Tuesday, 25 January, 2022 UTC
Summary
The search for the best electric vehicle is highly subjective. While obsessed Tesla fanatics can't fathom buying anything other than a Tesla, there is a wide selection whether you need something rugged, cheap, or quick-charging.
With over 370 electric car models available globally, you have plenty of choice whether it's an electric Ford, Chevy, or, to please the Tesla fanboys, a Tesla. Even more models are on the way (Ford's F-150 Lightning electric pickup will be here soon), but for now there are plenty of options no matter what type of driver you are.
This list of EVs only includes pure, 100-percent battery-powered options, even though more affordable hybrid electric options are out there. But it's also about the long-term costs of going electric, as Kiran Bhatraju, CEO of energy tech company Arcadia, said in a recent call in which he discussed the overall EV market.
"Ongoing cost is significantly less than with a traditional vehicle," Bhatraju said. "Car ownership has always been about the cost of the car. Not the fuel, insurance, and maintenance." But all those costs down the line are lowered with an electric ride even if the upfront cost can feel so much higher.
Here are some of the best electric options for the full spectrum of EV drivers out there:
Best EV for someone on a budget: Nissan LeafPrice: $27,400 to $32,400
Range: 150 to 230 miles
The OG EV. Credit: Nissan
Takeaway: Your best bang for your buck goes to the EV with reasonable range, a manageable sticker price, and tax credit eligibility. Unlike Tesla and General Motors, Nissan still qualifies for $7,500 off in federal credits. The Nissan Leaf is one of the first EVs to hit the market and it's still going strong with a $27,400 base price (but only 150-mile range). The Leaf Plus gets you closer to 230 miles of range, but for $32,400.
Best EV for a first-time owner: Kia NiroPrice: $39,990
Range: 239 miles
How approachable. Credit: Kia
Takeaway: The Kia Niro EV offers a similar size, range, and price (especially since Kia still qualifies for the federal tax credit) as the Chevy Bolt EV, which until its battery fire risk and ongoing recall in 2021 was the go-to EV for new drivers.
The Niro starts at $39,990 with a 239-mile battery range and is only a few inches longer than the Bolt, but just as wide and a touch shorter. When in the driver's seat it's easy to understand where your power is coming from, when to charge up, and when you are generating energy while braking or going down hill.
Best EV for a commuter: Tesla Model 3Price: $44,990
Range: 358 miles
A solid ride. Credit: Autonomy
Takeaway: You can get all the Tesla perks, like Autopilot advanced driver assistance on highways, along with Tesla's sentry and dog modes without the luxury vehicle price (it starts at $45,000). The spartan interior features the famous Tesla big screen, which, among other things, makes your GPS display huge. With up to 358 miles of range, you won't have to plug in often.
Best EV for a road-trip: Tesla Model SPrice: $94,990
Range: 405 miles
Ready to roll. Credit: Tesla
Takeaway: There's a growing list of cars with over 300-mile range, but the Tesla Model S Long Range version gets you more than 400 miles with a slightly less intimidating price than a Lucid Air (but still $95,000). Plus if you're in a Tesla you can take advantage of the Tesla Supercharger network with fast charging across the country and chargers in all 50 states.
Best EV for people with a need for speed: Tesla Model S PlaidPrice: $129,990
Range: 396 miles
Takeaway: This car moves fast. If you're willing to wait a few months (according to the Tesla website) for the $130,000 car, you can be zooming from 0 to 60 in under two seconds. It's the fastest EV yet.
Best EV with the longest range: Lucid Air Dream editionPrice: $169,000
Range: 520 miles
Takeaway: Once you get over the eye-popping price of the first-ever Lucid Air (nearly $170,000), you'll be wowed by the range: 520 miles. With the highest range out there, you won't be plugging in often. Even on longer trips you can get from Los Angeles to Las Vegas or even to San Francisco (that's about 400 miles) without stopping — unless you need a bathroom break.
Best EV for getting groceries: Mazda MX-30Price: $33,470
Range: 100 miles
The Mazda MX-30 in its natural state. Credit: Mazda
Takeaway: With only 100 miles of range on each charge, Mazda's first EV will be plugged in often. But for Mazda fans who don't drive much, this could be the car for them. It starts at $33,470 with a small, 35.5 kWh battery and is only available in California. You better love charging
Best EV for impressing passengers: Mercedes EQSPrice: $102,310
Range: 320 miles
So much screen. Credit: Mercedes AMG
Takeaway: If you're after the best infotainment experience while in an EV, look no further than Mercedes' "hyperscreen." At 56 inches across the entire front of the car, it's available as a $9,000 add-on in the first electric Mercedes sedan or as the default screen (complete with AR imaging) in the AMG sports car version.
Runner-up: Polestar 2Price: $47,200
Range: 265 miles
Google Maps where it belongs. Credit: Polestar
Takeaway: This Volvo spin-off technically runs on battery power, but the passenger experience is powered by Google, with Android Auto baked into the $60,000 car. The infotainment system is all Google products, with Google Maps, YouTube Music, Google Podcasts, and more, all working together to create one seamless experience.
Volvo's other electric vehicles also feature the Android Auto system built in for all your Google needs. Those are the XC40 Recharge and the C40 Recharge.
Best EV for city driving: Mini Cooper SEPrice: $29,900
Range: 114 miles
A cutie. Credit: Mini Cooper
Takeaway: With so many compact SUVs hitting the EV scene, you'll be hard-pressed to find something smaller. But the city-friendly two-door Mini Cooper is available as an electric version for $29,900. But with that price comes a smaller range of 114 miles. But it's so cute and miniature!
Another efficiently size EV is the original BMW i3 hatchback, but it's already stopped production in the U.S. and is being reconfigured as an electric sedan.
Best EV for families: Tesla Model YPrice: $44,990
Range: 244 miles
The way back. Credit: Tesla
Takeaway: The three-row Tesla SUV can fit up to seven people, but preferably smaller humans. The back row is a squeeze for full-size adults, but still-growing children won't feel as suffocated in the back of this $45,000 SUV.
Best electric truck: Rivian R1TPrice: $67,500
Range: 314 miles
Filling up the R1T. Credit: Rivian
Takeaway: When you need to carry a lot of stuff the first electric pickup truck available is your go-to EV. The Rivian can tow a lot (11,000 pounds to be exact), or you can make use of its muscles by filling out its voluminous bed and compartments. The $67,500 e-truck has a 54-inch bed, which is shorter than the Ford F-150 Lightning's 67.1 inches, but this car is already available and ready for camping and other gear-intensive adventures.