The Electric Wave Is Cresting: Why These Upcoming EVs Matter
In the past few years, the electric vehicle (EV) world has shifted from a niche for early adopters to a mainstream force. Here in San Francisco, it’s not just the tech crowd in Teslas anymore you see families loading groceries into Ford Mustang Mach-Es, and delivery drivers quietly plugging in Chevy Bolts on side streets. But with so many new models teased and promised, which electric vehicles are actually worth holding out for? As someone who’s spent countless hours behind the wheel of everything from Lucid sedans to Rivian trucks and more than a few afternoons waiting for a DC fast charger I’m here to break down the top 10 EVs that have generated real buzz and are worth your patience.
1. Chevrolet Silverado EV: A Familiar Name Goes Quietly Bold
The Silverado has been America’s workhorse for decades, so when Chevy announced an all-electric version, it felt like a seismic shift. The Silverado EV is built on GM’s Ultium platform shared with the GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyriq and is set to rival the Ford F-150 Lightning head-on. Chevy claims up to 400 miles of range (final EPA figures are pending as of June 2024), which would put it at the top of its class. Expect up to 754 hp in the RST First Edition trim enough to pin you back even with a bed full of gear.
What stands out is its four-wheel steering (the rear wheels can turn a bit), which I briefly sampled at a media event. It makes tight city turns noticeably easier, almost uncanny for something this large. The cabin is all digital screens maybe too many for those who like tactile buttons and towing capacity should rival or beat gas Silverados. My only caution: Chevy’s rollout has been slower than hoped, with full availability not expected until late 2024 or early 2025.
2. Tesla Cybertruck: The Polygonal Head-Turner
You can’t talk about future EVs without mentioning the Tesla Cybertruck. Love or hate its design (I fall somewhere in between it looks like origami on steroids), the Cybertruck is set to shake up the pickup segment. Tesla says it’ll deliver up to 340 miles of range and hit 0-60 mph in under three seconds in its tri-motor trim.
Where it gets interesting: the exoskeleton is made from ultra-hard stainless steel, making door dings and minor scrapes almost a non-issue. There’s no traditional paint, so fingerprints show but scratches don’t. Early production models have been spotted around California, but mass deliveries remain slow. Charging speeds should rival Model S Plaid if you can find an open Supercharger (and yes, adapters are coming for non-Tesla networks). If you want something that stands out at every stoplight this is it.
3. Hyundai Ioniq 7: Family-Sized Range Meets Lounge Comfort
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 have been surprise hits here on the West Coast, largely thanks to their real-world range and slick design. The upcoming Ioniq 7 will be Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV a direct shot at families who need more space than a Model Y offers but aren’t ready to leap into luxury pricing.
Expect over 300 miles of range and ultra-fast charging (Hyundai’s E-GMP platform supports 800V architecture). The prototype I toured at last year’s LA Auto Show had lounge-like seating and enough USB ports to keep any road trip harmonious. Final horsepower numbers aren’t public yet, but Hyundai typically goes conservative with estimates and then overdelivers.
4. Volkswagen ID.Buzz: Nostalgia With a Plug
The ID.Buzz isn’t just another minivan it’s VW’s electric revival of their classic Microbus, complete with two-tone paint and retro details like chrome “smiles” in the front fascia. U.S.-spec versions will get a longer wheelbase than Europe’s model and up to seven seats.
Range estimates hover around 260-280 miles (EPA pending). It won’t be quick by Tesla standards VW targets roughly 282 hp but this one is all about personality and practicality. Sliding doors are perfect for loading surfboards or groceries here in Pacifica, and there’s more storage cubbies than I could count during my hands-on preview.
A note: U.S. deliveries don’t start until late 2024 or early 2025, so patience is key if you want this rolling conversation starter.
5. Kia EV9: Boxy, Bold, Surprisingly Luxurious
Kia has been on a roll lately (the EV6 is everywhere in San Francisco), and their upcoming EV9 SUV aims squarely at families who want three rows without giving up style or tech.
It rides on the same E-GMP platform as Hyundai but adds more space and available AWD. Early specs suggest up to 379 hp with dual motors and about 304 miles of range solid numbers for this size of vehicle. Inside, there’s vegan leather that feels surprisingly plush, massive screens, and third-row seating that isn’t just for kids under five.
I appreciated the low cabin noise when I got a sneak peek; it was quieter at city speeds than many luxury SUVs I’ve driven.
6. Volvo EX90: Scandinavian Sensibility Goes Electric
Volvo’s EX90 will replace the XC90 as their flagship SUV and marks their biggest step yet into full electrification. Expect twin-motor AWD as standard, around 496 hp (for higher trims), and an estimated range near 300 miles.
