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Truck Prices In 2022: MSRP Increases Across The Board

Truck Prices In 2022: MSRP Increases Across The Board

2022 Chevrolet Silverado price increase

Trucks are somehow an appreciating asset in 2022. Not a single truck is getting more affordable. With inflation, supply shortages, and transportation backlogs, truck inventory remains at record lows in the US. Here’s just how much truck prices have increased in 2022.

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May 2022 Truck Price Increases

Chevrolet Silverado HD

The 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado HD has seen FOUR price increases since going on sale last year. GM Authority details the latest Silverado price increases:

The latest price increase for the 2022 Chevy Silverado HD is a flat $1,000 for all trim levels and configurations, including both the 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, and the 2022 Chevy Silverado 3500HD. The Destination Freight Charge also increased from $1,695 to $1,795. As it stands now, the least-expensive 2022 Chevy Silverado HD model is the Silverado 2500HD WT Regular Cab / Long Bed with 2WD and the 6.6L V8 L8T gasoline engine, priced at $41,295, while the most-expensive model is the Silverado 3500HD High Country Crew Cab / Long Bed DRW with 4WD and the 6.6LV8 L5P turbodiesel Duramax engine, priced at $81,345.”

See how much every variant of the Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD costs now here.

Rivian R1T

Just a few months after the first deliveries crawled out of Rivian’s factory in Normal, Illinois, the electric truck maker fumbled a sudden price increase. All trims of the Rivian R1T saw prices increase, and some specs are up by 20%. The most ‘affordable’ R1T, originally $67,500, now costs $79,500. The catch is that the base spec of the R1T is not even close to being available. Rivian produced 2,500 electric trucks in the first quarter of the year, and delivered 1,200 of them.

Rivian R1T

All R1Ts being delivered in 2022 are the quad-motor Adventure package with the large battery pack. If you’re lucky enough to take delivery this year, this R1T configuration costs $85,000.

This is Rivian’s delivery timeline as of Spring 2022:

Base Models See Modest Price Increases

Silverado price increase
2024 Silverado EV WT base model

Is there any such thing as an affordable truck any more? Affordability is in the eye of the beholder, however the last few months have raised the bar even further. Here’s the latest data on truck MSRPs for base trims:

The best-selling truck in America, the Ford F-150, has seen a 2.6% increase in base MSRP since December 2021. The F-150 now starts at $29,990. The only truck to fare better (for the consumer) is the Toyota Tacoma, which has gone up 2.1% to a current MSRP of $26,700. 

On the other end of the spectrum, General Motors has sent truck prices through the roof. Four months ago, a 2021 Silverado 1500 started at $29,300. A few price hikes later, the base 2022 Silverado now costs $33,800 before destination fees. That’s a staggering 15% price jump in a few short months. 

GM’s massive price increases for the 2022 Silverado are especially shocking considering that GM posted record profits in 2021, despite selling 500,000 fewer vehicles than the year before.

The 2022 Nissan Titan now has a base MSRP of $38,310, up 4.8% since late last year. The Ram 1500 has seen a similar price hike, now listing for $33,975 at a minimum. Good luck finding one for MSRP.

In fact, let us know about your dealership experience, good or bad!

Luxury And High-End Trucks See The Biggest Price Hikes

GMC Sierra price increase

If you thought the base models were bad, wait until you see how expensive fully-loaded trucks have gotten. Check out the data for yourself:

Yes, a 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor now starts at $68,675 (over $70,000 after taxes and fees) after Ford bumped the price by 7% this year. That almost makes the F-150 Lariat look like a steal at $48,140. It’s actually Ram that takes the trophy for biggest MSRP jump in 2022. Following a 9.1% price increase, the Ram 1500 TRX now starts at $76,780. The GMC Sierra AT4X has seen the smallest price increase, but it’s still an expensive truck at an MSRP $77,395.

Are There Any Affordable Trucks?

The short answer is no. If you’re looking to buy new, you’ll have to find a Ford Maverick, Ford Ranger, Hyundai Santa Cruz or maybe even a Tacoma at MSRP (somehow) to stay around $25,000 for a new truck. Most are far beyond $35,000 once all fees are tallied. 

Bear in mind that we’re talking about MSRPs here. These are merely suggestions by the manufacturer. You know as well as I do that buying any popular vehicle at sticker price in 2022 is like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It’s technically possible, but quite rare. And no one will believe you. 

Dealer markups are one of the many novel trends of the past few pandemic years that no one’s excited about. Except for dealers of course. Jalopnik reported on six-figure Ram TRXs and Ford Mavericks going for fifty grand.

Dealers are raking in the profits every time a shopper agrees to pay over MSRP for any truck. Don’t believe me? American dealerships reported all-time record profits in 2021. You know, the year with the worst inventory shortages ever. As one dealer told me, they’re just ‘dying for inventory’. Approach dealerships with caution, truck buyers.

CarEdge Car Search Now Shows In-Transit Status!

In 2022 (and beyond), many car buyers will be shopping for vehicles that are still sailing the high seas or catching a lift from the plant to the dealership. How do you know which vehicles are in transit and which are on the lot? CarEdge’s Car Search is the only car buying search engine that shows you if a particular vehicle is in transit. Try it out for yourself!

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2022 Consumer Reports Car Brand Rankings Announced

2022 Consumer Reports Car Brand Rankings Announced

Mazda CX-30 rankings

Every year, Consumer Reports sends dozens of car models through half a million miles of track testing and data collection. The non-profit organization buys all of its test cars anonymously from dealers and does not accept free samples from automakers. The Consumer Reports testing regimen includes more than 50 scientific tests on every vehicle it evaluates. 

The respected organization combines their findings with survey data from their 6 million subscribers to publish their annual Consumer Reports brand rankings. The pinnacle of the Consumer Reports’ annual rankings is the overall scores tallied for each brand.

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In 2022, Consumer Reports scored 32 automotive brands based on their overall scores in reliability, consumer satisfaction, road testing and safety. This year’s rankings bring surprising changes and a new leader.

Subaru Overtakes Mazda as the Top-Ranked Auto Brand

Subaru climbed two spots to number one in the 2022 Consumer Reports brand rankings. The Japanese automaker known for standard all-wheel drive dethroned Mazda with an overall score of 81. The 2022 Subaru Forester has ranked among Consumer Reports’ top picks for the 9th consecutive year. Fascinatingly, six of the top 10 brands in 2022 are Japanese automakers: Subaru, Mazda, Honda, Lexus, Toyota and Infiniti. 

The highest ranking American automakers in 2022 are Buick (72), Chrysler (71), and Dodge (67). Cadillac and Ford just barely passed the test, scoring 63 and 62 overall. Chrysler and Dodge have been known for reliability issues in the past, so it’s great to see them improving. Likewise, BMW’s luxury vehicles have long been known for their maintenance expenses, so to achieve #3 overall is a notable feat. 

As more automakers make advanced safety features standard on their models, the weight of Consumer Reports’ safety scoring is separating the winners from the losers.

The Best Car Brands in 2022

With Subaru now number one overall, Mazda falls to second place, followed by BMW, Honda, Lexus, Audi, Porsche, Mini, Toyota, and Infiniti. Here are the overall brand scores from Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports car brand rankings top brands
Consumer Reports car brand rankings
Source: Consumer Reports

Tesla Slips With Polarizing Steering Wheel 

Tesla fell seven spots to #23 in Consumer Reports’ overall brand rankings. In a press release, Consumer Reports cited the so-called ‘yoke’ steering wheel in the refreshed Tesla Model X and Model S as causes for concern and consumer dissatisfaction. Jake Fisher of Consumer Reports told Automotive News that Tesla’s tendency to push the limits is partly to blame. “It dropped more than any other automaker, kind of due to their own decisions,” he said.

Consumer Reports Green Choice Awards Remain Hybrid-Focused

2022 Toyota Prius
2022 Toyota Prius

Everyone’s talking EVs, however Toyota’s hybrid powertrains remain the top-rated low-emissions choice at Consumer Reports. As part of their focus on low-emissions transportation, CR included the Green Choice designation for the second year. Toyota (9th overall) leads the Green Choice awards with 11 hybrid and plug-in hybrid models on the list. 

