TOP 20 Cars Americans Will Drive Tomorrow

The electric revolution in the automotive industry is happening before our eyes. With each new model, the capabilities of e-vehicles cars are growing. What will manufacturers offer Americans in the near future? Columbus experts have selected the most exciting new products from 20 brands that will be available in the US in the next 1-2 years.

1. Acura ZDX (expected in 2024)

The first generation of the ZDX coupe SUV, released in 2010, was a direct competitor to the BMW X6. But in the race for the hearts and wallets of buyers, it hopelessly lost to the German, dropping out of the race in 2013. The second generation, revived 10 years later, is a child of progress – it is an all-electric mid-size crossover.

This is actually the first electric car to be made by Acura. It was developed using Ultium battery technology from General Motors with a battery capacity of 102 kWh; The ZDX's half-brother is GM's Cadillac Lyriq. 

Two versions of the crossover will be available for sale - a single-engine rear-wheel drive A-Spec with 340 hp. and two-engine all-wheel drive Type S with 500 hp. The latter is equipped with reinforced brakes and adaptive shock absorbers.

The range on one charge is up to 520 km; The A-Spec will start at $60,000.

2. Alfa Romeo Giulia EV (expected in 2025)

Alfa Romeo says it is developing its first electric car based on the gasoline Giulia.

There is still little information about the future of the car. We know that it is set to be unveiled next year. To speed up the development process, the STLA Large platform from Stellantis Group, introduced in January 2024, was taken as the basis for the electric model.

This is one of the flexible architectures of Stellantis, which will become the basis for both the corporation’s future electric cars and for cars with internal combustion engines - primarily in the D and E segments, crossovers and SUVs.

The basic version of the Giulia will produce about 350 hp and the Veloce engines are capable of producing 800 hp. But the absolute leader is the Quadrifoglio with 1000 hp.

The new Giulia will be available with 800-volt ultra-fast charger and a battery that offers a range of approximately 800 km.


3. Audi A6 e-tron (expected in 2024)

Today the A6 e-tron is just a concept, but Audi says the production car will look almost exactly the same. The electric A6 is based on a scalable Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which can be extended, raised and expanded to fit different electric models. The PPE was created in collaboration with Porsche and will apparently be used on the upcoming Porsche Macan EV.

In addition, the Audi Q6 e-tron crossover will be created on the PPE platform, designed to fill the gap between the Q4 and Q8 e-tron crossovers. In the gasoline model line, it corresponds to the Q5.

Like the concept, the A6 e-tron will be equipped with two electric motors producing a combined total of 469 hp, 800-volt charging and a battery that will provide up to 640 km of range on a single charge.

4. New Bentley sedan (expected in 2025)

Bentley is also going electric planning a rapid transition from the production of “land barges” with fuel consumption of 16 L/100 km to fuel-efficient e-vehicles.

The company announced that gasoline models like the Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental GT coupe and convertible will be completely replaced by electric cars by 2030. As Bentley executive Matthias Rabe put it, “Each one of them will be a completely new car, a completely new model.”

In 2025, the company promises to introduce a new all-electric car of its own design, which, as Bentley boss Adrian Hallmark said, will “change the rules of the game in its segment.”

5. BMW 3-series EV, і5 М and iX3 (expected in 2026)

The extravagant Vision Neue Klasse sports sedan concept was unveiled in 2023. It will form the basis for the future electric version of the BMW 3-Series with subsequent extension of the new car design with a fancy grille to the entire BMW line.

The model would utilize experimental e-Ink technology, similar to that used in tablets for reading e-books with “electric ink” displaying information on car windows. It is likely that the cabin will feature a touch screen across the entire width of the dashboard.

The car will be produced on a platform specifically developed for the next generation of BMW EVs. It is expected that the range of the BMW 3-Series will be increased by 30% compared to the group's current models.

BMW's first electric crossover produced for the United States will be designated iX3 and will feature the design style of the Vision Neue Klasse concept.

But the future BMW i5 M supercar will be equipped with a new four-engine transmission producing 1,136 hp. Torque vectoring will allow the car to turn on the spot like a tank. The model is equipped with an autopilot and an upgraded regenerative braking system.

Otherwise, everything will be the same as in the previously debuted i5 M - two engines (at least 590 total hp), a range of up to 790 km and a suspension that you can attack the Nürburgring with. 

6. Buick Electra (expected in 2024)

Buick has taken the name of the famous executive sedan, which was produced from 1959 to 1990, for its new all-electric SUV.

The Electra E5 uses GM's Ultium battery platform, also installed on the Cadillac Lyriq. The car will get two engines with a total of 340 hp and a range of up to 480 km on a single charge.

By 2030, Buick hopes to create 9 (!) new EV models that will receive indexes from E1 to E9. The first one – to be launched this year – will be the Electra E5.

