Sarah here, your friendly neighborhood EV enthusiast! As more automakers jump into electrification, choice in EVs expands rapidly. I’m pumped to highlight what CEOs are calling their most “disruptive,” “game-changing” launches yet landing in 2023-2025. Beyond the hype, how might these models shake up the EV landscape for shoppers like you? Let’s explore!
EV Momentum Builds – What‘s Fueling The Surge Of New Models?
You’ve likely noticed more Teslas popping up locally, but EVs still make up under 5% of annual US auto sales. Yet amid growing alarm about climate change, government carbon reduction targets are getting aggressive. Fifteen countries now propose banning gas vehicle sales between 2025 (Norway) up to 2040. Automakers realize they must reimagine vehicles or get stranded awash in obsolete technology as gas goes extinct.
EV sales in the US are rapidly accelerating [Source: EVAdoption]
Spurring automakers to invest over $515 billion in EVs through 2026, hoping to lure folks like you! Exciting right? Here’s what they’re cooking up.
Tesla Cybertruck – Dystopian Pickup Or Game Changer?
Unveiled in 2019, even CEO Elon Musk concedes they “got carried away” designing this stainless-steel beast! Production delays persist for the Cybertruck, but Musk just reconfirmed start of deliveries by mid-2023.
Cybertruck Key Specs:
- 500+ mile range (tri motor)
- 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds
- Up to 35,000 lbs towing capacity
- Adaptive air suspension
- Armored glass 😉
- $39,900 starting price
Blending truck capability with supercar acceleration and a Mars rover aesthetic, the Cybertruck could conquer both blue-collar worksites and tech elite driveways if Tesla manufactures this complex design profitably.
The Cybertruck‘s origami-inspired body divides opinions on looks but delivers on function and performance [Source: Tesla]
Early pricing seems attractive for such advanced technology if they deliver. I like Cybertruck’s chances of avoiding the delays plaguing the much-hyped Tesla Roadster if Mars-obsessed Elon makes it his corporate priority.
Fisker Ocean – A Sustainable Electric SUV For The Masses
This slick midsize SUV spearheads a new mobility brand prioritizing eco-conscious materials and affordable access to EVs. Starting under $40,000 in the US (less with tax credits), the Ocean still packs appealing specs:
Fisker Ocean Key Features:
- Est 250+ mile range
- 0-60 in 6.9 sec (Touring)
- Solar roof for supplementary charge
- Recycled materials throughout cols
- 17.1” rotatable center touchscreen
- Advanced driver assistance features
While not pitched as a performance vehicle, 80% of Fisker buyers prioritized the base “Sport" trim, suggesting strong demand for attractive, eco-friendly transportation at a palatable price, which the Ocean seems positioned to deliver when production starts in Q4 2023.
Fisker Ocean Sport model balances sustainability priorities with appealing price accessible to mainstream buyers [Source: Fisker Inc.]
I love that Fisker has centered style and sustainability for the Ocean around accessibly priced electric mobility. Combined with a modern interior packed with technology, it feels poised to carve out its niche. Bullish reservation numbers signal the market agrees!
VinFast – A Welcome Newcomer With Subscription-Based Ownership
Emerging EV startup VinFast brings an intriguing ownership model and surprisingly polished offerings from Vietnam for North American deliveries in late 2023.
While most details remain under wraps, early impressions from VinFast’s existing models inspire optimism. I’m curious how flexible battery subscription plans could ease affordability while an initial lineup covers a breadth of price points.
VinFast VF 6 / VF 7 Key Details:
- $41,000 / $56,500 starting prices
- Subscription battery plans
- 201 hp / 221 mile range (VF 6)
- Seamless glass panoramic roofs
- Level 2+ autonomous driving aids
Trade journos praise these electric crossovers as “shockingly normal” – suggesting VinFast bucked prevailing expectations resetting standards for new automakers.
VinFast prioritizes technological and ownership innovation from a fresh perspective [Source: VinFast Automotive]
VinFast feels confident enough they’re building a billion-dollar brand new factory in North Carolina ramping up local production. Combined with their novel subscription plans and uncommon features like relax-mode lounge seats, I’m excited to welcome their intriguing twist on affordable eco-conscious transport when models arrive next year.