What’s particularly interesting about this is the fact that Toyota has yet to release a single fully-electric vehicle. Their first, the 2023 Toyota bZ4X, is due to arrive later this year. 

You can access the detailed 2022 Consumer Reports brand rankings with a membership to the non-profit. 

5 Affordable Electric Vehicles You Can Buy In 2022

5 Affordable Electric Vehicles You Can Buy In 2022

Kia EV6 affordable electric car

The average new vehicle sells for nearly $50,000, but not every vehicle costs the same to maintain and operate. Fuel economy, reliability, insurance, and maintenance needs are just some of the factors that determine the total cost of ownership for any vehicle. Automakers have made it clear that they’re bringing EVs to the masses, however cheap electric cars remain elusive.

Consumers in the market for an affordable vehicle in 2022 are presented with diverse options, including a larger selection of electric vehicles than ever before. EV‘s are no longer just for tech nerds. People who had never imagined themselves in an electric vehicle are making the switch simply for fuel savings. 

However, it remains true that the majority of electric vehicles carry luxury price tags. It’s unlikely you’ll hear anyone say there are “cheap electric cars,” however there are affordable EVs. Here are five affordable electric vehicles that drivers love in 2022.

The best affordable electric car: Volkswagen ID.4

Starting at $40,760

240 – 260 miles of range

Learn more: CarEdge Review of the Volkswagen ID.4

2022 Volkswagen ID.4 affordable electric car
2022 Volkswagen ID.4

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Accurate range ratings
  • Over-the-air update capability
  • 3 years of free charging at Electrify America 
  • Qualifies for the federal EV tax credit

Cons: 

  • RWD is slow for an EV
  • Reliability remains to be determined
  • It’s hard to find one on a dealer lot

If you’re in the market for a great electric vehicle that will get you from A to B in comfort and confidence, the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 should be on your short list. Capable performance, great safety ratings and a spacious cabin make the ID.4 a great place to be for the price point. 

The 2022 ID.4 can go the distance, leaving range anxiety behind for the most part. Dozens of real-world range tests show that even on the highway at 70 mph, the ID.4 gets well over 200 miles on a charge. In city driving, closer to 300 miles is likely. 

2022 updates are bringing bidirectional charging, plug-and-charge, increased range, quicker charging and major over-the-air updates to the ID.4. Even 2021 models will get new features via OTA updates this summer. Learn more about the game-changing capabilities of OTA updates here.

When it comes time to charge, you can either juice up at home overnight, or take advantage of 3 years of free Electrify America charging with unlimited miles. For frequent travelers, the Electrify America incentive can be worth a few thousand dollars. At a fast charger, charging to 80% takes about 30 minutes.

Volkswagen ID.4 affordable electric car

The all-wheel drive version of the ID.4 is where this crossover really shines. Adding another motor to the front axle increases horsepower to 295 with 339 lb-ft of torque and a very satisfying 0-60 time of just 5.4 seconds. However, it’s not quite a car you’d take to the track. The handling is well-tuned for attacking winding roads in inclement weather, although it maintains a more family-oriented demeanor. 

The 2021 ID.4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s rigorous crash testing. CarEdge recently detailed all electric vehicle safety ratings in 2022.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is about as good as it gets for its use case. For the frugal-minded, It’s a particularly compelling car in the base Pro trim with rear-wheel drive (MSRP $40,760). Volkswagen’s EVs still qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit in the US, which can turn the entry-level ID.4 into a $34,000 purchase. That’s an amazing value in today’s market.

The best range for a “cheap” electric car: Kia EV6

Starting at $40,900

232 – 310 miles of range

Learn more: CarEdge Review of the Kia EV6

Kia EV6
2022 Kia EV6

Pros:

  • Great range
  • Fastest charging EV
  • Over-the-air update capability
  • Available in all 50 states in 2022
  • Qualifies for the federal EV tax credit

Cons: 

  • Low profile may not appeal to those looking for a SUV
  • Reliability remains to be determined
  • It’s hard to find one on a dealer lot

If you’re a techie who demands the latest and greatest that automakers have to offer, but don’t have the budget to buy an extravagant Lucid Air or Mercedes EQS, the Kia EV6 and its platform sibling the Hyundai IONIQ 5 just might be what you’re looking for.

