Shopping for a new electric vehicle can seem a bit like the Wild West. While most people are familiar with Tesla and established automakers, they’re less likely to know much about all-new companies looking to replicate the success of Tesla and take a share of the quickly growing market. From a consumer perspective, buying a vehicle from a startup company presents some advantages and possible drawbacks.
Because these companies aren’t tied to traditional automaking, their vehicles often boast innovative features and standout designs. However, a shopper might hesitate to buy a vehicle from a brand with a limited track record of reliability. A lack of nationwide service support might be another issue. With that, Edmunds highlights five EV startups for shoppers willing to take the plunge.
This adventure-bound,
The R1T was the first all-electric truck to hit the market, and the company followed that up with the R1S three-row electric SUV. Both models are highly rated by Edmunds because of their innovative storage space and robust performance.
Starting price:
Lucid was founded in 2007 under its former name
The company sells five versions of the Air, with price tags mostly topping the six-figure mark. The Grand Touring model’s 516-mile EPA-estimated driving range is the longest of any EV, and the top-spec 1,200-horsepower Sapphire model is one of the most powerful production vehicles in the world.
Starting price for Air:
FISKER
The Ocean will initially be available in four models and is projected to have a driving range of up to 350 miles. An available solar panel roof and rotating center touchscreen are the Ocean’s more interesting features.
Starting price for Ocean:
POLESTAR
Before the
Starting price for Polestar 2:
VINFAST
Many haven’t heard of VinFast, but the company began delivering its VF 8 City Edition SUV to
When Edmunds recently drove the VF 8 City Edition, it found the vehicle lacked the refinement expected from a modern EV. But VinFast is taking the U.S. market seriously by offering a long warranty and starting a manufacturing facility in
Starting price for VF 8:
EDMUNDS SAYS:
With a possible recession looming and potential future EV battery supply chain shortages, these EV startups aren’t out of the woods yet. But their ability to develop and produce EVs as fledgling startups shows they are competent enough for continued success.
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This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.
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