If you're looking for a new electric vehicle, you've come to the perfect place. Until recently, driving an electric vehicle (EV) wasn't for everyone. You can now get into an EV and not give up much, thanks to longer ranges, more charging stations, and generally better value.
However, there is another problem. Which of the various electric vehicles now on the market is the greatest fit for your lifestyle and budget? How are you expected to pick the greatest electric vehicle for you? We can't tell you which electric vehicle is best for you, but we can narrow down your options based on what Americans are buying. These suggestions can be useful in deciding on your next electric vehicle.
Favorite Small EV
2020-2021 Mini Cooper SE
Mini may be new to the electric vehicle game, but its first effort is fantastic. What it lacks in total range, it makes up for in driving pleasure and interior comfort, all for a shockingly low price. Those electrical outlet-style wheels are also a big hit with us.
The Mini SE may only go 110 miles on a charge, but with 181 horsepower and a ton of torque packed into a small package, those 110 miles will almost certainly be enjoyable. The good news is that you can get an 80 percent charge in around half an hour with a 50-kilowatt fast charger.
Runner-Up Small EV
2021 Chevrolet Bolt
Because of its less-than-exciting driving characteristics and interior quality, the 2021 Chevy Bolt is our runner-up, but it delivers incredible range for a vehicle of its size and price. The Bolt is getting a redesign for the 2022 model year, so if you're looking for an American EV, you might want to wait a few months.
When it comes to range against price, the Bolt is still one of the finest buys on the market. There's plenty of reason to praise it, with a range of 259 miles and a cute hatchback body shape. Thanks to its 200 horsepower, it's also a fun car to drive. The Bolt is a good option if you have the extra cash and need the range.
Favorite midsize EV
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
With the Mustang Mach-E, Ford is also new to the dedicated EV platform game, but it's a fantastic effort. Despite its controversial moniker, the Mach-E has exceptional range, a wonderful interior, and excellent driving characteristics in an extremely practical compact that also includes 29 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up.
The Mach-E comes in a variety of flavors right now, with hotter (and more expensive) GT versions on the way, but even the standard model is a blast to drive and worthy of the Mustang moniker. With 290 horsepower in RWD and 346 horsepower in all-wheel drive, the Mach-E has no trouble getting out of its own way. The chassis is excellent, and the cabin is a relaxing environment.
Runner-up midsize EV
2021 Tesla Model 3
For good reason, Tesla's Model 3 is a popular choice among electric car buyers. It's fun to drive, cool to look at, and comes with a terrific range and a very active owner community. It has plenty of electric power to make passing and merging a breeze, and its chassis is far more capable and athletic than it should be. Because it's a Tesla, the Model 3 has an incredible, best-in-class range. The cheapest version allows you to go 263 miles between charges, but the Long-Range version allows you to travel 353 miles. A few charging stations will be skipped.
Favorite top of the range EV
2021 Porsche Taycan
On paper, the Porsche Taycan appears to be a difficult sell. It's pricey (it's a Porsche, after all), and the range estimate appears to be poor in comparison. But for its build quality and driving dynamics, it takes the top spot.
Officially, the most you can achieve with a Taycan right now is 227 miles, and that's in the 4S trim with the performance battery option. Even if that were completely accurate in the real world, most people would be satisfied with that on most days. Even the standard Taycan, with only 400 horsepower, provides a driving experience that is far superior to any other EV now on the market. Porsche just needs to work on figuring out the issue with the range.
Runner-up top of the range EV
2021 Tesla Model S
When it comes to range, there's no denying that Tesla's Model S is currently the king of the jungle. While Tesla may not be able to compete with Porsche in terms of driving dynamics or build quality, the Model S has a cult following for a reason. It's still a comfy, ridiculously powerful luxury EV, and if you're solely interested in driving for long periods of time without stopping to charge, it's the way to go. In addition, the new Plaid Plus edition takes the whole EV thing to a new level. It's an EV on steroids and still fairly new on the market.
