The Tesla Cybertruck may sport the most radical design of the new EVs coming to the U.S. market in 2023, but the year promises a parade of bold new electric SUVs and trucks, none more important than the first Silverado electric vehicle ever.
The Silverado truck is the top-selling vehicle for the No. 1 U.S. automaker, General Motors, from its mainstream Chevrolet brand. So GM has a lot riding on the success of its first-ever Silverado EV.
The Cybertruck will be Tesla's first new passenger EV in more than three years, so it's important in its own way.
Besides the Tesla Cybertruck and Chevy Silverado, here are some of the most eagerly awaited, all-new, all-electric vehicles to expect in the U.S. in the new year:
New EVs: Tesla Cybertruck
The much-anticipated, long-delayed Cybertruck will be the newest addition to Tesla's EV lineup and its first pickup truck ever. The Cybertruck's sci-fi-worthy design is divisive, but its tech specs are impressive.
Specs: The six-seat Cybertruck boasts a 17-inch control touchscreen and an estimated 500 miles of range. It touts up to 3,500 pounds of payload capacity and 14,000 pounds of towing capability. It goes from 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds. Tesla's claims for the Cybertruck include "armor glass" windows and a "nearly impenetrable exoskeleton," as well as a "magic tonneau (truckbed) cover that is strong enough to stand on."
Pricing: Tesla withdrew pricing. Some reports suggest the Cybertruck could start around $50,000 (up from an original $40,000, due to supply issues). But pricing and specs are a big question mark.
Rivals: The competition includes Ford's first electric pickup, the F-150 Lightning, which is already on the road and was named the 2023 MotorTrend Truck of the Year. It will also compete against the upcoming Silverado EV.
But there's no question that the Tesla Cybertruck is not a typical pickup design.
Launch date: Official word is awaited. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of 2023, though the Cybertruck has been delayed below. Reservations are open with a fully refundable $100 deposit.
Meanwhile, Tesla began deliveries of the commercial Semi truck in December 2022. Production of the Tesla Semi should ramp up in 2023.
Chevy Silverado EV
The Chevrolet Silverado is GM's biggest EV launch of the year. The Chevy brand will also launch the Blazer and Equinox electric SUVs in 2023. Those EVs will join the existing Hummer and Lyriq EVs in GM's growing all-electric, zero-emission lineup.
Specs: The first-ever Silverado EV will deliver 400 miles of range, more than 750 horsepower, and 10,000 pounds of towing capability, GM estimates. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. It comes with an advanced hands-free, driver-assist system, a 17-inch control screen, and panoramic fixed-glass roof.
Pricing: Around $40,000 and up.
Launch date: Fall 2023. A big question is whether GM will quickly ramp up production of the Silverado EV. Production of the Hummer and Lyriq EVs has been very low so far.
GMC Hummer SUV
The Hummer SUV is younger sibling to the Hummer pickup truck, which arrived at the end of 2021. It comes from GM's GMC nameplate.
Specs: The Hummer SUV's performance stats include 830 horsepower, 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, and a GM-estimated 300 miles of range. It will boast many of the standout features of the Hummer truck, such as Crabwalk (diagonal travel at low speeds) and Extract Mode (raised suspension to overcome obstacles). It boasts 17 camera views, two huge high-definition displays, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system as well. Not least, an advanced driver-assist system will allow the Hummer SUV to put the luxury into off-roading.
Pricing: Starts at $80,000 and goes into six figures.
Launch date: Slated for early 2023.
Fisker Ocean SUV
The Ocean is the first EV from California-based Fisker. The EV startup has partnered with Magna International on manufacturing.
Specs: The Ocean is set to have a 350-mile range and to go from 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds. This SUV is packed with innovations such as a full-length solar roof to support its battery-powered motor. An optional 17-inch rotating infotainment screen can switch from landscape to portrait mode. It uses sustainable materials from the upholstery to carpeting. At the touch of a button, the Ocean can transform from SUV to convertible as well.
Pricing: The Ocean models will range from around $38,000-$70,000, depending on the trim.
Launch date: After delays, the Ocean SUV is expected to arrive in the spring or summer of 2023.
Jeep EVs
The first fully electric Jeeps will be revealed in 2023. Jeep, the iconic SUV brand owned by Stellantis, already offers plug-in hybrid-electric models. By end of 2025, Jeep plans to offer four all-electric SUVs in North America and Europe.
Specs: Details are scare. But the Jeep Recon SUV will target off-road adventurers. Staying true to Jeep's open-air heritage, the Recon EV will offer a one-touch power rooftop and removable doors. Its premium, on-road Wagoneer counterpart is estimated to deliver 400 miles on a single charge. It goes from 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds.
Pricing: To be disclosed.
Launch date: The all-electric Jeep Recon and Wagoneer EVs will be revealed in early 2023. Availability in the U.S. is expected in 2024, Jeep says.
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Polestar 3 EV
The Polestar 3 is the first electric SUV and third EV from Polestar, the Swedish car brand co-owned by Volvo Cars and China's Geely. It's positioned as a luxury EV.
Specs: The Polestar 3 will offer an estimated 300 miles of range and fast-charging capability. It is expected to go from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds. This made-in-America EV also boasts three displays, including a 14.5-inch center console and a head-up display that projects information on the windscreen. It packs on the high-end tech with an advanced driver-assist system and 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system
Pricing: Around $84,000 and up.
Launch date: Fourth quarter of 2023.
Canoo Van And/Or Canoo Pickup Truck
EV startup Canoo is looking to launch a "lifestyle" vehicle, variably described as an SUV or van, as well as a pickup truck. The clock is ticking for the van, set for a late 2022 launch. The pickup truck should follow.
Walmart has an order for up to 10,000 Canoo vans.
Specs: The van seats seven and features a panoramic glass roof. With ample interior and cargo space, Canoo calls this EV a "loft on wheels." It's expected to deliver 200 miles of electric range. The truck touts more than 200 miles of range and up to 1,800 pounds of payload capacity. It targets 500 horsepower.
Pricing: The van will start at $40,000, the company says. Canoo has not released pricing for the truck.
Launch date: The van is supposed to launch in late 2022. Canoo has not given a launch date for the truck, but preorders with a $100 refundable deposit are open.
Canoo has been near bankruptcy, so substantial launch delays could have a real impact.
More broadly, treat EV launch time frames in general with skepticism. Battery and other tech specs are based on manufacturer claims. Real-world results may differ.