Electric Car Corner: Winter 2025
Welcome back and Happy New Year!
As we enter the new year, we want to highlight new and upcoming developments...
andAbigail Bowen
andAbigail Bowen
It's been a minute since we published our last Car Corner blog post, and a lot has happened since then. If you've been tracking the world of electric vehicle (EV) news, you've likely seen a bunch of headlines with disappointing updates about vehicle models getting discontinued or projects getting cancelled. Luckily, that's not the whole story.
Globally, the EV market is continuing to grow, led by China and Europe, but increasingly also by countries in other parts of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia. EV technology is continually improving, and costs (particularly battery costs) are coming down. And even closer to home, there are some bright spots.
There's no doubt about it: the actions of the federal government have absolutely slowed EV adoption in the United States. The combination of the loss of the federal tax credit, the scaling back or complete cancellation of enforcement of emissions and efficiency standards, the loss of the ability of states to enforce their own standards, and the ever-changing tariff situation has wreaked havoc on the US EV market. As a result, several automakers have pulled their EVs off the American market:
Ford canceled the F-150 Lightning.
Honda is pulling the Prologue from the US.
Hyundai is discontinuing the Ioniq 6 in the US after 2026.
Nissan dropped the Ariya from its model line-up after the 2026 model year.
Volkswagen stopped production of the all-electric ID.4 at its Chattanooga, TN, plant and will not release a 2027 model.
Volvo is ending US sales of the EX30 after model year 2026.
If you want the full depressing tally, InsideEVs keeps a running list here.
This situation is obviously impacting forecasts for the future. Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BloombergNEF) annually releases an "Electric Vehicle Outlook Report," which lists what they see coming in the EV market, globally. It's a great resource. In 2024, BloombergNEF estimated that 47.5% of vehicles sold in the US in 2030 would be plug-ins; in their 2026 Electric Vehicle Outlook Report, that figure has dropped to 17.3%. (For context, in 2026, BloombergNEF calculates that we will reach 27% in 2026 globally and 64% in China.)

With this overall slowdown in the US as context, it's important to note that high and volatile fuel prices caused by the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are having a noticeable impact on the EV market. (Gas prices recently hit an all-time high for this late in the summer season.)
In the US, the second quarter of 2026 saw a quarter-over-quarter increase in EV sales; in the first quarter, EV sales dropped to 216,399, but now they are up 14.2% to 247, 226. The used EV market in particular is doing well; the second quarter saw used EVs up 29% YOY. 3-year-old EVs are, on average, far outpacing the seasonal trend for all other vehicles.

Readily Available
Here are some popular EV models that are currently readily available, based on our review of recent data from the state rebate programs and our conversations with local dealerships and stores.
Tesla Model Y
No surprises here, the Tesla Model Y remains America’s best-selling EV, with Q2 sales rising 8% above Q1 sales to 84,863 units. This compact SUV combines high tech with everyday use through features such as the central touchscreen, rear passenger screen, and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. The 2026 model starts at $39,990, comes in all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, and includes a 294- to 357-mile range. It's eligible for both the $3,500 MOR-EV and the $3,000 DRIVE rebates.

Tesla Model 3
Next up, the Tesla Model 3 is the second most popular EV in the US, with Q2 sales up 10% from last quarter to 34,944 units. In comparison to the Tesla Model Y, the Model 3 has a sleeker and more agile feel while retaining key features such as the center and rear passenger display. This smaller sedan includes rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive and can accelerate from 0 to 6 mph in 2.8 seconds. The 2026 model starts around $36,990 and has a range of 309 to 363 miles. It, too, is eligible for both MOR-EV and DRIVE.

Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is America’s Best-Selling non-Tesla EV, with Q2 sales placed around 10,940 units. This EV crossover SUV was awarded “Best Electric Vehicle” by the Kelley Blue Book in 2026. With prices beginning at $35,000, the Ioniq 5 features rear-wheel as well as all-wheel drive and up to 318 miles of range. The vehicle is a great choice for large families given its spacious interior, which seats 5 passengers, and contains generous cargo space. The Ioniq 5 also features NACS port integration. It's also eligible for both MOR-EV and DRIVE.

Toyota bZ
As America’s fourth best-selling EV, this SUV is highly regarded for its user-friendly experience enabled by intuitive controls and intentional technological integration. The drivetrain for this vehicle comes in front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The 2026 Toyota bZ begins around $34,900 and offers between 236 and 214 miles of range. Again, the vehicle features NACS port integration and qualifies for both MOR-EV and DRIVE.

Chevrolet Equinox EV
Another popular and available car this quarter is the Chevy Equinox EV, with prices for the 2026 model starting at $36,795. This compact crossover has a range of 307 to 319 miles. The 2026 model has a CCS port, while the 2027 model will come with the NACS port built in. A great option for anyone looking for a spacious vehicle with a modern look. The vehicle features front-wheel and all-wheel drive. It also qualifies for both MOR-EV and DRIVE.

Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is a three-row SUV part of Kia’s larger lineup of all-electric models, containing seating for up to seven passengers. The car has a futuristic and luxurious feel, featuring rear-wheel and all-wheel drive with 230 to 305 miles of range. The 2026 model starts at $54,900 and includes NACS charging integration. Depending on the final sales price, it may or may not qualify for MOR-EV (which has a $55,000 price limit), but should qualify for DRIVE (which has a $70,000 price limit).

