WHEELS
CHARGING AHEAD
All-electric SUVs are coming on strong, and their presence is reshaping the automotive landscape. Here are three that are worthy of your attention. BY S H AU N TO L S O N
Cadillac Lyriq
Jaguar I-Pace
W
hen it debuted in 2018, the JAGUAR I-PACE immediately captured the world’s attention, and significant accolades soon followed. In 2019, the I-Pace became the first Jaguar vehicle to win European Car of the Year—then Best Design, Best Green Car, and Best Overall Car honors at the World Car Awards bestowed during the New York International Auto Show. Since then, the model has remained on the leading edge of electric vehicle design, and the newest iterant, which starts at $69,900 (jaguarusa.com), eliminates almost all of the anxiety that might detract from the enjoyment of long-distance road trips (its estimated range is 234 miles). Through a system called Pivi Pro, the I-Pace delivers enhanced EV navigation that includes available
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charging stations and estimated charging times at each. Other systems, such as infotainment, battery management, and charging can be updated remotely, which means the 2022 I-Pace has the ability to remain relevant, even as new model year vehicles are produced. In Eco Mode, the I-Pace reduces energy depletion and encourages a more efficient driving style, all of which preserves the vehicle’s range. But Jaguar’s flagship electric SUV is also fun to drive in any mode, since each axle is equipped with its own electric motor, which produces exceptional power (394 hp, 512 lb-ft of torque) and superior performance (acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds). General Motors recently received $2 billion in funding to support its electric vehicle production and another $2.3 billion to support a new battery cell
manufacturing plant, the latter financial support coming from Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution. With that financial backing, GM is poised to develop an entire new lineup of all-electric vehicles, beginning with the CADILLAC LYRIQ (starting at $59,990; cadillac.com), which is set to being production during the first half of this year. Powered by a 12-module, 100 kilowatthour battery that’s paired with a rearwheel-drive Ultium Platform, this electric SUV produces an estimated 340 hp and almost 325 lb-ft of torque. It’s also projected to cover more than 300 miles on a full charge. The Lyriq provides high-speed charging capability (190 kW) at public stations, which can replenish the battery with about 76 miles of range in only 10 minutes. Yet, the SUV also features Regen on Demand—a technology that utilizes regenerative braking and allows drivers, through use of a pressure-sensitive paddle on the steering wheel, to control how quickly the vehicle slows down or comes to a stop. When utilized, it can maximize the Lyriq’s electric efficiency. The FORD MUSTANG MACH-E (starting at $43,895, ford.com) is a polarizing vehicle. Muscle car aficionados—and