Kia and Hyundai partnered up to engineer the new E-GMP battery and powertrain platform. The first two models to feature this advanced architecture are the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and the all-new Kia EV6. Both of these crossovers offer ultra-fast charging, impressive range, and over-the-air update capability for just over $40,000.

The 2022 Kia EV6 has a premium feel to it, and that’s something we’re still learning to expect from Kia. Aggressive looks on the outside are met with a welcoming, spacious interior. The cabin is open and airy.

Kia EV6 interior

The EV6’s front dash consists of dual 12.3” screens, one for infotainment and another for the instrument cluster. Higher trims also include an augmented reality heads-up display that projects driving directions and basic info onto the windshield within the driver’s line of sight. 

The Kia EV6 is no slouch; it can hustle with a heavy foot. All-wheel drive variants produce 313 hp and a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds, but range drops to 274 miles on a charge. Longer range rear-wheel drive trims still reach 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds. For perspective, that’s about two seconds quicker than the popular Subaru Forester.

With a starting MSRP around $42,000 with destination, the 2022 EV6 represents incredible value for leading-edge tech. It even has faster charging and longer range than similarly priced Tesla models. 

The greatest advantage the Kia EV6 has over any Tesla model is that the EV6 qualifies for the federal electric vehicle tax credit. Buyers can save up to $7,500 on their federal taxes if they purchase a Kia EV. Tesla and GM brands are no longer eligible since they’ve already sold greater than 200,000 electric cars. 

If you’re a fan of the specs but not the aggressive looks, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 may be the perfect compromise. 

The fastest charging for a “cheap” electric car that isn’t a Tesla: Hyundai IONIQ 5

Starting at $40,925

220 – 303 miles of range

Learn more: CarEdge Review of the Hyundai IONIQ 5

Hyundai IONIQ 5 affordable electric car
2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5

The IONIQ 5 made our CarEdge list of the 5 best cars to buy in 2022!

Pros:

  • Fastest charging EV (also Kia EV6)
  • Unique, retro-meets-futuristic looks
  • Enough performance for some fun
  • Over-the-air update capability
  • 2 years of free charging at Electrify America 
  • Qualifies for the federal EV tax credit

Cons: 

  • Real–world range comes up short
  • Reliability remains to be determined
  • Most available today are higher trims
  • Available in select states until mid-2022

The all-new 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a uniquely retro electric crossover. You’re sure to get plenty of thumbs-ups at stoplights in this head-turner. It’s under $50,000, and surprisingly available at dealerships today. Hyundai says that the pixelated design draws inspiration from the first car they brought to America, the Hyundai Pony. 

Also built on the new E-GMP platform, the Kia EV6’s sibling is as comfortable slamming into curves as it is cruising the interstate. The all-wheel drive variant is adequately powered with 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. The AWD IONIQ 5 can get up and go with a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds. That’s just a hair above the current electric crossover sales champion, the Tesla Model Y. 

Range varies from 220 miles up to 303 miles depending on battery size and drivetrain. That’s slightly above average for a 2022 model. It’s important to note that some real-world highway range tests have struggled to get the IONIQ 5 past 200 miles on a charge. 

Hyundai ioniq 5

The IONIQ 5 does have one massive advantage over its competitors: charging speed. When you plug in at any Electrify America charging station, the IONIQ 5 can handle up to 230 kW charging speeds. Charging from 10% to 80% (adding 212 miles of range) takes just 18 minutes. The only other vehicle on the market capable of charging that fast is the $75,000+ Lucid Air luxury sedan. The IONIQ 5 has a major charging advantage over the ID.4 and Mustang Mach-E.

The IONIQ 5 is part crossover, part oversized hatchback. That’s not a bad thing. Somehow, Hyundai pulls off this delicate balance in all the right ways. The Ioniq 5’s interior volume (passenger and cargo combined) is 133.7 cubic feet, which is larger than the VW ID.4 and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The roominess has more in common with a Hyundai Santa Fe than a Kona.

