Throughout 2020, the electric vehicle marketplace will be full of exciting new models. Among many new entries, I’ve carefully selected the top 8 new electric vehicles based on anticipated popularity.
Manufacturing giants Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford look to take on the upcoming highly anticipated Tesla Model Y with their version of an electric crossover.
EV newcomer, Rivian, shakes the truck and SUV marketplace with a well-capable EV platform backed by investors such as Amazon and Ford. Having done so, Ford and GM plan to release their own electric truck and SUV in the next few years.
Whether you’re window shopping or looking for your next EV, 2020 will bring several tempting offers with more range, faster charging, and finally–an all-electric truck.
Let’s get started.
Here are the top 8 new electric vehicles in 2020:
1. Toyota RAV4 Prime
- Estimated Starting cost: $36,500 (~$29,000 after federal tax credit)
- EPA 39 mile electric range, estimated 300+ mile gas range
- AWD Standard
- Seats: 5
- Cargo: 37.5/69.8
- Dimensions: 182x73x67
- Segment: Compact Crossover
The RAV4 Prime follows the PHEV footsteps of the Prius Prime. With almost 40 miles EPA electric range and 300 or so miles of gas for the highway trips, the RAV4 is both capable and efficient.
As a bonus, the RAV4 Prime comes standard with AWD. This sporty compact crossover is perfect for individuals, couples, or small families looking for their first EV experience without the range anxiety of a BEV.
With an anticipated starting cost of $36,500 (before any federal, state, or local incentives), the RAV4 Prime is sure to be a best-seller.
One more thing–it’s the second-fastest Toyota in the current lineup second to the Supra. In other words, this will be fun…
3rd Party Reviews: Edmunds
Image courtesy: Motor1
2. Ford Escape PHEV
- Starting cost: $34,235 (~$28,000 after federal tax credit)
- 30+ mile electric range, 300+ mile gas range
- FWD only
- Seats: 5
- Cargo: 34.4/60.8
- Dimensions: 181x74x66
- Segment: Compact Crossover
As Ford begins to transition away from cars and more towards crossovers, SUVs, and trucks, the Escape tops the list of Ford’s best selling. So why not outfit as a PHEV (plug-in hybrid)?
The Escape PHEV will go head to head with the Toyota RAV4 Prime. The Escape PHEV will offer a similar electric range, size, and price to the aforementioned RAV4 Prime. The major exception is the Escape PHEV is only FWD while the RAV4 Prime is standard AWD.
For those who absolutely need/want AWD, look to the RAV4 Prime. Otherwise, the Escape PHEV will be the most rewarding drivetrain besting the ICE (internal combustion engine) and Hybrid Escape.
3rd Party Reviews: Autoblog
Image courtesy: InsideEVs
3. Rivian R1T
- Starting cost: $69,000 (~$61,500 after federal tax credit)
- 230-400+ mile electric range
- AWD
- Seats: 5
- Cargo: 24 (frunk and gear tunnel) + 4.6 ft bed
- DC Fast Charge Time: 30 minutes
- Dimensions: 216x79x71
- Segment: Compact Truck
The wait is finally over. An electric truck.
Surprisingly, it’s not a Tesla nor a GM or a Ford. Rivian broke nearly a decade of silence in 2018 and revealed to the world the R1T. The R1T is essentially a Toyota Tacoma, but electric and more creative.
With lots of storage (including a large “Gear Tunnel” located in between the rear seats and the bed), this five-seater electric truck will be sure to turn heads and gather momentum in the EV movement. But what there’s more!
In 2021, Rivian will release a three-row, seven-seat mid-size electric SUV called the R1S.
3rd Party Reviews: Motor Trend
Image courtesy: Rivian
4. Tesla Model Y
- Starting cost: $48,200
- 230-300+ mile electric range
- AWD available
- Seats: 5-7
- Cargo: 65
- DC Fast Charge Time: 20 minutes
- Dimensions: 179x76x61
- Segment: Compact Crossover
Riding on the coattails of the successful Tesla Model 3, the Model Y will be approximately 10% bigger and more expensive than the Tesla Model 3, but will sell much more.
