Three Highly-anticipated Electric Vehicles Coming to Canada in 2022

Last year, 2021 was a massive year for electric cars in Canada, with new models hitting the market. However, 2022 promises to be a bigger year, and we can't wait to see some long-awaited EVs finally arriving! Let's look at three of the best EVs coming to Canada in 2022.

Ford F-150 Lightning

Despite being one of the most sought-after categories in North America, electric pickup trucks have not received much attention, with manufacturers opting to push out sedans and SUVs instead. However, this will change this year with the arrival of the Ford F-150 Lightning. It will arrive around the same time as the Rivian R1T truck that is set for delivery in July 2022 and will have a starting price of $68,000 CAD.

Ford is sitting on more than 200,000 pre-orders, which indicates it's high anticipation amongst potential EV adopters. Ford based it on the popular gas-powered version, which essentially shares the same body with minor aesthetic changes - most notably the from headlight.

The Lightning uses a dual-motor powertrain that produces 563 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque which is powerful enough for the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds.

Range-wise, Ford offers the standard battery with 98 kWh of usable capacity. This will see the Lightning last about 370 kms on a single charge. However, you can get the extended battery pack with more than 480 kms if you need more.

Trades people will appreciate the bi-directional charging that allows them to power their tools with the battery. The massive frunk (front trunk) will also come in handy when transporting larger loads.

Rivian R1S SUV

Rivian made headlines when it delivered the first battery-powered trucks to reservation holders. However, the R1S SUV will have to wait until late 2022. With the truck's positive reviews, it is safe to assume the SUV will also deliver.

The R1S will have a starting price of $94,000 CAD and is based on the same platform as the R1T; hence, they have many features in common. For example, the SUV has a range of 500 kms on a 135 kWh battery, but Rivian has promised a bigger 180 kWh pack that delivers about 640 kms.

Charging is fast at 190 kWh on DC fast chargers, but Rivian says future models may get up to 300 kW so that you can cut charging time.

The R1S has an electric motor on each wheel, with an 835 hp and 908 lb-ft combined output. It will zoom from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds, giving other smaller EV's a run for their money.

Rivian is marketing both vehicles as the ultimate off-roading companion, with several features geared towards the use-case added. For example, the R1S can forge up to three feet of water and tow up to 7,700 pounds.

The R1S has a clever way of charging when the battery is drained completely, although Rivian only recommends this for emergencies. Hook the car to a towing vehicle and pull forward. Set the gear selector to reverse and apply a small amount of pressure to the accelerator pedal, and kinetic energy will be fed into the battery.

The R1S will fill the mid-to-large size SUV gap in the Canadian market which will be key for Canadian EV adopters to make the leap from ICE to EV.

Kia EV6

Kia is bringing the well-regarded EV6 to Canada in 2022 as it tries to shift to an all-electric line-up. This is a competent EV that can serve as the familiar car with a roomy cabin that takes five riders and ample 520 litres boot space that expands to 1,300 litres with the seats folded flat.

The EV6 is available as an all-wheel or rear-while drive option. Propulsion is produced by a single or dual electric motor system that delivers 90 hp, 214 hp, or 362 hp. A GT model ups the power to 576 hp and pushes the car from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.6 seconds. The base model EV6 will cost Canadians $45,000 CAD and is eligible for federal and provincial rebates.

There are more configuration decisions to make as the car comes with either a 58.0 kWh or 77.4 kWh battery that provides 500 kms per charge. With an 800-volt charging capacity, you can fill the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, adding 100 kms every five minutes. With the average Canadian driving 40 kms a day, simply charging for 5 five minutes will give you enough juice for at least two days.