Though the EV market appears swamped with new fashions launched prior to now 12 months, there are few choices for households needing greater than 5 seats. To make issues worse, Ford introduced that its deliberate three-row electrical SUV is not going to occur. This is what you should buy as a substitute and what new fashions are launching by the top of the 12 months.
After all, EVs are usually not promoting as quick as anybody would wish to, together with Tesla. Nevertheless, there is a vital distinction between an EV startup saying EVs do not promote and a standard carmaker stating the identical. First, an EV startup is continually elevating cash and is predicted to burn it because it scales its operations. It is unimportant if it is dropping cash for some time as a result of that is what all startups do. Nevertheless, traders may flip away in the event that they unravel their coffers and not using a path to profitability. That is when an EV startup will get in hassle, like Fisker did.
For conventional carmakers, issues look less complicated however are, in truth, much more sophisticated. They often have stable financials that might permit them to finance new EV initiatives. Nevertheless, their shareholders count on them to make income, not lose cash on far-fetched initiatives they do not care about. Though stunning, a giant firm like Ford or GM is even much less prone to tolerate dangers related to EV growth. Any CEO who would burn cash on unprofitable fashions dangers their place.
Ford scrapped its three-row electrical SUV undertaking
This may show you how to see current selections to cut back EV operations throughout the automotive business in a distinct gentle. Everybody pledged to go all in on EVs, considering it could be straightforward to beat Tesla. Later, they found that promoting EVs profitably was unimaginable with the availability chain and the dealership networks they’re tied to. Altering this mannequin fully and changing into a nimble EV startup is just not on the desk for a serious automaker, so they’re now backtracking on EV plans.
Even when founding a startup for his or her EV operations looks like a simple resolution, that is simpler mentioned than completed. Volkswagen is attempting to do it with Scout, however we have already seen its sellers pressuring the German carmaker to surrender on the concept. Promoting Scout EVs on to customers is a mortal hazard for sellers, and they’re going to combat it as laborious as they’ll. The identical could be true for the elements suppliers, as chopping them out and producing main parts in-house will threat retaliation on mainstream operations.
Because of this I am not shocked that Ford determined to kill its three-row electrical SUV. As a substitute, Ford commissioned a small crew (“skunkworks crew,” as CEO Jim Farley launched it to the general public) to develop a clean-sheet EV platform to permit it to construct cheaper however worthwhile EVs. Ford can definitely do that, though the availability chain and dealership community hurdles nonetheless stay.
For EV consumers, any canceled undertaking restricts the variety of choices and makes current EV makers complacent. It is a lose-lose scenario. It is even worse when a three-row SUV is taken off the desk, contemplating how few choices can be found and the way badly they’re wanted. At present, solely six three-row electrical SUVs are available on the market, with one other 4 launching by the top of the 12 months. This is your greatest guess if you would like or want a seven-seater electrical SUV.
Kia EV9
Value: from $54,900
Energy: 201-379 horsepower
Battery capability: 76-100 kWh
Vary: 230-304 miles
IRA tax credit score: quickly
Picture: Kia
The Kia EV9 is without doubt one of the most enjoyable EV fashions launched in 2024. It options three rows beginning with the bottom trim and could be ordered in 6- and 7-seat configurations. The swiveling captain’s chairs with heating and air flow on the second row are a signature characteristic of the all-electric SUV.
The Kia EV9 is constructed on the E-GMP structure, sharing many technical particulars with the smaller EV6 in addition to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. These embrace the 800-volt structure, which guarantees very brief charging occasions because of a most energy functionality of 350 kW. On this case, charging from 10% to 80% takes 20 minutes for the 76-kWh battery and 24 minutes for the 100-kWh pack.
In addition to being one of many coolest EVs you should buy now, the Kia EV9 has one other ace up its sleeves: Kia began native manufacturing at its West Level meeting plant in Georgia earlier this 12 months. Which means the EV9 ought to profit from the IRA tax credit score as soon as Kia nails the correct mix of uncooked supplies and battery parts. Till then, Kia is providing a $7,500 buyer money to “well-qualified consumers.”
Rivian R1S
Value: from $75,900
Energy: 533-850 horsepower
Battery capability: 92.5-141.5 kWh
Vary: 270-410 miles
IRA tax credit score: no
Picture: Rivian
The Rivian R1S is a cleverly packaged mid-size SUV, providing cheap consolation for the passengers seated within the third row. Because of its spectacular off-road capabilities, it is also the one choice when you’re the adventurer kind. The R1S is the electrical equal of a Vary Rover, if you’ll, besides that it has a much better construct high quality. With as much as 850 horsepower in a tri-motor configuration, the R1S can also be probably the most highly effective all-electric SUVs you should buy now.
Though Rivian is a brand new carmaker, you will discover the construct high quality of the R1S to be on par with that of one of the best within the business. Sadly, the 2025 R1S is just not but accepted for the EV tax credit score, which makes it much more costly. Those that purchased the refreshed mannequin suppose it is nonetheless definitely worth the cash, because of many enhancements underneath the hood.
