- The most affordable electric cars for 2022 are the Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop and the Nissan Leaf
- The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo is the EV with the fastest acceleration rate, going from zero to 60 miles per hour in only 2.6 seconds
- The EV with the farthest driving range on a full charge is the Toyota Mirai XLE at 402 miles
With rising gas prices, more people than ever are considering electric or hybrid vehicles. Although electric cars often come with a higher price tag, a combination of savings can make them the more cost-efficient option. For example, the money saved through government rebates and fuel costs can quickly add up.
If you’re new to electric cars, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. However, there are a few things to look for in a full-electric vehicle (or EV). The most important factors to consider are mileage range on a full charge, safety features and horsepower. The best options currently available (or soon to be available) are discussed in depth below.
North Monaco / ShutterstockBenefits of Choosing an Electric Car
The most obvious benefit of choosing an electric car over traditional options is that it eliminates the need to purchase gasoline. The higher gasoline prices rise, the more cost-efficient electric models become. However, there are other benefits to going electric.
Electric vehicles are better for the environment because they produce lower emissions. Some EVs have zero emissions. Emissions are harmful to the environment in several ways, but the most significant problem is damaging the Earth’s ozone.
Since EVs are better for the environment, they’re eligible for a federal tax rebate of up to $7,500 and, in some cases, are also eligible for local and state rebates. Where you live determines the types and amounts of rebates you’re eligible to receive in addition to the federal rebate.
Fully Electric vs. Hybrid Cars
If you’re confused about the difference between fully electric and hybrid cars, you’re not alone. While both vehicles can use electricity to power your drive, one key difference sets them substantially apart.
A fully-electric vehicle runs solely on electricity. It doesn’t use gasoline or diesel in any form, and you can’t confuse these because there’s nowhere for the fuel to go.
A hybrid is a vehicle that can use both traditional fuel and electricity. Although they’re better for the environment than fuel-only options, they still require either gasoline or diesel to run. Some need both electricity and fuel at all times, while other hybrids can run off of either independently.
1. Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo
The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo starts at $93,700 and receives about 215 miles of estimated driving range on a full charge. The Cross Turismo is the undeniable winner in electric car acceleration capabilities because it can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in only 2.6 seconds.¹
The interior has deep, sporty seating for maximum comfort and an innovative curved display with Bluetooth and streaming options. You can extend the already ample storage space by folding the rear seats down, while the voice pilot can execute key commands by understanding specific spoken phrases.
2. BMW i4 eDrive 40
The BMW i4 eDrive 40 starts at $55,400, comes in 12 vibrant exterior colour options and goes from zero to 60 in 5.5 seconds with its 335 horsepower. Eighteen-inch Gunmetal Grey Aero Wheels come standard with the base trim, as does a moonroof.
This electric BMW car seats four comfortably and has a driving range between 282 and 301 miles on a full charge. You have the option to add heated or ventilated front seats to any trim level for a more comfortable or luxurious driving experience.²
3. Polestar 2
After the federal tax credit is applied, the Polestar comes to only $38,400 and receives an estimated 270 miles of driving range on a full charge. With 408 horsepower, this EV has above-average power, perfect for fast acceleration.
The Polestar 2’s infotainment display runs on Google apps and services while automatic emergency braking and inner-side airbags make for a safe drive in any conditions. You can add the Pilot package for additional safety features. It includes pilot assist, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera visibility, among other safety features.³
4. Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 starts at only $40,900 and has the distinct privilege of earning the Guinness World Record title for the shortest charging time to cross the United States in an electric vehicle. With this in mind, a full charge gives you an estimated 310 miles of range. The 320 maximum horsepower takes the EV6 from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds.
The EV6 comes standard with Kia’s industry-leading warranty program. The warranty covers 10 years or 100,000-miles, whichever comes first, and this extensive period covers the battery, too.⁴
5. Tesla Model 3
Starting at $40,690, the Tesla Model 3 receives an estimated 315 miles of driving range on a full charge and provides comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The Model 3 can go from zero to 60 in 3.1 seconds and received a five-star rating in every NHTSA safety rating category.
A 15-inch touchscreen display keeps GPS, music and more at your fingertips. Several luxurious features come standard with the base trim, including heated front seats, rear seats and steering wheel. The power-folding side mirrors are heated, making for simple defrosting and defogging in colder environments.⁵
6. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is one of the most affordable EV options currently available, starting at only $27,400. You can save additional money with rebates and the fact that the Leaf doesn’t require oil changes or traditional tuneups, thanks to its revolutionary all-electric engine design.
You can expect to go about 226 miles on a full charge and receive a maximum of 147 horsepower. The push-button start is a convenient feature paired with numerous safety attributes. A few examples include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning and a rearview camera for safer backing up.⁶
7. Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop
The Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop starts at only $29,900 and provides the traditional “tiny car” aesthetics characteristic of the Mini Cooper line. With 181 horsepower, the SE Electric Hardtop goes from zero to 60 in 6.9 seconds and receives about 114 driving miles on a fully charged battery.
The interior features ambient lighting and a visually appealing dashboard design. This Mini Cooper EV comes equipped with several convenient safety features, including lane departure warning, active driving assist, pedestrian warning and front collision warning.⁷
8. Toyota Mirai XLE
The Toyota Mirai XLE starts at $49,500 and comes with the complete Toyota Care package, featuring a no-cost maintenance plan and 24-hour roadside assistance on all new vehicle purchases. On a full battery, you can expect to drive about 402 miles before needing to charge again.
With comfortable seating for five and dual-zone automatic climate control, driving the Mirai XLE is always a pleasant experience. The base-level trim comes with LED headlights and taillights as well as daytime running lights. The 19-inch twin-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are wrapped in high-quality all-season tires.⁸
9. Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV starts at $31,500 and receives 200 horsepower to take it from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. A fully charged battery gets about 259 miles of driving range, and the interior is designed to seat five comfortably.
The driver information center sits on the dashboard and provides critical details, such as the remaining battery range, driving history and speed. The center console has wireless phone capabilities, including connectivity and charging abilities. The Bolt EV comes standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which has advanced safety features designed to let you drive confidently anywhere.⁹
10. Ford Mustang Mach-E Select
The Mustang Mach-E Select is technically an electric SUV but with the power and sleek styling of the traditional fuel-powered Mustang sports cars that came before it. Starting at $43,895, the Mach-E Select has 266 horsepower to take it from zero to 60 in 5.2 seconds. A fully charged battery takes you about 247 miles.
The rear window defroster is a unique feature, perfect for colder environments. A 15.5-inch touchscreen has enhanced voice recognition that allows you to execute key commands without taking your hands from the wheel. Other highlights include LED headlamps, LED taillamps, a rearview camera and automatic emergency braking.¹⁰