City EVs with Excellent Efficiency Perfect for Urban commutes Under 150 miles
Best Electric Commuter Cars
Range Isnt Everything
Every time a new electric vehicle is introduced, the statistic that most people gravitate towards is range: how far will this car go on a full charge? In someway, thats understandable, because it can take longer to charge an electric car even on the fastest level 3 DC fast charger than to fill up a gasoline car. But in some ways, judging an EV based just on its range doesnt make sense: we dont judge gasoline cars solely based on how far they can go on a tank of gas, do we? And EVs have the further advantage of being able to charge at home: you can go to work or play, run some errands, and then simply plug in your vehicle when you get home, always leaving with a full tank of electrons in the morning.
Once we stop fixating on range, the number of options available for zero-emissions commuting not only gets wider, but it also gets cheaper, as there are many models in the market starting at under $35,000 before incentives, which offer all the benefits of the latest EV and driver assist technology without making you pay through the nose for range you might realistically never use.
Plus, all of the evidence shows that the way most people use their vehicles daily doesnt require much range at all. While we may always be thinking about that once-a-year road trip situation, and having to stop for coffee or lunch while our car charges up, most of us only drive 30 miles or so in a day. And many, who live in tightly-packed urban areas, might drive even less. Dense urban spaces are actually where EVs make the most sense, as their ability to run emissions-free when sitting in traffic has an even greater positive effect on greenhouse gases than out in the country.
What Are the Best Electric Cars for Commuting?
So, if youre looking for an EV commuter car, your choices are greater than you may think: look beyond the range statistic, and youll discover plenty of practical, fun to drive choices that can help save the environment, and fit into your lifestyle, without paying an arm and a leg. Here are our favorites that we found using the GreenCars Buyer's Guide. All ranges are based on EPA estimates.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is truly an original, the first mass-produced full-electric vehicle to be available to Americans. Now in its second generation, it still feels futuristic, with tons of torque, eye-opening acceleration, and zero sound. For many drivers, it changed their world, and turned them on to electric driving.
The latest Leaf comes with a roomy, comfortable interior, simple-to-use infotainment, and other features. It is one of the lowest-priced new electric vehicles you can currently buy (and thats before thousands of dollars in available incentives). Range is a very reasonable 150 miles from its 40-kWh battery, more than enough for daily commuting with some buffer, before you plug in overnight. If you need more range, a Leaf+ is now available as well, with 226 miles of range.
Range:150 miles
MSRP Before Incentives: $27,800
MINI Cooper Electric Hardtop
Think of the electric MINI as more focused than compromised. Use it for what its intended for, namely urban living, shorter trips, and charging at home. Its a brilliant little car and one of the least-expensive electric vehicles currently on the market. In the real world, the 114-mile EPA rated range is fine for running around town, and the 181-hp, 199-lb-ft of torque makes it terrific fun to drive.
The MINIs 32-kWh battery doesnt compromise luggage space, meaning that other than a few acid-green badges, the icon on the charge port, and a slight increase in ride height, theres very little to visually distinguish the electric MINI from any other. Which, given how much fun and how practical these cars are, is a very good thing.
Range:114 miles
MSRP Before Incentives: $29,900
Hyundai Ioniq Electric
Dont confuse the Hyundai Ioniq hatchback with the newer Ioniq 5, which is much larger, much more expensive, and more of an all-round family crossover. The original Ioniq, available as a hybrid as well as an EV, is a smaller hatchback that is suited to shorter trips. In the company of other urban commuters, its 170-mile range gives it greater flexibility and versatility to use on long trips (thats remarkable efficiency, given the small 38-kWh battery).
Other things we like about this sleek, roomy hatchback include its attractive, well-designed interior, which features all the latest technology, including a touchscreen interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a suite of driver assist features. It also has a surprisingly roomy back seat, and a huge trunk. While the Ioniq 5 may be grabbing all the headlines, the Ioniq remains a standout value proposition.
