The era of electric cars or vehicles (EVs) isn’t coming; it’s already here. Today’s electric vehicles come in a broad range of sizes, shapes and prices. As we continue to strive to reduce emissions and air pollution, what used to be a small niche market is now becoming more mainstream every year. Offerings include a range, from smaller start-up car companies to the more established auto leaders. Here is our list of the electric vehicles for 2023 that we’re most excited about for the new year!
1. 2023 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive
It would be difficult to discuss the best electric vehicles for 2023 without mentioning Tesla. The Model 3 is Tesla’s entry-level car, and now the best-selling electric vehicle on the planet! The Standard Range Plus model with rear-wheel drive offers 423 kms of zero-emissions driving. As a result, you are guaranteed a long waitlist. Considering that the current 2022 Model 3 EVs have a waiting time of nine months (on average,) we expect that this will be much higher with the new 2023 Tesla Model 3. With its debut likely happening sometime in the winter of 2023, effective delivery of their new electric luxury won’t arrive until months later. There are a few minor upgrades, but overall the Model 3’s key attributes continue to be its excellent range, strong performance, and comfortable and spacious interior.
Expected pricing from $45,000, tesla.com
2. 2023 Genesis GV60
The first electric crossover utility vehicle (CUV) from luxury brand Genesis is the GV60. It has a maximum range of up to 248 miles per charge, along with standard all-wheel drive. It’s capable of charging at an 800-volt DC ultra-fast charger that will take the battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. Genesis, the luxury arm of established brands hailing from Korea, offers five years of complimentary scheduled maintenance. Additionally, it offers Genesis Connected Services and Genesis-At-Home concierge services.
Pricing from $71,000, www.genesis.com/ca
3. 2023 Chevy Bolt EV
The Chevy Bolt takes the prize as the most affordable electric car for 2023. GM cut the price of this popular EV to make it more affordable than the Nissan LEAF. Now it holds the spot of cheapest electric car on the market for the coming year. With lots of competition coming from all established automakers, don’t expect the price to last long.
Pricing from $27,590, chevrolet.ca
4. 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric
You might skip a Hyundai electric car just because the EV landscape is suddenly so crowded. However, it offers a much higher range than similar competitors at 415 kms. It’s a great drive featuring 201 horsepower, which is a moderate, but more than adequate, amount for its compact size. Best of all, it qualifies for a tax credit! While many EVs still force a choice between price, range, driving capability and/or style, the Hyundai Kona actually checks most boxes. It can probably outperform what most people are driving now!
Pricing starts at $35,295, hyundaicanada.com
To learn more about the perks of the Green Licence Plate Program in Ontario, please click here.
4. 2023 Nissan LEAF EV
The Nissan LEAF has a sleeker, four-door hatch look these days, and now has two battery sizes for different range options. The LEAF is maneuverable and quite comfortable to drive, and its electric powertrain enables snappy acceleration. The cabin is spacious, the front seats provide good support, and Nissan packs the LEAF with lots of standard safety features. On the downside, it can manage between 240 and 340 kms on a full charge, depending on trim, which is a far fall short of the newest EVs. The LEAF is worth a look if you’re shopping for an affordable EV and typically drive short distances. As far as urban commuting goes, the Nissan LEAF is a champ!
Pricing starts from $37,900, nissan.ca
5. 2023 BMW 7-Series
An entirely new generation of the 7-series, BMW’s most luxurious and advanced product has debuted for the 2023 model year. The formula hasn’t changed much from the current car’s. Powertrains include a turbocharged inline-six and a twin-turbo V-8, with a plug-in hybrid joining the lineup later. Its driver-assistance tech provides a hands-free driving mode for highway slogs. However, the car’s showstopping feature is an optional 31.3-inch rear entertainment display called ‘Theater Screen’ that drops from the ceiling. It streams TV and movies using the onboard Wi-Fi system!
Pricing from $114,000, bmw.ca
Are there EV incentives in Canada? Electric vehicles for 2023 qualify for Federal government incentives. This includes point-of-sale incentives of $2,500 to $5,000 for consumers who buy or lease an EV.