Chevrolet Bolt SUV
Finally, another popular EV is the Chevrolet Bolt SUV, which intentionally functions as a more affordable SUV option and, therefore, has been dubbed “America’s most affordable EV”. The 2027 model starts at $28,995 and qualifies for both DRIVE and MOR-EV. The vehicle is front-wheel drive and has 262 miles of range. The 2027 model also has built-in NACS charging.

Now let’s move on to discuss a couple of recently launched EVs.
2027 Rivian R2
The Rivian R2 launched early in June as a slightly smaller and more affordable variant of the R1S and R1T Models. This vehicle was meant to target the Tesla Model Y. With two rows of seats for 5 passengers as well as a generous cargo area, this compact SUV is designed as an adventure vehicle, especially suitable for family use. The Rivian R2 is fit for both on-road and off-road driving on rocky, sandy, or muddy terrain. The interior remains similar to previous large Rivian models with features such as a panoramic roof and a center infotainment screen. Described as an “appealing blend of comfort, performance, and practicality” by Car and Driver, this vehicle has a base MSRP of $49,985 to $59,485 and a range of around 30 miles. The vehicle is all-wheel drive and has NACS port integration. It qualifies for DRIVE and MOR-EV (the latter only if the final sale price is under $55,000).

2026 Genesis GV60
Launched in early 2026, the Genesis GV60 is a subcompact SUV blending luxury, technology, and quirkiness. The base MSRP ranges from $54,020 to $73,370, and it has a range of 252 miles with all-wheel drive and 306 miles with rear-wheel drive. This model also comes with NACS port integration. The 2026 Genesis GV60 was named the “Best Compact Electric SUV” by US News & World Report as well as “Electric Vehicle of the Year” by AutoGuide. The vehicle’s quirky interior contains unique design elements such as a crystal ball shifter orb as well as facial recognition features. Overall, this vehicle is especially suitable for drivers looking for a non-conventional, high-tech or futuristic luxury SUV.

Finally, here are a few upcoming EV models that we have our eye on.
2027 Slate Truck
Many are discussing the upcoming Slate Truck as it is not only a new EV, but also coming from an entirely new automaker. This small pickup is marketed as a barebones vehicle that is both affordable and customizable. With a base MSRP starting at $24,950, the Slate Truck arrives with crank windows and steel wheels, as well as no radio or screens. However, owners can choose from over 200 accessories and kits to personalize their vehicle, including wraps, decals, roof racks, headlight replacements, wheel covers, and, notably, a kit that would convert the two-passenger pickup into a five-passenger SUV. The Slate Truck should have around 200 miles of range and includes built-in NACS charging as well as a rear-wheel drivetrain. Preorders for this vehicle are now available, and sales are expected to open at the end of 2026.

2026 Kia EV3
Moving to a more conventional option, the Kia EV3 is also expected to go on sale in late 2026. This compact SUV seats five passengers and is stylistically similar to the larger Kia EV9, but with a “softer and friendlier appearance.” With an MSRP starting at $29,890, this vehicle comes with 220 to 320 miles of range (depending on battery capacity) and is a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle. The vehicle also comes with built-in NACS charging. Excitingly, the Kia EV3 will come with bidirectional charging with vehicle-to-load standard and vehicle-to-home available, allowing the EV3 to send power to your home during a power outage!

2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback
The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback has been announced to go on sale in late summer or early fall 2026. In 2016, Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi formed a strategic partnership that enabled the 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback to be modeled on the Nissan LEAF architecture. This vehicle is being described as a “fancified Nissan LEAF,” given design elements such as headlights being joined with a trim piece, a larger front bumper, triangular wheel design, and more. While Mitsubishi has not yet officially released pricing and technical details, much of this information is expected to remain similar to the Nissan LEAF.

2027 Subaru Getaway
The 2027 Subaru Getaway comes with all the elements for a family road trip: three rows of seats with room for seven passengers, generous cargo space, 300 miles of range, and the ability to tow a trailer weighing up to 3,5000 pounds (but this would reduce vehicle range). The Subaru Getaway has been described as similar to the Toyota EV SUV. Additionally, this vehicle is all-wheel-drive with NACS charging integration.

2027 Ford Fathom
The Fathom, set to launch in early 2027, is Ford’s upcoming EV pickup. The vehicle has been surrounded by much secrecy, with the company driving these models around in camouflage cover-ups (as per the spy photo above). The Fathom is a four-door vehicle currently being described as a smaller, more efficient, and cheaper pickup. The pickup will start at $28,350 and come with a range of at least 300 miles. The Fathom is the debut vehicle for Ford’s Universal EV platform, which consists of a new mode of vehicle assembly, enabling the automaker to produce a series of affordable EVs at scale. This model will come in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive and also include NACS charging integration.

As always, if you're thinking about getting an EV but don't know where to start, we recommend you check out our EV Finder. And feel free to send us your questions at hello@greenenergyconsumers.org!
Welcome back and Happy New Year!
As we enter the new year, we want to highlight new and upcoming developments...
andAbigail Bowen
Welcome to fall! While the seasons are changing, so is the electric vehicle (EV) market. Read the newest edition...
andAbigail Bowen
Comments