A few years ago, finding six best EVs to buy would have been nearly impossible. Production costs were high; the market demand was low; hence, investing resources into electric vehicles did not seem like a smart business decision. Moreover, the first EVs were not nearly as sleek and powerful as they are today.
Infrastructure? Practically non-existent. Not even the most developed cities were EV-friendly.
Today, the general picture has changed significantly. Not only can we name six EV brands, but we also have the luxury of selecting the best six out of numerous other options.
The outlook for electric vehicles seems to be highly positive today.
Car manufacturers worldwide have been investing in developing and perfecting electric models. And companies like Tesla and Hyundai have proudly revealed more than one electric vehicle model.
What has changed? What trends accelerated EV production and spiked market demand?
Cars going green: key modern trends
- Extended driving range: through better battery technology, today’s EVs can traverse over 300 miles on a single charge. An impressive range like this enhances the feeling of independence while driving. No more looking for charging stations. And the best part is that automakers are continuously looking for ways to improve the range. Maybe someday, “Go electric, go free” will be the marketing slogan used by EV manufacturers.
- Faster charging time: Overnight charging is quickly becoming a thing of the past. You can now charge your EV as quickly as 30 minutes. It seems like enough time to enjoy a good cup of coffee nearby. Again, all that thanks to better, more efficient batteries.
- Mass-market production: Electric vehicles are becoming more mainstream. It means that the number of EVs on the market is increasing, and, as an economist would say: once the supply goes up, the price goes down. Indeed, these cars have become more affordable. As you’ll see below, EVs are sold at a wide range of prices to fit different budgets.
- Better green technology: According to the BloombergNEF research, “the volume-weighted average battery pack fell 85% from 2010-2018.” It means that the price went down along with it. Cheaper and longer-lasting Li-ion batteries ultimately significantly lower the EV production costs.
- Better infrastructure: As EVs’ market has been growing, the network of charging stations has expanded. California remains the leading state with the most private and public electric vehicle charging stations, followed by Texas and Florida. EVs are also strongly encouraged in places that generate clean electricity through renewable resources.
Best EVs you can buy today:
2019 Nissan Leaf – $29,990
The Nissan Leaf is among the most affordable EVs on the market. The 2019 model is significantly better than the previous versions in terms of range and battery charging time. The 2019 Leaf Plus can last up to 215 miles on a single charge. Depending on the voltage, the charging time can vary between 7.5 hours and 35 hours. I know this is a big difference, but unfortunately, the range and chargers are not the strongest qualities of the Nissan Leaf.
The performance is very decent in terms of acceleration and horsepower (147-horsepower electric motor). Yet, the interior design looks a bit on the cheap side and is far from luxurious. A big up for Nissan is that each year it brings improved and better-looking EVs at affordable prices.
2019 Volkswagen e-Golf – $31,895
The e-Golf does not look much different from the manufacturer’s non-EVs. Also, driving it does not feel much different either. Thus, if you are looking forward to driving an EV, but worry that it will not feel like driving a “real car,” then this is a perfect fit for you. The interior is of premium quality, and there is enough space to make your driving experience pleasant.
The main drawback of the e-Golf is a low range. It can drive up to 125 miles on a single charge, which pretty much makes it a city car. If you plan on traveling longer distances, you should make sure to locate charging stations along the way.
2020 Chevrolet Bolt – $36,620
With the Chevrolet Bolt, you can go farther than you think. While still being in the affordable range, it can take you as far as 259 miles on a single charge. If you use the DC fast charging, you can charge 100 miles in 30 minutes.
Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate the roomy interior, infotainment system, driver assistance technology, and generous cargo space. The driver screen shows you the percentage of energy used at each car process and activity. Getting real-time information about your driving efficiency definitely adds value to the whole EV experience.
2020 Hyundai Kona Electric – $36,990
This EV offers a great balance of good performance, upscale interior, and price. The range is the generous 258 miles. No wonder it has been voted as the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.
Hyundai has publicly declared its long term focus on e-mobility, aiming to reach a leading position on the EV market globally. Even though the South Korean auto manufacturer may not be the most popular choice among American drivers, its U.S. sales have been increasing. So, you might want to keep an eye out for Hyundai’s upcoming EV models, not only for more innovative features but also for good value for money.
2020 Jaguar I-Pace – $69,850
Oh, the Jaguar! I am personally happy that even luxury auto manufacturers have their electric models. The Jaguar I-Pace could not be any different in terms of premium interior and exterior design when compared to its non-electric versions.
The all-electric SUV has a 234-mile range and promises to take you from 0 to 60mph in 4,5 seconds in style – part of the Jaguar magic. This is costly magic, though, as this EV costs almost double the previously mentioned Hyundai Kona. But if you give it a chance, you will see it as a good investment in no time.
2020 Tesla Model X – $86,190
Of course, Tesla could not be absent from this list. The reason why we mention it last is its cost. Tesla S and especially Tesla X are among the most expensive EVs on the market today. Yet, for an EV enthusiast, Tesla model X remains the greenest car with the best performance and the highest range – over 300 miles. This model also comes in AWD, meaning that you will be able to drive it safely, even in bad weather conditions.
The interior cabin is spacious, fitting up to seven people, and has a decent infotainment system. The best part for a speed lover: it can reach 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. Driving fast and green in a high-end car. A dream of any environmental and car enthusiast!
What’s your favorite EV?
The six options above are proof that EVs are rapidly growing in popularity. And as the prices are lowering, ultimately, the demand for EVs is going up. As a female EV enthusiast, I can happily say that the cycle is getting reinforced at an exponential rate. More people buy EVs, there is more incentive for manufacturers to go electric, there is more competition, and ultimately, higher-quality cars.
So, after browsing through our top six EVs, which one do you see as a good investment? Would dive into the whole EV experience head-on, or do you prefer an EV that looks more like a regular car? I personally cannot wait to see the 2021 models. Maybe electrifying our mobility is not such a distant dream, after all!
