Since their inception, electric cars have advanced significantly and are now viewed as a competitive alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles. It can be hard to choose the best electric car with numerous options available. There is an electric car out there for everyone, whether you’re a daily driver looking for a cost-effective choice or a tech-obsessed one seeking the latest technology.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 5 electric cars that you should consider buying. From practical to luxurious, these cars represent the best of what the electric vehicle market has to offer. So, buckle up and let’s dive in!
1. 2023 Tesla Model 3
Love it or hate it, Tesla and its controversial leader Elon Musk have disrupted the electric vehicle market in a big way with the Model 3. With a price point that’s more affordable than Tesla’s previous offerings, the Model 3 has become a top seller in the EV space, owing to its impressive driving range and dynamic performance. If you’re in the market for an electric car and crave a little extra space, the Model Y SUV might catch your eye, but we recommend the Long Range Model 3 for its impressive 358-mile range. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t be tempted by the extra power and sportier look of the Performance trim?
While the 2023 Tesla Model 3 remains unchanged from the previous year’s edition, rumors are swirling about a potential styling refresh on the horizon. However, Tesla has been known to take its time when it comes to updates, so we may have to wait until the 2024 model year to see any changes.
As for pricing, the base rear-wheel-drive model comes in at a reasonable $41,630, but if you want to eliminate range anxiety, we suggest the Long Range model at $53,130. Moreover, if speed is your game, the Performance trim, starting at $55,630, will give you a great 3.5-second 0-60 mph time.
As with all-electric vehicles, the Model 3 provides a smooth, almost silent driving experience, with the electric motor providing a powerful punch from a standstill. With the battery located under the floor, the car has a low center of gravity, making it nimble and stable in corners. The steering is well-weighted and accurate, with three different settings to choose from.
While the ride is firm, it’s not harsh, although you may hear more road noise than you would in a gas-powered vehicle. All Model 3s come standard with heated front seats, navigation, and Tesla’s semi-autonomous Autopilot system.
2. Polestar 2
Meet the Polestar 2, the all-electric hatchback that combines luxury and eco-consciousness like no other. Built by Volvo’s EV subsidiary, it has a range and horsepower that competes with some of the top contenders in the EV game. With a base rear-drive model offering 299 horsepower and a claimed 300 miles of range, the Polestar 2 is ready for the long haul. However, for the performance-minded driver, there are two all-wheel-drive options, one with 421 horsepower and the other, the Performance Pack model, with a whopping 450 horsepower and a 270-mile range.
What’s more, it offers a traditional cockpit with a normal instrument cluster and software backed by Google’s Android, setting it apart from Tesla’s innovative but polarizing design. While it has been steadily gaining ground in the EV market, it will need to keep up its pace to stay competitive against formidable rivals like the BMW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 6.
With a larger battery and upgraded hardware, the Polestar 2 is now rear-wheel drive and has an impressive claimed range of 300 miles, which is 30 miles more than last year’s model. Dual-motor Polestar 2 models also get a boost with an extra 10 miles of claimed range, bringing it up to a respectable 270 miles. Horsepower has also been increased across all levels, with the single-motor model now packing 299 horsepower and the dual-motor version delivering an impressive 421 horsepower.
But the upgrades don’t stop there. Polestar has also retuned the torque ratio to prioritize output from the rear motor and updated the 20-inch forged wheels that come with the Performance Pack. Plus, the larger battery now supports fast-charging speeds of up to 205 kW.
When it comes to pricing and which model to choose, the Long Range RWD is the base model, estimated to be priced at $55,000. The Long Range AWD, estimated at $58,000, offers all-wheel-drive and improved handling. For those looking for even more exhilarating performance, the Long Range with Performance Pack, estimated at $64,000, offers 455 horsepower and additional upgrades for the ultimate driving experience.
3. Lucid Air
The 2023 Lucid Air luxury sedan is a game changer in the EV market, having unparalleled range and impressive performance owing to its in-house designed battery and motors. The Grand Touring Performance model can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, while also achieving 516 miles of estimated driving range.
