Electric Vehicles Well Suited for City Driving and Commuting width
The 20 best all-round electric city cars
Another quirky car to join our list is the Ioniq 5, starting from 43,445. There are three options to choose from: Premium, Ultimate and Namsan Edition. Depending on your needs, therere choices of two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive across the range, and 238-mile 58kWh and 282-mile 77kWh batteries.
The standard tech list is impressive, including LED lighting all-round, blind-spot assist, parking distance warning and rear-view monitoring with dynamic parking guidance. Outside, it measures 4.6m in length and just under 1.9m in width, making it one of the largest cars on our list, but don't let this put you off.
You also get 527 litres of boot space, expanding to 1,587 litres after dropping the rear seats.
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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Best electric cars 2024 the EVs to buy and those to avoid
Grand tourers need to be sleek, fast and capable of covering huge distances. And for that alone, the Audi E-tron GT lives up to its name. Officially, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.1sec, but at the hands of our testers, its gone even faster. It can cover up to 305 miles on a charge and can accept charging speeds of up to 270kW if you can find a charger with enough oomph, only the Porsche Taycan and Maserati GranTurismo Folgore can match it.
The E-tron GT is a little softer than the more agile Taycan, but it still drives superbly, and is far more entertaining than a Tesla Model S. Its also nicer inside, and unlike both the Tesla and Taycan, there are physical buttons for regularly-used features. Theres no doubting the tech, which is easy to use and the screens are clear and responsive.
Its not quite perfect, though. With a starting price of more than 80,000, its quite pricey even if resale values are very good. And theres a bit of whine from the motor but if you can overlook that, it really is a fine electric car.
"Most of the E-tron GT's dashboard controls take the form of physical buttons, making quick adjustments really easy on the move," Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor
TopSpeed
If you only drive around town, going back and forth from work, and maybe taking your kid to school, a large car is not a necessity. With the price of gas and electricity these days it would make no sense to buy a big car unless you have a real use for it. Driving around the city means you will have to deal with narrow streets, the lack of parking, traffic jams, and many other problems. In this case, you really need to find the perfect EV, one that will not only take you from one place to the other, but will also offer you all the comfort needed, the proper amount of range, and the best driving experience. All these for a decent price, of course. The affordable electric cars were talking about today are perfect for city dwellers that rarely travel too far and want or need to stick within a tight budget.
Related: 10 Best Electric SUVs That You Can Buy
1 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV - Cheapest Compact EV, Decent Range
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is the perfect electric car for driving around the city. It measures only 163.2 inches in length, 69.5 inches in width, and 63.4 inches in height, so squeezing on those narrow streets or finding a good parking spot should be very easy. The 2023 Bolt EV is also one of the cheapest EVs you can get at the moment: it has a starting price of $26,500, and it is also eligible for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit, which makes it even more affordable. The Bolt EV is also having decent specs for what it is: its single motor delivers a total of 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, while a 65 kWh provides a range of up to 259 miles on a full charge. When using a DC fast charger, you can add up to 100 miles in only 30 minutes - so you can add more range during a short coffee break. With the rear seats folded, the Bolt EV offers a cargo room of 57 cubic feet, meaning you can also carry a bunch of stuff around too.
2 2023 Nissan Leaf - Compact Dimensions, Perfect For City Driving
The Nissan Leaf is the EV with the longest tradition on the market, and even after 13 years, it remains one of the best-sold models in its segment. Despite its compact dimensions: 176.4 inches in length, 70.5 inches in width, and 61.5 inches in height, the Leaf offers decent interior room. Things may feel a little crowded in the back for an adult, but with 37.3 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom, kids should have no problem fitting in there. The 2023 Leaf is offered in two trims: S and SV Plus. The first one is powered by an electric motor that delivers a total of 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, while a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery provides a range of 149 miles. The range-topping SV Plus model has a more powerful electric motor with 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A larger-capacity 60-kWh lithium-ion battery also increases the range to 212 miles. The Leaf has 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and up to 30 cubic feet with these seats folded, which should give you enough space for gear, without sacrificing seating.
Related: Fastest Charging Electric Vehicles In 2023
3 2023 Mini Cooper SE - Tiny Car, Easy To Park
When it comes to compact cars that are perfect for city driving, the Mini Cooper should be one of the first to come to mind. As of 2020, it also received an all-electric powertrain, which makes it even more appealing. That, of course, if you ignore the fact that Cooper SE has the lowest range on the market. It features a single electric motor that delivers a total of 181 horsepower with 199 pound-feet of torque, while a 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery provides a range of only 114 miles. The model can be charged using one of the many Level III public DC fast charging locations, and it only needs 36 minutes to go back to 80 percent. Measuring only 151.7 inches in length, 75.9 inches in width, and 56.4 inches in height, the Cooper SE should be the easiest EV to park in a crowded city. However, it offers a cargo room of 8.7 cubic feet, so remember the Cooper SE is good just for driving around town, and maybe buying the things you need for one or two days at home.