Starting less than $50,000 and up to 300 miles of range, the Model Y is the ultimate EV compact crossover. Prepare to see the Model Y in abundance throughout the United States as Tesla estimates they will 500,000 units per year once fully ramped up.
3rd Party Reviews: Car and Driver
Image courtesy: caranddriver
5. ID.4 (Formerly ID Crozz)
- Estimated Starting cost: $43,000 (~$35,500 after federal tax credit)
- Estimated 250-mile electric range
- AWD
- Seats: 5
- Cargo: TBA
- DC Fast Charge Time: 30 minutes
- Dimensions: 182x74x63
- Segment: Compact Crossover
Looking for a capable EV compact crossover, but don’t want to splurge on the luxurious Tesla Model Y? Look to VW. The ID.4 will be released in late 2020.
Since the concept reveal in 2017, the ID.4 (formerly known as the Crozz) was VW’s response to the hyped Model Y. With it’s MEB platform (VW’s multi-model and multi-brand EV platform), VW looks to go head to head with the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Expect to see the ID.4 undercut the Model Y in price through their abundant global resources, manufacturing prowess, and full availability of the $7,500 federal tax credit.
3rd Party Reviews: InsideEVs
Image courtesy: Motor1
6. Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Starting cost: $44,995 (~$37,495 after federal tax credit)
- 230-300+ mile electric range
- AWD available
- Seats: 5
- Cargo: 29/60
- DC Fast Charge Time: 30 minutes
- Dimensions: 186x74x63
- Segment: Compact Crossover
Similar to the VW ID.4, Ford looks to take on the Model Y as well. Utilizing the historic Mustang name, Ford looks to be finally ready. With near similar specs, it will be a close fight.
The advantage over Tesla: extensive dealer network, familiar Ford branding, and full $7,500 federal tax credit available. The disadvantage: limited public DC Fast Charging network–enter the Electrify America DC Fast Charging network.
3rd Party Reviews: Car and Driver
Image courtesy: Motor1
7. Chevy Bolt EUV
- Estimated starting cost $35,000
- Estimated 250-mile electric range
- FWD
- Seats: 5
- Cargo: TBA
- DC Fast Charge Time: TBA
- Dimensions: 183x72x61
- Segment: Compact Crossover
What is the Chevy Bolt EUV? Think the Bolt performance, but reshaped into a subcompact crossover rather than a hatchback.
Like the Kia Niro EV or Hyundai Kona EV, the Chevy Bolt EUV aims to be the perfect commuter vehicle. With a decent range and affordable price tag, the Bolt EUV will certainly attract customers not ready to have an EV as their primary vehicle.
Details are limited right now but expect to hear more about the range and charging speed later this year.
3rd Party Reviews: Car and Driver
Image courtesy: automobile-propre
8. Polestar 2
- Estimated starting cost $45,000 (~$37,500 after federal tax credit)
- Estimated 275-mile electric range
- AWD
- Seats: 5
- Cargo: 15 (including frunk)/TBA
- DC Fast Charge Time: 30 minutes
- Dimensions: 181x71x58
- Segment: Midsize Sedan
Volvo’s new EV dedicated sub-brand, Polestar, looks to debut their first vehicle later this year. What about the Polestar 1 you may ask? The PHEV Polestar 1 will also be released this year, but in limited quantity, due to its a hefty price tag of over $150,000.
The Polestar 2, however, will be a Model 3 rival–and a good one. With similar specs and pricing, Volvo looks to take back some ground in the luxury sedan segment.
3rd Party Reviews: Car and Driver
Image courtesy: ev-database
Closing thoughts:
It will certainly be a monumental year for EVs. There will be plenty of media attention surrounding all eight of these EVs. Specifically, the Tesla Model Y, Toyota RAV4 Prime, VW ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Rivian R1T.
So what do you think of my list of the top 8 new electric vehicles of 2020? Will this be the year you go EV? Let me know in the comments which one you look forward to. As always, feel free to contact me for any EV questions.
If any of the jargon confused you, feel free to check out Essential List of Electric Vehicle Terms.
Toyota RAV4 Prime Ford Escape PHEV Rivian R1T Tesla Model Y Ford Mustang Mach-E VW ID.4 Chevy Bolt EUV Polestar 2
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