Mercedes Fires Up The Ultimate Electric G-Wagen: EQG
The Geländewagen (G-Wagen) retains an unassailable claim staked over 40 years ago as Mercedes’s toughest 4×4. Since launch in 1979, SWAT teams, militaries, emergency crews and A-list celebs have prized them as the utlimate SUV status symbol.
In repackaging this icon into the 536 hp/700 lb-ft EQG launching late next year, Mercedes EV architects faced immense pressure getting this right while enhancing capability.
Highlights Of The Electric G-Wagen:
- 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds
- Range over 220 miles (estimate)
- Advanced torque vectoring + multi-link portal axles
- Tank turns with independent wheel spinning!
- DC fast charging (10-80% in 25 min)
Early testing suggests the EQG‘s electric motors enable even more unstoppable off-road talent augmented by tech wizardry tailoring power delivery. Inside, a lavish interior befitting its six-figure pricing combines iconic styling with dual 12” screens and MBUX multimedia.
Mercedes‘s iconic G-Wagen shape cloaks cutting-edge EV engineering and a luxe modern interior [Source: Mercedes-Benz]
I’ll miss the throaty V8 rumble, but watching this EV tank silently romp over terrain leaving gas variants stranded reinforces notions of progress. Can Mercedes justify its $125,000 price tag cementing the EQG as the electric luxury off-road SUV against upstarts like Rivian? We shall see…
BMW Goes All-In On EVs With Flagship i7 Sedan
BMW dedicates their flagship sedan as a standard bearer for their new generation of EVs when first Edition i7‘s drop next spring starting around $120,000.
Their dedicated EV platform allows a larger 101 kWh battery enabling 300+ mile range and 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds from over 600 hp. The exterior adopts familiar 7-series looks but inside BMW brings their A-game on luxury appointments and technology:
BMW i7 High Tech Features:
- 31-inch 8K theater screen rear seat displays with Amazon Fire TV integration
- Integrated 5G connectivity + over-the-air software update capability
- Immersive sound system with Hans Zimmer signature audio
- Advanced highway pilot automated driving mode
30 exterior cameras enable a funky “mixed reality slider” AR effect I’m keen to experience. Combined with exceptional sound isolation and doors programmed to open automatically as you approach, the BMW i7 sets a benchmark on prestige EV quality and next-gen user experience when first models arrive next year.
Cutting edge rear-seat entertainment and partial automation propels BMW’s flagship EV sedan [Source: BMW Group]
The electric i7 offices an alluring balance of innovation and familiarity cementing BMW’s technology leadership during their ambitious electrification push. Piloting this sedan during my morning commute would sure beat my Nissan Leaf workhorse!
Further Diversification Rising Across Brands
While the i7 and EQS top their respective manufacturer model hierarchies for technology debuts, mainstream affordable and performance segments see fierce competition heating up too.
China’s prolific EV startups like Xpeng, Nio and BYD who delivered over 700,000 EVs in 2022 compared to Tesla’s 1.3 million globally are going aggressively upscale. Electrek reports new ultra-luxury models from Hongqi and Zeekr revealed at CES that could expand the premium segment.
Mainstream brands pitch their entries balancing feature content around median transaction prices now averaging $48,000 industrywide. The Korean and Japanese giants see especially intense rivalry with Hyundai/Kia launching their muscular Ioniq 6 sports sedan and sporty Kia EV6 coupe plus Toyota’s first mass production EV the bZ3 midsize sedan all in 2023/2024 at similar price points.
I expect this diversification to fuel immense choice enabling new EV buyers better selection aligning closer to their needs as early adopters get priced out of higher end models chasing the latest technology.
The Outlook? An Exhilarating Ride Towards An Electric Future!
Reviewing these early examples provides a small glimpse into the exciting expansion ahead across EV categories. As options grow, early reliability shakedowns separate fruitless hype from legitimate advancements converting curious shoppers into satisfied owners.
Those anxious about range can take solace as batteries reliably breach 300+ miles (pending driving style). Improved aerodynamics aid efficiency while faster charging deploys more widely.
Automakers still must balance aspirations around luxury, performance and leading-edge features against profitability and pricing accessible to the masses needed to convert ICE loyalists. But momentum clearly trends positive.
I’m pumped to welcome the mainstreaming of EVs as specs and model diversity now flip considerations from whether EVs work for you to discovering your perfect match! What upcoming EV model excites you most? Let’s chat in the comments!