Starting at just $40,925 for the 58 kWh smaller battery base model, the IONIQ 5 is available for thousands less than was expected. Most buyers will opt for the larger battery pack (77.4 kWh), which is comparable to other class competitors. With standard rear-wheel drive, the IONIQ 5 SE with the long range battery starts at $44,875. All-wheel drive is available for $3,500-3,900 more. The Limited trim starts at $51,825 and maxes out over $56,000 with all options included. 

The affordable Tesla: Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive

Starting at $44,990

272 miles of range

Learn more: CarEdge Review of the Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 affordable Tesla
2022 Tesla Model 3 Updates

Pros:

  • It’s a Tesla that’s actually affordable
  • There’s a very short wait for delivery
  • Enough performance for some fun
  • Tesla Supercharger network
  • Over-the-air update capability

Cons: 

  • Does not qualify for the federal EV tax credit
  • Lacking many luxury features, such as massaging seats 
  • No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
  • White and midnight silver are the only free paint options 

Say hello to the only Tesla available for less than $50,000. In reality, the 2022 Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 is the same car as the ‘Standard Range Plus’ variant that the American automaker sold until 2021. Perhaps calling something ‘standard’ just wasn’t on-brand for the luxury automaker. 

Don’t get your hopes up if you’re thinking you can get access to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving for under 50 grand. Tesla now charges $12,000 for FSD, which would bring the 2022 Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 closer to $60,000 after taxes and fees. 

Find out everything you need to know about self-driving cars in our CarEdge guide to autonomous vehicles.

2022 Tesla Model 3

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. The 2022 Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 features new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries which will allow the car to repeatedly charge to 100% without risking as much harm to the life of the battery. 

The Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 is powered by a single electric motor that produces 296 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque. This sedan powers to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, not bad for a base trim. 

At a Tesla Supercharger, 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 $44,990, plus the $1,200 destination and doc fee. So the cheapest Tesla is now $46,190. Just a year ago, it was $38,190. 

The best “cheap” electric car: 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric

Starting at $34,000

258 miles of range

Search hundreds of Hyundai Kona EVs for sale today at CarEdge Car Search!

Hyundai Kona EV

Pros:

  • A great alternative for those considering the Chevy Bolt 
  • Under $30,000 with federal incentives; under $25,000 for some
  • Real-world range exceeds ratings
  • Unbeatable 10-year/100,000-mile warranty

Cons: 

  • Slow charging speeds
  • Full of tech from the previous generation of electric vehicles 
  • A previous recall associated the Kona with ‘potential fire hazard’
  • Front-wheel drive only
  • Overshadowed by the IONIQ 5

Hyundai’s forgotten electric vehicle should not be overlooked by those in search of a very affordable entry into electric mobility. The 2022 Hyundai Kona EV may not look all that attractive, but it has decent range and room to fit most lifestyles.

Hyundai Kona EV

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 DC fast charger, the Kona is behind the competition. In 47 minutes, the Kona Electric charges from 10% to 80% capacity.

Hyundai Kona EV

If you’re more of a Kia lover, we have great news. The Kia e-Niro is basically the Kona Electric with a Kia face.

Due to the Kona Electric’s charging faults, this would not be a great road-tripping vehicle. But if you’re looking for cheap electric cars perfect for zipping around town, this is a great deal not to be overlooked.

Runner Up: 2023 Fisker Ocean

Available in 2023, but you can reserve one now.

Learn More: CarEdge review of the Fisker Ocean

2023 Fisker Ocean
2023 Fisker Ocean

The Fisker Ocean sure does promise a lot. Will it deliver? At just $37,000, Fisker’s all-electric brand quotes 250 miles of range for the entry-level Fisker Ocean crossover. The 2023 Fisker Ocean didn’t make our official list for a few reasons. It hasn’t been produced yet, and delays have pushed the start of production back to November 2022. Fisker says they have 32,000 reservations in the books, so if you’re looking to buy one, it may not be possible until mid-2023. Furthermore, the more capable and sporty Fisker Ocean trims start at $50,000.

