Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly rising in popularity as more models come to market and innovation drives improvements in affordability, range, charging speed, automation, and overall performance. Major strides are being made in EV technology that will shape the landscape in 2023 and beyond.
According to EVAdoption, EV sales in the US increased nearly 100% year-over-year in 2021. This growth is projected to accelerate as more drivers go electric. Entire brand lineups like Volvo plan to go fully electric over the next few years.
2023 will be a pivotal year for EV technology as automakers double down on electrification and ramp up investments. Exciting developments are on the horizon that will make EVs more practical, powerful, high-tech, and cost-effective.
In this article, we’ll highlight the biggest EV tech trends you can expect to see in 2023 and how they will impact the electric vehicle marketplace. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast or just EV-curious, understanding these advancements will provide key insights into the future of electric cars.
One of the most important developments making EVs more accessible to mainstream car buyers is lower prices. Upfront costs have long been a barrier to mass adoption. However, battery technology improvements, manufacturing optimizations, and economies of scale are bringing down costs across the board.
Several factors will contribute to lower EV prices in 2023:
Improving battery technology - Through battery chemistry innovations and cell design improvements, automakers are increasing energy density. This means they can use fewer battery cells to achieve the same or better range capabilities. Increased density coupled with scaled-up production volumes reduces battery pack costs substantially.
Economies of scale - As EV production scales up to meet rising demand, manufacturers can take advantage of economies of scale to reduce unit costs. The EV market is reaching an inflection point where the scales of the economy kick in.
Expiring tax credits - Many EV early adopter tax credits and incentives will begin expiring in 2023. This will force automakers to reduce prices to remain competitive in the mass market without subsidies.
As costs come down, we’ll see more affordable EV options under $30,000 hitting the market, like the Chevy Equinox EV and Tesla Model 2. While EVs are still generally more expensive upfront than comparable gas cars, lowering prices will be key to widespread adoption.
In addition to lower-cost models, 2023 will see automakers significantly expand their EV lineups across new vehicle segments and body styles. More choice and variety will draw new buyers.
Here are some of the new EVs we expect to see:
Affordable models under $30k - As mentioned above, there will be more economical options like the Chevy Equinox EV and Tesla Model 2. This will make EVs attainable for more budgets.
New luxury models - High-end brands like Audi, Mercedes, and BMW will release new upscale SUVs, sedans, and sports cars showcasing the latest technology. The Lotus Eletre hyper SUV is one example.
More SUVs and trucks - Since these are the most popular segments, brands are churning out new EV SUVs and pickups. Options like the Rivian R1S, Ford F-150 Lightning, and VW ID. Buzz microbus expands choices.
Practical family vehicles - Brands are electrifying their stalwart family car models like the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Ioniq to appeal to typical households. Minivans and 3-row SUVs are coming too.
The bottom line is that regardless of price point or vehicle type, there will be a lot more EVs coming in 2023 from major and startup automakers alike. More variety and availability will get more people into electric vehicles.
For EVs to really take over, improvements in charging speed and public charging infrastructure are needed. Exciting progress is coming on both fronts in 2023.
Faster home, public, and highway charging will alleviate range anxiety. More plentiful charging stations will make EVs more convenient for road trips and urban dwellers without home charging.
Ultra-fast charging - New 350kW+ charging stations allow compatible EVs to add hundreds of miles of range in 15 minutes. This super-fast rate will be more widely available.
Bidirectional charging - New EVs will allow two-way charging from the grid to the car and vice versa. This enables vehicle-to-grid integration to help balance the electrical grid.
Charging network expansion - Public charging station expansion plans by governments and companies like Tesla will multiply the number of available fast chargers along major routes.
Faster home charging - New affordable home charging stations will allow overnight charging at faster Level 2 rates without special electrical work.
With charging a primary concern keeping some drivers from going electric, the coming advances in 2023 will help pave the way to mass adoption.
EVs continue to get more range out of increased battery capacity coupled with efficiency improvements. Faster acceleration and performance are also a focus for automakers.
Battery chemistry advances - Cobalt-free batteries, solid-state batteries, and sodium-ion batteries coming down the pike will improve energy density for longer range and better durability.
Bigger batteries - Manufacturing improvements are allowing companies to economically produce EVs with larger 100+ kWh battery packs without sacrificing cargo or passenger space.
300+ mile range - Longer range eases driver anxiety. The average range is expected to surpass 300 miles as newer models come out in 2023. Lucid Air and Mercedes EQS already exceed that threshold.
Quicker acceleration - Lower centers of gravity and instant torque make EVs inherently speedy. Advances will lead to more EVs with sub-3 second 0-60 mph times once only attainable by supercars.
As range and acceleration benchmarks keep improving, EVs will outperform gas cars in ways that get more consumers excited to make the switch.