Range:170 miles
MSRP Before Incentives: $33,245
Mazda MX-30
On paper, the MX-30 seems expensive, and its range looks rather poor for a vehicle that was introduced for the 2022 model year. Mazdas contention is that all evidence points to the average drivers daily mileage being well within the 100-mile range offered by the MX-30. After all, MX-30 owners generally charge at home every night and reducing the size of the battery to just 35 kWh pays huge benefits in terms of interior space, efficiency, and driving fun.
Thanks to its low curb weight, the MX-30 is terrific fun to drive in the best Mazda tradition: fun to fling around corners, with a lightness and a responsiveness that make it different from other electric cars. This is the sports car of electric crossovers: it has rear half-doors that provide access to a surprisingly roomy rear seat.
We really like its clever, spacious interior, which combines an elevated seating position with sports car-like seats and some fascinating details, including recycled cork trim. The infotainment system is excellent and easy to use while driving. If you spend a lot of time zipping around town, and can charge at home, the MX-30 would be a fun choice. Plus, being eligible for up to $10,000 in credits and incentives, its real-world price is less than $25,000.
Range:100 miles
MSRP Before Incentives: $33,470
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
The Chevy Bolt may be one of the most capable and well-rounded utility EVs on the market. With its 65-kWh battery the Bolt has range that rivals many much more expensive EVs. But, thanks to its compact exterior dimensions, relatively low weight, and built-from-scratch EV architecture, its range is a result of efficiency as well as battery size.
The Bolt is also desirable because of its body shape: making full use of the battery as a skateboard, it perches its remarkably spacious cabin on top of a tiny footprint, making this a compact, maneuverable package that actually has big-car space and range. Increased ground clearance gives the Bolt some SUV attitude, its interior is intelligently laid out, and all of its high-tech features are easy to use. For an all-round urban EV that can sometimes venture into the country, the Bolt is truly hard to beat and a great example of the ingenuity legacy brands like Chevrolet are capable of.
Range:247 miles
MSRP (federal tax credit not available) $27,200
TopSpeed
Plug-in hybrid SUVs are built to offer the ideal combination of power, efficiency, and versatility. They have a significant advantage in terms of fuel efficiency. Most plug-in hybrid SUVs have an average electric-only range of between 15 and 50 miles, which can adequately cover an entire day's worth of city driving without needing to use gas. This contributes to reducing emissions as well as helping save money on fuel costs.
These plug-in hybrid SUVs offer the luxury of having the combination of a compact and nimble vehicle with ample space and versatility that many city dwellers desire. The advanced safety features included add peace of mind to city driving scenarios. Plug-in hybrid SUVs have also been touted as excellent alternative to electric vehicles, with their outstanding fuel efficiency, and significant electric-only range which bring about huge cost-saving, reduced emissions, and practicality for urban lifestyles.
Since there is no dearth of choice, if you are in the market for an SUV for city commutes, here are 10 plug-in hybrid models that will serve you well.
Information has been sourced from official automakers' websites and credible publications like Car and Driver and the EPA.
10 Lincoln Corsair Plug-in Hybrid - 27 Miles
Starting Price: $53,925
The Lincoln Corsair's plug-in hybrid variant is only available on the Grand Touring trim. This vehicle is the smallest SUV in the Lincoln lineup, and it uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, combined with an electric motor in an all-wheel drive setup to produce a combined system output of 266 horsepower that's capable of a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.0 seconds according to a Car And Driver testing session.
Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring Specs
Engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine |
Horsepower | 266 hp |
Electric-only Range | 27 miles |
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy | 78 MPGe |
(Specs sourced from Lincoln, EPA, and Car and Driver)
The instant torque from the electric motor and its 18.5 feet curb-to-curb turning radius make it well-suited for city driving, overtaking, and navigating traffic congestion easier. It uses Continuously Variable Transmission to make gear shifts seamless. For daily city driving, an electric-only range of up to 27 miles is available. For more engaging drives, the gas engine is engaged, and a 33-mpg fuel economy keeps it economical.
9 Dodge Hornet Plug-In Hybrid - 33 Miles
Starting Price: $40,935
The Dodge Hornet Plug-In Hybrid easily caters to the needs of urban drivers with its highly efficient 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine which when combined with an electric motor, is capable of an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 77 MPGe combined. It is all-wheel drive, the hybrid powertrain offering an impressive 288 horsepower, and a six-speed automatic transmission, guaranteeing smooth transition between gears.
