electric car models, The world of cars is changing fast, with electric vehicles (EVs) becoming more popular. Over 16 years, CNET has tested many cars, trucks, and SUVs. This includes almost every electric car sold in the US.
The Biden-Harris administration wants to build 500,000 EV chargers. They also have new rules for car emissions. Some states might ban gas cars by 2030. This makes people look more at electric cars.
Now, over 40 electric models are available from more than 20 car makers. These cars go over 200 miles on one charge. They also have cool tech and perform better than gas cars. This guide will help you find the right electric car for you.
Key Takeaways
- The electric car market has rapidly expanded, with over two dozen automakers offer 40-plus full-electric models.
- Many of the latest electric cars can travel over 200 miles on a single charge, with some exceeding 250 miles.
- Electric vehicles offer lower cost-per-mile and maintenance expenses compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
- EV owners benefit from exemptions from road tax, leading to significant annual savings.
- The growing network of electric car charging stations across the US supports the increasing adoption of zero-emission vehicles.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles
Electric Cars Are Going Mainstream
electric car models, The use of electric cars has grown a lot in recent years. What was once a small market has now become a big part of the car industry. Governments, car makers, and buyers are all focusing on sustainable transportation trends. This has made electric vehicles grow faster than ever before.
Recent numbers show ev models sales are up all over the world. In 2023, China was the biggest market for electric cars, with almost 60% of sales. Europe had about 25%, and the U.S. had 10%. This big increase in EV adoption comes from stricter rules on emissions, government help, and better battery tech. These changes have made electric cars more affordable and useful for more people.
Car makers are now making more electric cars to meet the demand. Volkswagen, for example, wants to sell four out of ten cars as electric by 2030. They plan to launch 70 new electric models by 2028. Other big car companies are also putting a lot of money into making electric cars, showing they believe in a future with more sustainable transportation.
“The adoption of electric cars has been on a remarkable upward trajectory in recent years.”
As the ev models market keeps growing, there will be more models and tech for buyers. There will be cars that go long distances and fast, and also ones that are cheaper and better for city driving. The electric car world is changing fast, giving drivers more choices than ever.
Best Overall Electric Car
tesla models, The Tesla Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV are the top picks for electric cars. They combine range, performance, and value perfectly. This makes them the best choice for those switching to electric.
The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have ranges of 358 miles and 330 miles. This means you can drive a lot without needing to charge. Plus, they have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, the biggest in the country. This gives you confidence on long trips.
| Model | Starting Price | Range (EPA) | Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | $44,630 | 358 miles | $7,500 |
| Tesla Model Y | $44,630 | 330 miles | $7,500 |
green vehicles, Another great thing about the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y is the federal electric vehicle tax credit. This credit can save you $7,500. Their amazing features and this savings make them great deals in the EV market.
“The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y offer the best balance, broadest appeal, and, thanks to their full qualification for federal EV tax credits, some of the best values for most drivers looking to make the jump to electric motoring.”
Factors to Consider Before Buying an electric car models
electric car models, When you’re looking to buy an electric vehicle (EV), there are key things to think about. Range and efficiency are top priorities. They affect how far you can go and how much you’ll spend to own one.
Range and Efficiency
ev models, The range of an electric car is how far it can go on one charge. A longer range means less need to stop for charging, which is great for long trips. In recent years, electric cars can now travel up to 350 km on a single charge, a big jump from 211 km in 2015.
Efficiency is another important factor. It’s measured in miles per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh) or kilowatt-hours per 100 miles (kWh/100mi). A higher efficiency means you’ll use less electricity, saving you money. Studies show that most electric cars can cover 98% of European trips without needing to recharge.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Range Increase (2015-2021) | 65% |
| EVs Meeting 98% of European Trips | 86% |
| Average Charging Time (50 kWh, 100 kW) | 30 minutes |
| Average Charging Time (50 kWh, 150 kW) | 20 minutes |
ev models Charging your electric car is also a big part of owning one. Having access to home charging and public fast-charging stations is important, mainly for long trips. Charging a 50 kWh battery can take just 30 minutes at a 100 kW station or 20 minutes at a 150 kW station.
Other things to think about include how many people and things you can carry, the tech inside, safety features, and driver aids. Make sure the electric car fits your needs and lifestyle.
The Importance of Charging
green vehicles, Charging is key for electric vehicle (EV) owners. Most EVs can charge overnight at a level 2 home AC charger. This lets drivers start each day fully charged, without worrying about running out of power. But for long trips or those without home charging, fast charging is even more important.
Public charging networks, like Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America, greatly affect EV ownership. The speed and reliability of these networks are vital. You need to think about charging times and finding high-power chargers on your route.
- The number of publicly accessible charging stations in the United States surpassed 53,000 in 2023, providing over 137,000 charging ports.
- Electric vehicles can achieve a fuel economy of over 130 MPGe and consume only 25–40 kWh to drive 100 miles.
- Manufacturers of electric vehicles are now giving 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranties. Batteries are expected to last 12 to 15 years in mild climates.
“Driving an EV instead of a gas-powered vehicle in the United States cuts climate pollution by about two-thirds over the vehicle’s lifespan.”
The ev charging infrastructure, at home and public, is essential for EV owners. Knowing about home charging and public charging options, charging times, and charging challenges helps decide if an EV is right for you.
