The auto industry is in the midst of a seismic shift toward vehicle electrification. Nearly every major automaker is investing heavily in electric vehicles (EVs), with most setting ambitious targets to vastly expand their electric offerings over the next decade. As consumer interest in EVs grows exponentially as well, understanding every automaker‘s current and future electric lineup is key.
This comprehensive guide examines where all the major players currently stand on EV offerings and strategies. We‘ll analyze the present-day electric models available from each automaker while also exploring what‘s on tap. Let‘s dive into the EVs available today as well as what we can expect down the road.
A Wave of New EVs Arriving Soon
Before reviewing each automaker individually, it‘s important to note the sheer volume of new EV models slated to arrive in the near future. "The next couple years represent a watershed moment for EVs," explains EV analyst Jenny Holland. "With so many automakers heavily investing in electrification, we‘re about to see an explosion of new EVs hitting the market."
Across the industry, automakers have announced over $515 billion in investments toward electrification from 2020-2026. And this huge influx of spending is set to bear fruit with over 100 new EV models expected globally by 2023. So in addition to the EVs available now, buyers have a wave of ground-breaking electric models to look forward to in short order.
EV Leader: Tesla
When discussing electric vehicles, Tesla still stands alone both in terms of EV volume and industry influence. The Silicon Valley automaker exclusively sells electric cars, meaning 100% of its lineup runs on batteries. No other mass-market automaker comes close to Tesla‘s electric output at over 950,000 EVs produced in 2021.
Tesla dominates as well in technological innovation, with industry-leading batteries, supercharger networks, over-the-air updates, and advanced self-driving capabilities. Tesla may face increasing competition as automakers catch up, but for now they remain the undisputed leader in EV development and sales volume.
Tesla‘s Current EV Lineup:
Model 3 – Tesla‘s top-selling sedan offers leading range (up to 358 miles), blazing fast acceleration (0-60 mph as low as 3.1 seconds), and access to its vast supercharger network. The Model 3 starts at about $47,000.
Model Y – The Model Y compact electric SUV delivers up to 330 miles of range paired with responsive acceleration and abundant cargo space. Base Model Y starts around $65,000.
Model S – Tesla‘s premium electric sedan includes impressively extended 373 mile range and a stunning interior, though carries a hefty base price nearing $105,000.
Model X – Like the Model S, the Model X luxury SUV offers an ultra-long 368 mile range but in a more spacious SUV form factor, albeit at a base price exceeding $120,000.
Upcoming Models
Tesla Cybertruck – Tesla‘s angular electric pickup promises up to 500 miles of range and intense performance specs when it eventually reaches production.
Next-Gen Roadster – Tesla‘s upcoming EV sports car could exceed speeds of 200 mph and accelerate 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds.
Major Automakers Accelerating Toward EVs
While Tesla clearly leads overall EV volume and technological capabilities, traditional automakers aren‘t sitting still in the electric race either. Virtually every major manufacturer is pivoting aggressively toward EVs with large-scale investments and ambitious production targets. Below we analyze multiple automakers with electric offerings now and on the horizon:
General Motors
Chevy Bolt EV – GM‘s affordable electric hatchback delivers 259 miles of range at a reasonable $26,500 base sticker price.
GMC Hummer EV Pickup – GMC‘s all-electric "super truck" packs 1000 horsepower for intense acceleration paired with a hefty maximum 329 mile range.
Cadillac Lyriq – The Lyriq electricity-powered luxury SUV offers 300 miles of range and sporty performance at a starting price of around $60,000.
Upcoming EVs: GM has declared aspirations to eliminate gas vehicles entirely by 2035, instead transitioning fully to EVs. The automaker has pledged to launch over 30 new electric models globally by 2025.
Ford
Mustang Mach-E – No gas-powered engine under the hood here – the Mustang Mach-E offers an exhilarating electric pony car experience with up to 314 mile estimated range. Prices start around $44,000.
F-150 Lightning – The hotly anticipated battery-electric version of Ford‘s best-selling pickup can sprint 0-60 mph in the mid-4 second range. It launches spring this year.
E-Transit Commercial Van – Ford‘s electric commercial van promises more than 120 miles of range to meet the demands of numerous vocational work environments.
