⚡️🔋Current Events 4/8/2023: Compelling EVs Dominate NYC Auto Show
The Newsletter's newest correspondent takes a look at the latest EV offerings from legacy automakers like Ford, GM, and so many more
Good evening folks,
Welcome back to Current Events, where we bring you news and lore from the world of electrification. My name is H, and I’m excited to introduce myself as a Substack author and a new contributing writer to the All-Electric Newsletter. Today, I’m here to share some insights from my Saturday waltz through The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Let’s get started.
Initial Expectations? I Wasn’t Jazzed.
I last visited NYIAS sometime pre-COVID, and I recall being disappointed at the lack of variety in vehicles available to explore. My memories are filled with oceans of amorphous crossover SUVs dominating the event space. In searching my Google Photos to pinpoint exactly when I went, I discovered that I hadn’t even taken any pictures during my last visit… Clearly not an inspiring experience. When I decided to attend this year’s NYIAS with a friend, I went in with low expectations to avoid abject disappointment. Upon arriving, I was pleasantly surprised to find the low bar totally unnecessary.
In the last several years, there has been a clear step change in attitude toward electric vehicles from legacy manufacturers, and that change was reflected at this year’s show. Hyundai, Ford, BMW, Nissan, and GM among others all had indoor test tracks where folks could take a ride in current or upcoming EVs. Though the trends admittedly still lean towards making similarly-shaped crossovers with sloped rear ends, there were a few fascinating gems waiting to be discovered.
Arrival at Javits
The NYIAS had plenty of variety to offer, and my friend and I spent longer than we expected at the venue discovering new EVs. Entering Javits Center and pushing past the throngs surrounding the “Camp Jeep” obstacle course led us to a lower-traffic attraction: the “Toyota Ride & Drive” track. Transparently it was no drive, and all ride with a pro driver behind the wheel, but it was exciting regardless. We had opportunities throughout the day to explore several new EVs from the passenger seat. Given a choice of several new Toyota models at the first station, we began the day with their new all-electric Toyota bZ4X.
The Cars
Toyota bZ4X
The bZ4X was developed jointly with Subaru on a shared platform. It’s Toyota’s first battery-powered EV, and it delivered smooth acceleration, demonstrated impressive low-speed collision avoidance tech, and surprisingly flat cornering. It was perfectly nice to sit inside, though the gloss-black surfaces inside looked pretty tacky. Acceleration rolled on smoothly in what the driver told us was the “medium” setting, and cornering was stable as in most EVs with the battery pack on the floor. The JBL sound system was well integrated into the interior. The entire passenger-side dashboard was made from the textured fabric common on JBL’s portable speakers. Sadly, we didn’t get to hear it on our short ride around the test track. All in all, the Toyota bZ4X was a car that got me excited about the future of mundanity, the one where you don’t have to choose between driving an EV and driving a normal car.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
This was our most pleasant surprise of the day. Though I don’t love the squashed-looking rear end of this car, taking a ride affected my opinion positively. It was lovely to sit inside with sleek details that deftly walked a line between the harsh sterility of a Tesla interior and the busy plastic-clad buttons festooning many modern dashboards. Soft multicolor LED lights lined the dash and doors. The ride was quiet, even inside the bustling convention space. The interior felt incredibly well built with lots of soft-touch surfaces. Hyundai continued their expert marketing game by offering a lounge after the ride complete with coffee, water, mints, and places to sit. Much needed respite for fatigued feet.
Mustang Mach-E
The Mach-E experience required watching a presentation from a Ford rep before crowds were allowed to get in the cars. The spokeswoman guided a young man, who volunteered from the audience, through plugging in a nearby Mach-E as a huge screen behind ran a short film about a Mach-E driver’s family road trip. For those unfamiliar with EVs, it was likely helpful to delineate between Levels 1, 2, and 3 of EV charging. Sitting inside the Mach-E after the presentation was unremarkable. The massive screen in the center of the dash was second fiddle to the row of several dozen screens lining the test track, which changed color as the Mach-E accelerated. The launch was very powerful, and our driver hit the brakes hard to slow by the end of the short lane. Besides the hard launch, Mach-E felt like a rather unassuming crossover SUV.