Features and Technologies
electric car models, Electric vehicles (EVs) are more than just batteries and motors. They offer a complete driving experience. This includes passenger and cargo space, advanced cabin tech, safety features, and driver aids. Some EVs even have bidirectional charging. This lets you use the car’s battery to power your home or a campsite.
When choosing an EV, think about how it drives. Look at its acceleration, handling, and braking. Many EVs come with features that make driving better and more convenient. These include:
- Over-the-air software updates that improve performance, thanks to Tesla.
- Power-up upgrades that make the car faster, like Polestar’s 2 Dual Motor model.
- One-pedal driving that uses regenerative braking, reducing brake pedal use.
- Bidirectional charging (V2G) that lets EVs send power to homes or the grid, earning you money.
- Customizable motor sounds that let you choose from futuristic to petrol engine sounds.
- ‘Dog mode’ that keeps pets cool while parked, shown on the screen in Tesla models.
- Remote starting that warms or cools the car without emissions, unlike gas cars.
- Keyless activation that turns on the car with electricity, no keys needed.
- Remote speed adjustments and monitoring for supervising new drivers, available in Tesla.
- Stealthy, silent take-offs that won’t disturb neighbors or pets.
- Vehicle-to-load functions that power campsites, seen in Hyundai and Kia models.
As more people choose EVs, these advanced features are becoming standard. They make EVs a great option for many drivers.
How We Test Electric Cars
electric car models, At CNET, we’re known for our detailed and thorough tests of electric vehicles. Our team has over 15 years of experience with nearly every EV sold in the US. We use a ev testing methodology that goes beyond the usual test track.
This method helps us understand how these cars perform in real life. We drive them on public roads, covering over 200 miles. Our route includes city streets, highways, and mountain roads.
This way, we can see how the real-world ev driving experience is. We check the ev charging testing, how they drive, and their ev performance evaluation.
green vehicles When driving, we test how fast they charge and compare their range to what the EPA says. We also look at the comfort inside, the tech on the dashboard, and safety features. This gives us a full picture of how they perform in everyday life.
Our cnet car reviews aim to give you more than just numbers. We want to help you choose the right electric vehicle for you. With our experience and real-world data, we show you the good and bad of each model.
“CNET has evaluated and driven almost every EV model sold in the US over the last 15 years, from the 62-mile 2012 Mitsubishi i-Miev to the 516-mile Lucid Air Grand Touring.”
If you’re into electric cars or just starting to look, our cnet car reviews are here to help. Trust CNET to guide you through the changing world of electric cars.
electric car models We Recommend
ev models, Our team at CNET has tested many top ev picks and ev recommendations. We’ve looked at more than just the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. We’ve also tested other electric car models that are worth mentioning.
The Kia EV6 has been a joy to test, with over 6,000 miles of driving. It’s as good as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in many ways. The Volkswagen ID.4 also stands out for its range, performance, and value. But, some design choices didn’t quite hit the mark with us.
For a luxury option, BMW’s iX and i4 M50 are great. They offer a more traditional dashboard and a premium feel. Their performance is also top-notch, making them stand out.
“The Kia EV6 has been an enjoyable and reliable companion for over 6,000 miles of testing, showing similar performance to the Hyundai Ioniq 5.”
When looking for the best electric vehicles, consider these recommended electric car models. They’ve shown great results in our tests and evaluations.
Dispelling Common EV Myths
green vehicles, Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular, but myths about them are common. These myths are fading as EV technology advances. Let’s look at the facts and debunk some of the most common ev myths.
Addressing Range Anxiety and Charging Times
green vehicles, “Range anxiety” is a big worry for many. It’s the fear of running out of battery power. But, modern EVs can go 200 miles or more on one charge. Some even go over 400 miles.
Charging times have also gotten better. Level 2 chargers can charge most EVs overnight. DC fast chargers can give a big boost in just 30 minutes.
Recent data shows EV ranges have grown a lot. The median range in the U.S. went from 73 miles in 2011 to 114 miles in 2017. The Tesla Model 3 has a 220-mile range, the Tesla Model S can go up to 335 miles, and the Chevy Bolt EV has a 238-mile range.
With more charging stations popping up, range anxiety is fading fast for EV owners.
| Metric | Data Point |
|---|---|
| EV Range Growth | The median range of all-electric vehicles in the U.S. grew from 73 miles in model year 2011 to 114 miles in model year 2017. |
| Top EV Ranges | Tesla Model 3: 220 miles, Tesla Model S: 335 miles, Chevy Bolt EV: 238 miles |
| Charging Infrastructure | Over 1,200 Tesla Supercharger stations across the U.S. with thousands more planned. |
By clearing up myths about electric vehicle range and ev charging times, it’s clear EVs meet most people’s driving needs.
Conclusion
electric car models, Switching to an electric vehicle is becoming more popular and wise. EVs provide a cleaner drive, improving air quality and cutting down on emissions. Even though they cost more upfront, they save money in the long run due to lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Old worries about range and charging time are fading away for today’s EVs. With many models for every budget and lifestyle, now is the perfect time to try an electric vehicle. By choosing an EV, you help the planet and enjoy fast starts and a quiet ride.
As ev adoption keeps rising, electric cars are key to green transport. They offer big savings and help the environment, making them a great choice. Whether you want to save money or help the planet, ev cost savings and ev maintenance make electric cars worth looking into.