The Air’s sleek exterior and spacious cabin make it a strong competitor to high-end EVs like the Porsche Taycan and Mercedes-Benz EQS, and even the Tesla Model S.
Lucid has continued to make strides in the electric car market with the addition of a new appearance package and a high-performance model for 2023. The new Stealth Look appearance package offers a sleek and sophisticated blacked-out exterior for the Lucid Air, replacing the traditional brightwork with dark gray alternatives and black wheels.
This powerhouse has a three-motor drivetrain with over 1200 horsepower, making it one of the fastest electric cars on the market. It claims that this model will be able to compete with the Tesla Model S Plaid and reach a top speed of 200 mph.
The 2023 model year sees a few updates, including a Stealth Look appearance package and a new, more powerful three-motor drivetrain in the Sapphire performance model. With a starting price of $89,050 for the base Pure trim and going up to $250,650 for the top-of-the-line Sapphire, there is an Air model to fit most budgets and preferences.
If you’re looking for the best value for your money, we recommend the Touring model, which starts at $109,050. For those looking for a more luxurious and powerful option, the Grand Touring trim is an excellent choice, starting at $139,650.
All the models come with a complimentary three-year charging plan through the Electrify America charging network, making it easy to keep your car charged and ready to go.
4. Chevrolet Bolt
Chevy’s Bolt has come a long way since its introduction in 2016, and has now transformed into a unique and captivating small electric hatchback with a strong value proposition. Its unconventional styling sets it apart from the crowd. It has proven to be an affordable alternative to other small EVs like the Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Kona Electric.
The Bolt EV, which should not be confused with its slightly larger counterpart, the Bolt EUV mini-SUV, has a single 200-horsepower motor that drives its front wheels, providing an impressive EPA-estimated 259 miles on a single charge.
The 2023 Chevy Bolt EV is a force to be reckoned with. The biggest news is the substantial price drop, making it the most affordable EV on the market. But don’t let the lower price fool you; it still packs a punch with an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles on a single charge. Plus, with DC fast charging, you can add up to 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes.
If you’re in the market for an affordable electric hatchback, the 2023 Chevy Bolt offers a compelling value proposition. With a starting price of just $27,495 for the 1LT trim and $30,695 for the 2LT, the Bolt is currently the least expensive EV sold in the U.S. today. Both trims offer an EPA-estimated 259 miles of range and can accept DC fast charging, which can add up to 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes.
Moreover, its powertrain and chassis remain unchanged from previous models, delivering a peppy response to accelerator inputs and ample low-end torque that will have you zipping off the line when the light turns green. The one-pedal-driving mode is a great feature that increases regenerative braking to the point where you rarely need to use the brakes to slow down.
5. Hyundai Kona Electric
The Kona Electric is a fun and efficient crossover that prioritizes a similar driving experience to gas-powered cars, but with an electric motor. It swaps out the standard engine for a lithium-ion battery pack and an AC motor, delivering a reasonable power output and driving range. It also offers a well-equipped interior, strong warranty coverage, and complimentary maintenance.
The 2023 Kona Electric may not have undergone any major changes compared to its 2022 model, but it still remains an impressive electric crossover that provides a fun and comfortable driving experience. Its powertrain consists of a 201-hp electric motor that drives the front wheels and is powered by a 64.0-kWh battery pack, which offers a sprightly driving performance that makes it enjoyable to drive along twisty roads.
It can go from zero to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than the regular Kona. Although it’s not a sports car, it offers engaging and reliable handling that makes it stand out among other subcompact SUVs.
At highway speeds, the Kona Electric cruises smoothly and feels grounded, thanks to the weight of the battery mounted in the floor that provides a low center of gravity. The new Kona Electric comes in three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited, with the SE starting at $34,885, the SEL at $38,635, and the Limited at $42,885.
Moreover, the standard features for the Kona Electric include heated front seats with eight-way power adjustability, lumbar support for the driver, a rear USB port, and auto up-down power front windows. Thus, the 10.3-inch display with built-in navigation is now standard on both SEL and Limited models, providing easier access to maps and other vital information.