8 electric vehicles to see at the 2023 Montreal Auto Show

2023-01-20 - Updated 2024-02-08

For the first time in three years, the Montreal Auto Show returns to the Palais des Congrès. This year's edition, 2023, is greatly reduced due to the absence of many manufacturers. The situation is such that there are already concerns about future editions.

We'll see, but for now, let's focus on the positive: the presence of several interesting models. In fact, if you're planning to visit the show, we invite you to take a look at the following eight vehicles. They caught our eye for a variety of reasons.

8 electric vehicles to see at the 2023 Montreal Auto Show

1. Buick Wildcat EV Concept

Buick's first electric model will be an SUV, and it's not even certain that we'll see a car in the near future. Nevertheless, the Wildcat EV concept is very interesting, as it gives us an idea of the brand's styling direction as it too embarks on its electric journey.

2. Chevrolet Equinox EV

At the Chevrolet booth, you'll be able to admire two upcoming electric vehicles: the Silverado EV pickup truck, and the Equinox EV. This model, which will start at around $35,000, is likely to sell like hotcakes because of its size, its looks and, above all, its price. It is expected later this year as a 2024 product.

3. GMC Hummer EV

It made its debut a year ago on the American market, and now 2023 will see its first steps here. GMC has made a bold move in reviving the Hummer name in the catalog, but by going with an all-electric solution, it aims to bring it back into popular favor. The model that bears it is impressive in every way, but it remains controversial because of its resource-intensive weight. It could be said that this is the first electric vehicle that does not meet with unanimous approval among advocates of the cause.

4. Hyundai Concept Seven

Hyundai has a nice surprise in store for enthusiasts with the Canadian premiere of the Seven concept, the model that prefigures the arrival of the Ioniq 7, a three-row SUV that will be positioned at the top of the current electric range. The design of this piece is spectacular, but we can of course expect something more conventional once production is about to get underway. The new Ioniq 6 sedan can also be admired in the space occupied by Hyundai.

5. Kia EV6 GT

The Kia EV6 is already on the road, but last December the brand presented the 576-hp GT performance version. This model is certainly one of the prettiest in the industry, and its format really gives us the impression of being in the presence of a car. It also drives more like a sedan than an SUV. Be warned, though, that it doesn't come cheap at $78,559. With taxes, the bill exceeds $90,000.

6. Lexus RZ 450e

The Toyota group is late to the party when it comes to electrification, believing as it does in a variety of technologies to meet the challenges of climate change. As a result, models aren't plentiful, but they are starting to appear, like this Lexus RZ 450, the brand's first electric SUV. Cousin to the bZ4X, it will offer more power, but a smooth, Lexus-like experience. A sure bet for those who want something more discreet with their luxury electric SUV.

7. Toyota bZ4X

The bZ4X was presented to us last March, but problems with a wheel that could come off and a very slow production rate mean that it's taking a long time to appear on the road. The vehicle looks great, but its success will depend on two factors: its price compared with its rivals, and the time it will take to receive a copy. People are prepared to wait to own a Toyota product because of its excellent reputation, but if they are offered something interesting and cheaper elsewhere, their loyalty will wane.

8. VinFast VF 8

Finally, let's end our little tour with Vietnamese manufacturer VinFast , making its first appearance at the 2023 Montreal Auto Show. The brand is here with four vehicles, including its two most recent (VF 6 and VF 7), which were presented with great fanfare last November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The company is also showing its VF 8, which is about to arrive here, as well as the next in the marketing hierarchy, the three-row VF 9. For VinFast, success will come if the company succeeds in making a name for itself, offering exemplary service and adapting to the needs of local consumers.