Amongst them is a brand new infotainment and driver help laptop, which permits Rivian to supply extra superior capabilities. Rivian can also be engaged on an automatic driving resolution. There’s nonetheless no Android Auto and Apple CarPlay help, however the refreshed fashions supply UWB connectivity, enabling superior options like location-aware digital key.
Tesla Mannequin X
Value: from $79,990
Energy: 670-1,020 horsepower
Battery capability: 100 kWh
Vary: 326-335 miles
IRA tax credit score: sure, $7,500
Picture: Tesla
If we disregard the Mannequin S with its two jumper seats within the trunk, the Tesla Mannequin X was the primary three-row electrical car available on the market. The long-lasting SUV is well recognizable because of its rear falcon doorways, that are distinctive within the automotive business. Though gross sales have considerably cooled down, the Tesla Mannequin X continues to be among the best seven-seater EVs you should buy.
Tesla has saved it recent with repeated updates after a serious overhaul in 2021. Not all modifications have been made with the client in thoughts, although, as Tesla just lately eliminated Steam help as a cost-cutting measure. To compensate, the Mannequin X has been fitted with improved seats, impressed by the refreshed Mannequin 3 Efficiency.
Though the Mannequin X gives the choice of six- and seven-seat configurations, it isn’t low cost. Patrons are requested $6,500 for the six-seat inside, whereas the seven-seat choice prices $3,500. Nevertheless, those that order the FSD package deal ($8,000) are provided any seating configuration without spending a dime. This helps consumers maintain the EV tax credit score and permits Tesla to promote the FSD functionality. Win-win.
Tesla Mannequin Y LR AWD
Value: $47,990
Energy: 384 horsepower
Battery capability: 81 kWh (estimated)
Vary: 287-308 miles
IRA tax credit score: sure, $7,500
Picture: Tesla
Regardless of Tesla critics claiming in any other case, the Mannequin Y is one of the best electrical car cash should purchase. It is no marvel Tesla crossover is the best-selling automobile in lots of markets, even when contemplating combustion autos. Add to that the good thing about having the Supercharger community at your service, and also you see why most individuals contemplating an electrical automobile have the Mannequin Y on the prime of their record.
The Mannequin Y gives spectacular options, together with large inside and trunk house, which permits Tesla to offer a three-row configuration. That is an non-compulsory characteristic accessible solely on the Lengthy Vary AWD variant and can add $2,000 to the worth of the automobile. The house for third-row passengers is just not nice, however it may be helpful for brief journeys.
The Tesla Mannequin Y LR AWD can go as much as 308 miles on a cost when configured with 19-inch wheels. The 20-inch Induction wheels add $2,000 to the configuration whereas additionally inflicting the vary to drop to 287 miles. Thanks to an enormous enchancment within the suspension consolation, the Tesla Mannequin Y ought to present a reasonably clean trip, even within the third row.
Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV
Value: from $53,050
Energy: 188-288 horsepower
Battery capability: 71 kWh
Vary: 207-251 miles
IRA tax credit score: No
Picture: Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz EQB is without doubt one of the best-packaged battery-electric crossovers available on the market, with loads of house in a small footprint. Just like the Tesla Mannequin Y, it additionally gives the choice of a 3rd row, though the house is best fitted to youngsters or brief journeys. Including the third row of seats will set you again $1,250, which is fairly neat for a Benz.
The match and end are within the Mercedes-Benz territory, though the collection of supplies might have higher mirrored its luxury-car standing. The pricing may be very smart contemplating the badge, beginning at $53,050. No federal tax credit score is obtainable for the German crossover, although.
Supplied in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variations, the Mercedes-Benz EQB gives respectable efficiency regardless of a comparatively underpowered drivetrain. Essentially the most highly effective model is the EQB 350 4Matic, with 288 horsepower from a dual-motor configuration. The effectivity is just not spectacular because the EQB is constructed on an ICE structure inherited from its brother GLB. That is why a 71-kWh battery can solely present a most vary of 251 miles within the FWD EQB 250+.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Value: from $104,400
Energy: 355-536 horsepower
Battery capability: 118 kWh
Vary: 330-339 miles
IRA tax credit score: No
Picture: Mercedes-Benz
Barely shorter than the gas-powered Mercedes-Benz GLS, the EQS SUV is mainly a barely raised model of the Mercedes-Benz EQS. This gives a stable base, contemplating that the electrical sedan was the primary mannequin constructed on the brand new EVA structure. It is also the primary Mercedes-Benz software-defined car, which suggests you will discover superior connectivity choices and revel in new options added with software program updates.
Luxurious as you’d count on, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is not going to profit a lot from the spectacular aerodynamics of its sedan brother. The EQS sedan has a drag coefficient of 0.2, the bottom of a manufacturing automobile when it was launched. Nevertheless, the EQS SUV loses factors on this division, which suggests it additionally loses vary. Nonetheless, with a minimum of 330 miles for the dual-motor variants, the EQS SUV nonetheless gives a formidable vary.
