We get it, Tesla is everything electric cars should be when it comes to speed, range and looks. But, let’s stop fixating on Tesla cars for now because too much of a good thing becomes obnoxious after a point. Also, despite charging a pretty penny, Tesla's cars are by no means perfect. In fact, tons of people seem to have a problem with the software, doors, and many other things in Tesla cars, so let's put Musk and Tesla in the back burner for now.
The future is electric, for sure. And the greener and cleaner the electric vehicles, the better it is for us and our planet in the long term. So obviously, there is an electric revolution going on in the automobile industry, and other automakers are now starting to catch up. Not only are manufacturers now starting to release their own EVs, but many of their cars are also consumer-friendly. So, here are 13 all-new, electric cars that are not Tesla, but still definitely worth looking into.
13 Ford Focus Electric: Goodbye Old Friend
The Focus Electric has been here for a while; the Focus is like a good-natured stray, you shoo it away and it keeps coming back for more. In fact, the Focus is already so familiar, that the Focus Electric seamlessly slipped in its place with a 118-mile range on a single charge. Dealers may still have stock left over, and this was a good enough car to still entice interest in buyers today. With Ford announcing all-electric trucks and a Mustang, the future is electric for Ford as well.
12 Porsche Taycan: Luxury, At A Price
With a 201 mile range on a single charge and a motor that can make 520-750 horses electric battery, the Porsche Taycan is one sweet ride buyers are buzzing around. But of course, it's a Porsche, and that badge comes at a price; a cool $103,000 to $185,000. Fully equipped, the Taycan will set you back even more than that, as it offers both the luxury and performance that very few cars (let alone EVs) currently offer.
11 Hyundai Ioniq Electric: A Safe Drive
Available in only 13 states, for now, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric has decent cargo space due to being a hatchback. However, the drive isn’t something to brag about, and neither is the 124-mile range on a single, full charge. It does have great safety ratings though. The 2020 model has been announced, with a revamped 174-mile range.
10 Audi E-Tron: Complete Luxury
We love the way this car looks. Audi equals luxury and the E-Tron does not disappoint, featuring all the gadgets, including massaging and heated seats. The 200-mile plus range isn’t bad either, and the $75,000-$82,000 price tag makes it a great choice. The ride is smooth and quiet, and the technology-filled interiors are a delight to be in. It's definitely one of the best electric luxury crossovers on the market.
9 Jaguar I-Pace: British Sophistication
With the Tesla Model S and the Roadster creating massive interest in EVs, all luxury car makers have put in their heart and soul into making futuristic-looking and technologically advanced EVs to compete. From Jaguar, it’s the I-Pace, with a 234-mile range and a starting price of $70,000. The steering and acceleration are great, though it may have increased maintenance costs in the long run.
8 BMW i3: Stilted Miles But Sporty Driving
It's cheaper than the Audi and Jaguar offerings, at about $45,000 a pop. The downside is a much shorter range of only 153 miles on a single charge, though this can be extended with a gas-powered range extender to 200 miles. It sort of spoils the purpose, or does it? It's kitschy looking, drives the way a good BMW does and has a rather sporty acceleration at that.
7 Hyundai Kona Electric: A Great Daily Driver
With a 258-mile range on a single charge and a less than $40,000 price, the Hyundai Kona electric is creating quite the buzz in the market. The interiors are comfortable if not plush, and the ride is smooth and easy-going. It does have regenerative braking, though it's not a single-pedal drive. Plus, it also has an SAE combo charger that pours all the DC voltage into the large battery.
6 Volkswagen e-Golf: Familiarity Breeds Sales
A 123-mile range at approximately $33,000 makes the VW e-Golf a good little EV that works perfectly as a daily driver, as long as the commute isn’t particularly far. Even the base trim is fairly bursting with technology. Plus the interiors, the driving, and the exteriors are the same as that of the much-loved VW Golf, so the sense of familiarity also makes it a good buy.
5 Kia Niro EV: Powerful Electric Motors
The Kia Niro never really managed to be all that impressive, a fact that the Niro EV turned around on its head. The 239-mile range and a price just shy of $40,000 makes the Niro EV a great electric car to own, especially with all its electric strength. It drives zippy and the SAE combo charger reduces plug-in time as well.
4 Honda Clarity Electric: Sales Seem Unclear
The downside of the Honda Clarity Electric is that it’s a lease-only vehicle for now, available only in a few states like California, Washington, and Oregon. Highway speeds are a bit sluggish, but in-city driving it feels great and relaxed. The downside is the disappointing 89-mile range. It’s a $199/month lease for three years, with an $899 downpayment as well. For the time being, you cannot get Clarity, unless you lease it.
3 Kia Soul EV: 2021 May Be More Soulful
A 111-mile range and a $38,500 price makes the Kia Soul EV good but not the most amazing one out there. There is hope in the awaited 2021 model that claims an estimated range of 283 miles on a single charge. By then, there’ll be a 500-mile Tesla out there, sniggering at the Soul EV, for sure. The cabin is roomy in the Soul, and for now, it comes with an 8-inch touchscreen which will be upgraded to 10.3 inches in the 2021 model.
2 Fiat 500e: Retro Styling And Zippy Drive
Yes, it's small, cramped, and has only an 84-mile range. Though this all comes with an affordable $33,000 price tag. Then again, we're talking about a Fiat 500 here. The purchase choice will namely depend on whether you're a fan of these compact Italian cars or not.
Sadly, this trim is only available in California and Oregon for now, but with its zippy handling, and that instant torque – it makes for a great city daily driver. We love the retro exterior as well.
1 Renault Zoe: Not In The US
Sorry America, for now, the Zoe will only be enjoyed in Europe. It can go 242 miles on a single charge and is small enough to be the quirkiest EV around, with quick and zippy handling to help you navigate traffic-congested cities. It comes with an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty and is priced between $32,000-40,000. Quite the electric supermini, just not in the US, for now.