by Peter Ciani
The 2023 New York Auto Show kicked-off on Friday, April 7 and will run until Sunday, April 16th. Despite being smaller than previous years due to Covid-19 disruptions, it remains one of the best places on the East Coast to shop for new cars and check-out new car models.
Absences from major brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Volvo were notable, but the show itself is slowly coming back to life, in fact maybe more so. With a lot of brands missing, the auto show has taken advantage of the extra space and added more interactive experiences for car buyers, especially those seeking an all-electric experience.
Having 80,000 square feet of indoor EV test tracks means that auto show visitors don’t just sit in stationary cars such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, or the Hyundai IONIQ 5, but actually get to feel the power and refinement that these vehicles offer as a front seat passenger would. This is the beauty of electrification – no carbon monoxide fumes.
Not surprisingly, a majority of the new and refreshed models shown this year are battery-powered. EV technology continues to evolve, and electrification continues to expand from the more typical sedan and small SUV segments to full-size pickup truck and mid-to-large SUV segments.
Here are a few vehicles to check out if you’re planning to attend.
2024 RAM 1500 REV
As EV trucks slowly inch their way into the mainstream, early adopters are discovering that those impressive range estimates on the window sticker don’t always hold up when towing or hauling. This was one of RAM’s primary concerns when designing the all-new, all-electric RAM 1500 REV.
If a truck can’t be used as a truck, then what’s the point of said truck? With that in mind, RAM packed the 1500 REV with plenty of battery cells to counter range loss under normal working conditions. A standard 168-kilowatt-hour battery pack is expected to deliver up to 350 miles of range on a full charge, while an optional 229-kilowatt-hour battery should deliver up to 500 miles.
By comparison, the Ford F-150 Lightning delivers only 240 miles of range from a standard 98-kilowatt-hour battery and up to 320 miles of range with its optional 131-kilowatt-hour battery.
RAM also says that the 1500 REV can add up to 110 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes with standard 800-volt DC fast charging at up to 350 kilowatts – another huge advantage over the Lightning, which is limited to 150 kilowatt DC fast charging, adding up to 54 miles of range in 10 minutes with the extended-range battery.
The Rivain R1T and Ford Lightning have taken some heat in the press for their poor towing performance. If RAM’s “Premature Electrification” parody commercial is any indication they have clearly taken notice.
We’re hoping that the RAM brand can deliver on its promises. You can’t fire shots like that, then not deliver.
2024 KIA EV9
Perhaps one of the more important new models on display at this year’s auto show is the all-new Kia EV9, an all-electric 3-row SUV with rugged, yet high-tech styling and up to 300 miles of range when equipped with the optional 99.8-kilowatt-hour battery and rear-wheel drive.
Here’s why we think it deserves your attention.
In the Kia / Hyundai family, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade have been smash hits, flying off dealership floors since their debut for the 2020 model year.
On the EV side, the Hyundai Motor Group has been making significant strides. The Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60 are perfect examples of what this automotive group is capable of achieving, and all three models have received high praise from auto reviewers, as well as customers.
The EV9 is not only a continuation of the Kia brand’s well-executed EV initiative, but an evolution of one of the most popular vehicle segments, and an inevitable replacement for the Telluride.
With its sleek design and impressive range, the EV9 is set to make a splash in the electric vehicle market. Until now, there really hasn’t been a moderately priced, fully-electric 3-row SUV, besides the unconventional Tesla Model X, and the very cool, but premium-priced Rivian R1S
It’s clear that Kia is committed to sustainable transportation and the EV9 is another milestone in that direction.
2024 Hyundai Kona
Unlike the Hyundai IONIQ line, which uses a dedicated EV-only E-GMP platform, the redesigned Hyundai Kona continues to use a more conventional small-SUV platform that supports both electric and internal combustion powertrains. This allows Hyundai to offer a less expensive EV as they gradually transition away from ICE engines altogether.
However, “inexpensive” does not mean “cheap.” The Kona Electric is the brand’s entry-level electric vehicle and offers great value for its segment, on par with the Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV in terms of available range.
The 2024 Kona was redeveloped with a focus on enhancing driving dynamics and responsive performance, with a larger platform that results in a more spacious interior.
The exterior styling has also been sharpened, with electric variants featuring a Pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamp and Pixel graphics up front.
The Kona N Line boasts more assertive styling, with body-colored fender flares and a pronounced rear spoiler. While the Kona Electric looks the part of a hot hatch, the N Line takes it to the next level.
IONIQ 5 Disney100 Platinum Concept
While we’re on a Hyundai theme, let’s give an honorable mention to the Hyundai IONIQ 5 Disney100 Platinum Concept, a car with a name as long as the line to Peter Pan’s Flight at the Magic Kingdom.
For the Disney100 Platinum edition, Hyundai has collaborated with Walt Disney World imagineers to help celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary by creating a limited edition vehicle with special Disney-inspired visual accents inside and out.
Outside, the Disney100 Platinum edition includes Gravity Gold Matte paint, special badging, and Disney-inspired wheels. One of the coolest features of the exterior is the front and rear lamp screens that display Disney Sparkle animations. Hyundai hasn’t specified which features will make it into the production model, but I’m guessing that these won’t make the cut.
Inside, the Disney100 Platinum badging can be found on the seats and floor mats, while the inside of the moonroof glass is etched with pixie dust details. If that’s not fun enough, the interior touchscreen plays a Disney themed welcome screen with iconic music.