What sets it apart? Advanced safety tech including lidar sensors integrated into the roofline and sustainable materials throughout the interior (think recycled fishing nets in seat fabrics). The infotainment runs Google software natively; it feels familiar if you use Android phones but can take some getting used to if you’re coming from Apple CarPlay ecosystems.
Production delays have pushed initial U.S. deliveries into late 2024.
7. Polestar 3: Sporty Swedish Style Meets High Tech
If you’re after something sportier than Volvo but with similar safety roots, Polestar’s upcoming SUV the Polestar 3 is worth your attention. It shares much with the EX90 under the skin but pushes design further (think wide stance, crisp lines) and offers up to 517 hp in Performance trim.
Range estimates hover around 300 miles; actual EPA ratings may vary once final testing wraps up. The cabin feels minimalist yet luxurious soft-close doors, vegan upholstery with subtle stitching details and there’s a faint mechanical whirr under hard acceleration that hints at serious power beneath all that restraint.
8. Porsche Macan Electric: Performance DNA With a Plug
Porsche knows how to build engaging cars even their Taycan sedan feels alive in ways some EVs don’t quite manage so expectations are sky-high for their first electric Macan SUV.
While full specs weren’t public as of June 2024, Porsche promises performance figures that should eclipse most rivals in its class (think sub-4 second sprints). Driving dynamics are likely to lean sportier than any other compact luxury EV SUV on this list Porsche says steering feel has been tuned extensively for enthusiasts.
If you’ve ever gripped a Macan steering wheel the subtle heft, precise response you’ll know why this one matters.
9. Honda Prologue: Mainstream Appeal With GM Underpinnings
The Prologue marks Honda’s first real push into long-range EVs for North America, built atop GM’s Ultium platform (like the Silverado EV). Early previews suggest up to 300 miles of range and front- or all-wheel drive options.
Honda claims fast charging should be competitive roughly adding about 65 miles in ten minutes at peak rates but final charging times will depend heavily on station capability.
Inside, Honda keeps things simple but smart: physical knobs where it matters (climate control!), clean layout, clear graphics no wading through endless menus just to change fan speed.
10. Jeep Recon: Trail-Ready But Plugged In
Jeep fans have waited years for a true electric off-roader that doesn’t compromise what makes Jeep…well…a Jeep. The Recon aims to deliver just that a boxy shape reminiscent of Wrangler Unlimited models but running fully on electrons.
Official specs are thin as of mid-2024 (Jeep hasn’t even published final horsepower figures yet), but confirmed features include removable doors/roof panels and Selec-Terrain off-road modes adapted for instant torque delivery.
If you love open-air driving on dirt trails but want zero tailpipe emissions while doing it, keep your eye on this one though full U.S. availability may stretch into early 2025.
Waiting Pays Off: How To Decide If You Should Hold Out
I get it the temptation to jump into an EV right now is strong, especially as gas prices yo-yo across California highways like they have all spring. But waiting for one of these next-gen models could mean more range, better software updates over time (OTA upgrades are becoming standard), improved charging speeds and sometimes features you didn’t know you’d want until you see them demoed at an auto show.
If you live somewhere with robust charging infrastructure or easy home charging access and can be patient you’ll likely end up with an EV better suited both for your daily grind and weekend escapes.
Chargers On Every Corner? Not Quite Yet
A quick reality check before wrapping up: even as new fast chargers pop up across cities like San Francisco or LA every month, rural coverage remains spotty nationwide compared to gas stations. If your commute regularly takes you far beyond urban centers or you love impromptu road trips double-check both charger locations and network reliability before committing.
Adoption rates are climbing fast; expect more options by late 2025 as networks like Electrify America expand partnerships beyond Walmart lots.
A Few More Tips Before You Reserve That Spot In Line
- Watch dealer markups: Early production runs often see inflated prices over MSRP; shop around if possible.
- Incentives change: Federal tax credits and state rebates shift frequently; check eligibility close to your actual purchase date.
- OTA updates matter: Some brands improve features long after delivery; others lock hardware behind subscription fees.
- Sit inside before buying: Screens are nice but seat comfort, visibility, cargo flexibility still rule daily life.
- Test drive both gas & electric: If range anxiety nags at you or your area lacks chargers, hybrid options remain solid bridges.
The Road Ahead Looks Bright and Electric
If these ten vehicles show anything, it's that mainstream automakers finally see electric powertrains not as science experiments but as core products shaping how Americans drive next decade and beyond.
I’ll keep logging miles across Bay Area roads as these models hit dealerships (or waitlists). For now? Take time weighing what matters most a little patience now could mean driving something genuinely game-changing sooner than you think.