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The best electric cars of 2022 (and how long it takes to charge them)

Last Updated: 6/6/2022

Electric cars are popular for many reasons beyond low emissions, such as lower maintenance costs, cheaper charging costs, and a smoother, quieter, and responsive driving experience. The electric vehicle (EV) market has grown exponentially, and according to Bloomberg, there will be around 26 million EVs on the road by the end of 2022, a considerable increase from 1 million in 2016.

With the surge in demand for EVs, and government legislation to fight climate change, vehicle manufactures all around the world are releasing new electric car models. But, with so many to choose from—and for many, it being the first time buying an electric car—it can be hard to know which is the best for you. This article highlights some of the most popular (or most anticipated) electric cars of 2022 and how long it takes to charge them.

This article features the following vehicles (click for quick access):

Polestar 2
Kia EV6
Mazda MX-30
Mercedes-Benz EQE
Nissan Ariya
Cupra Born

Polestar 2

A white Polestar 2 as the only parked car in a parking lot.

Whilst some vehicle designs can be somewhat controversial, the Polestar 2’s clean lines and simple yet beautiful design likely won’t upset anyone. Positioned as a competitor to the Tesla Model 3, the Polestar 2 offers a high-quality package with a competitive range and performance.

Polestar 2 specifications

The Polestar 2 is available in three different model variations, each with a different battery size and driving range:

Standard Range Single Motor: has a 69 kWh battery capacity and a range of up to 295 miles
Long Range Single Motor: has a 78 kWh battery capacity and a range of up to 336 miles
Long Range Dual Motor: has a 78 kWh battery capacity and a range of up to 300 miles

The starting price of the Polestar 2 is between £41,900 and £47,900* depending on the model variation.

*The prices were taken at the time of writing from Polestar UK.

How long does it take to charge the Polestar 2?

The time it takes to charge the Polestar 2 varies based on the power output and the type of charger. We’ve calculated the charging time based on the most common charging outputs at each charging level.

Charging level	Charging output	*Charging times: Standard Range (69 kWh)**	*Charging times: Long Range (78 kWh)**
Level 1 (AC)	2.3 kW	33h20m	37h40m
Level 2 (AC)	7.4 kW	10h21m	11h42m
Level 2 (AC)	11 kW	6h58m	7h52m
Level 3 (AC)	50 kW	55 min	1h02m
Level 3 (DC)	133 kW	20 min	23 min
Level 3 (DC)	151 kW	-	20 min

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability. The highest DC charging power is the maximum power supported by the vehicle.

Kia EV6

A Kia EV6 parked in front of two modern buildings at sunset.

The Kia EV6 is the stylish new electric hatchback SUV that shares a lot in common with the excellent Hyundai IONIQ 5. Its sporty drive, great range, and impressive driver assistance features make it an attractive choice for many. And compared to its competitors, it offers some of the best value for money. It’s no surprise that it was named European Car of the Year for 2022.

Kia EV6 specifications

The Kia EV6 is available in the UK in three different model variations, each with a 77.4 kWh battery capacity and different range:

Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD: has a range of up to 328 miles
Kia EV6 Long Range AWD: has a range of up to 314 miles
Kia EV6 GT: has a range of up to 263 miles

The starting price of the Kia EV6 is between £41,695 and £52,695* depending on the model variation and the trim level.

*The prices were taken at the time of writing from Kia UK.

How long does it take to charge the Kia EV6?

The time it takes to charge the Kia EV6 varies based on the power output and the type of charger. We’ve calculated the charging time based on the most common charging outputs at each charging level.

Charging level	Charging output	*Charging times: EV6 (77.4 kWh)**
Level 1 (AC)	2.3 kW	37h23m
Level 2 (AC)	7.4 kW	11h37m
Level 2 (AC)	11 kW	7h49m
Level 3 (DC)	50 kW	1h01m
Level 3 (DC)	150 kW	20 min
Level 3 (DC)	233 kW	13 min

Mazda MX-30

A Mazda MX-30 is parked in a square on a cloudy day. There are two modern buildings in the background and a bench on the left.

Mazda is joining the ranks of other vehicle manufacturers by releasing the MX-30, its first production EV. Despite its comparatively smaller battery and shorter range, the Mazda MX-30 is a family-friendly car with plenty of carrying capacity and interior space. It has a well-built interior and pays attention to detail with a careful selection of material which highlight Mazda’s commitment to minimising the MX-30’s environmental impact.

Mazda MX-30 specifications

The Mazda MX-30 has a 35.5 kWh battery capacity and a range of up to 147 miles. The starting price of the Mazda MX-30 is between £28,550 and £34,350* depending on the trim level.

*The prices were taken at the time of writing from Mazda UK.

How long does it take to charge the Mazda MX-30?

The time it takes to charge the Mazda MX-30 varies based on the power output and the type of charger. We’ve calculated the charging time based on the most common charging outputs at each charging level.

Charging level	Charging output	Charging times*
Level 1 (AC)	2.3 kW	17h08m
Level 2 (AC)	3.7 kW	10h39m
Level 2 (AC)	6.6 kW	5h58m
Level 3 (DC)	37 kW	38 min

Mercedes-Benz EQE

A closeup of a white Mercedes-Benz EQE with some white light beams which represent speed.

