I’ve driven 15 different electric cars. These are my 13 favorite features, from the F-150’s frunk to Rivian’s camping kitchen.

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Sep 26, 2022 #‘frunk’, #‘i’ve, #camping, #car’s, #different, #driven, #electric, #f-150’s, #favorite, #features, #kitchen, #rivian’s, #these

I’ve driven 15 different electric cars. These are my 13 favorite features, from the F-150’s frunk to Rivian’s camping kitchen.

<p>The Ford F-150 Lightning.</p> <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> <p>I've driven more than a dozen electric models from BMW, Tesla, Ford, and more. <br /> Tons of EVs boast interesting designs and capabilities, but only the coolest features cut through the noise. <br /> Rivian's R1T offers a one-of-a-kind gear tunnel, while Porsche's Taycan can charge incredibly quickly. </p> <div> <div class="slide">Slowly but surely, car companies are going electric. More buyers than ever are considering the switch from fossil fuels.The Ford F-150 Lightning. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">What's great for early adopters is that automakers are using cutting-edge electric models as a testing ground for new and interesting designs and capabilities.The Tesla Model Y. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">I've driven more than a dozen electric cars from Ford, Tesla, Porsche, and others and experienced plenty of cool features, but a handful stand out.The 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">California upstart Rivian is looking to become the Tesla of rugged pickup trucks and SUVs.The Rivian R1T. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">Its vehicles are jam-packed with interesting features, but the coolest part of the R1T truck has to be its Gear Tunnel.The Rivian R1T. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">It's a bonus, one-of-a-kind storage area running between R1T's back seats and bed.The 2022 Rivian R1T. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">Plus, buyers can add on a slide-out Camp Kitchen complete with a sink, cutting board, utensils, and induction cooktop.The 2022 Rivian R1T. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> <p><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rivian-camp-kitchen-electric-ev-pickup-truck-r1t-2021-10">Take a closer look at the electric Rivian R1T pickup's coolest option — the Camp Kitchen</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">The Gear Tunnel opens from both sides. Both doors house extra goodies like a first aid kit.The 2022 Rivian R1T. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">Rivian's R1S SUV sets itself apart with extraordinary off-road capability.The Rivian R1S. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> <p><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rivian-r1s-electric-suv-photos-review-range-tesla-2022-7">I drove the coolest new electric SUV in the US. Here's a full photo tour of the fabulous Rivian R1S.</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">Simply point the seven-seat SUV at a deep creek, steep incline, or mass of boulders, and step on the accelerator. Its four powerful motors, adjustable air suspension, and advanced all-wheel-drive system handle the rest.The Rivian R1S. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">In Tesla's Model Y, the star of the show is its minimalist, technology-packed interior.The Tesla Model Y. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> <p><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-model-y-review-interior-price-first-drive-2022-9">I drove a Tesla for the first time after testing 14 other electric cars. Now I get why people are so obsessed with Elon Musk's vehicles.</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">Tesla rejects almost all conventional buttons and gauges in favor of a sleek and uncluttered look.The Tesla Model Y. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">And tech geeks will get a kick out of the big, snappy touchscreen that controls basic vehicle settings and receives software updates.The Tesla Model Y. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">Fun built-in features like a racing game (which uses the actual steering wheel), drawing pad, and Netflix ensure you'll never be bored while charging up.The 2022 Tesla Model Y. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">Kia's spaceship-like EV6 has a trick up its sleeve in the form of bidirectional charging capability.The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">The clever feature involves using an adapter that plugs into the charge port.The 2022 Kia EV6. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">From there, you can power things things like speakers, an electric cooktop, or a coffee maker. I used the EV6 to make breakfast.The 2022 Kia EV6. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> <p><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kia-ev6-electric-suv-battery-pack-cooking-2022-4">I used the electric Kia EV6's coolest feature to make breakfast outside</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">Hyundai's Ioniq 5 shares its guts with the EV6, so it can also power your toaster or hair dryer on the go.The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> <p><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hyundai-ioniq-5-electric-suv-ev-review-price-range-photos-2022-4">The $56,000 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an electric living room on wheels that'll make you want to ditch gas for good</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">But the best thing about driving the Ioniq 5 is just how cool it makes you feel.The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">Its retrofuturistic styling — complete with origami-like angles and lights comprised of dozens of little pixels — makes it stand out from regular blob-shaped SUVs.The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">In addition to top-tier handling and absurd acceleration, the Porsche Taycan delivers astonishingly quick charging speeds.The 2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo S. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> <p><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/porsche-taycan-turbo-s-cross-turismo-electric-car-review-2022-6">Review: Porsche's $209,000 electric station wagon launched me into the stunning, wicked-fast future of cars</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">It can charge at a peak rate of 270 kilowatts, faster than most electric cars, meaning 5% to 80% can happen in just 22.5 minutes.The 2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo S. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">That's a game-changer for long road trips with multiple charging stops.The 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">The Polestar 2 showed me that big touchscreens in cars don't have to be scary.The 2022 Polestar 2. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> <p><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/polestar-2-electric-car-review-tesla-single-motor-ggpi-2022-2">The $45,900 Polestar 2 is the coolest new electric car you've never heard of</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">The thought of going without regular buttons may repel some buyers. But the sporty sedan's Google-powered infotainment system isn't clunky like some other vehicle touchscreens.The 2022 Polestar 2. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">Instead, both the main display and digital instrument panel are remarkably intuitive, simple, and pretty to look at. Hyper-realistic graphics of the vehicle are a nice touch.The 2022 Polestar 2. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">BMW's first electric SUV for American buyers makes up for its polarizing, slightly buck-toothed looks with a palatial interior.The 2022 BMW iX xDrive50. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> <p><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bmw-ix-electric-suv-review-price-interior-2022-4">The $96,000 electric BMW iX's luxurious interior will make you forget all about its weird looks</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">The $96,000 iX I drove cocooned me in generous amounts of supple leather.The 2022 BMW iX xDrive60. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">It had a massaging driver's seat, a slim, floating screen, and plenty of gold trim.The 2022 BMW iX xDrive50. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">The Ford F-150 Lightning's biggest superpower is how normal it feels. Ford took the F-150 and injected it with electric power without sacrificing the familiarity of America's favorite truck.The Ford F-150 Lightning. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">But the Lightning brings some big advantages. It has outlets throughout that can provide serious amounts of electricity for power tools and tailgating accessories.The F-150 Lightning Lariat. <p class="copyright">Ford</p> </div> <div class="slide">With the right adapter, it can even charge other electric vehicles.The Ford F-150 Lightning charging an E-Transit van. <p class="copyright">Ford</p> </div> <div class="slide">The Lightning's goofily named Mega Power Frunk also deserves a mention. The front trunk gives truck buyers something they've never really had before: Lockable, weather-proof storage outside of the bed.The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> <p><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ford-electric-f150-lightning-pickup-truck-frunk-coolest-features-2021-9">The Ford F-150 Lightning's massive frunk is packed with useful features — take a closer look</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">It also offers power outlets and a big, wide opening to make loading things even easier.The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">Likewise, one of the Ford Mustang Mach-E's handiest features is its frunk.2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. <p class="copyright">Tim Levin/Insider</p> </div> <div class="slide">It's made of hard plastic and has a drain hole, making it the perfect spot to stow muddy shoes and wet gear. Lots of electric SUVs go without a frunk, giving the Mach-E a leg up.The Mustang Mach-E's frunk. <p class="copyright">Ford</p> </div> </div> <div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-electric-car-features-ford-tesla-rivian-bmw-porsche-kia-2022-9">Business Insider</a></div>