Chevy Bolt EV
The Bolt was on an “EV Test Track” on the lower level of the Javits Center. It was available to ride in among several other brands that did not have their own test tracks on the main floor upstairs. The seat was quite narrow, even for a smaller guy like me, but not uncomfortable. The Bolt is diminutive compared to the other vehicles we’d experienced, so it felt incredibly nimble around the test track. Acceleration was punchy, but as a FWD platform, the driver clearly had to reign in the speed to avoid understeering on the polished venue floors. The dash materials were relatively cheap but not unduly so; we must bear in mind the Bolt sits at $26,500 MSRP.
Kia EV6
I’ve had a soft spot for the EV6 since it came out, and seeing it up close solidified my affection. The exterior proportions are great. Trunk space is very generous as well. Though I didn’t get to ride in it, I was able to sit inside. I wasn’t as in love with the interior in person as I was when visualizing it from photos. For my hands, the turn signal was at a slightly uncomfortable distance and felt mushy when actuated, though this could have been due to hours of abuse from other Auto Show patrons. The floating center console was beautifully shaped but looked a little chintzy with—you guessed it—piano black accents. Altogether, it feels like a car I’d be happy to drive, but there are caveats. I’m eager to give it a test drive at my next available opportunity to round out my thoughts.
2024 Hyundai Kona EV
The Kona EV seems to have completed its long, slow design evolution from compliance car to compelling compact EV. While I didn’t get a chance to sit inside Hyundai’s latest Kona EV iteration, the upcoming model year’s refresh looks terrific. The front and rear look more aggressive and futuristic without leaning too heavily into the sci-fi look. The design is more in-line with its Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 brethren following this refresh. The wide DRLs at the front and rear borrow gently from its Ioniq cousins’ pixelated light motif. Most impressively, the trunk was surprisingly large given the overall vehicle size.
Genesis Electrified G80
Despite the wordy name (I’m one to talk) the Electrified G80 was a shining example of EV refinement and elegance. The front seats we supple and supremely comfortable. The dashboard was a pleasing mix of wood, leather, and satin plastics that looked like they’d hold up well against frequent use. The detents of the gear selector and myriad other knobs moved with rather pleasing mechanical clicks which suggested high quality. The exterior was identical to the gas-powered G80, a gorgeous full-size executive sedan. Yet another design home-run by Genesis.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Our journey through NYIAS made its last stop at VW’s display for their electric revival of the legendary Type 2, known now as the ID. Buzz. Despite a fun looking exterior and a form factor that inevitably conjures daydreams of summer van life, I was really disappointed with the interior quality of the ID. Buzz. The seats were already discolored by the second day of the event, and the materials in the back seats were mostly low-quality plastics. As US pricing hasn’t been announced, I can’t yet throw too much criticism in VW’s direction. As it stands, however, I wouldn’t love to be a passenger in the ID. Buzz.
For anyone traveling through New York City this week, if you’re looking for beautiful design and engineering to marvel at, I sincerely recommend you treat yourself to a visit to Javits Center. The show continues until Sunday, Apr 16; tickets are $21 for adults and $7 for children. If you happen to stay for a full six hours as we did, I also recommend a hearty meal over at Ippudo when you’re done.
Thanks again for being part of the Current Events community, where we write and share our ideas hoping to guide people through the world of electrification. Your support for this project means everything to us.
If you liked what I wrote today don’t forget to leave a like, share your thoughts in the comments, share freely with friends, and subscribe so you can receive the all-electric newsletter directly to your inbox every release. I’ll be releasing new pieces on science, technology, and the future on my own Substack as well! See you next time.
All the best,
H
H Maximilian Rosenthal is a Contributing Writer at Current Events, The All-Electric Newsletter, and author of H’s Substack. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are his own. None of the views expressed are intended as investment advice of any kind and should not be taken as such. Have a lovely day!