Which Electric Cars Are Made In The US? The Best American-Made EVs

Everyone has their eye on American auto manufacturers these days, especially with the recent $7,500 to $12,000 tax credit for electric vehicles and US-made electric vehicles. Because the electric vehicle (EV) market is so fierce, it’s best to stay informed of your options and what they cost. So, which EVs are made in the US, and which ones should you be looking at?

Some American-made electric cars are the Ford F-150 Lightning, the Cadillac Lyric, and the Chevy Bolt. EVs made in the US may have lower prices due to state/federal credits, and you can use the VIN number, NHTSA listings, or the Made in America Auto Index to determine if a model is built in the US.

You’re in luck if you’re considering purchasing a new electric vehicle in the coming year. There are multiple options that are planned for release in 2022 and 2023. We’ve compiled nine of the best electric cars made in the US to help you figure out which option is right for you.

How Many Electric Cars Are Made in the US?

There are already many electric car models made around the world, and the number is only growing. Some of these EVs are made in Germany, Japan, South Korea, and of course, the United States.

In the US alone, there are over ten electric cars manufactured and about 26 models available for consumers. This isn’t a complete list, but here are some of the best US-made EVs:

Tesla Roadster

The latest Tesla Roadster was unveiled in November 2017 and is expected to release in 2022. This second generation of Roadsters is made in the Tesla Facility located near Fremont, California.

With an estimated 620 miles of range per charge and the capability to reach 0-60 miles per hour in under 2 seconds, the Tesla Roadster is nothing to scoff at. The Roadster Second Generation is rumored to have top speeds of 245 miles per hour or higher. The starting costs are around $200,000.

Corvette EV

Who thought we would one day see an electric Corvette? The good news is that Chevrolet plans to release two electrified Corvettes in the future, with the first likely to release sometime in 2023. That model will be a Corvette hybrid, while the all-electric model will come at a later point.

Both Corvette EV models are expected to be built in the company’s Bowling Green factory in Kentucky. Unfortunately, that’s pretty much all the information that’s been released so far.

BMW iX

As far as midsize and SUV-style EVs to look forward to, we have the BMW iX. Deliveries for the electric car start in March of 2022. The SUV can travel around 285 miles on each charge, thanks to the 63-kWh lithium-ion battery.

BMW claims that you can travel from Los Angeles all the way to Las Vegas with a single charge. The entry-level SUV also reaches 60 miles per hour in under 5 seconds, has 516 horsepower, and has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The starting price is just over $83,000, and the premium sports model starts at around $95,000.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Hailing from GM’s Orion Assembly facility near Orion Township, Michigan, comes Chevy’s new Bolt EV SUV crossover model (EUV for short). This SUV is the latest addition to Chevrolet’s Bolt line.

The Bolt EUV will be a bit taller and more spacious than a standard Bolt. The Bolt EUV boasts a range of 247 miles, 200 horsepower, and can reach 60 miles per hour in seven seconds.

The 2022 Bolt EUV comes with Chevy Safety Assist, a package of safety features that ensure you’re better protected and more confident on the road. The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV has a starting price of $33,500, making it an incredibly competitively priced electric vehicle in today’s market.

Lucid Air

The new Lucid Air is another EV to look forward to. Lucid, formerly known as Atieva, is a US car manufacturer specializing in electric vehicles, and the new Lucid Air is one of their latest offerings, with an incredibly sleek design and luxurious appeal. The model will be built near Casa Grande, Arizona.

The Lucid Air is expected to have ranges up to 520 miles on a single charge, 1,111 max horsepower, and the ability to reach 60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds. The new Lucid Air Dream Model might be one of the fastest and longest-range EVs in today’s market.

The company claims that the vehicle can charge up to twenty miles in 60 seconds, with 300-400 miles of range in twenty minutes. The Lucid Air might even reach max speeds of 235 miles per hour.

It’s not yet clear when the latest models will be shipped. Consumers expect shipments to begin sometime in 2022 or early 2023. However, you can reserve the new Lucid Air now for the following prices:

• Air Pure: $77,400
  
• Air Touring: $95,000
  
• Air Grand Touring: $139,000

Ford’s F-150 Lightning Electric Pickup Truck

The Ford F-150 Lightning EV is expected to be processed at the newly developed electric vehicle facility near Dearborn, Michigan, and it will likely be released sometime in 2022.

The Ford F-150 Lightning EV is a model on nearly everyone’s radar, as Ford’s first all-electric offering (not to be confused with their previous hybrid model). The extended-range pickup truck will have an estimated range of 320 miles, reach 60 miles per hour in under five seconds, and has a 10,000 lb maximum towing capability.

