While gasoline-powered vehicles will continue to be on the road for decades, federal emissions targets and environmentally conscious consumers are pushing automakers to innovate. As a result, the number of new electric vehicles is rapidly increasing. EV car lease is also extremely popular today.
While EVs have slower charge times, lower range, and heavier curb weights than gas vehicles, they also deliver instant torque and, in some cases, mind-boggling power. Though the love of today's visceral, noise-making cars is unlikely to fade, the variety of new EVs on the market makes it easy to be excited about tomorrow.
The adorable Mazda MX-30 is roughly the same size as its gas-powered subcompact crossover stablemate, the CX-30. Still, it uses a 143-hp front-wheel-drive electric powertrain and, unlike the CX-30, does not offer all-wheel drive. Despite its limited range, the MX-30 is one of the more stylish options. It employs rear-hinged back doors and a floating center console to maximize cockpit space. It has a 30.0-kWh battery pack, which contributes to its lower EPA-estimated 100-mile range, but Mazda has promised a plug-in-hybrid version with a more extended range that will arrive later in 2022.
The Mini Cooper SE, with a starting price of $30,750, is one of the most affordable ways to get into a new electric vehicle. While its EPA-estimated 114-mile range limits usability, we found the hatchback to be just as entertaining as its gasoline-powered sibling.
The 2022 model year introduced new standard features such as an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a heated steering wheel, as well as minor exterior changes. According to Mini, fast charging allows the Mini Cooper Electric to charge to 80 percent in just 35 minutes, while home charging takes four hours to restore full power from empty.
The Porsche Taycan wagon comes standard with all-wheel drive and an adjustable air suspension. Two electric motors with total outputs ranging from 469 to 750 horsepower provide power. Both the Taycan Cross Turismo 4 and 4S have an EPA-estimated range of 215 miles, which is the best for this model but far short of the longest-range EVs on the market today.
The 750-hp Turbo S version's range is reduced to 202 miles. Despite having a slightly shorter range than the sedan, the wagon still uses Porsche's 800-volt architecture to turbocharge the DC fast-charging experience.
The Audi e-Tron, available as an SUV or Sportback, offers typical Audi refinement in a gas-free package. Power is provided by two electric motors that, when combined, produce a maximum of 402 horsepower. During testing, the e-Tron reached 60 mph in under five seconds. In terms of range, our tester only managed 190 highway miles, 32 less than the advertised figure.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge will have more range in 2022, but it will still fall short of the longest-range electric cars on the market today. Standard equipment starts at $56,395 and includes 402 horsepower, all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking. The 2021 XC40 we tested reached 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, which is two seconds faster than the most powerful gasoline-powered version.
The Volvo C40 Recharge is powered by the same electric motor as the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Polestar 2. The C40 comes standard with all-wheel drive and has an EPA-estimated range of 226 miles.
While the Nissan Leaf lacks the flash or impressive driving range of some other EVs, it was once a trailblazer as one of the first mass-produced EVs sold in America. After 11 years, the Leaf continues to offer eco-friendly transportation to those with modest commutes and modest budgets, with a base price of $28,375 (making it the cheapest EV on the market in 2022). We'd go with the S Plus over the other four trim levels. It not only has the longest range (226 miles) of any Leaf model, but it also has a more powerful 214-hp motor.