Electric vehicles took center stage at the New York International Auto Show this year, with an indoor track as part of the show’s 23,000-square-foot EV exhibit that leaves no doubt that electric vehicles are part of the mainstream — at least on the auto show circuit.
Almost every automaker that attended the New York International Auto Show had an EV or plug-in hybrid at their show. We’ve seen many of these before, including the Mercedes-Benz EQXX, Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Bolt EV and Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, which took top honors at the World Car Awards the Kia EV6 and the VW ID Buzz and ID 4 crossovers. Heck, even the Nissan Leaf came back with a refresh.
Among all the presented battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models and concepts, a few stood out. Here are the ones that caught our attention.
Alfa Romeo
Photo credit: Alfa Romeo screenshot/unveiling
Alfa Romeo’s first compact crossover is the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale, which officially debuted in February, a plug-in hybrid that can drive 30 miles on a fully charged battery before switching to its petrol engine. The petrol engine variant of the SUV is equipped with a 256 hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Stellantis
Chrysler Airflow Graphite Concept. Photo credit: Stellantis
The Chrysler Airflow Graphite Concept could provide direction for parent company Stellantis’ $35 billion investment in bringing new electric vehicles to market. The all-electric crossover features 22-inch wheels, a sleek silhouette and a range of 400 miles. It is also equipped with Stellantis’ STLA AutoDrive system with level 3 automated driving functions.
Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude 4xe. Photo credit: Stellantis
The Jeep brand showcased its 4xe vehicles, including the newcomer Grand Cherokee High Altitude 4xe. The latest 4xe plug-in hybrid model, which debuted with a Hydro Blue exterior color, will be available to order in the second half of the year.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe delivers 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 miles per gallon equivalent. according to the company. The 4xe drive system combines two electric motors, a 400-volt battery, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Deus automobiles
Deus Vayanne Electric Supercar. Photo credit: Getty
The Austrian automaker introduced its Vayanne EV hypercar, a curvy roadster with sleek headlights and oversized air intakes. Deus claims that the 2,200-hp Vayanne can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 1.99 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 250 mph. Those numbers would put the Vayanne’s performance at the top of the $1 million-plus Bring hypercar segment. Its price was not disclosed.
India EV
Photo credit: India EV
The California-based startup is showing off the Indi One, a five-passenger all-electric crossover with a 300-mile range. Positioned as a rival to the Tesla Model Y, the “lifestyle-focused” crossover features an integrated gaming computer through its Vehicle Integrated Computer (VIC). The infotainment unit is powered by open-source software that allows for a range of customizations, from the sound of the horn to a specialized virtual assistant. Starting at $45,000, the Indi One is scheduled for delivery in spring 2023.
kia
Kia Niro EV. Photo credit: Getty
Kia is using the New York show as a launch pad for its next-generation Niro compact SUV. The Niro 2023 is offered with a hybrid, PHEV, or EV powertrain. The new model features more futuristic design cues like boomerang-shaped taillights and a more aggressive grille. It also offers better range – 253 miles compared to last-gen’s 239.
The automaker also showed off its EV9 concept, which was first unveiled at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. We care about this boxy SUV that will use the same E-GMP electric car platform as the smaller EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 because it actually goes into production.
Kia confirmed at the New York Auto Show that the EV9 will hit the US market in the second half of 2023.
Kia Concept EV9. Photo credit: Getty via Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu agency
genesis
Photo credit: genesis
Kia’s upscale sister brand launched their all-electric Genesis X Speedium Concept as a hint at what’s to come as Genesis expands its EV offering to become all-electric by 2030.
The coupe showcases Genesis’ bold design: a low, long fastback body with wraparound headlights and an oversized, triangular grille carried by the automaker’s gasoline-powered cars. The design derives from the X Concept Genesis unveiled last year and is named after the South Korean racetrack Inje Speedium where it was developed.
Vinfast
The VinFast VF 9. Photo credit: Getty
Vinfast, Vietnam’s first-ever domestic automaker, brought its VF8 and VF9 all-electric SUVs to the New York show.
The automaker also announced at the show that it plans to lease the battery separately from the commercial vehicles themselves and charge a monthly fee based on battery usage. Without the battery, the five-passenger VF8 SUVs and seven-passenger VF9 SUVs start at $40,700 and $55,500, respectively.