The Most Notable New Electric Vehicles of 2023

Electric cars are coming en masse now, and they’re (at least marginally) more affordable.

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This story is part of our end-of-year series This Year in Gear, rounding up the most notable releases of 2023. For more stories like this, click here.

The automotive world is going electric in a hurry, and while egregious pricing and inadequate charging infrastructure remain obstacles to widespread adoption, electric vehicles still grew to nearly 8 percent of U.S. new car sales during 2023 — a figure that would have looked astounding just a few years ago.

Past years have seen EVs produce some eye-popping numbers in terms of range and power, but 2023 was all about making EVs more affordable and atainable to average American buyers. People looking to spend about the price of an average new car — a figure that now hovers around $48,000 — now have far more (and more compelling) electric options than ever before.

Here are the most notable new electric vehicles of 2023.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai followed up the Ioniq 5 with the Ioniq 6 — and won the World Car of the Year for the second year in a row with it. The Ioniq 6 has a drag coefficient of just 0.219, slipperiness only just shy of electric luxury machines like the Lucid Air, Tesla Model S and Mercedes-Benz EQS. Unlike those, however, you can get one for less than $50,000.

Learn more about the Hyundai Ioniq 6.

2024 Kia EV9

Family-friendly EVs have been few and far between, especially at prices mere mortals can afford. Kia is aiming to change that with the all-new EV9 crossover. It has three rows and boxy good looks, can provide more than 300 miles of range, and it starts under $60,000.

Learn more about the Kia EV9

2024 Polestar 2 RWD

Polestar revamped the base version of its Polestar 2 for 2024. It now offers rear-wheel-drive for better driving dynamics (the previous entry-level 2 was front-wheel-drive) and receives a bump up to 320 miles of range and 299 horsepower. With a starting price around $50,000 and great lease deals aplenty, it’s one of the best values on the EV market right now.

Learn more about the Polestar 2 RWD.

2025 Volvo EX30

Volvo used 2023 to launch the EX30, the brand’s “small premium” electric SUV. It’s pint-sized, sure, but it offers a solid 270 miles of range, starts under $35,000 — and in top spec (which still costs under $50,000), it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, the same time as the Kia EV6 GT.

Learn more about the Volvo EX30.

2023 Tesla Cybertruck

The Cybertruck finally entered production … after debuting in 2019. And the Blade Runner-inspired electric pickup is nothing if not notable. The Cybertruck’s claimed range (340 miles) and max towing (11,000 pounds) numbers aren’t as game-changing as anticipated, and its off-roading acumen remains to be seen. But it can still accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, and hey, its doors can stop handgun bullets.

Learn more about the Tesla Cybertruck.

2023 Genesis Electrified GV70

The Genesis Electrified GV70 looks about as much like the standard GV70 as possible, without so much as an EV badge to distinguish itself. (That’s no bad thing, given how good-looking the GV70 is.) But you know which GV70 you’re in once you’re behind the wheel when the 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque launch the Electrified GV70 off the line like an absolute rocket. It’s also the fastest-charging EV you can buy.

Learn more about the Genesis Electrified GV70.

2023 Fisker Ocean

A lot of EV startups show off cool new cars, but Fisker finally put the Ocean into production this year. It has unique features like “California Mode,” which drops eight glass panels to make it a convertible at the push of a button. And it’s still reasonably affordable for an EV with a starting price under $50,000 and available lease deals.

Learn more about the Fisker Ocean.

2023 Nissan Ariya AWD

We’ve been waiting for the e-Force AWD Nissan Ariya for quite a while, and Nissan finally delivered it. The midsize Ariya is much livelier in dual-motor form, with 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque for Brie Larson to play with. It has a cool interior. It’s pleasant and easy to drive. And it’s a lot closer to what American buyers need than a Nissan Leaf.

Learn more about the Nissan Ariya AWD.

2024 Chevy Blazer EV

The Chevy Blazer EV brings GM’s Ultium platform (at least a bit) closer to the masses. Granted, a $60,000 starting price for a two-row Chevy crossover that doesn’t pack a V8 is notable; then again, so is being the first car in a long while to offer front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. With sporty looks and legit performance from the SS version, the Blazer should be Chevy’s answer to the Ford Mustang Mach E.

Learn more about the Chevy Blazer EV.

2024 Fiat 500e

The Fiat 500e is returning to America, and this time it’s about more than compliance. The 500e will bring an “immersive Italian experience” by singing to pedestrians and feature limited edition product drops like Fiat is the hottest fashion label. And 149 miles may not be much range by many standards, but it. may be just enough to make the 500e a credible city commuter.

Learn more about the Fiat 500e.

2024 Lexus RZ 450e

In 2023, Lexus finally launched its first electric car, the RZ 450e. The Toyota bZ4X sibling feels very much like a Lexus with a comfortable ride and a luxurious, spacious interior. And it debuts Lexus’s fancy Steer-by-Wire tech for EVs (Americans weren’t to be trusted not to make an acronym out of the name used elsewhere,”One Motion Grip”). We just wish it were a bit better at being an EV and offered a bit (well, a lot) more range.

Learn more about the Lexus RZ.

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