The number of electric vehicles on today's roads is growing rapidly as more automakers add EVs into their lineups. They're becoming more mainstream as automakers ease range anxiety fears and drivers become more familiar with charging systems. A growing charging infrastructure also plays a big role in EV adoption as does the availability of more affordable EV options than there have been in the past.
As more EV choices become available, you may be wondering which EV is best for you. Autotrader's 10 Best Electric Vehicles for 2022 is a great list to help you get started on your EV journey. Autotrader says there are more EVs than ever before to choose from this year.
"For years, experts predicted the electric car revolution was coming, and now we can firmly declare it has arrived," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. "There are more EV choices than ever before in 2022, with a wide range of prices, styles and capabilities, ensuring there is an EV available to fit into most any lifestyle. As gas prices continue to rise and fluctuate throughout the United States, EVs are likely to become even more appealing to car shoppers as they consider their next new-vehicle purchase."
The EVs on this list made the cut after what sounds like a lengthy evaluation process, Autotrader says its editorial team "drove and lived" with this year's electric vehicles. They evaluated a bunch of important factors like the interiors, exteriors, powertrains, ride and handling, comfort, features, and of course, prices. They also carefully considered whether each vehicle served the purpose for which it was built, be it commuting efficiently, keeping a family safe, conveying a sense of prestige, or helping the driver feel like they finally found an EV match for their lifestyle. Editors took each electric vehicle through seemingly mundane but important tasks like parking, lane-changing, backing up, and loading cargo space. They also assessed essentials like acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, as well as materials and build quality.
Editors then shared their options and rated each vehicle on a 5-point scale. To meet final consideration, vehicles had to make 4.0 out of 5.0 points. This is also the first time only pure EVs were allowed on the list -- no hybrids, plug-in hybrids or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. The other factor was availability. The EVs had to be available for delivery to the public within six months of the list being published.
Autotrader's 10 Best Electric Vehicles for 2022 is listed alphabetically by brand. We've included comments from Autotrader from its press release.
Autotrader's 10 Best Electric Vehicles for 2022
2022 Chevrolet Bolt/Bolt EUV
Autotrader: The Bolt recently received a makeover and a slightly larger EUV (electric utility vehicle) sibling. Its new exterior and interior designs improved on the outgoing model's minor shortcomings, and the improved battery capacity and motor make the 2022 Bolt even more capable.
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Autotrader: Despite taking on the iconic name of one of the original pony cars, this fast and furious electric SUV has an appeal all its own. The Mustang Mach-E has a great interior, fun exterior, and shoppers don't necessarily need to spend up to the GT version to have a good time.
2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup
Autotrader: GM's first all-electric pickup truck revives the Hummer nameplate, this time as a sub-brand of GMC. In stark contrast to the original gas-guzzling behemoth Hummer, this new EV pickup is a monstrously capable, fast, quiet, electron-powered beauty.
2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5
Autotrader: Hyundai continues to refine its Ioniq concept, and the 2022 Ioniq 5 is the best version yet. It's thoroughly futuristic yet also has a fun, retro vibe. The Ioniq 5's driving experience, especially the progressive regenerative braking, is sophisticated and seamless.
Read the CarPro IONIQ 5 Review
2022 Kia EV6
Autotrader: Beyond pure function, Kia pushed the design boundaries with the new EV6, ensuring this new generation of transportation boasts a new look all its own. The EV6's sleek design is a bold look for Kia, especially compared to past vehicles from the brand.
Read the CarPro Kia EV6 Review →
2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS
Autotrader: While Mercedes-Benz has been incorporating electric power into its lineup for several years now with EQ Boost, the 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS is the brand's first electric vehicle. This true luxury EV should leave Tesla's Elon Musk quaking in his fancy hipster shoes, and its interior is S-Class-level excellent.
2022 Rivian R1T
Autotrader: Rivian is an enticing new startup EV manufacturer, and the R1T electric pickup truck is the first consumer vehicle from the brand. The impressive, full-size EV brims with technological innovations and delightful details, including a big front trunk (frunk) and a bonus rear trunk.
2022 Tesla Model 3
Autotrader: Possibly the most successful and unconventional automaker in the world right now, Tesla continues to crank out variants on its EV theme. While still focusing on luxury and advanced technology, the Model 3 is the most affordable electric car in the company's lineup and still offers outstanding range, performance, and available driver assistance features.
2022 Volkswagen ID.4
Autotrader: The ID.4 impresses with its smooth integration of function with form, retaining its essential "VW-ness" even without an internal combustion engine. Much like an Apple device on wheels, the interior is modern and functional, while the exterior is attractive without being flashy. Like other Volkswagens, the ID.4 also is fun to drive.
Read the CarPro VW ID.4 Review
2022 Volvo C40 Recharge
Autotrader: Volvo's commitment to electrification has expanded beyond the SUV range to its first all-electric compact car, the C40 Recharge. Since Volvo rebooted itself in the last decade, it retained its core identity as a safety leader and elevated its interiors into the luxury category. The C40 delivers a stylish, comfortable, capable EV with a distinctly Swedish flavor.
Read the CarPro Volvo C40 Review→