6. 2023 Cadillac Lyriq
The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq showcases next-generation styling for the brand and introduces a new modular electric platform. The dominant feature in the cabin is a curved 33-inch LED display. It stretches from the instrument panel all the way to where the infotainment screen is traditionally placed. The initial Lyriq is a 340-hp, rear-drive model with a 100-kilowatt-hour battery. This combination provides an EPA-rated over 500 kms of range. Cadillac says the Lyriq also comes with the latest iteration of GM’s Super Cruise driver assist technology. This includes a hands-free lane change function. A remote parking system will let the Lyriq position itself in parallel and perpendicular spaces, either with the driver behind the wheel or watching from outside the car.
Pricing form $69,698, cadillaccanada.com
7. 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6
Hyundai is aiming to compete with the latest Tesla Model 3, with their own model called the Ioniq 6. Both single- and dual-motor configurations will be offered, with a single battery-pack option. The standard 77.4-kWh battery pack means the 6 will provide an estimated 547 kms of driving range in certain configurations. The Ioniq 6 is as quick as it is futuristic and stylish. The cabin uses two 12-inch screens that seemingly connect; with one for the instrument panel and a touchscreen for the infotainment system. The latest Hyundai SmartSense active driver assistance suite is standard, with FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and ACC. It will arrive in Canadian showrooms for spring of 2023, which makes it a great addition to our list of most popular electric vehicles for 2023.
Estimated pricing from $47,500, hyundaicanada.com
EVs cost more to repair, and should be factored into your decision-making. They require specialized services for repair, which can lead to higher insurance rates. Though you may be saving money on gas, you will likely have a higher repair bill if you are involved in a collision
8. 2023 IndiEV Indi One
This EV startup is set to release its first car, the Indi One, for the 2023 model year. This five-passenger vehicle blurs the lines between a car and SUV. It offers a range of up to 482 kms per charge and standard all-wheel drive. The Premium version has a 95-kWh battery and a claimed 482 kms range. Indi says this iteration produces 470 HP and can zip from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. What makes this electric vehicle different is the VIC (Vehicle Integrated Computer) that allows passengers to play games, live stream, and even edit photos or videos on the go.
Pricing from $45,000, driveindi.com
9. 2023 Kia Niro
The second-generation Niro once again offers buyers a traditional, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid use a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and electric drive mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s estimated that the plug-in version can drive up to 53 kms on electric power. The EV version has an estimated driving range of 407 kms. As before, the Niro comes only with front-wheel drive. Standard active safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, with lane centering and lane keeping assistance.
Pricing from $29,995, kia.ca
10. 2023 Audi A6 e-tron
The German manufacturer has made it a priority to go electric. It has said so on numerous occasions, and it has backed up the words with action. Audi already has two versions of the e-tron utility vehicle and two other versions of the sporty e-tron GT in its lineup. However, Audi is wise not to forget its customers who are used to larger, comfortable sedans. The Audi A6 e-tron concept presented earlier in 2021 in Shanghai shows what the company’s midsize – and electric – sedan of the future will be like. That future promises to be pretty impressive! If the figures put forward by the brand are anything to go by, the sedan will be capable of driving around 700 km on a single charge according to WLTP figures, so a little less in North America.
Pricing from $87,342, audi.ca
If you are considering an electric vehicle, be sure to look carefully at your lifestyle needs and crunch your numbers. Not quite ready to go all-electric? Hybrid cars offer the eco-friendly benefits of an electric car with the conveniences (like the abundance of gas stations) of a gas car. No matter which choice best suits your needs, one thing is certain: the future of electric cars is bright!
As automakers move to meet global emissions targets in an effort to halt catastrophic climate change, nearly every company has pledged to fully electrify their fleet by the end of this decade. Electric vehicles produce significantly fewer emissions than gas-powered cars. This can help reduce air pollution and lessen the effects of climate change—especially for the most vulnerable communities who are disproportionately harmed by transportation emissions. They’re just as safe, if not safer, than combustion engines. We hope our article has helped you with your research to find out which EV might be right for your needs and lifestyle!
Certain insurance companies are offering discounts or special deals for eco-friendly vehicle drivers. Before taking the plunge with one of these electric vehicles for 2023, inquire about auto discounts with your isure broker today!