7. Cadillac Optic, Vistiq and Escalade iQ (expected in 2024-2025)

Cadillac intends to significantly expand its lineup of luxury electric SUVs in the coming years. In 2024, the company will release a relatively inexpensive – by American standards –  crossover Optiq in the price range of up to $40K. In the brand’s model line, it will be located below the Lyriq and will become the smallest electric crossover from Cadillac.

And the largest one will be the full-size Escalade iQ SUV, which has been converted into an EV. It will get an Ultium battery with a capacity of more than 200 kWh - the same one used in the GMC Hummer EV, providing a range of 725 km. The two motors produce a total of 750 hp. The luxurious interior will surprise you with a 55-inch screen across the entire dashboard and a 40-speaker audio system. This lush option will cost around $130K.

In addition, a completely new three-row Vistiq SUV will be released in 2025, intended to occupy a niche between the mid-size Lyriq and the full-size Escalade iQ. The car will be about the same size and appearance as its gasoline-powered cousin, the Cadillac XT6.

The first images of the Vistiq show the 600E4 badge, indicating that the car is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain producing 500 hp. (the same as the highest trim of the Cadillac Lyriq).

 

8. Chevrolet Equinox EV and Bolt EV (expected in 2024-2025)

Chevrolet sold 212,072 of its Equinox crossovers in 2023, outselling powerful rivals like the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Forester.

The company hopes that it can repeat this achievement with the electric version of the Equinox EV, which is surprisingly inexpensive - starting at $34,995 for the base version.

The car was promised to be available in a variety of options. From the basic - one 210 hp engine with a range of 400 km. To the top – two engines totaling 290 hp, all-wheel drive and 510 km of range.

And Chevy will also have an even more affordable electric car – the second generation Bolt hatchback. In 2025, it will start using GM's new Ultium battery technology. There are no specifics about the car yet. What is clear is that Ultium will increase the Bolt’s range, which was quite good in the first generation – 415 km.  

9. Fiat 500e (expected in 2024)

Fiat has focused on creating a line of electric vehicles based on just one of its models, the Fiat 500 subcompact, which has gained recognition in Europe. The 500e will traditionally combine retro design with modern technology. The car's battery should last for approximately 255 km.

Compared to competitors, neither the power of the electric motor (117 hp) nor the range are impressive. However, Fiat is positioning the 500e as a car for large cities. Their range is not demanded as well ar their small dimensions and the ability to fit into any gap. 

10. Ford Explorer EV (expected in 2024)

The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular SUVs sold in the United States, and for this reason the decision to turn it into an EV was bound to happen.

The fate of the Explorer was decided back in May 2021. This year, the updated three-row Explorer EV will finally hit American roads. The 318-horsepower V-6 hybrid powertrain will give way to single- and dual-motor electric powertrains from the Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.

The Explorer EV will go on sale with rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, two batteries of different capacities and a total of 480 hp.

11. GMC Sierra EV (expected in 2024)

The GMC Sierra EV is the brand's first electric pickup truck. It borrows some of the design solutions from the GMC Hummer EV SUV but otherwise it is a clone of its corporate sibling – the Chevy Silverado EV, which will also go on sale soon. The electric Sierra will first be available in the maximum trim – Denali Edition 1 – that comes with all-wheel drive transmission and a whopping 754 hp, range of about 640 km and a price tag of $109K.

You will not just get “a lot of car” for your money, but also a whole lot of cutting-edge tech features, such as GM’s Super Cruise automatic driving system, rear-wheel steering that allows you to drive diagonally – the so-called crab walk, and more. Less expensive Sierra EV editions will become available in 2025.

12. Honda Prologue (expected in 2024)

Honda currently does not have a single electric vehicle that is available for sale in the United States. But the company is actively working to correct this misunderstanding. The Honda Prologue is coming – a mid-size SUV, a counterpart of the gasoline Honda Passport.

Thanks to a partnership with General Motors, this electric vehicle uses Ultium battery packs and shares components with the Chevrolet Blazer EV. The Prologue will be equipped with a single-engine front-wheel drive transmission, but a dual-engine all-wheel drive version with 288 hp will also be available.

An 85 kWh battery will provide the front-wheel drive model with a range of approximately 480 km. The car has a moderate price tag – $48K.

13. Hyundai Ioniq 7 (expected in 2024)

Hyundai is expanding its line of electric vehicles with the Ionic 5N and Ionic 6N sports cars, as well as the Ioniq 7 SUV built on the same E-GMP platform. In terms of dimensions and positioning in the model range, the new vehicle will be similar to the current three-row Hyundai Palisade.