4 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV - Bigger, But Not Too Big
If you want the same benefits of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, but with slightly increased ground clearance, then the Bolt EUV is the perfect car for you. Sold as a crossover version of the Bolt EV, the EUV is priced a little higher at $27,800, and it benefits from the same $7,500 Federal Tax Credit. The model shares the platform and the powertrain with its hatchback brother, which means it has the same single motor that delivers a total of 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The model comes with the same 65-kWh battery, but the slightly increased dimensions and the added weight (3,680 vs 3,589 pounds) have lowered the range to 247 miles. The Bolt EUV benefits from the same DC fast charging that adds up to 95 miles in 30 minutes. The 2023 Bolt EUV offers more legroom and headroom in both front and rear, but the cargo room goes down to 56.9 cubic feet, which should still be good for your daily shopping.
Related: 10 Best Electric Cars Under $50,000 In 2023
5 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric - Legendary Korean Reliability
The Kona EV is one of Hyundai's most successful models in both the American and European markets. According to Car And Driver, the Kona Electric is a "pleasant and efficient little crossover" that "doesn't offer sports-car-level thrills, but for a subcompact SUV it's engaging to drive." The Kona EV is powered by one electric motor that cranks out 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. A 64.0-kWh 356V Lithium-Ion polymer battery promises a range of 241 miles on a full charge. The cabin offers plenty of room for up to five adults, and cargo capacity ranges from 19.2 to 45.8 cubic feet - with the seats folded. It starts at $33,550.
6 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 - The Golf Of The Future
The ID.4 is the first ever fully electric family vehicle that Volkswagen is going to sell globally to make it as successful as the Golf. The ID.4 faces tough competition in the mid-size electric crossover segment, but it has the advantage of being a lot cheaper than all its competitors: it has a starting price of $38,995. The ID.4 can be had with either one electric motor that delivers 201 horsepower, or with a dual-motor setup, in which case the output goes up to 295 horsepower. The range varies between 208 and 275 miles, which is not a lot, but luckily the ID.4 comes with DC fast-charging capability and needs between 30 and 36 minutes to charge from 10- to 80-percent. Despite its compact dimensions, the ID.4 has a very practical cabin, with extremely comfortable seats and plenty of space for both front and rear passengers. It also offers one of the best cargo spaces in the segment: 30.3 cubic feet with the seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats lowered.
Related: The Most Reliable Electric Cars According To Consumer Reports
7 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 - A Runaway Success
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was launched over a year ago, but even in this short period of time, it became one of the best-selling family EVs. The model does not only benefit from a retro look and a tech-loaded cabin, but it is also one of the most reliable cars according to Consumer Reports. It comes in both RWD and AWD trims priced from $41,450 and has power ranging from 168 to 320 horsepower. The base RWD models come with a 58-kWh battery, while top models get a 77.4 kWh one, with a range between 238 miles and 315 miles. The Ioniq 5 can host up to 5 occupants in total comfort and has a cargo space of up to 59.3 cubic feet - with the seats up. The Ioniq 5 can also tow up to 2,300 pounds - which should make it the perfect daily commuter. With a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds, the Ioniq 5 is also a relatively fast compact EV.
When you want to buy a car that is easy to handle around town, but also offers a luxurious cabin, the Audi Q4 e-tron is the way to go. The Q4 e-tron is built on the same platform as the ID.4, which is why it offers the same electric powertrain, with either 201 or 295 horsepower. The Q4 e-tron features a 77.0-kWh battery pack that provides a range between 236 and 265 miles. Just like the ID.4, the Q4 e-tron benefits from DC fast-charging capability and needs 36 minutes to charge from 5 to 80 percent. The Q4 e-tron is offered in five trims with prices starting from $49,800 which is understandable when considering the Q4 e-tron offers a higher level of luxury when compared to the ID.4. Even if the Q4 e-tron feels compact on the outside, the cabin feels roomier and offers plenty of space for up to five passengers and 24.8 cubic feet of luggage. Putting the rear seats down will increase it to 53.1 cubic feet.
Related: The 10 Most Powerful EVs In The World Ranked
9 2023 Tesla Model 3 - World's Favorite For Obvious Reasons
With a range up to 338 miles - based on the trim you go for the Model 3 offers one of the best ranges in its segment, so it should be one of your first choices when looking for a daily driver. But, the Model 3 is more than just about the range. It is "nimble and quick" and provides "an overall enjoyable driving experience." Of course, the built quality could be improved by a lot - this is a Tesla after all but there are a lot of other cool aspects that make up for it. For the 2023 model year, you can choose between three grades: base RWD, Long Range, and Performance with prices starting from $46,990 - which also makes it the most affordable electric compact sedan on the market. Based on the trim level, the power ranges from 271 to 445 horsepower, while the 0 to 60 mph sprint time goes down to 3.1 seconds. Cargo space is not class-leading, but it is decent enough: 19.8 cubic feet in the trunk and 3.1 cubic feet of space in the front trunk - which should be enough for your daily groceries.
10 2023 Nissan Ariya - A Surprisingly Good Urban Commuter
The 2023 Ariya is the latest addition to the EV market, and according to Nissan, the compact crossover SUV will be the "perfect partner for daily commutes." The Ariya is offered in five different trims, with prices ranging from $43,190 to $60,190. It is powered by one electric motor that delivers either 214 or 238 horsepower, based on the trim, and 221 pound-feet of torque. There are two batteries to choose from 63 kWh or 87 kWh, with a range from 216 to 304 miles - ideal for urban commuters and first-time EV owners. The 2023 Ariya has a ground clearance of 6.3 inches - which should make it easy to take all the speed bumps around the city. It has a cargo capacity of 22.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.7 cubic feet with the seats up.
