evee Central

Here Come the Family EVs

America’s de facto family hauler—the large, three-row SUV—is finally going electric.

Car companies are planning to roll out a slew of seven-seater electric SUVs, with some, such as the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90, expected in showrooms in coming months. Today there are scant electric options in the large-SUV category, which has become the people-mover of choice for U.S. families.

Auto executives say introducing larger plug-in SUVs will broaden the appeal of EV ownership to a new pool of buyers. Many car shoppers—especially parents who shuttle children around town—have bypassed electrics because they haven’t had the option for a larger vehicle with a third row of seating and more cargo space.

“For a lot of people, that third row is the No. 1 reason for purchase,” says Jess Bala, director of global product planning at General Motors’ Cadillac brand, which is scheduled to reveal an electric Escalade IQ large SUV in August. “Those are often younger buyers who already are more interested in EVs.”