Dodge Hornet Plug-In Hybrid Specs
Engine | 1.3-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine |
Horsepower | 288 hp |
Electric-only Range | 33 miles |
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy | 77 MPGe |
(Specs sourced from Dodge, EPA, and Car and Driver)
Its battery pack is capable of an electric range of 33 miles, enough for daily commutes without needing to use fuel. It's also fitted with the PowerShot feature which is activated by pulling both paddle shifters. This feature adds an extra 30 horsepower to the already impressive 288 horsepower upon activation and can result in a 0-60 mph run in just 5.5 seconds. This further makes overtaking and maneuvering city streets easier.
8 Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid - 33 Miles
Starting Price: $42,995
The Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid is fitted with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor on the rear axle in an all-wheel drive setup to produce punchy 285 horsepower at the wheels. This is good for a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds, which helps it effortlessly merge into traffic, giving drivers all the confidence they need on busy city streets.
Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Specs
Engine | 1.3-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine |
Horsepower | 285 hp |
Electric-only Range | 33 miles |
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy | 77 MPGe |
(Specs sourced from Alfa Romeo, EPA, and Car and Driver)
It also features a six-speed automatic transmission to ensure smooth and effortless gear shifts while driving. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain consists of a 14.8-kWh battery pack, which is good for an EPA-estimated electric-only range of 33 miles. This provides emission-free and silent trips for city driving conditions. Without the battery pack, an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined fuel efficiency, means maximum engine power is available mixed with hybrid efficiency for city commutes.
7 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid - 33 Miles
Starting Price: $38,475
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is powered by a 261-horsepower combination of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, in an all-wheel drive system. The six-speed automatic transmission ensures seamless gear transitions and a smooth ride through urban streets. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain uses a 13.8-kWh battery pack to make an electric-only range of 33 miles possible from the electric motor only.
Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Specs
Engine | 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine |
Horsepower | 261 hp |
Electric-only Range | 33 miles |
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy | 80 MPGe |
(Specs sourced from Hyundai and EPA)
This is perfect for drivers who mostly do city driving meaning reduced costs from fuel savings. When the battery runs out, the EPA estimates its hybrid engine can travel 35 mpg on a single gallon of gas. Its compact size and all-wheel drive system contribute to its responsive handling, helping the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid maneuver easily through tight city streets and crowded parking lots, with excellent traction and stability achieved even on slippery roads.
RelatedWith plug-in hybrids becoming more popular than ever, there are quite a few factors you should know before becoming a proud owner.6 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid - 34 Miles
Starting Price: $34,290
The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid's hybrid powertrain has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 108 MPGe, which makes it one of the most efficient vehicles in the world. It produces 180 horsepower from its 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, and its six-speed automatic transmission makes sure gear shifts remain smooth. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid is equipped with an 11.1-kWh battery pack that allows drivers to enjoy 34 miles of fuel-free driving.
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Specs
Engine | 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine |
Horsepower | 180 hp |
Electric-only Range | 34 miles |
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy | 108 MPGe |
(Specs sourced from Kia and EPA)
When the battery runs out, the efficient hybrid powertrain means it would need just one gallon of fuel to drive 48 miles. This means drivers can enjoy city cruises with zero emissions. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid has a compact size and mixed with its nimble handling, and 150 pound-feet of torque from the electric motor alone, navigation through crowded city traffic is easy.
5 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid - 34 Miles
Starting Price: $38,690
The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine of the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid delivers a total power output of 261 horsepower. This is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds according to a Car And Driver test, making merging with traffic and overtaking easy. For emissions-free and fuel-saving city driving, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid's 13.8-kWh battery pack offers an electric-only range of 34 miles.
Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Specs
Engine | 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine |
Horsepower | 261 hp |
Electric-only Range | 34 miles |
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy | 84 MPGe |
(Specs sourced from Kia, EPA, and Car and Driver)
Without the battery pack, a combined fuel economy of 35 mpg, ensures longer drives with fewer fuel stops, reducing fuel costs during city adventures. The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is a small SUV size, and this helps its navigation on crowded streets and parking lots. The all-wheel drive system brings stability and control when driving during rain and snowy weather.
