
What's New? 2022's Best New Electric Cars
Following a year of record demand, manufacturers are readying an even broader choice of new electric vehicles for 2022. We've rounded up all the important info here.
BMW i7
What is it? There's an all-new 7 Series coming in 2022, including the luxury limousine's first fully electric version. BMW hasn't given much away yet, but the i7 will share parts with the iX electric SUV, potentially including the largest 105kWh battery pack to rival the Mercedes-Benz EQS. This could offer a range in excess of 400 miles, charged to 80% in 35 minutes.
Electric range: 400 miles (TBC)
Battery capacity: >100kWh (TBC)
Electricity cost per mile*: TBC
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Late 2022
Cupra Born
What is it? SEAT's performance brand, Cupra, is readying an electric hot hatch. The Born is closely related to the Volkswagen ID.3 but features adaptive steering and suspension for a sportier drive, and an 'E-Boost' function which enables a 6.6-second sprint to 62mph. Production is CO2-neutral, and the cabin also makes widespread use of recycled materials.
Electric range: 211-335 miles
Battery capacity: 45kWh and 77kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 3.7-4.0p**
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Early 2022
Dacia Spring
What is it? Small but significant, the Spring is Europe's cheapest electric car. It's a compact crossover, slightly larger than a Renault Twingo, and uses an efficient 45hp electric motor with a compact battery pack to keep costs down. Prices start at €18,000 (£15,000) before subsidies in France, and Dacia is considering bringing it to the UK according to Autocar.
Electric range: 140 miles
Battery capacity: 26.8kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 2.8p
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Late 2022
Fisker Ocean
What is it? Californian startup Fisker will launch in Europe with an electric SUV similar in size to the BMW X3, followed by three other models before 2025. Built in Austria, the Ocean will include an optional long-range battery pack and four-wheel drive, the latter offering a 1,815kg towing capacity, and every window except the windscreen can be opened.
Electric range: 275-390 miles
Battery capacity: TBC
Electricity cost per mile*: TBC
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Late 2022
Genesis GV60
What is it? The GV60 SUV will put Korean luxury brand Genesis in competition with cars such as the Audi Q3 and Tesla Model Y when it launches next summer. It features facial recognition cameras that automatically adjust settings on board, and the UK range will include a 482hp Performance version capable of reaching 62mph in 4.0 seconds.
Electric range: 228-280 miles
Battery capacity: 77.4kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 5.5-6.8p
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Mid 2022
Hyundai IONIQ 6
What is it? Previewed as the Prophecy concept (pictured) in 2020, the IONIQ 6 is a high-performance saloon to rival the Tesla Model 3. Beneath aerodynamic styling, it offers a range of up to 300 miles and highly adjustable seating for luxurious touring. Hyundai claims around 250 miles can be restored in just 18 minutes on the fastest chargepoints.
Electric range: Up to 310 miles
Battery capacity: TBC
Electricity cost per mile*: TBC
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: 2022
Kia Niro
What is it? A bold redesign for Kia's second best-seller - and one of the UK's most popular electric cars. The new Niro will be available with the familiar hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions, likely to include the same two-battery e-Niro line-up as the outgoing car. Drivers will get a redesigned interior using recycled materials, and optional two-tone paint.
Electric range: 180-282 miles (based on current e-Niro)
Battery capacity: 39kWh and 64kWh (based on current e-Niro)
Electricity cost per mile*: 4.3-4.5p (based on current e-Niro)
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Mid 2022
Lexus RZ
What is it? Teaser images suggest the RZ coupe-SUV will look a lot like the LF-Z concept car (pictured). Roughly the same size as an RX, it's the first Lexus to use a dedicated EV platform, and the concept hints at 150kW ultra-fast charging - restoring 80% of the range in half an hour - with a four-wheel drive system that puts most of the power to the rear axle.
Electric range: 370 miles
Battery capacity: 90kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 4.3p**
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Early 2022
Mercedes-Benz EQB
What is it? The only compact electric SUV with seven seats - the third row is designed for passengers under 5ft 4in but with room for boosters. Two and four-wheel drive versions are available from launch, the latter capable of towing up to 1,800kg, and its clever navigation system can plan routes using the shortest charging stops. A longer-range battery will follow.
Electric range: 260-297 miles
Battery capacity: 66.5kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 4.4-4.5p
Price (OTR): £52,145-£56,645
When: Q1 2022
Mercedes-Benz EQE
What is it? The EQE is an electric alternative to the familiar E-Class but designed only for battery power. Mercedes-Benz will offer two and four-wheel drive versions from launch, followed by a 670hp high-performance model, and each offers a raised seating position with the option of a large central touchscreen that blends into the rest of the dashboard panel.
Electric range: 337-409 miles
Battery capacity: 90kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 4.4-5.4p
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Late 2022
MG 5
What is it? While most manufacturers have focused on electric SUVs, the MG 5 is the UK's only electric estate car and aggressively good value too. Behind an aggressive mid-life refresh, MG will continue to offer two battery options (though it's likely only one will come to the UK) and up to 1,465 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded.
