealers in Fall of 2023
As you can see, there’s not a lot to say about the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV. Why are we so excited about it then? The mere prospect of an affordable EV is almost too good to be true at this point. The average EV sells for $56,000, a whole $10,000 more than the average combustion-powered vehicle. Should consumers in the market for an affordable EV be stuck with the range and charging limits of the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf? We hope GM follows through on their promise to bring a truly desirable budget EV to the masses in 2023.
As usual, right on target, Justin.
I’m putting my money on the EquinoxEV. I may get a Bolt EUV in the interim – the new car will have heavy demand and a long waiting list till some demand gets satisfied.
If GM can pull this off they will surely be the leader.
Right now I’d take a Volvo C40, a Model3, Lyriq, or even a Hyundai/Kia, but they’re all just too much money IMO. We need a $30K car to be affordable, and that means if there’s a rebate or tax credit applicable, they need to be at or under $40K. All of these cars are at least another ten grand.