CarEdge’s Take: Range and Reliability Matter Most

You may be wondering where the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf are on this list of cheap electric cars. The Leaf is one of the originators of the EV segment, having started it all back in 2011. However, Nissan has regrettably not invested in range or battery performance upgrades over the years. It’s failing to keep up with the growing competition. 

The 2022 Nissan Leaf S gets just 149 miles of range and charges quite slowly at between 50 and 100 kilowatts at a fast charger. It is the MOST affordable electric vehicle, with prices ranging from $27,400 to $37,400, however we can’t recommend an EV that leaves the lot at a disadvantage. As electric vehicles come to market with 250 to 400 mile ranges, how will the Leaf retain any resale value?

Hyundai EV

And then there’s the Chevrolet Bolt. It’s affordable and even looks okay with the recent facelift. While it’s true that the recall fix is giving Bolts brand-new, modernized battery packs, the reliability of the Bolt has taken such a hit that it’s too great of a financial risk for today’s consumers to get behind the wheel worry-free. You don’t want your $31,000 purchase to be a symbol of unprecedented fire risk. What would it take to change my mind? At this point, a few years of problem-free driving. Until then stay away from the Chevrolet Bolt. As you can see, there are plenty of other affordable electric vehicles out there in 2022.

Follow the money. Automakers are going all-in on electric vehicles in 2022 and beyond. The consumer benefits as competition rises, so perhaps affordable EVs are here to stay. If you’re looking to go electric in 2022, you don’t have to buy a Tesla, Nissan Leaf or Chevy Bolt. Every automaker is racing to become the next big thing in the world of EVs. 

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

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Nissan Is Ending Most Combustion Engine Development, Shifting Focus to Electric Cars

Nissan Is Ending Most Combustion Engine Development, Shifting Focus to Electric Cars

2023 Nissan Ariya
The all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya

Nissan Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta confirmed earlier reports that Nissan will end development of new internal combustion engines in all major markets except the US. Speaking at Nissan’s shareholder meeting, Gupta assured investors that engine development will continue ‘where it makes sense.’ Tightening emissions regulations in Europe and beyond are driving the Japanese automaker to focus on electric vehicle development. Development of the next Nissan electric car is making headway following a decade of increasing competition. It’s not certain how long combustion engine development will continue in America. 

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Fans of the Nissan Z Can Rest Assured

Mr. Gupta said that Nissan plans to continue development of combustion engines for the popular redesigned Z sports car and Rogue crossover, as well as any other popular gas-powered vehicles in the United States and select markets. Nissan’s electric car lineup remains limited through at least the next year, despite the major shift taking place in the engineering department.

Nissan is the first Japanese automaker to make such an announcement. Toyota has steadfastly continued down the hybrid powertrain path. Toyota’s first full-electric vehicle, the Toyota bZ4X, was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will hit showrooms later this year. The 2024 Honda Prologue is still over a year away. Nissan’s move harkens back to their pioneering leadership in EVs. Nissan electric cars were among the best-selling EVs for years. From 2011-2015, the Nissan Leaf was the best-selling EV in America. Until Tesla took the title in 2016, Nissan was the face of electrification. 

Europe Impacted First

2023 Nissan Ariya

Nissan has already ceased combustion engine development for the European market. Stringent emissions standards will get even tighter in 2025, effectively turning gas-powered cars into a financial risk for automakers. Policymakers worldwide are incentivizing electric vehicles in order to drastically reduce tailpipe emissions from the 1.4 billion motor vehicles in the world today.  

Nissan Electric Car Enthusiasts Welcome the 2023 Ariya

2023 Nissan Ariya
The interior of the all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya

It took a decade for Nissan to come up with a companion for the popular Nissan Leaf electric car, but at last it’s here. The 2023 Nissan Ariya is a near-luxury electric crossover that’s coming to North America in 2022. The Ariya features a sleek design inspired by Japanese tradition inside and out. Range is expected to be on par with class leaders, coming in around 265 – 300 miles on a charge. Learn more about Nissan Ariya pricing, performance and trim options in our recent Nissan Ariya First Look.