The third row will value you $1,250 additional, the identical as for the EQB above, which exhibits that Mercedes-Benz could be price-conscious even in its top-of-the-line fashions. The truth that the EQS SUV prices the identical because the sedan could be thought to be one other trick to make the SUV extra enticing to prospects.
Three-row electrical SUVs arriving later in 2024
Volvo EX90
Value: beginning at $79,995
Energy: 402-510 horsepower
Battery capability: 111 kWh
Vary: 296-308 miles
Picture: Volvo
When it arrives late this 12 months, the EX90 would be the first Volvo constructed within the US on the firm’s plant in South Carolina. Volvo introduced a beginning worth of $79,990, however the SUV is just not but eligible for the EV tax credit score. The Scandinavian 7-seater will come filled with expertise, though issues went tough on the software program entrance, inflicting supply delays.
Geared up with a 111-kWh battery pack, the electrical SUV can journey as much as 308 miles on a cost. Volvo additionally guarantees quick charging occasions, with lower than half-hour to cost the battery from 10% to 80%. The EX90 depends on an as much as 510 horsepower dual-motor setup, with a much less highly effective variant creating 402 horsepower.
The Volvo electrical flagship is without doubt one of the few native 7-seat SUVs available on the market, offering loads of house for third-row passengers. For $500 additional, you may configure the EX90 with two particular person seats within the second row, turning it right into a six-seater.
Cadillac Escalade iQ
Value: beginning at $127,700
Energy: 750 horsepower
Battery capability: 247 kWh
Vary: as much as 460 miles
Picture: Cadillac
The Cadillac Escalade is arguably the model’s most profitable mannequin, and GM desires to protect this attribute within the EV period. The electrical Escalade is longer than the gas-powered variant and solely three inches shorter than the long-wheelbase Escalade ESV. This gives luxurious house and luxury even on the third row. If that is not sufficient, relaxation assured that Cadillac is making ready a long-wheelbase model.
Mechanically, the Cadillac Escalade IQ relies on the GMC Hummer EV SUV, which tops at 830 horsepower. Nevertheless, preliminary specs record 750 horsepower as the utmost energy accessible. This implies the Escalade IQ will probably be a tad slower, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in lower than 5 seconds. Count on the identical 247-kWh battery pack, of which 213 kWh are usable.
Regardless of maintaining the large proportions of the Escalade SUVs intact, the IQ variant will seemingly characteristic a extra streamlined design, with cues borrowed from different Cadillac fashions such because the Lyriq and Celestiq. Aerodynamics is important for an electrical car, and much more so for a giant boxy SUV just like the Escalade IQ.
Lucid Gravity
Value: beginning underneath $80,000
Energy: as much as 800 horsepower
Battery capability: TBD
Vary: over 440 miles
Picture: Lucid Motors
Lucid formally unveiled the Gravity SUV in November 2023, with plans to start out manufacturing later this 12 months. The most recent info signifies that the EV startup started Gravity pre-production at its Casa Grande, Arizona manufacturing unit. Judging by the design, Lucid designers love station wagons, though they’ve fallen out of trend currently.
Because of the 800 horsepower of its electrical powertrain, the seven-seat SUV guarantees exhilarating efficiency, with 3.5 seconds wanted to achieve 60 mph (97 kph). Like its little brother, the Air sedan, the Gravity SUV could have an unusually lengthy vary. Lucid estimated it at over 440 miles, though it did not supply technical particulars in regards to the battery pack.
The Gravity SUV ought to begin gross sales this winter if issues go easily and Lucid would not go bankrupt by then. Value estimates start at $80,000, placing it on a collision course with the Tesla Mannequin X. Nevertheless, that may make it extra inexpensive than the Lucid Air. This does not make sense, contemplating that Lucid is dropping tons of cash and is determined to achieve profitability as quickly as doable.
Hyundai Ioniq 9
Value: TBD
Energy: 201-379 horsepower
Battery capability: 76-100 kWh
Vary: 230-304 miles
Picture: Hyundai
Hyundai is about to launch the three-row SUV this 12 months on the LA Auto Present. That is the sister mannequin of the Kia EV9, so count on just about an identical specs. The design will carefully mirror the Seven idea that Hyundai unveiled in 2021 in LA. Though the idea’s identify prompt this is likely to be named Ioniq 7, it is extra prone to be referred to as Ioniq 9.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 will use the identical E-GMP structure because the Kia EV9. Which means the Hyundai seven-seater will characteristic two battery choices, at 76 kWh and 100 kWh, respectively. The latter will probably be sufficient for over 310 miles of vary in an RWD configuration with a 201-horsepower electrical motor. The AWD variant boasts 379 horsepower because of a dual-motor setup.
Like its Kia sibling, the Ioniq 9 will include swiveling captain’s chairs within the second row. Count on much less headroom for the third-row passenger, contemplating the Hyundai Ioniq 9 has a sloped roofline. Deliveries are deliberate for late 2024, though Hyundai may select to open the order books sooner.