While first there was only Tesla, and a few smaller offerings from Chevrolet and Nissan, now every carmaker wants to go electric. Ford has entered the fray with its Mustang Mach-E and soon the F-150’s electric avatar will be in too. With one of Detroit’s pride and joy having announced electric plans, the others are falling into line as well. Even Ferrari, who once swore never to go electric, has now made a promise of delivering an EV in the next few years.
But for now, many EVs are still in the offing. So let’s just rank the best ones of 2021 for you to make a better if more electrified decision.
10 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric may just be at the end of its run because there is news of discontinuation. With a 170 mile range, it’s a pure city car and lags behind most of the competition. Hyundai knows it and is shifting to its better products like the Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric as well as more battery-powered models of the Ioniq itself.
However, it does come with an extensive warranty, has proven to be safe in crash tests, and also boasts of spacious insides and cargo space.
9 Chevrolet Bolt
The Chevrolet Bolt has been around for a while now, although it keeps on updating itself to avoid getting dated. For 2021, it comes with a max range of 259 miles, and also has DCFC, for 100 miles of range in 30 minutes.
At 56 cubic feet, storage is okay too and the Bolt is roomy from the inside. There are some driver aids but if you want the whole enchilada, you have to pay extra. But it’s a fun and peppy ride, all through.
8 Jaguar I-Pace
Despite all the bad press Jaguar seems to be getting these days, the I-Pace is doing well and looks pretty good as it does. Acceleration is instant and the looks are as futuristic as they can be, with performance akin to a sports car rather than the crossover SUV that it is.
The ute claims an EPA-rated range of 253 miles although some reviews show that it falls short of the actual one, and it’s a bit slow to charge but the great ride makes up for any flaws.
7 Polestar 2
The Polestar uses to be Volvo’s performance division but now is a standalone electric automaker. And after the uber-expensive Polestar 1, there is now the Polestar 2, still luxurious but more affordable, on the lines of the Tesla Model 3 and Model S. At 233 miles of range, it still falls a bit short.
On the bright side, it's modern on the inside and offers a powerful ride. The 11.2-inch infotainment screen is perfection and the Polestar 2 comes with an all-wheel-drive as well for a smooth ride.
6 Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 matches its gasoline-powered competition with a 260-mile range and 201 horsepower. This electric crossover has a great center of gravity because of a low-mounted battery pack and works great as a city or highway vehicle. Although it’s not an off-roader.
Aesthetics are good and the driving dynamics are what mostly blow people away, making the Volkswagen ID.4 a great crossover EV. Like always, make sure you have charging stations mapped out.
5 Porsche Taycan Turbo
While the Taycan Turbo is an expensive beast, touching nearly $80,000 for an EV that gives you a maximum range of 227 miles, it's one of the first EVs to take on Tesla’s nutty acceleration. It's very quick and the standard 2021 Taycan Turbo hits 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
With enough room for four adults and plenty of cargo space as well, the Taycan also offers plenty of Porsche plush. While rear-wheel-drive is standard, for more moolah, you can get an all-wheel-drive version.
4 Audi e-tron
The Audi e-tron is one stunningly luxurious electric SUV and is more than just a futuristic name, It claims a 222-mile range and can hit 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Just 10 minutes on a DC public charger will add on 54 miles, and yes, it still has that Quattro four-wheel-drive.
Five adults can fit in with enough room to spare for cargo, and the Audi e-tron’s lower price successfully pits it against the Tesla Model 3 & Y. Of course today, there is plenty more competition.
3 Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is the EV that singlehandedly changed the mindset of people, and changed the tides, making EVs a viable option today. And for 2021, the Model S has pulled out all stops.
Depending on the trim that you go with, the Model S now offers a massive range of 390-520 miles and yet still boasts of that ridiculous acceleration that it burst on the scene with. With there is plenty of competition around, its exceptional range still makes it a 2021 top contender.
2 Ford Mustang Mach-E
It’s not the fastest EV out there, and not the one with the most range either, but it does come with that Mustang name, and plenty of luxury as well. Plus, it's also Ford's announcement that it plans to go electric, in a big way. And when one of the Detroit Three makes such a commitment, consumers perk up and buy.
That said, the Mach-E is basically a crossover, and not so much a Mustang, with none of that pacy acceleration the Mustang boasts. But it is still Ford’s first EV, and very likable for all that it offers.
1 Tesla Model 3
The best-selling EV of all time, the Tesla Model 3 is the first electric offering to basically leave its gas-powered rivals biting the dust, in sales as well as punchy speed. With a max range of 353 miles, the model 3 offers more range than its rivals and offers a very different, minimalistic interior that many adore.
The cabin is spacious, and you cannot fault the storage. Plus the ride is smooth and yet can offer potent acceleration. What’s not to like about this Tesla, considering it's also more affordable than its other siblings, like 2021's bestselling EV, the Tesla Model Y.
Sources: Cars.USNews, InsideEVs