The Ford F-150 Lightning.

Tim Levin/Insider

I’ve driven more than a dozen electric models from BMW, Tesla, Ford, and more.
Tons of EVs boast interesting designs and capabilities, but only the coolest features cut through the noise.
Rivian’s R1T offers a one-of-a-kind gear tunnel, while Porsche’s Taycan can charge incredibly quickly.

Slowly but surely, car companies are going electric. More buyers than ever are considering the switch from fossil fuels.The Ford F-150 Lightning.

Tim Levin/Insider

What’s great for early adopters is that automakers are using cutting-edge electric models as a testing ground for new and interesting designs and capabilities.The Tesla Model Y.

Tim Levin/Insider

I’ve driven more than a dozen electric cars from Ford, Tesla, Porsche, and others and experienced plenty of cool features, but a handful stand out.The 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo.

Tim Levin/Insider

California upstart Rivian is looking to become the Tesla of rugged pickup trucks and SUVs.The Rivian R1T.

Tim Levin/Insider

Its vehicles are jam-packed with interesting features, but the coolest part of the R1T truck has to be its Gear Tunnel.The Rivian R1T.

Tim Levin/Insider

It’s a bonus, one-of-a-kind storage area running between R1T’s back seats and bed.The 2022 Rivian R1T.

Tim Levin/Insider

Plus, buyers can add on a slide-out Camp Kitchen complete with a sink, cutting board, utensils, and induction cooktop.The 2022 Rivian R1T.

Tim Levin/Insider

The Gear Tunnel opens from both sides. Both doors house extra goodies like a first aid kit.The 2022 Rivian R1T.

