The most anticipated new electric cars in 2022

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a rarity—they're part of our daily lives. The year 2021 set records for global EV sales. 6.75 million EVs were sold worldwide in 2021, representing a 108% increase compared to 2020. This figure includes passenger vehicles, light trucks, and light commercial transport. Globally, EVs (BEV and PHEV) accounted for 8.3% of light vehicle sales in 2021, compared to 4.2% in 2020.

Despite ongoing supply chain disruptions, chip shortages, and factory shutdowns due to COVID-19 outbreaks, it is believed that 2022 will also set records in EV sales.

Today, let's look at what’s new this year, the latest EV models introduced by the most popular car brands among Lithuanians, and manufacturers dedicated exclusively to EV production. Lithuanians tend to favor brands like Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Toyota, Opel, Fiat, Škoda, and Peugeot, many of which are introducing new EV models this year.

BMW i4

Tesla Model 3 has a new competitor! The BMW i4 is an all-electric 4 Series Gran Coupe with polarizing but unmistakable front grilles. This BMW EV offers exceptional dynamics, high comfort levels, and outstanding everyday usability. The five-door model, featuring BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology, confidently boasts sporty characteristics.

The BMW i4 delivers up to 400 kW (544 hp) and can travel up to 591 km on a single charge.

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53

The EQS 53 is the first fully electric car built by AMG. Its features rival the popular Porsche Taycan Turbo S. Sporting a sleek design, individual luxury, a modern interior, and numerous cutting-edge digital features, Mercedes promises that driving this EV will feel like driving into the future.
Energy consumption (kWh/100 km, combined): 23.9–21.5; CO2 emissions (g/km, combined): 0. The car can travel 565 km on a single charge, reach a top speed of 250 km/h, and accelerate to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds.

Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is an SUV version of the Model 3, eagerly awaited by many. Larger and taller, this model features an exceptionally spacious trunk, high ceilings, larger wheels, and the latest technologies. Those familiar with the Model 3 will know what to expect, as the Model Y shares 75% of its components but is larger and updated to Tesla standards.

The Tesla Model Y can travel 315–635 km on a single charge (depending on weather conditions), delivers 324 kW of power, and accelerates to 100 km/h in 5 seconds.

Volkswagen ID 5

The Volkswagen ID5 is based on the ID4 platform. For those who liked the ID4 but wanted a larger SUV coupe-style electric vehicle, the ID5 offers an upgraded experience. This model combines style, functionality, and the latest technology. Spacious and comfortable, this fully electric car redefines premium vehicles, focusing on smart driving rather than pure luxury.

Equipped with a 77 kWh battery, it can travel between 295 - 590 km on a single charge (depending on weather conditions) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.

Volvo C40 Recharge

The Volvo C40 Recharge is the brand’s first fully electric vehicle without any internal combustion engine options. A stylish and quiet coupe, it accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5 seconds. Its 78 kWh battery allows a range of 250-515 km (depending on weather conditions).

Built on the CX40 platform, it shares dimensions and design similarities, but the C40 offers enhanced specifications tailored for EV performance.

Watch the video

BMW iX M60

An innovation for the electrified future, the BMW iX M60 was designed from the ground up for electric mobility. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, it boasts a range of up to 575 km. As expected from a BMW M model, it delivers an exhilarating driving experience daily.

Watch the video

Lexus RZ

The Lexus RZ will be the brand’s first fully electric production car. Built on the e-TNGA platform shared with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, it promises outstanding handling and road grip. Lexus aims to provide a joyful and efficient driving experience.

Watch the video

Hyundai IONIQ 5

The IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s first model under the fully electric IONIQ sub-brand and debuts on the new E-GMP platform. Its wide body and long wheelbase provide one of the largest interiors in its class.

Maximum power and torque: 2WD – 160 kW (217 HP), 350 Nm; AWD – 70 kW (95 HP) front + 155 kW (210 HP) rear. It accelerates in 5.2 seconds and has a range of up to 481 km per charge.

KIA EV6

The KIA EV6 is the third electric vehicle built on the E-GMP platform in 2022 and marks Kia’s shift towards a fully electric lineup. It has received excellent reviews and high demand.

Despite being a compact car, its wheelbase provides an interior space comparable to mid-sized SUVs. Its striking exterior design makes it one of the most anticipated EVs.

With a 77.4 kWh battery, it offers a range of over 510 km and accelerates in 5.2 seconds.

Toyota bZ4X

Toyota was one of the few major automakers hesitant to enter the EV market, favoring hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles instead. However, the global shift toward electric cars has led Toyota to commit to EV production.

Their electric SUV, the bZ4X, is part of the company’s zero-emission strategy.

The 71.4–72.8 kWh battery provides a driving range of 460–530 km.

Watch the video

What’s Next?

These are just 10 EVs eagerly awaited by electric vehicle enthusiasts. However, many more are set to launch this year. Some are still unannounced, while others remain in prototype or concept form.

2022 promises to be an exciting year with numerous EVs arriving from established manufacturers and new, EV-focused companies.

Which EV are you most excited about?