We have driven pretty much every permutation of every currently-production EV in the U.S. today, so we at Roadshow have got better-than-average visibility into what is not working well with electric cars at this point. There are a lot of EV cars, SUVs, and even trucks on the horizon, and it is only a matter of time until we have the opportunity to drive something awesome enough to make it onto this best electric cars list (and supplant one of the current choices). Not everyone wants an SUV, so we have put together a collection of the best family-friendly EVs. These days, electric cars are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and there are plenty of car companies selling EVs, SUVs, and pick-up trucks (with companies such as Rivian and Tesla selling strictly EVs).
There are smaller, city-car-sized electric cars, such as the Fiat 500, while the capable Skoda Enyaq offers SUV-like utility, while models from Porsche and Tesla deliver a lot of prestige and speed. You can pick up several smaller electric models, such as the Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 208, and MINI Electric, all offering decent range, and there are also luxurious, performance models like the Audi e-tron GT, Jaguar I-Pace, and Porsche Taycan, that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. In fact, in a sign of just how far EV technology has come, all but two models on this years Best Of list are either fully electric, or BEV, battery-electric vehicles. Like any car powered by fossil fuels, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and which is best for you will depend on various factors — like the average mileage per day, the types of driving you do, and whether you can access a private or public charging station.
The Audi e-tron is a high-tech, comfortable luxury vehicle that has versatility and a useful range on the EV, making the Audi e-tron an excellent entry into EV ownership. The Tesla Model 3 is a compact luxury sedan with performance that competes with the likes of the Mercedes C-Class and the BMW 3-Series — it is an important vehicle for a broad mass-market market — and also happens to be one of the most compelling electric cars you can buy. At this point, the Model 3 is in its own price bracket: It is pricier than most of the EVs on this list, but undercuts Jaguars XE, Audis E-tron, and Teslas other models. Every auto company in the world seems to be shooting for Tesla, but Teslas Model 3 remains one of the best electric cars available, with great range, features, and pricing that proves that Teslas are not only for 1-percenters.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is one of the best driving electric cars, barring a super-expensive Porsche offering. The Ioniq 5 might not be an amazing car, but it has an excellent electric drivetrain and battery.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 pairs a 90-kWh battery pack with a full-wheel-drive EV set-up, which delivers 395bhp. Hyundai offers its intelligent family-friendly Ioniq with various powertrains — including the all-electric version, which costs PS30,950, post-government subsidy. Smart has been developing its EQ – initially called the Electric Drive – models for years and has managed to bring down the price of the Smart Fortwo to about PS17k after the governments plug-in car grant. The Kia e-Niro is comfortable, practical and good value, making it one of the best all-round packages in todays EV market.
The Enyaq IV gets a bit of an edge as it shares many technologies with the Audi Q4 e-tron above and the Volkswagen ID.4 below; as with that iconic model, the Skoda is an excellent family-friendly vehicle, offering great range and an up-to-date cabin. While Volkswagens ID.4 might not be the most exciting or flashy electric vehicle, it is a reliable, highly affordable package, starting at less than $30,000 ($32,400 for the Plus model, which has a larger battery pack and an estimated range of 226 miles according to the EPA). Volkswagen plans to sell 100,000 units per year through late 2022, with the ID.3 being a launchpad for the entire line of ID-branded Volkswagen electric models. The 2022 release, which is due out soon, also goes on sale with an all-new larger EUV, short for Electric Utility Vehicle (think increased footspace, rather than cargo room) version of the Bolt.
Priced at around PS82,000, Audis E-tron GT 11 includes excellent on-board technology, with a Vorsprung model coming in at an extra PS25,000, bringing electric power-adjustable seats with ventilation and massage functions, LED matrix headlights featuring Audis Laser Light Technology, adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving tech, and head-up display. Our favourite amongst the lot offers a very respectable 258-mile range and a powertrain generating 201hp, all in a package thatll suit most families. Like the Chevy Bolt Electric (which we were very excited about including in this list, but its current battery recall has prevented it from being sold), the Kona Electric has a 258-mile range, better than a lot of the more expensive offerings listed below (though bigger and stronger). Even the more basic Model 3Standard Range Plus is estimated to travel further on a charge than base models of the other EVs in those top two price ranges, with more expensive Long Range and Performance models going further still.
Each year, we test hundreds of new cars and trucks, including those powered by electric. Tesla Model 3 Saloon Review The carbuyer rates it at 4.4 out of 5, While Teslas Model S and Teslas Model X pioneered the way to longer-range, sleeker EVs, Model 3 is designed to deliver longer range in a more mainstream package. The Tesla Model 3 is among the best-selling electric cars in 2022, with good reason. In fact, it is possible that the Tesla Model 3 in 2021 will remain the best mass-market EV.