Following last year’s release of the flagship EQS, Mercedes is entering the luxury electric saloon market with an electric version of its E-Class. The Mercedes EQE is packed with futuristic tech, including a large touchscreen and advanced driver assistance features. As expected, build quality is top-notch, and compared to the enormous EQS, it drives much better. Aimed at the high-end market, the Mercedes EQE is a highly compelling electric car and deserves consideration as an alternative for many Tesla buyers.

Mercedes-Benz EQE specifications

The Mercedes EQE is available in the UK in four different model variations, each with a 90.6 kW useable battery capacity and different range:

EQE 350 + AMG Line: has a range of up to 395 miles
EQE 350 + AMG Line Premium: has a range of up to 384 miles
EQE 350 + AMG Line Premium Plus: has a range of up to 357 miles
EQE 350 + Exclusive Luxury: has a range of up to 378 miles

The starting price of the Mercedes EQE is between £76,450 and £88,450* depending on the model variation and the trim level.

*The prices were taken at the time of writing from Mercedes-Benz UK.

How long does it take to charge the Mercedes-Benz EQE?

The time it takes to charge the Mercedes EQE varies based on the power output and the type of charger. We’ve calculated the charging time based on the most common charging outputs at each charging level.

Charging level	Charging output	Charging times*
Level 1 (AC)	2.3 kW	48h46m
Level 2 (AC)	7.4 kW	13h36m
Level 2 (AC)	11 kW	9h09m
Level 2 (AC)	22 kW	4h34m
Level 3 (DC)	50 kW	1h12m
Level 3 (DC)	150 kW	36 min
Level 3 (DC)	170 kW	21 min

Nissan Ariya

A blue Nissan Ariya is parked on a promenade at sunset.

Nissan is well-known for its electric cars, with the Nissan Leaf being one of the earliest and most popular EVs on the market. This year, Nissan brings a strikingly different EV with the Nissan Ariya, the company’s first electric crossover. Beyond its bold exterior, its spacious interior and large trunk make it an ideal family car, and competitively priced one too.

Nissan Ariya specifications

The Nissan Ariya is available in three different model variations, each with a different useable battery capacity and range:

Ariya 63 kWh Advance: has a range of up to 223 miles
Ariya 87 kWh Evolve: has a range of up to 310 miles
Ariya e-4ORCE 87 kWh Evolve: has a range of up to 285 miles

The starting price of the Nissan Ariya is between £42,845 and £54,790* depending on the model variation and the trim level.

*The prices were taken at the time of writing from Nissan UK.

How long does it take to charge the Nissan Ariya?

The time it takes to charge the Nissan Ariya varies based on the power output and the type of charger. We’ve calculated the charging time based on the most common charging outputs at each charging level.

Charging level	Charging output	*Charging times: Aryia 63 kWh**	*Charging times: Aryia 87 kWh**
Level 1 (AC)	2.3 kW	30h26m	42h01m
Level 2 (AC)	7.4 kW	9h27m	13h03m
Level 2 (AC)	11 kW	6h21m	8h47m
Level 2 (AC)	22 kW	3h10m	4h23m
Level 3 (DC)	50 kW	50 min	1h09m
Level 3 (DC)	100 kW	25 min	34 min
Level 3 (DC)	130 kW	19 min	26 min

Cupra Born

A grey Cupra Born is parked under an overpass with an urban context in the background at sunset.

This year also marks the release of Cupra’s first electric car, the Born. Its sporty design and stylish interior are familiar features which make the Born look and feel distinctively Cupra. Underneath its looks, it shares a platform with the Volkswagen ID.3, with the same dimensions, battery, and driving performance. For anyone looking for a smaller EV, the Curpa Born is a zippy hatchback with a satisfying performance.

Cupra Born specifications

The Cupra Born is available in the UK in several different model variations, each with a different useable battery capacity and range:

Born 58 kWh: has a range of up to 263 miles
Born 58 kWh e-Boost: has a range of up to 261 miles
Born 77 kWh e-Boost: has a range of up to 341 miles

The starting price of the Cupra Born is between £34,715 and £41,975* depending on the model variation and trim level.

*The prices were taken at the time of writing from Cupra Official UK.

How long does it take to charge a Cupra Born?

The time it takes to charge the Cupra Born varies based on the power output and the type of charger. We’ve calculated the charging time based on the most common charging outputs at each charging level.

Charging level	Charging output	*Charging times: Cupra Born (58 kWh)**	*Charging times: Cupra Born (77 kWh)**
Level 1 (AC)	2.3 kW	28h01m	37h11m
Level 2 (AC)	7.4 kW	8h42m	11h33m
Level 2 (AC)	11 kW	5h51m	7h46m
Level 3 (DC)	50 kW	46 min	1h01m
Level 3 (DC)	130 kW	17 min	23 min
Level 3 (DC)	135 kW	-	22 min

We hope the list above has provided you with a good overview of some of the main new EVs for 2022. Alternatively, if you think you need something bigger, we also released a dedicated list of the best new electric SUVs of this year. Or take a look at our electric vehicle overview pages to get charging specs on any model.

If you are thinking of getting your first EV, you might be interested in our complete guide to electric car charging, which covers everything: from different charging levels, costs, range, to cables and plugs.