Here Are 20 Brand-New Electric Vehicles Worth Waiting For

Automakers, both established and recently incorporated, are ramping up development and production of zero-emissions electric cars, SUVs, and even pickup trucks, with a bevy of new models arriving by the end of 2021. With the cost of batteries falling, operating ranges on a charge rising, and public charging stations becoming more prevalent, battery powered rides are indeed becoming practical modes of transport for a wider range of consumers.

Far more than glorified golf carts, electric vehicles are typically quicker and more nimble than comparable gas-powered rides. That’s because a battery-powered car puts 100 percent of its available power to the pavement instantly and continuously. This enables even a modestly powered model like a Nissan Leaf to feel like a Corvette (at least briefly) when accelerating from a standing start at full throttle. Since the battery pack is mounted beneath the passenger compartment, an electric car inherently has a lower center of gravity that affords entertainingly quick cornering abilities.

What’s more, despite their higher purchase prices, recent research conducted by Consumer Reports indicates that electric vehicles can be considerably cheaper to own in the long run, due largely to lower operating costs and minimal maintenance charges. Also, all but Tesla and General Motors EVs remain eligible to a one-time $7,500 federal tax credit, and that’s on top of any state-specific incentives being offered.

Here’s a quick look at 20 of the most significant electrified rides expected to reach dealers’ showrooms in the months ahead:

Audi E-Tron GT

The GT is a sportback version of the standard E-Tron electric crossover SUV that comes with a coupe-like roofline. Coming later in 2021, it’s reported to pack dual electric motors that would generate a combined 590 horsepower and enable the GT to reach 60 mph in a brisk 3.5 seconds.

BMW iNext

Expected in late 2021, the iNext will be an electric midsize crossover SUV. Reports suggest its electric powertrain will produce 335 horsepower, with its 63-kWh battery pack affording a 285-mile range.

Bollinger B1 and B2

Startup EV maker Bollinger plans to release its first models, a boxy-looking electric sport-utility vehicle and pickup truck in 2021. Both will be built on an aluminum frame, come with all-wheel-drive, and promise a 200-mile range with a 4.5-second 0-60 mph time, and maximum tow ratings of 7,500 pounds. 

Chevrolet Bolt EV Crossover

In addition to freshening the subcompact Bolt EV hatchback for 2021, Chevrolet will introduce a taller and roomier crossover SUV version that will offer General Motors’ Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system. We would expect similar specs to the current Bolt EV, which can run for 259 miles on a charge.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Expected to debut later in 2020, the Mach-E is a Mustang-flavored electric SUV that promises to deliver a range of around 300 miles on a charge in both rear- and all-wheel drive platforms. Already Ford has announced price cuts of between $1,000 and $3,000 for the Mach-E, which will now start at $48,100.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai recently announced it would be expanding its electric car lineup under the Ioniq sub-brand, with the debut of this new midsize battery-powered crossover SUV. Details are scarce, but reports say it will be released in 2021 and could boast an operating range as generous as 300 miles. Kia will reportedly offer it’s own as yet unnamed version with brand-specific styling.

Lucid Air

Coming from another startup EV maker, the Lucid Air is a full-electric midsize sedan that features a 480-horsepower drivetrain, and 406 miles of projected operating range. And that’s just the base model. The automaker says the Touring version will generate 620 horsepower with an equivalent range on a charge. Deliveries are expected to begin in spring of 2021.

Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB

Expected in 2021, these will be electrified versions of the current GLA and GLB crossover SUVs, with a predicted operating range of 250 and 200 miles on a charge, respectively. 

Mercedes-Benz EQC

Coming early next year, the EQC is stylish electric compact crossover SUV. A pair of electric motors is reported to generate a lively 492 horsepower, with a predicted operating range at around 280 miles on a charge.

Mercedes-Benz EQS

The EQS will be a full electric rendition of the flagship Mercedes S-Class luxury sedan, and it’s expected to reach U.S. shores late in 2021. It could go for more than 400 miles on a charge, which is sure to give the Tesla Model S a run for the money.

Nissan Ariya

Nissan’s second EV after the Leaf is due to debut by the end of 2021 as the first of a series of new battery-powered models. It’s a dual-motor crossover SUV about the size of the automaker’s Rogue that will come wrapped in radically distinctive styling, and could run for as much as 300 miles on a charge. It will reportedly come with the latest generation of the automaker’s semi-self-driving system.

Polestar 2

This is the first full-electric model in Volvo’s new line of performance-minded electrified models. While the Polestar 1 is a plug-in hybrid coupe, the 2 is a full-electric four-door hatchback that rides on the same underpinnings as the XC40 crossover. It’s said to put 420 horsepower to the pavement and run for an estimated 233 miles on a charge when it debuts by year’s end.

Rivian R1T and R1S

Fledging EV maker Rivian will be building this pickup truck/SUV tandem in the former Mitsubishi assembly plant in Normal, IL, with deliveries expected in 2021. Both are claimed to have a 400-mile range, reach 60 mph in a mere three seconds and engage in off-road abilities. 

Tesla Cybertruck

Expected to reach production in late 2021, Tesla’s electric pickup comes wrapped in wedge-shaped stainless steel bodywork, with an allegedly impenetrable exoskeleton and bulletproof glass, and a predicted 7,500-pound tow rating. Depending on the version, the Cybertruck is claimed to be able to run for between 250 and 500 miles on a charge.

Tesla Roadster

An all-new version of Tesla’s first production model, the Roadster, is in the works, though production has reportedly been delayed to later in 2021. Tesla says it will run for as much as 620 miles on a charge and make the leap to 60 mph in a sudden 1.9 seconds.

Volkswagen ID4

The first of what’s expected to be a series of affordable Volkswagen EVs will be a small battery-powered hatchback called the ID4. Expected in early 2021, it will reportedly deliver an operating range of up to 311 miles on a charge.

Volvo XC40 Recharge P8

Volvo is electrifying its compact XC40 crossover SUV for introduction by year’s end. The automaker says it will put 402 horsepower to the pavement, good for a sprint to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, and run for as much as 208 miles on a full charge. Its infotainment system comes via Google.