In 2021 we were introduced to a huge number of electric newcomers. The fact that the deluge of news is far from over is evidenced by the fact that we had to make strict selections to arrive at the ten most important electric newcomers of 2022.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was without a doubt one of the most important electric newcomers in 2021. Hyundai will continue in 2022 with the Ioniq 6 (see illustration above), which will be very different from the first model in this series. Instead of a huge hatchback with a retro body, there will soon be a smooth, low model with a sedan-like coach. That is good news for consumption, because an electric car benefits like no other from a good streamline.
Renault Megane E-Tech electric
Renault Megane E-Tech Electric
We have already looked at it extensively and were even able to use it for a while, but next year the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric will arrive in the Netherlands. Truly an important newcomer, as this is Renault’s first EV on the new CMF-EV platform, which it shares with the Nissan Ariya. Speaking of which…
Nissan Ariya
The Ariya itself should of course not be missing from this list. The car was already presented in 2020, but after some delay it will really come to Europe. This Nissan shares its technology with the Mégane E-Tech, but it is a lot bigger and more SUV. While the Renault is aiming for the Volkswagen ID3, this Nissan is more in line with the ID4. This is also reflected in the specifications, because the Nissan can count on larger batteries and more power.
Toyota BZ4X/Subaru Solterra
Toyota bZ4X
Two in one, because it is in fact the same car. Both the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra should arrive in the Netherlands before the end of 2022. The Toyota in particular is very important, especially since the car world has had to wait so long for the first serious EV from this giant car manufacturer. It’s also part of an interesting sub-trend, because like the Nissan and Renault entries, this ‘dedicated’ EV is basically a front-wheel drive. However, four-wheel drive versions are also on the way. It does not stop there, because Toyota presented a real EV offensive next week, including four models from the BZ series.
Mercedes Benz EQE (SUV)
After the electric top limousine EQS, the EQE awaits us next year, in other words a slightly smaller model on the same MEA platform and with almost as impressive specifications. Unlike the EQS, the EQE is a real sedan. However, if that is not practical enough, you can rejoice in the arrival of an EQE SUV. That’s right: the electric equivalent of a GLE, albeit with a completely different body. Too big and too expensive? Don’t worry, there will also be an EQB.
BMW i3
BMW i3
Like competitor Mercedes, BMW does not only want to offer EVs developed as such, but also, where possible, come up with electric variants of existing models. We saw the first example from the first category in 2021, in the (special) form of the iX. Next year everything will be dominated by the second category. After the iX3 arrives the i4, or the electric version of the 4-series Gran Coupé. BMW immediately goes ahead with an i3, which has nothing to do with the eponymous model that we know now. It is ‘just’ an electric 3-series, but that could also be its greatest strength. It does not stop with an i3, because there will also be an electric 7-series with the name i7. Interesting times!
Polestar 3
We still can’t catch Polestar with fanciful model names, but we can catch a more fanciful look. The Polestar 3, which will be introduced in 2022, will have a completely different nose compared to its brand mates. This also largely releases the visible family ties with Volvo and gives the brand much more of its own face. The Polestar 3 will, of course, be an SUV, but one with sporty proportions. Large wheel arches, a low roofline and an elongated side window provide a muscular appearance. The Polestar 3 also seems to be technically very different from the Polestar 2, Volvo XC40 and Volvo C40 and thus promises to be an important newcomer for this Swedish/Chinese brand in all respects.
Volkswagen ID5/Skoda Enyaq Coupe
Volkswagen ID5
For those who didn’t realize it yet: yes, we secretly discuss many more cars than ten. As with Toyota and Subaru, there are two cars in the headlines, because the Volkswagen ID5 and Skoda Enyaq Coupé have many similarities. They compare like the ID4 to the regular Enyaq, but both have a sloping, more coupe-like roofline. It is striking that Volkswagen opts for a separate model name, while Skoda chooses to add the debatable ‘Coupé’. In both cases, of course, count on a higher price and less luggage space than with the already known models, although the loss under the tarpaulin is not too bad. If space is important, it’s good to know that Volkswagen’s electric ‘van’ should finally appear in production form next year. The ID Buzz is the passenger version, the ID Cargo is a delivery van.
Audi Q6 e-tron
2021 was the year of the E-Tron GT and the Q4 e-tron at Audi, 2022 will be the year of the Q6 e-tron. So a larger electric SUV, which should appear just below the standard-bearer E-tron SUV. The most interesting aspect of the Q6 e-tron at the moment is that it is the first Audi to be on the PPE platform developed in collaboration with Porsche. The car will share this with an electric Porsche Macan from 2023, but an A6 e-tron will also follow on this basis, for example.
MG 5 Electric
MG5 Electric
The MG, reborn in China, brings surprisingly affordable EVs to the Netherlands and has scored very well so far. The facelifted ZS EV is now in the (closed) showroom with a much larger range, but next year we will be introduced to the MG5 Electric. That’s a really nice one, because it’s not an SUV, but an electric station wagon. Until now we only knew that from Porsche, but we doubt whether there are many people who doubt between an MG5 and a Taycan. The MG costs less than 30 grand, has a luggage space of 479 liters and is 400 kilometers away in the best case scenario. Not bad at all, right?
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl