Electric Vehicles Designed for Everyday Commuting with Comfort and Convenience

Best Electric Cars

Best Electric Cars

Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of more than 400 vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best electric cars based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in. This list includes sedan and hatchback models with mainstream price points, as we rank electric SUVs and luxury electric vehicles separately.

Read about how we test and evaluate vehicles here.

Best Electric Cars at a glance

1

EPA Est. Range

C/D SAYS:

The Ioniq 6 sedan is one of our favorite electric vehicles, with strong performance, a long driving range, and a fantastic design inside and out.

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2

EPA Est. Range

C/D SAYS:

The 2024 BMW i4 M50's intense performance warms our hearts to an all-electric future but the xDrive40's 307-mile driving range is worth celebrating too.

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3

EPA Est. Range

C/D SAYS:

The 2024 Polestar 2 is an EV hatchback that evolves into a more tempting Tesla alternative every year thanks to updates and fine-tuning.

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4

EPA Est. Range

C/D SAYS:

Say what you will about Tesla and its leader, Elon Musk, but the Model 3 EV sedan changed the rules of the EV game, and it gets important updates this year.

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5

EPA Est. Range

C/D SAYS:

Volkswagen's expanding ID family of EVs is growing to include the ID.7 sedan, a Passat-sized four-door with sleek, aerodynamic lines.

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6

EPA Est. Range

C/D SAYS:

Fiat's retro-cute 500, now exclusively offered with electric power, is a small and affordable EV with not much range or performance but plenty of character.

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7

EPA Est. Range

C/D SAYS:

The electric 2024 Nissan Leaf hatchback doesn't have much driving range, but it's among the most affordable EVs you can buy.

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8

EPA Est. Range

C/D SAYS:

The 2024 Mini Cooper Electric blends the brand's trademark styling cues and entertaining driving dynamics with an environmentally friendly electric powertrain.

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9

EPA Est. Range

C/D SAYS:

The 2024 Toyota Mirai marries a hydrogen-powered drivetrain with a stylish design and upscale cabin, but it's only available in California.

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FAQs

Can you charge an electric car at home?

Home charging is generally the most cost-effective way to charge an electric car. With the right at-home charging equipment, many electric cars can achieve a full charge overnight.

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

The time it takes to charge an electric car depends on multiple variables, including the specific electric vehicle (i.e., its battery capacity) and the power source that the charging equipment is plugged into. An average electric car could take roughly 1012 hours for a full charge on a Level 2 (240-volt source) or 30-45 minutes for a 1090-percent charge on a Level 3 public DC fast charger.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

The cost of charging an electric car is determined by several factors, including local electricity costs and if you're using a home or public charger. But typically public fast charging costs two- to four-times more than charging at home.

How long do electric car batteries last?

The federal government requires automakers to warranty the batteries of their electric cars for a minimum of eight years and 100,000 miles, with California stepping that up to 10 years and 150,000 miles. This ought to serve as a reasonable estimate for the minimum expected life of an EV's battery pack, with most packs lasting for many years and miles past their warranty expiration date.

Do electric cars need oil changes?

The electric drive motors of an electric car require minimal maintenance and are far simpler than an internal combustion engine. Whereas gas- or diesel-powered cars require regular oil changes, electric cars do not. However, electric cars do have coolant thats used to control the temperature of the battery pack and motors and oil in the drive units, but these fluids are typically replaced at much longer intervals than in a gas-powered car.

How do electric cars work?

Electric cars use one or more electric motors for power. These motors receive electricity from a battery pack, usually of a large capacity, thats recharged from an external source by plugging in.

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Why Are Cars Better Than Trucks for Everyday Commuting?

Deciding between a car and a truck is a significant choice, particularly when considering the needs of a family or the demands of daily commuting. Cars, particularly sedans and SUVs, have long been celebrated for their suitability as family vehicles offering comfort, convenience, and fuel efficiency. When traversing through congested traffic or finding parking in tight urban spaces, the more compact dimensions of a car give it a clear advantage over larger pickup trucks, turning the often-daunting task of city driving into a more manageable affair.

We cant overlook the comfort aspect of cars for the daily commute. The lower stance of cars provides a smoother ride, with many models offering luxurious interiors designed with long journeys in mind. Fuel economy is another crucial consideration; cars are typically more fuel-efficient than their truck counterparts, which not only translates to direct cost savings at the pump but also supports a more environmentally friendly profile. For these reasons, cars often emerge as the preferable choice over trucks when it comes to meeting the diverse and dynamic needs of modern drivers.

Advantages of Different Vehicle Types

In assessing the ideal vehicle type for various needs, we appreciate the distinctive benefits that sedans, SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks offer. Each category excels in specific areas, from fuel efficiency to towing capacity, making the choice heavily dependent on personal or professional requirements.

Sedans for Efficiency and Handling

Sedans

reign supreme in the realm of fuel economy and ease of navigation on city roads. Our experience confirms that sedans, with their more compact size and lower ground clearance, provide responsive handling and greater visibility, which is ideal for dense urban environments.

• Fuel Efficiency: On average, a sedan is significantly more fuel-efficient than larger vehicles, ensuring savings at the gas pump.
• Maneuverability: High maneuverability makes sedans an intelligent choice for frequent city driving and effortless parking.

SUVs and Crossovers for Space and Versatility

SUVs and crossovers combine the comfort of passenger cars with the spaciousness and flexibility often needed by families or travelers.

SUVs and crossovers bridge the gap between sedans and trucks. They typically offer higher ground clearance for varied terrains and ample seating alongside generous storage options without sacrificing too much fuel efficiency. Their versatility makes them apt for those seeking a mix of utility and comfort.

• Seating: Increased seating capacity caters to larger groups or families.
• Storage: The design accommodates ample cargo space, enabling a mix of passenger comfort and hauling ability.

Pickup Trucks for Hauling and Towing

When it comes to heavy-duty tasks, pickup trucks are unparalleled. They boast robust engines and are engineered with a focus on towing capacity and hauling ability, thanks to their open beds and sturdy frames designed to pull trailers and carry heavy loads.

• Towing Capacity: Pickups excel in towing power, enabling the transport of large items or trailers with ease.
• Hauling: The open bed design facilitates the carriage of materials not suited for enclosed spaces, such as construction supplies.

Vehicle Performance: Cars vs Trucks

In assessing vehicle performance, cars often surpass trucks due to better engine efficiency and advanced safety features. Well explore how cars leverage these aspects to deliver optimal performance.

Engine Specifications and Fuel Economy

Cars with more efficient engines achieve better fuel economy.

Understanding engine specifications is pivotal when comparing cars and trucks. A well-tuned car engine, often smaller and less burdensome than a trucks, maximizes fuel economy. Cars with smaller, powerful engines benefit from advancements in technology like direct fuel injection and turbocharging, enabling them to strike an impressive balance between power and fuel efficiency. As a result, these engines optimize gas mileage, especially evident in urban settings where frequent stops can inflate fuel usage.

Diesel engines, known for their torque, are more commonly found in trucks but cars equipped with diesel can offer a mix of both fuel efficiency and power.

Safety Features and All-Wheel Drive Traction

The safety features in modern cars are increasingly sophisticated, offering extensive protection.

Feature	Benefits	Impact
Airbags	Cushion and protect occupants	Reduced injury risk in accidents
Stability Control	Prevents skids and loss of control	Enhanced control in adverse conditions
All-Wheel Drive	Improved traction	Better handling in turns and on slippery surfaces

All-wheel drive systems in cars contribute significantly to traction, hence performance in difficult driving conditions like snow or rain. This is crucial when navigating tricky turns or maintaining control. The blend of all-wheel drive with high-tech stability control systems reinforces cars as the reliable choice over trucks for those prioritizing maneuverability and safety altogether.

Maintaining Your Vehicle

When it comes to owning an automobile, maintenance is essential for ensuring prolonged efficiency and reliability. Cars frequently demand less upkeep and have more economical operating costs compared to trucks.

Regular Maintenance and Repairs

Operating Costs and Reliability

In general, cars are more fuel-efficient than trucks, with the average passenger car achieving about

34 miles per gallon

, whereas light trucks average around 26 mpg. This difference influences the overall operating costs, including regular maintenance and necessary repairs. Due to their smaller size and less complex construction, the maintenance involved with a car is typically not as frequent or extensive as that required by a truck. For instance, our routine maintenance schedule may involve basic services like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, which tend to be cheaper for cars due to their lighter weight and smaller engines.

Resale Value and Cost of Ownership

Maximizing Economic Efficiency

Not only are cars typically less expensive to maintain, but their resale value also benefits from being cheaper to operate. A well-maintained car that has good fuel efficiency and low repair costs is often more attractive to potential buyers, and can retain a higher resale value in comparison to a truck. Our cost of ownership is not just about the sticker price; it includes maintenance expenses, insurance costs, and fuel efficiency. By investing in regular maintenance, we ensure that our car remains reliable and operates efficiently, which ultimately helps in retaining a higher resale value. Trucks, while having their advantages in utility, often incur higher costs of ownership due to lower fuel efficiency and higher maintenance fees required for their larger components and more demanding capabilities.

We are a team of automotive enthusiasts, driving enthusiasts and technicians.We love what we do, and it shows in everything we do and more. We share our knowledge, here on Ran When Parked.

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