Upcoming EVs: Ford has earmarked over $50 billion to develop electric and autonomous vehicles through 2026. The company plans for half its car production to be electric by 2030.
Volkswagen
ID.4 – VW‘s dedicated electric SUV can achieve 260 miles on a charge and offers sporty handling plus advanced driver assistance capabilities. The ID.4 starts under $38,000.
ID. Buzz – VW will revive its iconic hippie MicroBus form factor in the new ID. Buzz electric van, a modern take on the classic people hauler.
Upcoming EVs: The German automaker has committed approximately $91 billion toward EVs and aims for over 70% of its European sales to be electric vehicles by 2030.
So as we review, incumbent automakers like GM, Ford, and VW each boast growing electric lineups today but also have major EV expansion on deck with billions invested toward electrification.
Japanese Automaker EV Approaches
Japan‘s largest automakers have taken a more measured approach to vehicle electrification so far – but each is starting to ramp up EV efforts significantly:
Toyota
- bZ4X – Toyota‘s first bespoke battery-electric vehicle goes the crossover route, offering AWD capabilities and promising up to 252 miles of range.
Upcoming EVs: While starting relatively late to EVs, Toyota plans to spend over $35 billion this decade developing 30 new battery-electric models as it aims for 2 million annual EV sales by 2030.
Honda
- Honda E – This compact European EV hatchback offers punchy acceleration and a sleek modern interior design spread across just a 118 mile range.
Upcoming EVs: Honda‘s president declared intentions for the automaker to go 100% electric in North America by 2040. Numerous new models coming.
Nissan
Nissan Leaf – Among the first mainstream EVs, the Leaf hatchback delivers humble 149 mile range at an affordable sub-$28,000 starting price point.
Ariya – Nissan‘s new dedicated electric crossover supplies up to 300 miles of driving distance from its powerful dual electric motor setup.
Upcoming EVs: Expect to see innovative EV sports car concepts and performance models from Nissan down the road as it follows ambitions to electrify its full lineup.
While Japan‘s major car companies trailed early U.S. and European EV development, significant investments herald more electric options across Japanese showrooms moving forward.
EV Options Expanding Across Automotive Industry
Beyond the automakers detailed above, electric vehicles are blossoming across premium brands, mass-market models, and new entrant startups alike:
Jaguar
- I-Pace – British marque Jaguar combines its luxury pedigree with battery power via the I-Pace performance SUV, sporting 394 horsepower and 234 mile maximum range.
Kia/Hyundai
EV6 – Part of Hyundai Motor Group, Kia‘s dedicated EV6 crossover can reach 310 miles per charge and 310 horsepower in top-spec trims.
Ioniq 5 – The retro-modern Ioniq 5 hatchback comes loaded with a sharp-lined exterior plus interior flexibility courtesy of movable rear seats.
Polestar
- Polestar 2 – This Swedish-based electric performance brand was originally spun off from Volvo. Its Polestar 2 fastback can cover 265 miles between charging stops.
Clearly the push toward increased electrification extends beyond the largest incumbent automakers. EVs now pepper model lineups spanning the industry, from mass market names to prestige marques and new startups alike.
Key Takeaways – Evaluating Automakers‘ EV Approaches
As this comprehensive guide exhibits, the auto industry stands poised for a monumental transition toward vehicle electrification over the coming decade. While Tesla maintains its EV sales lead for now, mass-market automakers aren‘t far behind – with most accelerating electric vehicle development at full speed.
For consumers, it means an expanding menu of ground-breaking electric models across body styles, range capabilities, and price points. "Buyers should feel empowered browsing for an EV that truly fits their lifestyle needs," suggests market analyst Brian Collins. "Automakers recognize that one-size-fits-all approaches won‘t maximize adoption of electric vehicles over gas counterparts. The versatility and choice in the EV marketplace now proves that."
While we focused on individual automaker lineups in this piece, another key theme that emerged is the extensive industry-wide collaboration transpiring around underlying EV technologies. Partnerships are increasingly forming between manufacturers to share platforms, batteries/drivetrains, and charging networks.
So the coming wave of new models doesn‘t just represent standalone efforts – it exemplifies an interwoven, collective push toward sustainable mobility across the global automotive sector. Fasten your seatbelts, because this EV ride has only just begun accelerating at break-neck speeds!
