Top 2022 Electric Cars: What to Know and Where to Buy | Compare.com (2023)

It’s safe to say that 2022 is going to be a big year for electric cars. It’s not just that electric vehicles are gaining in popularity — they have been for several years now — it’s that there are more makes and models available than ever before.

Ten years ago, if you wanted to buy an electric car, you’d be limited to an expensive new Tesla model or a hatchback with barely 100 miles of range. Now, you can find affordable used Teslas, plug-in hybrids, electric SUVs and pickup trucks, and more.

We’ve picked out 12 of the most anticipated 2022 electric cars. To make it easier to find what you’re looking for, we’ve broken it down into two categories: 2022 electric cars and SUVs, and 2022 electric vans and trucks.

Some of them are already available for sale or pre-order, while others are expected to enter production later in the year.

2022 Electric Cars and Crossovers

Electric cars and crossovers include some of the most popular EVs on the road, such as the Chevy Bolt hatchback and the Tesla Model Y long-range.

In 2022, we can expect to see some brand new models from automakers that haven’t yet released an EV, such as Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz.

Here are our picks for the best new 2022 electric cars and crossovers.

Cadillac Lyriq

With a starting price of $58,795, the Cadillac Lyriq isn’t cheap, but it’s about what you’d expect for a luxury electric car from this iconic automaker. The EPA hasn’t yet released an estimated range, but Cadillac promises a range of over 300 miles per charge.

The Lyriq comes with a glass roof, exterior LED lighting, and Active Noise Cancellation for a smooth and quiet ride. It will be available starting in mid-2022, and you’ll need to make a reservation with a dealer if you want to drive one home.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP): $58,795

Range: 300 miles

Subaru Solterra

The Subaru Solterra isn’t the brand’s first electric car — the Crosstrek is already available as a hybrid — but it’s the first all-electric Subaru SUV, making it a highly anticipated new model. It’s expected to cost around $35,000 and have a 220-mile range.

This zero-emission EV comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and has 8.3 inches of clearance so you can drive it on- and off-road.

MSRP: $35,000

Range: 220 miles

Kia EV6

Kia has already made a name for itself with the Kia Niro, but the Kia EV6 promises to be even more impressive. It offers 300 miles of range and fast charging speeds that can add 210 miles to the battery pack in just 18 minutes. Other features include an augmented reality head-up display that projects navigation cues onto the windshield.

The Kia EV6 is eligible for the full federal electric car tax credit, offering you potential savings of $7,500. Plus, you won’t have to wait long to drive it, with the first deliveries expected in January 2022.

MSRP: $45,000

Range: 300 miles

Mercedes-Benz EQB

Mercedes-Benz is also introducing a new EV this year, the EQB, which has an estimated starting price of $50,000 and a range of 260 miles. Along with fast charging speeds and advanced driver-assist features, you’ll get a third row of seats, making this a spacious 7-seater SUV that’s perfect for large families.

Don’t need the extra space? Then you may be more interested in the Mercedes-Benz EQS, a luxury sedan with a range of 350 miles — and a higher starting price.

MSRP: $50,000

Range: 260 miles

Nissan ARIYA

The Nissan LEAF has remained mostly unchanged for years, so it’s about time that the automaker introduces a new EV to its lineup — the 2023 Nissan ARIYA. With a starting price of $45,950, you can reserve an ARIYA now for delivery in fall 2022.

The ARIYA is available in three trims — VENTURE+, EVOLVE+, and PREMIERE — all of which come with front-wheel drive and a 238-horsepower electric motor.

MSRP: $45,950

Range: 300 miles

2022 Electric Vans and Trucks

Compact SUVs are some of the best-selling EVs in the U.S., but electric pickup trucks are some of the most highly anticipated electric models coming out next year.

We’re also starting to see some electric vans, such as the Volkswagen ID.Buzz and the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle.

Here are our picks for the best electric trucks, vans, and off-road vehicles of 2022:

Ford F-150 Lightning

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lighting is in such high demand that reservations are currently on pause. Why is this electric pickup so popular? One answer is that it’s nearly as powerful as the conventional F-150, with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a lithium-ion battery pack that can act as a backup generator if the power goes out.

Other perks include an interior work surface near the driver’s seat and a “frunk” or “front trunk” where the engine would normally be.

MSRP: $39,974

Range: 230 miles

GMC Hummer EV

The conventional Hummer has a reputation for being a gas-guzzler, so it’s all the more impressive that GMC has an electric Hummer on its way. With a 1000-hp powertrain and 329 miles of range, the Hummer EV doesn’t come cheap, though: This high-end electric vehicle has a starting price of $108,700.

Still, for off-road enthusiasts, its features are hard to beat. You’ll get a power swing gate, up to 18 cameras so you can see obstacles clearly, and even a CrabWalk setting that can move the vehicle diagonally and get you out of tight situations.

MSRP: $108,700

Range: 329 miles

Rivian R1T

As a relatively new startup, Rivian doesn’t have the same name recognition as brands like GMC and Tesla, but the 2022 Rivian R1T is giving its rivals some stiff competition. This electric pickup truck has a quad-motor powertrain that can reach 60 mph in three seconds, tow up to 11,000 pounds, and wade in up to 3 feet of water.

Plus, it has LTE and Wi-Fi capabilities, a wireless phone charger, multiple USB ports, and touchscreens on the dashboard and center console.

MSRP: $67,500

Range: 314 miles

Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle

If you’re more interested in #vanlife than in off-road driving, the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle may be more your style. It’s available in a Delivery trim with two seats and 250 miles of range, an Adventure trim with a 2,000-pound towing capacity, and a Premium trim with seven seats, a panoramic glass roof, and an air-purifying wellness package.

This electric van is similar in design to the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, but is expected to be available in 2022, well before the VW’s 2023 launch date.

MSRP: $34,750

Range: 250 miles

Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Finally, there’s the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, a plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of 22 miles. Not only will Jeep help you install your own Level 2 home charger, it claims to be building solar-powered charging stations in some off-road destinations so you can leave your range anxiety behind.

For those who want a fully electric version, the Jeep Magneto EV is in the works but doesn’t yet have a release date.

MSRP: $56,230

Range: 22 miles

Where to Find the Best Electric Cars in 2022

These are just some of the new 2022 electric cars, vans, trucks, and crossovers to choose from. Audi, BMW, Toyota, and Chevrolet also have new models coming out later this year and early next year. And with the federal tax credit and other incentives available in states like California, it’s a great time to consider buying a new EV.

Of course, buying a new car isn’t your only option. You’ll find plenty of used electric cars that have nearly as much range and battery life as newer models.

Learn more about buying an electric car here, and use this handy tool to start searching for used electric car deals near you