The vehicle can traverse multiple terrains with ease by utilizing different features such as Sport, Back-Road, etc. Just because it’s electric doesn’t mean it isn’t a workhorse.

The Ford F-150 Lightning EV is also competitively priced and will be an affordable option for many consumers. Entry-level models begin around $40,000, while the more specialized, mid-tier options begin at about $53,000.

Prices can reach upwards of $90,000 when you include customizations and special features.

Cadillac Lyriq

Coming out of Spring Hill, Tennessee, is the first electric Cadillac, which is known as the Cadillac Lyric.

The Cadillac Lyriq is a new station wagon-like EUV and is one of the first offerings from GM that utilizes their new Ultium battery system.

The five-seat SUV features multiple safety features, such as Chevy’s SuperCruise technology enabling hands-off cruising. The Lyric will come in single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive options.

The expected range is more than 300 miles on a single charge. The vehicle offers a 100.0-kWh battery, standard DC fast charging, and a starting price of just under $60,000.

Rivian R1T

Another EV pickup truck to keep an eye on is Rivian’s R1T, built at the former Mitsubishi plant in Normal, Illinois. The new Rivian R1T is expected to be a tough competitor agaforinst Ford’s all-electric F 150 Lightning.

Rivian claims that the R1T can traverse nearly anywhere, with capabilities of handling temperatures from -25 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the battery pack and motor you select, you can expect anywhere from 260 to over 400 miles of effective range.

The new Rivian R1T features all-wheel drive; it can hit 0-60 miles per hour in three seconds; it can tow upwards of 11,000 pounds; and it can wade through more than three feet of water. Furthermore, the interior has a sleek design using vegan leather upholstery, black matte finishes, and a panoramic glass roof design.

The R1T has eight different driving modes, allowing you to conquer nearly any path in front of you. You can adjust the ride height, suspension, pedal response, and more with these different features. The pickup truck also has its fair share of utility features, including over 65 cu. Ft. of storage, gear tunnels, and even a pull-down styler camper kitchen.

The first wave of deliveries for the new Rivian R1T is expected to start in mid to late 2022. However, you can reserve yours now to ensure you get one as soon as possible.

The starting price for the new Rivian R1T Explore model is $67,500. The Adventure model starts at $73,000, while the special green Launch Edition has a starting price of $85,000.

Rivian R1S

Another option hailing from Normal, Illinois, is the new Rivian R1S, which will be the manufacturer’s flagship electric SUV. The R1S claims to handle temperatures from -25 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, making it incredibly versatile. Depending on the lithium-ion battery and electric motor, you can expect anywhere from 260 to over 320 miles of travel capacity per charge.

The new Rivian R1S features all-wheel drive, reaches 60 miles per hour in three seconds, can handle 3 feet of depth, has over 12 inches of floor clearance, and has a towing capability of 7,700 pounds.

With seats for up to seven passengers and customizable rows, the R1S can handle nearly any family. ANd with the front trunk, center console, lower-seat compartments, back storage area, and other spaces, you’ll receive over 100 cubic feet of protected cargo capacity.

The Rivian R1S is well-suited to families thanks to its super-low center of gravity, preventing rollovers and keeping you secure on the road. The R1S is built from aluminum alloy, ultra-high-strength steel, and carbon fiber for enhanced protection.

Additionally, the automated height modification system will ease the processes of loading groceries, wrangling your kids, and getting in and out of the vehicle.

The first wave of deliveries for the new Rivian R1S is expected to start in mid to late 2022. However, you can reserve yours now. The starting price for the Rivian R1S Explore model is $72,500. The Adventure model starts at $78,000, while the special green Launch Edition has a starting price of $90,000.

How Can You Tell if a Car Is Made in the US?

You might be wondering how to determine if a car is made in the United States or why it even matters. This consideration is understandable. One reason to consider this factor is the recent tax credit provided for US-made electric vehicles.

The simplest way to determine if the car is made in the US is to inspect the VIN number. US VIN numbers typically start with 1, 4, or 5. Canadian models start with a 2, Mexico starts with a 3, and Japan or Korea begins with a J or K.

Another option is to check data from the AALA (American Automobile Labeling Act). You can find more information by visiting the National Highway and Transportation Administration website. These data sets are updated every three months but can sometimes be incomplete, so take it with a grain of salt.

Your third option is to consult American University’s Made in America Auto Index. This index can be used as a measurement for which auto manufacturers are building their vehicles on US soil. Remember that electric vehicles might not be in the same section as a manufacturer’s traditional or hybrid options.