As we all know, the automotive industry is slowly moving away from gasoline and internal combustion, and quickly moving into the new era of electricity and batteries. Almost every automaker offers at least one EV in their lineup, with many more to come, as internal combustion-powered models are slowly phased out by 2030. Electric cars are also bringing along a new era of technological advancement and connectivity in cars, to the point where it's becoming difficult to keep up.
A lot of EVs on the market love to gloat about how advanced they are. While some of the latest technologies are very impressive, sometimes, people just want a normal car that happens to run on electricity. While that category of electric cars is becoming less common, there are quite a few electric cars on the market that are surprisingly down to Earth, and they represent a perfect transitional point for customers that want to try out electricity.
10 Audi Q4 e-tron
Audi launched their electric car offensive back in 2018 with the e-tron SUV. Like basically everyone else, Audi is also moving to electrification. The third EV to launch from the Four Rings is the Q4 e-tron. This is the first Audi model to be based on the VW Group's MEB platform.
Unlike some of its competitors, the Q4 e-tron is surprisingly... normal. It looks like most other Audi SUVs, and it even offers a coupe-like Sportback models. The charge door is normal, and so is the interior. There are even physical climate controls, unlike basically every electric car ever. With up to 296 hp, available AWD and a claimed 300 miles of range, the Q4 e-tron definitely has electric SUV star quality.
9 Genesis Electrified G80
Hyundai's spinoff luxury brand Genesis is off to a good start in the 2020s. As well as launching two SUV models, they're launching their first fully electric model. Rather aptly titled the Electrified G80, it's based on and looks very similar to the regular G80, but the ICE is thrown out and replaced with a fully electric powertrain.
The Electrified G80 uses a dual-motor, AWD setup with a battery pack big enough for about 250 miles of range. The electrical system runs at 800V, and supports charging up to 350 kW. With the appropriate charger, 80% of juice is possible in around 22 minutes. But, it can also do 0-60 in a very respectable 4.9 seconds.
8 Polestar 2
Once the performance arm of Swedish automaker Volvo, Polestar is now its own separate brand with a strong focus on electric cars and tackling Tesla. Although the amazing Polestar 1 was a plug-in hybrid, the Polestar 2 is the first fully electric model from this automaker, and it's a seriously impressive machine.
It's based on the same platform as the Volvo XC40, but it adopts a more traditional sedan form factor. With a 233-mile range, use of sustainable materials, up to 408 hp, some of the best technology in the business, and top-notch build quality and safety, the Polestar 2 is a fantastic Tesla alternative that's surprisingly down to Earth.
7 Hyundai Kona Electric
As far as gateways into electric car ownership go, the Hyundai Kona Electric basically has no equal. Starting at around $39,000, the Kona Electric is one of the best-value electric cars on sale at the moment. This is not an EV that gets scared every time it hits the highway, either, as the motor puts out 201 hp and the battery allows for a claimed 258 miles of range.
The Kona is Hyundai's smallest crossover, but that's not to say it's not spacious. Due to the fact that it's based on the regular Kona, the interior is not full of screens and difficult-to-understand tech advancements; it's just like any other car. All of this, combined with surprisingly fun dynamics, make a very strong case for the Kona Electric.
6 Jaguar I-Pace
Jaguar were among the first to gun for Tesla, specifically the Model X, with the introduction of the I-Pace back in 2017. That's no surprise, as Jaguar will switch to electricity across their whole lineup in the coming years. For a first attempt, the I-Pace was a pretty good machine.
The range-improving teardrop shape worked surprisingly well with Jaguar's design language, and the I-Pace is sure to turn heads. It's not for everyone, though, as it is quite expensive and is more focused on sportiness. It achieves the latter very well, and it also achieves a claimed 253 miles of range thanks to the 90 kWh battery pack and the very aerodynamic shape.
5 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Admittedly, enthusiasts all over the world were upset at Ford for using the Mustang nameplate on an electric crossover. The Mustang Mach-E was first shown in 2019, and it's the first of many upcoming electric cars from the Blue Oval. Although it looked good on paper, judgements were reserved because of the badge.
Fast forward a couple of years later, and the Mach-E turned out to be a fantastic mid-size electric crossover. A decent range, great handling, good practicality and excellent technology, all while being planted in reality, makes it a compelling proposition. Yes, the badge does contribute to that as well.
4 Škoda Enyaq IV
It's a shame that VW subsidiary Škoda doesn't sell their cars in North America, because they have some awesome models on offer. The Enyaq iV is their take on the electric SUV based on the MEB platform. While the Audi Q4 e-tron adopts sophisticated styling, and the ID.4 errs more on the quirky, unique side, the Enyaq is just an electric SUV.
Škoda struck a perfect balance between a cool-looking electric SUV and a relatively normal looking family hauler that shouldn't scare people too much. There's a variety of power outputs on offer, a decent claimed range, and ingenious packaging and practicality combined with Škoda's Simply Clever hidden features.
3 Peugeot e-2008
As HotCars discovered not too long ago, the Peugeot 2008 is a fantastic small SUV. The platform that underpins it is very versatile, allowing for both ICE versions and an electric version. The latter arrives in the form of the e-2008.
The e-2008 uses a 50 kWh battery, paired with a 100 kW electric motor that drives the front wheels. While the range isn't massive, it's a vehicle more suited to town driving. As well as the perk of running on pure electricity, the e-2008 is well-made, full of technology and cool features, it looks great, and it's very spacious and practical.
2 Volkswagen ID.3
Easily the most important Volkswagen model in decades, the ID.3 was the very first fully electric Volkswagen model to be built on a dedicated electric platform. Can you guess which one? The ID.3 is a family hatchback with quirky styling and a lot of good qualities to offer.
The maximum claimed range is 340 miles, which is enough to worry a Tesla Model Y with its 326. It's full of the latest technology and is surprisingly practical. The ID.3 is essentially what happens when German practicality and sensibility meets electrification, so it's no surprise that the interest has been massive.
1 Mini Cooper SE
Ever since the Mini Hatch was introduced around two decades ago, it's always been known for its personality, appearance and the go-kart handling. However, everyone knew that this iconic small hatchback wouldn't always be powered by gasoline. The Mini Cooper SE is proof.
Aside from a few subtle signs, on the outside, the SE looks just like any other Mini Hatch. The only telltale sign are those fantastic alloy wheels, fashioned after UK wall sockets. The Cooper SE is more suited to town driving, thanks to the surprisingly small 114-mile claimed range, but with 180 hp and that signature Mini handling, it's a fantastic small EV that's still down to Earth.