In a few days 60 European motor journalists will screen 39 candidates for Car of the Year in Europe 2022 to drop the list at seven nominees. Already in February the final vote will be made from the finalists. Every year the representation of electric cars that aspire to win this award from the specialized press that began to be given in 1964 is growing.
The electric car The most exotic on the list is the Aiways U5, a relatively unknown model yet, but one that meets the requirement of being on sale in five European countries before the end of the year, and that includes ours. From the Volkswagen Group there are several contenders: Audi Q4 E-tron / Q4 E-tron Sportback and E-tron GT / RS E-tron GT, CUPRA Born, Skoda Enyaq iV and Volkswagen ID.4. Ford will defend its prestige with the Mustang Mach-E.
BMW fights for the award with its two 100% electric launches of the year, i4 and iX, both without equivalent thermal version. In the Renault Group we find the Dacia Spring and Renault Mégane E-Tech. Koreans are represented by both the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and the Kia EV6. Mercedes-Benz opts for a big role with its EQS saloon, also of new conception. In addition, there is another Chinese model of interest, the MG Marvel R.
Of course, the Tesla Model Y had to be, the crossover US-designed electric is called upon to fight a lot in one of the most competitive segments of the market, the electric D SUV. By the way, following the sign of the times, more than half (20) of the candidates (39) have SUV bodywork or crossover, including various pure electrics. In total, 64 models met the criteria for the first selection phase of COTY 2022.
Although it is true that, in relation to the weight of its sales, the electric ones are overrepresented, it is also a sign of the times. Manufacturers are putting more meat on the electric grill than the one powered by fossil fuels, the latter already have an expiration date, while the vehicles with batteries are guaranteed their future beyond the year 2050.
Does anyone dare to cheer for the first phase?
