The 4 best electric vehicles of 2022, according to the experts

Each year, the editors at Kelley Blue Book evaluate and test drive the latest electric cars on the market and then rank them according to consumer priorities like features, safety, car range, driving performance, cargo space, and value. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the exceptional electric vehicles that made it to the top of four luxury and non-luxury categories.

Best electric car: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

For Chevrolet, the Bolt EV has been a triumph. The revamped 2022 Chevy Bolt EV is a part of GM’s ambitious aim to introduce 30 new electric cars globally by 2025. Chevy has sold more than 100,000 of these small 5-door electric hatchbacks since 2017.

All 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV versions receive the same 200-horsepower permanent magnet electric motor and 65-kWh lithium-ion battery pack as the model from the previous year. Additionally, Chevrolet will pay for the installation of a Level 2 charging station at the house of each Bolt EV owner. Owners of Bolt EVs are now able to charge their electric vehicles mostly at home, thanks to a collaboration with the company, Qmerit.

There are no more available federal incentives for the 2022 Bolt EV, but state, local, or utility incentives might apply.

Price: Starts at $31,500
Range: Up to 259 miles
Charge time: 7 hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charger
Notable features: Chevy Safety Assist

Best electric SUV: 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV reminiscent of the classic sports car; however, it boasts a spacious, high-tech interior and all the functionality of a crossover SUV. Especially in the GT variants, which can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds. The new BlueCruise driving system, one of several available technological features, enables hands-free driving on Ford-mapped highways.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is more expensive than the Volkswagen ID.4 and less costly than the Tesla Model Y. It’s important to note that Ford continues to be eligible for the federal EV tax credit as of this writing, while Tesla is not. There might also be local state incentives that further reduce the cost of this EV, depending on where you live.

Price: Starts at $43,895
Range: Up to 314 miles
Charge time: 11 hours with a 220-volt Level 2 charger
Notable features: BlueCruise hands-free driving

Best luxury electric car: 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS

By 2030, Mercedes-Benz anticipates that more than 50% of its vehicles will be plug-in hybrids or entirely electric. This luxurious 5-door hatchback is around the same size as an S-class sedan with a short wheelbase that isn’t sold in the U.S. Meaning, that the vehicle is almost as but isn’t quite as big as a U.S. S-Class.

The EQS, which is to be expected of a big electric flagship sedan, comes equipped with an Acoustic Comfort Package, increasing the interior’s insulation. It also boasts a Burmester surround-sound audio system, a tilt-and-slide panoramic roof, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and rear-axle steering in addition to rear-axle steering. A surround-view monitor, a parking package, and a fingerprint scanner for driver authentication are also featured.

Price: Starts at $102,310
Range: Up to 350 miles
Charge time: 11 hours with a 220-volt Level 2 charger
Notable features: Free 30-minute DC fast charging sessions with Electrify America for two years

Best luxury electric SUV: 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Many of the Volvo XC40’s strengths, such as its spacious seats, sleek design, and top safety ratings, are enhanced by the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge. Plus is the name of the entry-level trim, and Ultimate is the name of the more deluxe model.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge’s base Plus model is well-equipped, which helps to explain why it costs as much as it does. The all-wheel-drive, 19-inch alloy wheels, Nubuck textile seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s information panel, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, four USB-C connections, and more are included as standard features.

Price: Starts at $55,300
Range: Up to 223 miles
Charge time: 8 hours with a 220-volt Level 2 charger
Notable features: Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system (Ultimate trim exclusive)

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