Tim Levin/Insider

Rivian’s R1S SUV sets itself apart with extraordinary off-road capability.The Rivian R1S.

Tim Levin/Insider

Simply point the seven-seat SUV at a deep creek, steep incline, or mass of boulders, and step on the accelerator. Its four powerful motors, adjustable air suspension, and advanced all-wheel-drive system handle the rest.The Rivian R1S.

Tim Levin/Insider

In Tesla’s Model Y, the star of the show is its minimalist, technology-packed interior.The Tesla Model Y.

Tim Levin/Insider

Tesla rejects almost all conventional buttons and gauges in favor of a sleek and uncluttered look.The Tesla Model Y.

Tim Levin/Insider

And tech geeks will get a kick out of the big, snappy touchscreen that controls basic vehicle settings and receives software updates.The Tesla Model Y.

Tim Levin/Insider

Fun built-in features like a racing game (which uses the actual steering wheel), drawing pad, and Netflix ensure you’ll never be bored while charging up.The 2022 Tesla Model Y.

Tim Levin/Insider

Kia’s spaceship-like EV6 has a trick up its sleeve in the form of bidirectional charging capability.The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line.

Tim Levin/Insider

The clever feature involves using an adapter that plugs into the charge port.The 2022 Kia EV6.

Tim Levin/Insider

From there, you can power things things like speakers, an electric cooktop, or a coffee maker. I used the EV6 to make breakfast.The 2022 Kia EV6.

Tim Levin/Insider

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 shares its guts with the EV6, so it can also power your toaster or hair dryer on the go.The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD.

Tim Levin/Insider

But the best thing about driving the Ioniq 5 is just how cool it makes you feel.The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Tim Levin/Insider

Its retrofuturistic styling — complete with origami-like angles and lights comprised of dozens of little pixels — makes it stand out from regular blob-shaped SUVs.The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Tim Levin/Insider

In addition to top-tier handling and absurd acceleration, the Porsche Taycan delivers astonishingly quick charging speeds.The 2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo S.

Tim Levin/Insider

It can charge at a peak rate of 270 kilowatts, faster than most electric cars, meaning 5% to 80% can happen in just 22.5 minutes.The 2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo S.

Tim Levin/Insider

That’s a game-changer for long road trips with multiple charging stops.The 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo.

Tim Levin/Insider

The Polestar 2 showed me that big touchscreens in cars don’t have to be scary.The 2022 Polestar 2.

Tim Levin/Insider

The thought of going without regular buttons may repel some buyers. But the sporty sedan’s Google-powered infotainment system isn’t clunky like some other vehicle touchscreens.The 2022 Polestar 2.

Tim Levin/Insider

Instead, both the main display and digital instrument panel are remarkably intuitive, simple, and pretty to look at. Hyper-realistic graphics of the vehicle are a nice touch.The 2022 Polestar 2.

Tim Levin/Insider

BMW’s first electric SUV for American buyers makes up for its polarizing, slightly buck-toothed looks with a palatial interior.The 2022 BMW iX xDrive50.

Tim Levin/Insider

The $96,000 iX I drove cocooned me in generous amounts of supple leather.The 2022 BMW iX xDrive60.

Tim Levin/Insider

It had a massaging driver’s seat, a slim, floating screen, and plenty of gold trim.The 2022 BMW iX xDrive50.

Tim Levin/Insider

The Ford F-150 Lightning’s biggest superpower is how normal it feels. Ford took the F-150 and injected it with electric power without sacrificing the familiarity of America’s favorite truck.The Ford F-150 Lightning.

Tim Levin/Insider

But the Lightning brings some big advantages. It has outlets throughout that can provide serious amounts of electricity for power tools and tailgating accessories.The F-150 Lightning Lariat.

Ford

With the right adapter, it can even charge other electric vehicles.The Ford F-150 Lightning charging an E-Transit van.

Ford

The Lightning’s goofily named Mega Power Frunk also deserves a mention. The front trunk gives truck buyers something they’ve never really had before: Lockable, weather-proof storage outside of the bed.The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning.

Tim Levin/Insider

It also offers power outlets and a big, wide opening to make loading things even easier.The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning.

Tim Levin/Insider

Likewise, one of the Ford Mustang Mach-E’s handiest features is its frunk.2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Tim Levin/Insider

It’s made of hard plastic and has a drain hole, making it the perfect spot to stow muddy shoes and wet gear. Lots of electric SUVs go without a frunk, giving the Mach-E a leg up.The Mustang Mach-E’s frunk.

Ford

Read the original article on Business Insider

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I’ve driven 15 different electric cars. These are my 13 favorite features, from the F-150’s frunk to Rivian’s camping kitchen.

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