RelatedLove the feel of electric driving but aren't ready to make the switch? Plug-in hybrids may be the perfect choice for you.4 Volvo XC60 Recharge - 36 Miles
Starting Price: $57,900
The Volvo XC60 Recharge's capacity for electric-only driving of up to 36 miles according to the EPA, sets it apart from many other plug-in hybrid SUVs as both an epitome of luxury and sustainability and the perfect choice for emissions-free city driving. A combined EPA-estimated fuel economy of 68 MPGe, which includes electricity and gas, makes the XC60 capable of 560 miles of range.
Volvo XC60 Recharge Specs
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine |
Horsepower | 455 hp |
Electric-only Range | 36 miles |
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy | 68 MPGe |
(Specs sourced from Volvo and EPA)
With an average daily commute of 30 to 41 miles to and from work, that translates to 14 to 19 days before needing to recharge and refuel. The 18.8-kWh battery pack powers the efficient two electric motors that are combined with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to deliver 455 horsepower. Safety features like pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane-keeping assist, further provide comfort for both driver and passengers on city streets.
3 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid - 37 Miles
Starting Price: $40,500
The Ford Escape plug-in hybrid is a small SUV with nimble handling, perfect for city maneuvering in small streets and tight parking spaces. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which when combined with an electric motor, delivers a combined power output of 210 horsepower, can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, adequate for merging with traffic as well as helping to make up for drivers waking up late.
Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Specs
Engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine |
Horsepower | 210 hp |
Electric-only Range | 37 miles |
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy | 63 MPGe |
(Specs sourced from Ford, EPA, and Car and Driver)
Its 14.4-kWh battery pack can deliver an electric-only range of 37 miles fully charged, so drivers can commute to and from work on electricity alone, albeit at a maximum speed of 78 mph before having the engine automatically intervene. A regenerative braking system is also available to enhance fuel efficiency by capturing and storing in the battery, the energy the vehicle typically loses during braking and coasting.
RelatedPlug-in hybrids are viewed as the perfect stop-gap between pure ICEs and BEVs, and here are your best bets if you're on a budget.2 Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid - 37 Miles
Starting Price: $59,905
The compact size of the NX Plug-In Hybrid is key to it being able to effectively maneuver through busy city streets, while the presence of advanced safety features like lane departure warning and forward collision warning, ensures drivers enjoy added peace of mind in urban traffic. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor of the NX 450h+ produces 304 horsepower.
Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid Specs
Engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine |
Horsepower | 304 hp |
Electric-only Range | 37 miles |
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy | 84 MPGe |
(Specs sourced from Lexus and EPA)
This is capable of giving drivers a 60 mph boost in 6.0 seconds, enough to get the children to school early. For regular shoppers, the 22.7 cubic feet boot space behind the rear seats is adequate for loading up cargo while the pass-through storage of 46.9 cubic feet available after dropping the rear seats, allows longer and larger items. Owners can do these on 37 miles of available electric-only emissions-free range.
1 Toyota RAV4 Prime - 42 Miles
Starting Price: $43,440
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is the stand-out hybrid SUV for city driving with an electric-only range of up to 42 miles from an 18.1-kWh battery pack that allows for emission-free short commutes. It has an EPA-estimated efficiency rating of 94 MPGe and 38 mpg when the battery runs out. The 177-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is combined with two electric motors; one producing 179 horsepower, connected to the front axle, and another producing 53 horsepower connected to the rear axle.
Toyota RAV4 Prime Specs
Engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine |
Horsepower | 302 hp |
Electric-only Range | 42 miles |
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy | 94 MPGe |
(Specs sourced from Toyota and EPA)
This hybrid powertrain has 302 horsepower available at the wheels, making a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 5.7 seconds possible. With a tight turning radius of 18.05 feet, it is extremely maneuverable on crowded city streets, and its precise handling and nimble agility, make it ideal for city driving.