What Is Electrify America? The Charging Station For All

What Is Electrify America? The Charging Station For All

Electrify America Hyundai IONIQ5
The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 charging at Electrify America

Some may think of electric vehicles as a concept of the future, but over 2 million EVs are already on American roads. By 2030, that figure may exceed 5 million. Where will all of these EVs juice up on road trips? Say hello to the gas station of the future. Charging stations are growing as more automakers commit to electrification

Among the key players in EV charging is Electrify America. With roots in the 2015 dieselgate debacle, Electrify America is out to show the masses that electric cars are accessible and convenient. Maybe you’ve even seen their glowing green stations in your local Walmart parking lot. Who knows, you might find yourself at an Electrify America station sooner than you think.

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Let’s cover the basics of Electrify America:

  • How much does Electrify America cost?
  • What is Electrify America’s pricing?
  • Where are Electrify America charging stations?
  • And so much more!

Let’s dive in.

What Is Electrify America?

Electrify America Ford Mustang Mach-E

Electrify America is the rebranded name for the initiative that Volkswagen created and funded as part of its 2016 settlement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board. VW was caught red-handed cheating on emissions tests for millions of diesel cars sold in the US. Remember when everyone had to sell back their cool Golf TDI? VW hit rock bottom in 2015. As part of the $2 billion punishment, Volkswagen is prohibited from branding the charging network as a VW enterprise.

So here we have it, Electrify America! Storied past aside, EA is now a large and rapidly growing player in the world of electric vehicles. Despite initial skepticism, EA showed it was serious by following through on their initial goal of adding 2,000 DC fast chargers within a few years. An average of four EA stations were opened every week since the official debut of Electrify America in May of 2018. Now, EA is embarking on the next stage of growth. 

Who Can Charge at Electrify America Stations?

Harley EV charging
Yup, that’s an electric Harley-Davidson!

Good news! Any electric vehicle model can plug in at Electrify America charging stations. Even Teslas can charge here, despite having their own exclusive Supercharger network. Tesla may have a walled garden for its customers, but EA is open to all. EA stations include several CCS plug types, which work with nearly all EV models. The stations also have a CHAdeMO plug, which only the Nissan Leaf uses as of 2022. 

Plug-and-charge is a convenience feature popularized by Tesla, but now spreading among automakers. Considering Electrify America’s Volkswagen roots, you’d think plug-and-charge would be a given for VW electric cars. Not so, at least not yet. However, it looks like automakers are at fault here, not EA. The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E already offers plug-and-charge, saving time and hassles for owners. GM says it will soon, but not by the time Cadillac Lyriq deliveries begin this year. 

Charging Speeds

Electrify America charging

Electrify America charging stations are installed with future-proofing in mind. The vast majority of stations are capable of supplying the latest EVs with up to 350 kW charge speeds. In 2022, only a few EVs are capable of such rapid charging. The Hyundai IONIQ 5, Lucid Air and Porsche Taycan are a few examples. If your EV only accepts slower charging speeds, Electrify America certainly has the power you need to juice up.

How Much Does Charging At Electrify America Cost?

Some lucky EV drivers will have some amount of free charging at Electrify America. The Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Polestar 2 and even the Lucid Air all come with two or three years of complimentary charging at EA. 

Electrify America pricing is determined by the following price tiers. Customers can either pay $0.43 per kilowatt-hour of electricity, or become a Pass+ member for just $4/month and charge up at $0.31 per kWh. For the Ford Mustang Mach-E with the standard battery, a full charge will cost about $21.00 as a Pass+ member, but $30.00 as a guest.

Having such an affordable membership plan is an interesting approach. It almost seems like Electrify America is aiming to become a subscription that everyone with an EV will buy into for a sense of range security, even if they rarely use the network. Learn more about Electrify America pricing and how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle at home or on the road here

Where Are Electrify America Stations Located?

After an extremely fast build-out, EA now has chargers in 47 states. Only North Dakota, Wyoming and West Virginia have yet to receive EA chargers. Some states have many chargers. Metro areas like Washington DC, Atlanta, New York City, and of course all of California have a high density of EA charging stations. 

