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The electric vehicle market sure is heating up these days. With new entrants coming into the fray every few months, it’s getting harder to keep track of all of the battery-powered electric vehicles offered today.
Because range is a huge consideration for any electric vehicle, we’ve rounded up the 10 EVs that you can buy new today that offer the most range between charges. As of this writing, each vehicle on this list is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit plus whatever your state and local governments offer, which can make a significant dent in the purchase price.
For this list, we’re leaning on Environmental Protection Agency range ratings from fueleconomy.gov. While there are some much-hyped new EVs on the horizon — such as the Porsche Taycan, the Mercedes-Benz EQC and the Rivian R1T and R1S — that will likely place on this list in the future, they haven’t been rated by the EPA yet.
2020 Tesla Model S: 370 miles
While many electric vehicles have entered the fray since it first arrived in 2012, the Tesla Model S is still the range king. Tesla TSLA, +0.72% produces two versions of the Model S — perhaps unsurprisingly, the Long Range model offers the longest range, with 370 miles of possible range between charges. The Performance model, which offers an insane 0-to-60 mph time of 2.4 seconds, tops out at about 345 miles. All-new Model S vehicles come with all-wheel drive and an adaptive air suspension. Another of the vehicle’s most noteworthy features is its huge 17-in center screen, which acts as the vehicle’s command center and offers full web-browsing capabilities. (We absolutely do not recommend using this feature while driving.) A Model S Long Range starts around $80,000, while the Performance trim starts around $100,000.
2020 Tesla Model X — 325 miles
Basically an SUV version of the Model S, the bigger, heavier Model X doesn’t range quite as far as its sedan-bodied sibling. In the Long Range guise, the Model X can go about 325 between charges, and its 0-to-60 mph time is about 4.4 seconds. The Performance model’s range is about 305 miles, and it goes from 0-to-60 mph in about 2.7 seconds. Just like the Performance trim of the Model S, the Model X comes with Tesla’s Ludicrous Mode acceleration boost and sporty exterior styling elements. All Model X vehicles come with AWD drive and Tesla’s novel Falcon Wing doors, and they seat as many as seven people. Pricing starts at $85,000 for a Long Range model and $105,000 for a Performance trim — and climbs quickly once you start adding options.
2020 Tesla Model 3 — 310 miles
Tesla’s newest offering, the compact Model 3, is designed to be a more affordable alternative to the luxe-oriented Model S and Model X, but it still offers impressive performance and great range. Three trims are currently listed for sale on Tesla’s website. The Performance and Long Range trims can go up to 310 miles on a single charge, and each comes in AWD. The Performance trim has some giddy-up, too, clocking a 0-to-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds, and it features performance brakes and a track mode, too. There’s also a basic, rear-wheel-drive Standard Range Plus model, which can go 240 miles before recharging. The Standard Range Plus trim is still pretty quick, with a 5.3-second 0-to-60 mph time. Pricing for the so-called people’s Tesla starts at $39,000 for the Standard Range Plus trim. The Long Range Model 3 starts at $48,000, and the top-of-the-line Performance model starts at $56,000.
2020 Chevrolet Bolt — 259 miles
Chevrolet The Chevy Bolt.
Like similar EV offerings from Hyundai HYMTF, +8.73% and Kia, the Bolt is a small, unassuming hatchback packing an impressive EV powertrain. In addition to offering up to 238 miles of range, the Bolt comes with a roomy interior and a great infotainment system packing both Android Auto and Apple AAPL, -0.40% CarPlaycompatibility. It’s also available in all 50 states, which can’t be said for Hyundai’s and Kia’s EVs. Additionally, something prospective EV buyers might forget is that to reap the full benefits of their vehicle’s fast-charging capabilities, a special charging station needs to be installed in their home. In the case of the Bolt, the cost of this charging infrastructure — typically around $750 — can be lumped into the financing of the vehicle. The Bolt’s MSRP comes in at between about $38,000 and $45,000, but GM GM, +1.08% incentives help to reduce this figure significantly, even before factoring in federal tax credits. Suffice it to say, the Bolt is a pretty good deal.