Electric range: 200-250 miles
Battery capacity: 51kWh and 61.1kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 4.9p (long-range battery)
Price (OTR): From £25,000 (TBC)
When: Q1 2022
Nissan Ariya
What is it? The Ariya combines Nissan's electric vehicle and compact crossover expertise. Slightly smaller than an X-Trail, it's on a dedicated EV platform which maximises space in the 'lounge' style interior. There's a minimalist dashboard with an adjustable centre console, and Nissan will offer two or four-wheel drive versions with up to 1,500kg towing capacity.
Electric range: 211-310 miles
Battery capacity: 63kW or 87kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 4.9-5.2p**
Price (OTR): TBC
When: Summer 2022
Polestar 3
What is it? Swedish-Chinese electric vehicle brand Polestar will launch three new products by 2024, beginning with a foothold in the fast-growing performance SUV segment. The Polestar 3 is based on an all-new platform and will be built in the USA - its biggest market - featuring an Android-based touchscreen system and the latest driver assistance technology.
Electric range: TBC
Battery capacity: TBC
Electricity cost per mile*: TBC
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Late 2022
Renault Megane E-Tech
What is it? A new look for a familiar name, the Megane E-Tech is an electric SUV closely related to the Nissan Ariya. Renault has confirmed short and long-range batteries, the latter capable of recovering 186 miles in 30 minutes, and a heat pump to maximise efficiency. The versatile interior features four folding seats and extensive use of sustainable materials.
Electric range: 186-292 miles
Battery capacity: 40kWh and 60kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 3.5-3.7p**
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Q1 2022
Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV
What is it? Having found more than 70,000 customers globally, the Enyaq SUV will gain a second, sportier, variant in 2022. The Coupe gets a tapered roofline with a large panoramic glass section, which also improves efficiency and extends the range by around 3%. Skoda is offering two battery versions from launch, with four-wheel drive optional for the larger one.
Electric range: Up to 535km
Battery capacity: 58kWh and 77kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 4.0-4.4p
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Early 2022
SsangYong Kornado E-Motion
What is it? The latest Korando was previewed as an electric SUV in 2018, and the e-Motion brings that concept to life. There's no four-wheel drive option - unusually, for SsangYong - but it can tow up to 1,500kg and offers the same cargo capacity as petrol or diesel versions. Drivers get a choice of 34 mood lighting colours, and a large 12.3-inch central touchscreen.
Electric range: 339 miles
Battery capacity: 61.5kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 3.7p
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: January 2022
SsangYong 'J100'
What is it? Unnamed and so far only shown as a sketch, the 'J100' could reach showrooms as the next Actyon SUV. Likely to be a similar size to the Skoda Enyaq, the confirmed pickup version suggests it will be available with two and four-wheel drive and the ability to tow. Development was 'accelerated' recently, and prototypes have been spotted in Korea.
Electric range: TBC
Battery capacity: TBC
Electricity cost per mile*: TBC
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Late 2022
Subaru Solterra
What is it? Subaru's first electric car is the result of a collaboration with Toyota, and uses an EV-only platform with a structural battery pack under the cabin to maximise interior space. Four-wheel drive versions will offer precise traction control on slippery surfaces and dedicated off-road drive modes, in line with Subaru's traditional product expertise.
Electric range: TBC
Battery capacity: TBC
Electricity cost per mile*: TBC
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Mid 2022
Tesla Model Y
What is it? A premium SUV closely related to the UK's best-selling electric car, the Model 3 compact executive saloon. Tesla is launching with two versions, offering either a 315-mile range or 3.5-second sprint to 62mph, and both include four-wheel drive with 1,800kg towing capability. However, unlike the United States, there's no option to add seven seats.
Electric range: 298-315 miles
Battery capacity: TBC
Electricity cost per mile*: TBC
Price (OTR): £54,990-£64,990
When: Mid-2022
Toyota BZ4x
What is it? Slightly larger than a RAV4, the BZ4x SUV is the result of a collaboration with Subaru and the first product on a dedicated EV platform. The UK range will include front or four-wheel drive versions with a long-range battery under the cabin floor. Toyota claims class-leading legroom, and 150kW rapid charging restoring 80% of the range in 30 minutes.
Electric range: 285-310 miles
Battery capacity: 71.4kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: TBC
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Mid-2022
Volkswagen ID.5
What is it? The ID.4's sportier sibling will launch with a single battery option and three power outputs, including the 299hp 'GTX' performance version. It features aerodynamic coupe-like bodywork with an integrated rear spoiler, which offers improved efficiency compared to the boxier ID.4, while 135kW fast charging recovers 250 miles in 30 minutes.
Electric range: 300 miles (454-523)
Battery capacity: 77kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 4.7-4.8p
Price (OTR): £TBC
When: Early 2022
Volvo C40 Recharge
What is it? Volvo will only sell electric vehicles from 2030, and the C40 Recharge is the first product sold without any combustion engine versions. It's launching as a single-model range, with a choice of leather-free interiors, lifetime over-the-air software updates and a powerful 408hp four-wheel drive system that can tow up to 1,800kg.
Electric range: 275 miles
Battery capacity: 78kWh
Electricity cost per mile*: 5.9p
Price (OTR): £57,400
When: Early 2022
* cost per mile calculations based on WLTP efficiency and flat-rate UK average electricity cost for 2020 (source: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
** estimated, no official efficiency figures published yet