The field of electric vehicles (EVs) grows more crowded every year. For a long time, it felt like no matter what type of EV you were in the market for, be it sedan, SUV, crossover, truck, ultra-luxury, or ultra-affordable, each category had just a few top options to consider. But now, with every major auto manufacturer shifting their focus to EVs and new EV tech start-ups popping up all the time, there are more choices than ever. Here are just a few of the newest, and coolest, EVs to join the fray.
Tesla Cybertruck
With the Ford 150 Lightning and Rivian R1T already on the market, and electric versions of the Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram 1500, and Toyota Tacoma set for release dates in 2023 and 2024, the market of EV pickup trucks is rapidly expanding. But the Tesla Cybertruck has the potential to outdo them all. And not only because it looks like it’s straight out of a futuristic sci-fi movie. It will be available with a single ($40K), dual ($50K), or triple motor ($70K). The tri-motor version will be capable of going 0 to 60mph in under three seconds, have a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, and a range of up to 500 miles on a single battery charge. All versions can seat up to six people, and its 6.4 cubic foot truck bed can handle a payload of 3500 pounds. Its slide-out tailgate doubles as a ramp to load four-wheelers and motorcycles. It will also be able to perform admirably as an off-road vehicle with an adjustable air suspension that can be raised or lowered on the fly with up to 16 inches of ground clearance. It’s also stainless steel and literally bullet proof.
Canoo Pickup Truck
Canoo is an EV startup from California. And when production begins on the pod-like mid-size truck in 2024, it will likely become the most functional, feature-laden pickup truck on the market. It features a fold down craftsman worktable on the front, a flip down table on the side, a slide out “safe step” to easily access the truck bed and roof rack, and several cargo storage compartments. Its multi-accessory charge ports can be found on all sides of the truck and boast the ability to charge multiple items all day with only about 10% battery loss. The truck bed features a pull out extension (going from 6 feet to 8 feet), modular space dividers, and overhead lighting. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also designed to accommodate a variety of camper shells for weekend adventurers and nomads. It boasts 500 plus horsepower and 200 plus miles of range on a single charge. It’s easy to see why the U.S. Army is currently testing a modified version of the Pickup Truck. It is currently available for preorder.
VW ID.Buzz
Arriving at dealers in 2024 will be a modern spin on VW’s iconic Type 2 Microbus from the 1950s and 1960s. It will seat up to 7 passengers across 3 rows of seats and have a 91 kWh battery. The ID.Buzz blends nostalgia with cutting edge technology, which may even include autonomous driving technology from Argo AI.
Mercedes-Benz EQG
In late 2023, the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-wagen will become available as an EV. It debuted as a concept car at the 2021 Munich auto show. What really makes the EQG special is that it will have four motors – one at each wheel for four-wheel drive capability. It will also join a microscopic list of viable off-road EVs, including the GMC Hummer EV and the Tesla Cybertruck.
Additionally, Lexus, Acura, and Honda will all debut new electric SUVs in 2023, and Toyota, Dodge, and Chevy will begin selling electric versions of their existing pickup trucks in 2023 and 2024. There’s no doubt the electric vehicle ecosystem is growing with so many cutting-edge EVs on the way.
Image credit: Tesla, Canoo, Volkswagen, Mercedez-Benz