EVs are leading the way when it comes to high-tech infotainment, digital interfaces, premium audio, and connectivity. Expect immersive interior upgrades in 2023 models.
Panoramic displays - Large cinematic touchscreens for navigation, music, cabin controls, and more are becoming standard. Curved, edge-to-edge glass displays create a sophisticated look.
Digital assistants - Native Alexa, Siri, and Google Voice Assistant integration allows for voice commands. Custom wake-up words like "Hello Lucid" up the ante.
Premium audio - With the quiet cabins of EVs, upgraded audio is a point of differentiation. Surround sound, noise-canceling tech and subwoofers enhance the listening experience.
Advanced navigation - Integrated route planning incorporates charging stops and provides charging station availability and wait times. Real-time traffic data improves ETAs.
OTA software updates - Over-the-air software updates add new functionality, media, and entertainment without visiting a dealer. Tesla pioneered this capability.
Next-gen interior tech will make drivers feel like they are in a spaceship while providing seamless connectivity and entertainment.
EVs are taking automation and self-driving tech to new heights with sophisticated sensors, onboard computation, and AI. Step-function improvements in capability are on the horizon in 2023.
ADAS features - Driver assist systems like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and auto emergency braking will become more accurate and widely available through incremental improvements.
Expanded hands-free tech - Eyes-off, hands-free autonomous driving will expand beyond the current limits of geofenced highways to additional roads and conditions.
More self-driving actions - Vehicles will gain the ability to automatically change lanes, make turns, navigate tunnels, read traffic lights, and respond to emergency vehicles while in self-driving mode.
Path to full autonomy - Automakers predict fully autonomous Level 5 driving could arrive between 2025 and 2030, starting with robotaxis. Regulations will need to catch up.
With each upgrade to sensing, decision-making, and control capabilities, EVs will take notable strides down the path to true self-driving.
Major leaps in EV technology are on the horizon in 2023 and beyond. With so many impactful improvements underway, from affordability and charging to automation and performance, electric vehicles are poised to become the new normal.
Lower costs, expanded model lineups, advanced charging networks, extended range, and sophisticated tech will make the switch to electric more enticing than ever. As adoption reaches critical mass, economies of scale will drive costs down further in a virtuous cycle.
While challenges remain around battery supply chain sustainability and access to rare earth materials, the momentum is undeniable. When it comes to the passenger vehicle market, the future is undoubtedly electric. The innovations coming in 2023 will go a long way toward accelerating the transition.
According to EVAdoption, EV sales in the US increased nearly 100% year-over-year in 2021. This growth is projected to accelerate as more drivers go electric. Entire brand lineups like Volvo plan to go fully electric over the next few years.
2023 will be a pivotal year for EV technology as automakers double down on electrification and ramp up investments. Exciting developments are on the horizon that will make EVs more practical, powerful, high-tech, and cost-effective.
In this article, we’ll highlight the biggest EV tech trends you can expect to see in 2023 and how they will impact the electric vehicle marketplace. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast or just EV-curious, understanding these advancements will provide key insights into the future of electric cars.
Lower Costs Make EVs More Affordable
One of the most important developments making EVs more accessible to mainstream car buyers is lower prices. Upfront costs have long been a barrier to mass adoption. However, battery technology improvements, manufacturing optimizations, and economies of scale are bringing down costs across the board.
Several factors will contribute to lower EV prices in 2023:
Improving battery technology - Through battery chemistry innovations and cell design improvements, automakers are increasing energy density. This means they can use fewer battery cells to achieve the same or better range capabilities. Increased density coupled with scaled-up production volumes reduces battery pack costs substantially.
Economies of scale - As EV production scales up to meet rising demand, manufacturers can take advantage of economies of scale to reduce unit costs. The EV market is reaching an inflection point where the scales of the economy kick in.
Expiring tax credits - Many EV early adopter tax credits and incentives will begin expiring in 2023. This will force automakers to reduce prices to remain competitive in the mass market without subsidies.
As costs come down, we’ll see more affordable EV options under $30,000 hitting the market, like the Chevy Equinox EV and Tesla Model 2. While EVs are still generally more expensive upfront than comparable gas cars, lowering prices will be key to widespread adoption.
New Models Expand Lineups Across Brands
In addition to lower-cost models, 2023 will see automakers significantly expand their EV lineups across new vehicle segments and body styles. More choice and variety will draw new buyers.
Here are some of the new EVs we expect to see:
Affordable models under $30k - As mentioned above, there will be more economical options like the Chevy Equinox EV and Tesla Model 2. This will make EVs attainable for more budgets.
New luxury models - High-end brands like Audi, Mercedes, and BMW will release new upscale SUVs, sedans, and sports cars showcasing the latest technology. The Lotus Eletre hyper SUV is one example.
More SUVs and trucks - Since these are the most popular segments, brands are churning out new EV SUVs and pickups. Options like the Rivian R1S, Ford F-150 Lightning, and VW ID. Buzz microbus expands choices.
