Electric cars are not just a new trend; they're the first step towards the cars of the future. And for those who are on board with these silent and sustainable vehicles, which ones are actually the best to buy?
There was a time when electric vehicles were a myth – mere fiction, with a few manufacturers doing early trials. Then Elon Musk came along and made them popular, with other brands following suit.
Since then the wave hasn't tapered off - if anything, it's spreading like wildfire - automakers are hopping on the EV bandwagon. It's obvious that Earth will completely switch to EVs eventually. But right now, these are the best ones you can buy.
10 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is the least expensive EV on the market. Offering a 150-mile range for its base configuration, the Nissan Leaf isn't high on range rankings. But it's a great buy for those who want to switch to EV and can't shell out much for higher cars. It does, however, offer a spacious interior with plenty of room for cargo; with reasonable acceleration and composed handling.
While its cabin and features do not match up to many EVs, the infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and comes with Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving technology. At $30,000 the Leaf is one of the few non-luxury EVs almost anyone can afford.
9 Chevrolet Bolt
The Chevrolet Bolt hatchback long-range EV with a spacious cabin and an affordable price tag. Starting at $37,495, it's making electric cars accessible to the average buyer. With instant acceleration and more than 250 miles on a single charge, this EV is practical with its spacious cabin and nimble handling.
The front-wheel-drive EV is a versatile electric car with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system; one many can afford. It, however, falls short on interior quality when compared to other EVs.
8 Hyundai Kona Electric
The regular and hybrid Hyundai Kona may not be great, but the Hyundai Kona Electric certainly is. It has a 64-kilowatt-hour battery and a range of 259 miles. Recent upgrades on the 2019 and 2020 models have a better infotainment system, too, giving the Kona Electric Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with a nice 7-inch color touchscreen display.
But the Kona Electric isn't just good with practicality, it's great with price as well. At just over $46,000, this SUV is not cheap, but it's well worth the money.
7 Kia Soul EV
The second-generation Soul EV was the first car to offer buyers the option of a diesel or petrol engine, or a fully electric car back in 2014, much like present-day Kia Kona. It has a funky styling that stands out from other electric cars, which many might not appreciate. And save for its old fashion design, the Soul EV is feature-packed.
It features a smartphone connectivity touchscreen, a functional high-quality cabin with enough space for four adults, and a 315-liter boot capacity. If you're not discouraged by the unusual exterior design, at $45,000, the Cube is a solid buy.
6 Tesla Model S
For many, electric cars were just environmentally friendly with no fun until Tesla came along. When it debuted over eight years ago, Tesla's Model S was one of the first all-electric cars which could easily replace a combustion engine. And even today with outstanding practicality, the Model S shows little signs of aging.
With over 800 liters of boot space and optional rear-facing child seats, it's much larger than the Model 3. Also, the long-range version of the Model S would do 379 miles on a full charge. The price starts at $76,190 and goes up depending on buyers' customization.
5 Audi e-Tron
The e-Tron is Audi's first EV and should be applauded for its effort. while the e-Tron isn't as stylish as Jaguar's I-Pace and comes nowhere close to Tesla's Model X in features, it's a budding car breed with traditional packaging in luxury pedigree.
At $78,395, it looks nothing like an electric car; much rather a conventional Audi with interior design and all. An all-wheel-drive with state-of-the-art technology and 200-plus mile range, it was designed mostly for daily commutes.
4 Jaguar I-Pace
The I-Pace is Jaguar's most convincing car yet. It's a fascinating all-electric crossover that looks and feels good and drives well. The interior is Jaguar's best yet in terms of material quality with its cutting-edge design, ample passenger space, and enough practicality.
And unlike the e-Tron, it handles more like a sports car than a five-seat crossover. Starting at just under $70,000, with vigorous acceleration, sharp handling, and a 234-mile range, it's a fair bargain. Definitely a car to buy in 2020 if you've got the cash.
3 Kia e-Niro
If a Niro from the Kia brand appeals to you, then the e-Niro is absolutely the Niro to have.
it's certainly one of the best electric cars you can buy in 2020 if the conservative look is not a problem, and it's more spacious compared to other EVs.
While e-Niro's rival the Hyundai Kona Electric is more stylish, e-Niro is however more practical in price and range. It comes in "2" and "3" and offers 180-mile and 282-mile ranges with the prices varying respectively. Starting at $39,090, this EV, however, is particularly hard to acquire with demand exceeding supply.
2 Renault Zoe
It's tempting to easily write off the Renault Zoe as a great EV to buy based on its accompanying price tag, but don't be quick to judge. While you could save a bundle on bills with this car, it's one of the most convincing small electric cars you can buy.
It comes with a 40kWh and 50kWh battery and a 245-mile range, this front-wheel-drive tops at 87 miles per hour. It's a hatchback with enough space for 5 and an infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With a price starting at $39,090, it continues to lead the way in the small, affordable electric car segment.
1 Tesla Model 3
If electric cars are meant to be boring, then Elon Musk didn't read the playbook before creating the Model 3. Setting a high bar for electric cars, Tesla is compelling automakers to up their game. Starting at $39,190, the Model 3 is the cheapest car in Tesla's lineup with quick, effortless acceleration and multiple battery configurations.
All models exceed 200 miles on a single charge with the long-range reaching 322 miles; an amazing feat when you consider Tesla's relative inexperience in the automotive industry. The performance model can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Seriously, can any EV topple Teslas? No brand has come close to besting Tesla. Currently, it appears this is the car to beat.
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