Ten years ago, electric vehicles were mostly viewed as a thing that only exists in sci-fi movies. Tesla was just getting started and was still in its infancy, and no other automaker had any real plans to start making EVs, save for a few concept cars that had no chance of ever making it into production.
Fast forward to 2020, and EVs are so popular that the best-selling car is fully electric. Both new and existing automakers have suddenly realized that the automotive industry's future is electric and are doing everything possible to earn a share of the growing EV market. As a result, there's now a wide range of EVs to choose from with different shapes, sizes, and price points. The following are ten of the most sensible EVs of 2020.
10 Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 is a compact executive sedan that rivals the likes of BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-class with its minimalist style, grin-inducing performance, and space-age technology. It is also one of the available EVs with the highest single-charge range.
The Model 3 comes in 3 trim levels. The entry-level Standard Range Plus Model 3 can cover up to 267 miles on a single charge, and it doesn't sacrifice performance to do that. It can do 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 140 mph. The Long-Range version of the Model 3 has a range of 360 miles and an improved 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. The most powerful version is the Model 3 Performance, which scorches 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds, rivaling supercars four times the price.
9 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
The Taycan was Porsche's first attempt at making an electric car, and boy was it successful. This four-door five-seat car has an electric motor powering each axle, an innovative 800-volt battery architecture, variable all-wheel-drive, and a range of 279 miles.
The Turbo S version of the Taycan is powered by a 750-hp motor that allows it to hit 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and go on to hit a limited top speed of 162 mph. Despite weighing a hefty 2.2 tons, the Taycan handles excellently and can weave neatly through the tightest corners. The Taycan holds the Guinness record for the longest sustained electric vehicle drift at 55 minutes.
8 Jaguar I-Pace
When Jaguar launched the I-Pace in 2018, everyone thought that it would finally be the vehicle that would take on the Tesla lineup, and they were right. The I-Pace has the perfect blend of practicality, performance, and premium image.
The I-Pace is also a comfortable car with space for four, and best of all, it has the same stonking performance and excellent handling that Jaguars are known for. At the heart of this car is a 90 kWh battery pack good for up to 292 miles.
7 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf will forever be remembered as the first-ever mass-market electric car. Since its launch in 2011, the Leaf has evolved through various generations, with each bringing forth new technology and features that make it more fun and efficient to drive.
The latest Leaf uses carryover mechanics from its predecessor but sprinkled with better battery tech and an updated look to bring it in line with the current Nissan family look. It is powered by a 62-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 160-kWh electric motor with a combined range of 226 miles.
6 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The Hyundai Ioniq is a compact five-door liftback offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric variants. The Ioniq Electric is the fully electric version and comes with an 88-kWh electric motor that delivers an EPA-rated range of 193 miles.
To improve mileage and driving dynamics, the Ioniq Electric has an aerodynamic design that lowers its drag coefficient to 0.24. It also reduces excessive weight by using high-strength steel for the structure and aluminum for non-structural components.
5 Mini Electric
A fully electric Mini wasn't in the product plan when BMW introduced the F56 generation in 2014, but it's now one of the brand's most popular vehicles. Launched in early 2020, the Mini Electric is BMW Group's cheapest EV, costing less than the i3.
The Mini Electric is powered by a 135-kWh battery pack cranking out 184 hp, enough to give it a 0-62 mph time of 7.3 seconds and a limited top speed of 93 mph. The battery's estimated range is 144 miles but can charge up from zero to 80 percent in 35 minutes.
4 Volkswagen ID.3
Volkswagen has a wide range of EVs in the works, but the ID.3 is perhaps the most important. The ID.3 is expected to cost around $30,000 and will be available in three versions that bear a strong resemblance to the iconic Golf.
There shouldn't be an issue with the ID.3's range, regardless of the version chosen. The base model has a range of 205 miles, while the top-spec model will go 336 miles without needing to charge up. Aside from its impressive powertrain, the ID.3 has a stylish interior featuring a 10-inch infotainment screen, comfortable seats, and the latest driver assistance technologies.
3 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Like most other legacy manufacturers, GM is trying to set itself up for an electric future, and the Chevrolet Bolt EV is one of the vehicles that will lead the way. When it comes to power, space, and technology, the Chevrolet Bolt EV doesn't hold back.
This car is equipped with a 60-kWh battery pack that generates 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, enough to reach 60 mph from zero in 6.5 seconds. With a driving range of 238 miles, a seating capacity of four, and plenty of cargo space, the Bolt EV is perfect for the daily commute, running errands, and hauling kids around.
2 Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is the landmark EV that convinced many non-believers that the future could really be electric. At its launch, the Model S brought a dash of executive style and luxury to the EV market years before European automakers finally caught up.
There's a lot to love about the Model S. For starters, most of its trim levels have a range of more than 300 miles, thanks to Tesla's advanced battery technology. Shockingly, the top model will do 0-60 mph in a blistering 2.4 seconds, faster than some of the most expensive hypercars.
1 Audi E-Tron
Developed in collaboration with Porsche, the E-Tron is Audi's attempt at making an EV, and a successful one. The E-Tron is powered by two electric motors combined to produce 590 hp, sending it to all four wheels. The result is 0-62 mph in just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph.
The 95-kWh battery pack in the E-Tron is good for up to 250 miles and can recharge from zero to 80 percent in just 20 minutes, thanks to an 800-volt charging system. For full eco-credibility, the E-Tron also features a "vegan" interior.