A large number of EA stations are located in Walmart parking lots. Others are at Target stores, shopping malls, gas stations, and other frequented stops. With the new federal push for a national EV charging network, highway rest areas may soon get their own charging stations.

As of early 2022, Electrify America has 710 charging stations active in the US. Over 100 more are on the way soon. Three-quarters of existing charging ports are of the CCS type. The remainder are CHAdeMO-type plugs, almost exclusively for the Nissan Leaf. The rest of the EV world has moved on from CHAdeMO. 

Here are all of the Electrify America charging locations as of early 2022. Future stations are in gray.

Electrify America in 2022

Source: Electrify America

The 2025 Boost Plan: 1,800 Stations and 10,000 Chargers By 2025

Electrify America charging
Electrify America’s 2025 Boost Plan

Electrify America’s original goal was to have about 800 charging stations and approximately 3,500 individual chargers in the U.S. by the end of 2021. As you can see above, they clearly exceeded that ambitious goal. Now, EA is looking ahead to their 2025 Boost Plan. The new plan calls for increasing the total number of charging stations to more than 1,700 and 9,500 individual chargers by the end of 2025. Soon, all 50 states will be home to EA charging stations. For me in West Virginia, that can’t come soon enough. It’s a charging desert out here in the hills.

Tesla Superchargers

The Tesla Supercharger Network in 2022
The Tesla Supercharger Network in 2022

With so much competition arriving in the electric vehicle segment, buyers have far more options than they did just a few years prior. Back in 2018, it was Tesla, the Chevy Bolt and the Nissan Leaf that were selling in big numbers. Now look at the list of every EV on sale in 2022. Consumers have options! And by the time Electrify America’s 2025 Boost Plan is carried out, EV sales are expected to make up at least 12% of total vehicle sales. 

Still, Tesla continues to lead electric sales by a large margin. Tesla drivers can charge at Electrify America stations if they bring their own plug adapter. Unfortunately, only Tesla cars can plug in at the sprawling Tesla Supercharger network. Tesla’s proprietary network of exclusive chargers just reached a major milestone. As of late 2021, there are 30,000 charging stalls at over 5,000 locations worldwide. One-sixth of those charging stations were built in the latter half of 2021 alone. In the US, there are nearly 1,000 Supercharger locations, a figure that is rapidly growing.

Tesla also has a level 2 Destination Network at tourist destinations, hotels, restaurants and other destinations. Soon, there will even be a Megacharger Network to support the coming Tesla Semi. Rumors abound that Tesla will open up the Supercharger network to non-Tesla cars, as they have already tried in select European countries. Until that officially happens in the US, Superchargers remain off limits to Ford, GM, Hyundai and every other automaker’s EVs.

Tesla Superchargers are not free. In fact, charging will cost $0.28 per kilowatt-hour of electricity in most markets. Learn more about how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle in our recent report

How Does Electrify America Compare to Tesla or a Gas Station?

Clearly, electricity is cheaper than gasoline, no matter where you plug in:

Cost of Charging to 100% at a Tesla SuperchargerCost of Charging to 100% at Electrify America as a MemberCost of Charging to 100% at Electrify America as a GuestCost of Filling up an 18 Gallon Tank of Gas at $3.25/Gallon
$22.96$25.42$35.26$58.50

CarEdge’s Take

ev charging station

The automotive industry is commiting to EVs. With nearly half a trillion dollars committed to EV development this decade, is this a ‘too big to fail’ moment? However, what good are EVs if there’s nowhere to charge them? Actually, over 80% of electric vehicle charging happens at home. Still, road trips would be dead if automakers electrify without having public fast chargers as widespread as today’s gas stations. 

Aside from the Tesla Supercharger network, Electrify America is the best shot we have at rapidly building out a DC fast charging network across America. Automakers, utilities and even the federal government are currently figuring out how to grow charging infrastructure in America. The recent National EV Charging Summit highlighted those efforts, and also the immense challenges ahead. Electrify America’s 2025 Boost Plan offers a glimpse of the electric future to come along American highways. 

What do you think? Will Electrify America and the growing Tesla Supercharger network be enough for EVs to comfortably reach the forecasted 30-40% market share in 2030?