The Hyundai Ioniq 7 concept has already been shown to the public. It is known that its battery is capable of providing a range of at least 480 km. The EV has ultra-fast charging – at 350 kW it will take just 20 minutes to charge the battery from 20 to 80%. It is expected that the price of the car will range between $50-60K


14. Kia EV3 (expected in 2024)

In terms of going electric, Kia is keeping pace with Hyundai and is even slightly ahead of it.

The sleek EV has been included in the 2023 Top 10 Best Cars in the US by the Car and Driver magazine. In 2024, the full-size EV9 is already on the way to replace it. And if we go one class lower, the compact EV3 is being prepared for production.

The interior of the EV3 is extraordinary: finishing is done using environmentally friendly materials and emphasized practicality, which is not that easy to come by these days. The rear seats are foldable to increase the trunk space and transport large cargo. The car comes with an unusual climate system – instead of traditional air ducts, small adjustable nozzles are used for each of the passengers.

Kia hasn't yet revealed whether it will bring the EV3 to the US but there really is no reason why the car should not end up in America. 

15. Lexus TZ (expected in 2026)

Lexus, like its parent company Toyota, is slowly entering the electric vehicle market. Following the trial run with its RZ crossover, the Japanese company is planning to release a three-row SUV with the TZ tag. At least that is the model name that the automaker has applied to register in Europe.

The electric TZ is meant to become an analogue of the recently released gasoline TX. Its electric sibling in the Toyota camp will be the bZ5X crossover.


16. Mercedes EQG (expected in 2024)

Mercedes is converting the venerable G-Wagen into an electric vehicle. The company showed the concept at the Munich Motor Show back in 2021, but the car will only reach showrooms in 2024.

So far, we know that the EQG will have 4 electric motors – one for each wheel – to provide effective all-wheel drive. Details about prices, range and capacity have not been revealed yet. It is believed that when the EQG hits the production line, it will be competing against the GMC Hummer EV.

17. Mini Cooper Electric (expected in 2025)

The famous Mini Cooper will be restyled in 2025. The current Cooper Electric will also be redesigned. Along with the single-motor front-wheel drive model, Mini will offer a dual-motor all-wheel drive option with 313 hp. and an electric version of John Cooper Works.

Tests of the EV in Austria showed that it is as nimble and energetic as its gasoline counterparts. And it can even drift thanks to clever on-board electronics. As the creators of the Cooper EV assure, the car has an increased range – the old version’s was 180 km – but the exact numbers have yet to be announced.

Later, other models of electric Minis will be rolled out – in particular, the Mini Aceman, a crossover to replace the Clubman model, and the Mini Countryman Electric, a crossover that uses the same platform as the BMW iX1.

18. Ram 1500 REV (expected in 2024)

Just one month after the debut of the striking, innovative Revolution concept, Ram unveiled its stripped-down production version, the Ram 1500 REV.

The REV is built using the new STLA Frame architecture, specifically designed for electric vehicles with a frame body. It defaults to all-wheel drive with motors on the front and rear axles.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said a longer-range version of the Ram 1500 with an optional gasoline engine will soon be introduced.

19. Volkswagen ID.7 (expected in 2024)

Despite the fact that Americans are gradually abandoning sedans, Volkswagen is persistently trying to reverse this trend. The ID.7. four-door sedan will replace the now legendary Passat and will be supplied to the American market with a single-engine rear-wheel drive configuration producing 282 hp.

A 77 kWh battery, borrowed from the ID.4 crossover, will provide the ID.7 with a range of about 480 km. A larger battery will be available in other markets and possibly appear in the US later on all-wheel drive models.

The ID.7 includes some exciting innovations like the huge 15-inch touchscreen and an augmented reality head-up display.

20. Volvo EX30 and ЕХ90 (expected in 2024)

The Volvo EX30 will be smaller and cheaper than Volvo's other electric SUVs, the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge. It is also environmentally friendly with the upholstery made from recycled wool and denim.

The car will be availavle with two powertrains – a single-engine, rear-wheel drive with 268 hp and a dual-motor all-wheel drive with 422 hp, running on a 64 kWh battery. Together, this will provide a range of 785 and 770 km, respectively. The price for the basic edition is $36,245.

The larger EX90 is Volvo's first electric car designed from the ground up and offers a glimpse into the Swedish brand's future. All EX90s come with a dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain that produces 402 hp in the base trim or 496 hp in the highest trim – the Twin Motor Performance.

The SUV's design is inspired by the Recharge concept with distinctive Thor's Hammer headlights.

The safety of the new Volvo is, as always, at its best – the company said that the EX90 is their safest car yet. The 400-volt architecture provides a range of approximately 480 km. Charging at 250 kW allows the EX90 to be “refueled” from 10% to 80% in just half an hour.

Alas, the electric EX90 will be sold at a much higher price compared to the gasoline XC90.

Sources: Caranddriver.com, Cars.usnews.com