Characteristics Of The Best Electric SUVs in 2022
You have to tick quite a few boxes to make a good sports utility vehicle, and adding an electric powertrain only complicates matters further. That said, there are a few things that many of the best electric SUV models have in common with one another, such as:
- Practicality: This is one of the most defining qualities of the segment. The reason that high-riding SUVs sell so well in comparison to sedans, for example, is because they supply so much extra room for passengers and cargo. In the past, plug-in hybrids and, by extension, EVs had to make some sacrifices in this area to accommodate the large battery packs under the rear seats. Automakers have since found new ways to incorporate the technology without negatively impacting these areas.
- Towing capacity: While many automakers are loathe to give this figure when discussing their electric SUVs, it is nevertheless an important topic. Since these vehicles are already quite heavy, they take a hit when it comes to fuel economy, and adding the extra weight of a trailer or caravan can make their maximum range dwindle quickly. That is not to say that they can’t handle decently sized loads, but they are not currently well-equipped to do so over longer distances.
- Range: A sad fact of the matter is that all electric SUVs are hampered by the size and capacity of their batteries, as well as their own weight. They will never be able to travel as far on a full charge as their smaller sedan or hatchback counterparts. However, this is something every manufacturer is working hard to improve upon. Also, most EV SUVs come standard with, or offer, AWD, so they can go off road when absolutely necessary. Most drivers won’t have the confidence to take them too far off the beaten path, though, lest they run out of charge far from the nearest station.
What Electric SUV Should I Buy?
There are plenty of options to choose from, and more are being added every year, but everyone’s needs are different so picking a single model that will appeal to everyone is impossible. However, whether you are looking at a small crossover or full-size SUV, or a budget-friendly family hauler as opposed to a luxury cruiser, most EV cars share a similar list of pros and cons that you should keep in mind:
Pros
- They are cheap to run since electricity is more abundance than gasoline
- Zero carbon emissions are great for the environment
- There is no delate between applying the throttle and getting moving
- The engine is silent, resulting in serene cruising
- The list of models is ever-increasing and the maximum range is improving
Cons
- The initial capital outlay is much higher than a regular gasoline car
- Your maximum travel range is limited as batteries run flat rather quickly
- Recharging takes time, especially on low-level chargers
What New Electric SUVs Are Coming In 2022?
More and more brands are getting into the EV game, so you can expect to see new models hitting the market in the USA at a faster pace moving forward. Some of the best electric SUV models in 2022 will have three rows.
Three-row Electric SUVs Are Coming
The number of seven-seater SUVs is already quite small, and making an EV SUV big and heavy enough to accommodate so many passengers is no small task. However, several automakers have announced their intentions to deliver a 3-row electric SUV with 7 seats in the coming years. So far, Kia publicized the concept design of its EV9, while Hyundai has presented the Ioniq 7. Ford has also promised to release an electric version of the highly popular Explorer.
FAQs about All-electric SUVs
What is the most affordable electric SUV?
While this is subject to change, especially in the new year as more EVs are hitting our markets, the current cheapest electric SUV is the Mazda MX-30 EV. The base model starts at a little under $35k, though that is not the best-selling model in the range. The Premium Plus is closer to the $40k mark.
How long does it take to charge an EV?
This varies depending on the size of the battery and the power of the outlet. However, most household Level 2 charging units will take around six to 12 hours to fully charge an EV’s battery. Fast chargers found at public stations are quicker, though the 15-45 minutes they need is still a lot longer than a gas stop.
Which electric SUV has the best range?
Currently, the BMW iX and Ford Mustang Mach-E lead the pack in terms of range. The former is rated at a solid 380 miles, while the latter gets 379 miles to a charge. This is better even than Tesla’s Model X, which only manages 348 miles before needing to be recharged. Of course, these figures are determined using the largest battery available to each model.
For more information on electric SUVs, we recommended you read our comprehensive reviews of the best electric SUVs and follow the newsfeed at CarBuzz.