These New and Returning EVs Make 2026 Worth Watching

Remember when people said the electric vehicle market was slowing down? Yeah, about that. Automakers are gearing up to launch around 32 new EV models in the United States this year, making 2026 one of the most exciting years for electric vehicles we’ve ever seen. From affordable options under $30,000 to ultra-luxury rides from Ferrari, there’s an electric vehicle for nearly every budget and lifestyle.

• Automakers will launch a staggering 32 new electric vehicle models in the U.S. in 2026, not including the dozen or so existing models getting major upgrades or price cuts.
• The returning Chevy Bolt will offer LFP batteries with a starting price under $30,000, 250 miles of range, and 150 kW fast-charging capability.
• The BMW iX3, built on BMW’s new Neue Klasse architecture, will offer over 400 miles of range and 400-kilowatt fast charging.

Affordable EVs Finally Arrive for Budget-Conscious Buyers

If you’ve been waiting for electric vehicles to become more wallet-friendly, 2026 brings good news. The Bolt is back. Chevrolet’s least expensive electric car disappeared in 2023, but an upgraded version is set to return for a limited run as a 2027 model. It looks almost identical to the former Bolt EUV, blurring the lines between a hatchback and crossover SUV, but now uses GM’s Ultium battery and motor technology. That gives it DC fast-charging speeds that are 2.5 times faster than the old Bolt.

The Rivian R2 is a compact electric SUV, similar in size to the Tesla Model Y, with a target price of around $45,000 before incentives. Rivian says the R2 will enter production in the first half of 2026. The R2 is said to seat five and get more than 300 miles of range. It can allegedly hit 60 miles per hour in three seconds in its top tri-motor form.

If the Subaru Trailseeker is the electric equivalent of an Outback, the Uncharted is the electric Crosstrek. With tidier dimensions and up to 338 horsepower in all-wheel-drive form, the Uncharted should be the most fun Subaru SUV in the range. The 221-hp front-wheel-drive version will be a cheap range king, with over 300 miles of range for around $35,000.

Honda and Acura Step Up with the 0 Series

2026 will be a defining moment for Honda and Acura’s EV ambitions. Honda has never built a long-range EV for the U.S. market, and its global EVs have so far been middling. The company argues its slow approach was building up to the 0 Series, its first software-defined EV platform.

Honda will expand its electric vehicle offerings in 2026, each based on a new platform using an exclusive ASIMO operating system. First up is the 0 SUV, with a targeted on-sale date of the first half of 2026. It will be followed by the 0 Saloon, which is positioned as the flagship model. These both promise Level 3 automation, allowing the driver to take their attention away from the road in some situations. This goes beyond the typical hands-free driving assistance systems on the market.

The new Acura RSX, scheduled to hit dealerships in the second half of 2026, will be an electric crossover SUV. The RSX Prototype includes dual-motor all-wheel drive and the ability to power a home during a power outage.

German Engineering Goes Electric in a Big Way

The 2027 iX3 is a fresh start for BMW’s EVs, riding on a new platform specifically designed for electric vehicles. Its BMW-estimated 400 miles of driving range will place the iX3 among the highest-range EVs in production, and its 800-volt architecture enables a 400 kW maximum charging rate, giving it the ability to add roughly 175 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The iX3 is estimated to cost between $54,000 and $65,000 and should arrive mid-2026.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology is an all-new, all-electric compact SUV. The exterior looks like an evolution of existing Mercedes models, but underneath is a technology showcase for the brand. There’s new energy-dense battery chemistry, 800-volt electrical architecture, and AI-powered voice assistants that can understand plain English.

Porsche’s electric Cayenne will make its debut with ultra-fast 400 kW charging, more than 1,100 horsepower in top trims, and similarly impressive range figures. Even basic Cayennes should offer more than 350 miles of range.

Should You Wait for the New Electric Wave?

With so many new and returning EV models for 2026 hitting showrooms, buyers finally have real options across every price point. Whether you’re eyeing an affordable Chevy Bolt under $30,000 or dreaming about a high-performance Porsche Cayenne EV, there’s never been a better time to shop electric. This isn’t the end of the EV market, but the beginning of a mature one, with choice in far more segments serving a variety of different price points. In sum, it’ll be the best year for EV fans yet.

Test drive what’s available now, keep your eye on release dates for upcoming models, and don’t be afraid to wait if your dream EV is just around the corner. The electric future isn’t coming. It’s already here.