2020 Hyundai Kona Electric — 258 miles
This humble compact crossover from Hyundai is the leading non-Tesla EV when it comes to range, traveling about 258 miles between charges. The Kona Electric also comes in at a reasonable price: about $38,000 for the SEL trim, or $46,000 for the loaded Ultimate trim. Given that the gas-powered Kona offers good ergonomics, great space and a refined interior, we find the Kona Electric to be one of the most enjoyable battery-powered vehicles on sale today. The Kona Electric’s plug is cleverly hidden in its grille. Its battery carries a lifetime warranty, and it offers the equivalent of 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, which comes on instantly, allowing for a relatively quick 0-to-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds.
Read next: 7 tips for buying your first electric vehicle
2020 Kia Soul EV — 243 miles
Kia Kia Soul EV
The Kia Soul has been fully redesigned for 2020, doubling down on its sleek, futuristic storm trooper look. Offering great practicality thanks to its boxy shape, the value-packed Soul is already one of our favorite small cars on sale today. Factor in the EV’s electric powertrain and its generous 243 miles of range, and the Soul becomes even more compelling. Previous iterations of the Soul EV could only go about 111 miles, so the new-for-2020 model is a considerable improvement. The Soul EV should be available at select Kia dealerships starting in 2020. Pricing has yet to be released.
2019 Kia Niro EV — 239 miles
Kia The Kia Niro.
While the Niro comes standard with a hybrid powertrain, Kia introduced a fully electric version in 2019. Building upon what was already regarded as a highly competent and fuel-efficient compact crossover, the Niro EV offers an impressive 239 miles of range. One of the more understated EVs on our list, the Niro EV is only subtly different, stylistically, than its gas-powered brother, with a unique grille (under which is a door for the plug), unique wheels, and light blue exterior accents. Two trims are offered: Pricing for the EX starts at just under $40,000, while the EX Premium starts at about $45,000.
2020 Jaguar I-PACE — 234 miles
Jaguar The Jaguar I-Pace
Don’t be confused by Jaguar’s model names — while the company offers a compact crossover called the E-Pace, its electric offering is the I-Pace. Despite the misleading nomenclature, the I-Pace is one of the most highly regarded new EVs to hit the market in recent years. It’s fun to drive and offers a spacious interior that remains true to Jaguar’s luxury-car roots. (Unlike Tesla, whose minimalist, screen-centric design can take some getting used to.) Additionally, the I-Pace’s dual electric motors — there’s one at each axle — provide standard AWD and are rated at the equivalent of 394 hp and a whopping 510 lb-ft of torque, good for going from 0-to-60 mph in about four seconds. Thanks to its height-adjustable suspension and surprisingly competent traction control systems, the I-Pace can also handle some light off-roading, unlike most EVs. The I-Pace starts just north of $70,000 and reaches about $90,000 when fully loaded.
Also read: The best thing you can do for the environment will also save you $234,000
2019 Nissan Leaf — 226 miles
The Nissan NSANY, +0.08% Leaf was one of the first mainstream EVs when it made its debut back in 2011. It’s now in its second generation, and with this new generation comes an extended-range model capable of traveling up to 239 miles on a single charge. Pricing for the Leaf Plus starts at about $38,000 for a basic S Plus trim and tops out just shy of $44,000 for the loaded SL Plus trim, which includes a 360-degree surround-view monitor, leather seats and a Bose audio system. The SL Plus trim also comes with Nissan’s clever ProPilot Assist feature, which helps guide the vehicle on the highway. We love the Leaf Plus’s spacious hatchback design, user-friendly interior and standard DC Fast Charge system, which can greatly reduce charging times.
2020 Audi e-tron — 204 miles
Audi The Audi e-tron.
Audi’s first electric-only crossover, the e-tron, was expected to offer around 225 miles of range when it made its debut in 2019. It didn’t — it showed up with a range of only about 204 miles. Still, it’s a luxurious and spacious battery-powered crossover that undercuts Tesla on price while. It has a better, more established dealer network, too, and it’s soon to have its own fast-charging capabilities via Electrify America. The e-tron boasts Audi build quality — which is better than Tesla’s — and an upscale cabin that should be charmingly familiar to most luxury buyers. The 2020 e-tron starts at about $76,000 and tops out at about $88,000 in the fully loaded Prestige guise.
This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.