Practical family vehicles - Brands are electrifying their stalwart family car models like the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Ioniq to appeal to typical households. Minivans and 3-row SUVs are coming too.
The bottom line is that regardless of price point or vehicle type, there will be a lot more EVs coming in 2023 from major and startup automakers alike. More variety and availability will get more people into electric vehicles.
Advances in Charging Speed and Infrastructure
For EVs to really take over, improvements in charging speed and public charging infrastructure are needed. Exciting progress is coming on both fronts in 2023.
Faster home, public, and highway charging will alleviate range anxiety. More plentiful charging stations will make EVs more convenient for road trips and urban dwellers without home charging.
Ultra-fast charging - New 350kW+ charging stations allow compatible EVs to add hundreds of miles of range in 15 minutes. This super-fast rate will be more widely available.
Bidirectional charging - New EVs will allow two-way charging from the grid to the car and vice versa. This enables vehicle-to-grid integration to help balance the electrical grid.
Charging network expansion - Public charging station expansion plans by governments and companies like Tesla will multiply the number of available fast chargers along major routes.
Faster home charging - New affordable home charging stations will allow overnight charging at faster Level 2 rates without special electrical work.
With charging a primary concern keeping some drivers from going electric, the coming advances in 2023 will help pave the way to mass adoption.
Better Range and Performance
EVs continue to get more range out of increased battery capacity coupled with efficiency improvements. Faster acceleration and performance are also a focus for automakers.
Battery chemistry advances - Cobalt-free batteries, solid-state batteries, and sodium-ion batteries coming down the pike will improve energy density for longer range and better durability.
Bigger batteries - Manufacturing improvements are allowing companies to economically produce EVs with larger 100+ kWh battery packs without sacrificing cargo or passenger space.
300+ mile range - Longer range eases driver anxiety. The average range is expected to surpass 300 miles as newer models come out in 2023. Lucid Air and Mercedes EQS already exceed that threshold.
Quicker acceleration - Lower centers of gravity and instant torque make EVs inherently speedy. Advances will lead to more EVs with sub-3 second 0-60 mph times once only attainable by supercars.
As range and acceleration benchmarks keep improving, EVs will outperform gas cars in ways that get more consumers excited to make the switch.
High-Tech Interiors and Entertainment
EVs are leading the way when it comes to high-tech infotainment, digital interfaces, premium audio, and connectivity. Expect immersive interior upgrades in 2023 models.
Panoramic displays - Large cinematic touchscreens for navigation, music, cabin controls, and more are becoming standard. Curved, edge-to-edge glass displays create a sophisticated look.
Digital assistants - Native Alexa, Siri, and Google Voice Assistant integration allows for voice commands. Custom wake-up words like "Hello Lucid" up the ante.
Premium audio - With the quiet cabins of EVs, upgraded audio is a point of differentiation. Surround sound, noise-canceling tech and subwoofers enhance the listening experience.
Advanced navigation - Integrated route planning incorporates charging stops and provides charging station availability and wait times. Real-time traffic data improves ETAs.
OTA software updates - Over-the-air software updates add new functionality, media, and entertainment without visiting a dealer. Tesla pioneered this capability.
Next-gen interior tech will make drivers feel like they are in a spaceship while providing seamless connectivity and entertainment.
New Levels of Autonomous Driving
EVs are taking automation and self-driving tech to new heights with sophisticated sensors, onboard computation, and AI. Step-function improvements in capability are on the horizon in 2023.
ADAS features - Driver assist systems like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and auto emergency braking will become more accurate and widely available through incremental improvements.
Expanded hands-free tech - Eyes-off, hands-free autonomous driving will expand beyond the current limits of geofenced highways to additional roads and conditions.
More self-driving actions - Vehicles will gain the ability to automatically change lanes, make turns, navigate tunnels, read traffic lights, and respond to emergency vehicles while in self-driving mode.
Path to full autonomy - Automakers predict fully autonomous Level 5 driving could arrive between 2025 and 2030, starting with robotaxis. Regulations will need to catch up.
With each upgrade to sensing, decision-making, and control capabilities, EVs will take notable strides down the path to true self-driving.
The Future is Electric
Major leaps in EV technology are on the horizon in 2023 and beyond. With so many impactful improvements underway, from affordability and charging to automation and performance, electric vehicles are poised to become the new normal.
Lower costs, expanded model lineups, advanced charging networks, extended range, and sophisticated tech will make the switch to electric more enticing than ever. As adoption reaches critical mass, economies of scale will drive costs down further in a virtuous cycle.
While challenges remain around battery supply chain sustainability and access to rare earth materials, the momentum is undeniable. When it comes to the passenger vehicle market, the future is undoubtedly electric. The innovations coming in 2023 will go a long way toward accelerating the transition.
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