2026’s slate of EVs promises to be a varied and exciting one. Automakers aren’t focused on just getting an electric car to market anymore. Now, many are finding their respective niches, building cars that speak to what each brand is about, and filling in holes in their existing lineups. Take Chevrolet, for example. While GM has plenty of larger EVs and more than a few luxurious ones, the lower end of the spectrum is notably light. The latest Bolt should fix that, though.
Meanwhile, others aim for performance, with two new Korean performance EVs set to take the stage this year, and from the same brand at that. Here, we’ve gathered up a list of everything we’re excited to see in 2026 (in no particular order). Of course, it’s worth noting that everything here is subject to change, and plenty of EVs have come and gone in the last few months alone.
BMW iX3
BMW
The BMW iX3 is important (and exciting) because it rides on the brand’s latest Neue Klasse platform, which will define how its vehicles feel, drive, and look for years to come. It’s a hint at the direction one of Germany’s most important automakers is headed in. Software is going to be a big part of it, with a huge panoramic infotainment display and the requisite and water-hungry AI assistant. Hopefully, the EV won’t be as thirsty as a data center, though, with BMW promising over 400 miles of range in charging so quickly it’ll almost be like stopping for gas.
Chevrolet Bolt
Chevrolet
The iX3 will, of course, be expensive. At least, it will be compared to the reincarnated Chevrolet Bolt. GM’s first truly affordable next-generation EV promises to build on the foundations laid by its predecessor while offering more range and cheaper, more durable LFP ( that’s lithium iron phosphate) batteries. GM says it’ll start under $30,000 and come with 250 miles of range and 150 kilowatts of fast-charging capability.
Acura RSX
Acura
2026 is a banner year for Honda and Acura’s electric ambitions. Both brands will launch EVs this year, and Acura’s RSX will be among them. The new EV promises 300+ miles of range and an AI assistant, clearly aimed at undercutting competition from Germany. The similarities to BMW’s new EVs don’t stop there. The RSX, like the iX3, will be the tip of the spear for Acura and Honda’s new EV push, and will also hint at what’s to come from the Japanese brands.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
Hyundai
The RSX should have a sportier bent to it, but not like the Ioniq 6 N. Like the Ioniq 5 N before it, this is the fastest, nastiest version of the demure Ioniq 6 EV. Already a fantastic electric sedan in its own right, we largely know what to expect from the fast version. Like the larger hatch N car, it’ll have fake engine noise and faux gear shifts. It should be more switched-on than the larger SUV, though, given the smaller profile and lower curb weight.
Jaguar Type 00
Jaguar
It’d be impossible to leave Jaguar’s first car since its aggressive rebrand out. The British luxury automaker faces a sink-or-swim scenario, and much of its hopes are pinned on a big upmarket swing from its Type 00 concept, which should reach production sometime this year. We doubt anyone will be driving one in 2026, but we’ll have more specs and a better idea of whether or not Jaguar will be able to pull all this off.
Kia EV3
At the other end of the spectrum lies the Kia EV3. It’s already on sale elsewhere, but US-market versions should head here this year. The all-wheel drive Kia is a smaller crossover EV with the latest in Hyundai/Kia/Genesis tech and features, packaged at an affordable price point. Of course, it’ll also offer quicker charging, something that’s becoming a norm for newer EVs as we continue to watch the technology behind batteries and how they’re charged progress. We imagine it’ll depend largely on price. The EV is made in Korea, and tariffs may weaken this EV’s value proposition.
Jeep Recon
Jeep
Jeep just killed its hybrid lineup. Instead, the brand will offer a middle-ground thanks to range-extended EVs, which use a larger gas motor as a generator to provide additional range. The Recon, however, is Jeep’s fully electric entrant, and a serious off-roader at that. It’ll have big 33-inch tires, lockers, and all the off-road kit its buyers expect. We expect the biggest make-or-break factor for the EV’s success will be its range: at 230 miles, it’s a bit light, but that’s what happens when you make a giant, heavy brick with huge tires.
Porsche Cayenne Electric
Porsche
Speaking of massive, heavy SUVs, Porsche’s electric Cayenne will make its debut more than 20 years after its first-ever SUV rolled off the brand’s Stuttgart assembly lines. It’ll bring ultra-fast 400kW charging, more than 1,100 horsepower (in top trims, of course), and similarly daunting range figures. Even basic Cayennes should offer more than 350 miles of range. Eventually, the Cayenne will only be sold as an EV, but for now, you can still get a gas model, too.
Rivian R2
Another (mildly) cost-conscious EV will arrive in 2026, this time from Rivian. The upcoming R2 crossover SUV is designed to slot in under the brand’s pricey R1T and R1S truck and SUV. It’s also a do-or-die moment for the brand. Rivian’s first foray beyond its now well-established larger vehicles, the vehicle also represents a mid-market EV from a boutique automaker that has the technical chops, infrastructure, and brand recognition to challenge the establishment. The R2 itself will start with a $45,000 (ish) rear-drive model and more than 300 miles of range. We also expect off-road-focused models with more power and more motors.
Slate Truck
Slate Auto
Speaking of boutique automakers with potential, Slate looks to be a Rivian for the masses. It promises much: a cheap, back-to-basics truck starting under $30K (Slate itself says even cheaper) with customization you’d expect from Porsche. Buy a basic Slate truck, and you can turn it into anything you want. The brand offers a la carte customization in the form of paint, graphics, and even bodystyles, all of which Slate will sell you and allow you to install yourself. Fail, or decide to skip all that entirely, and the brand will offer installation and upfitting from the factory.
About the author
Chase Bierenkoven
Senior Editor, Autoblog