Many might find it hard to believe but the electric car revolution has begun. Many also find it difficult to not be curious as to why the media keeps on talking about electric vehicles. Maybe you’re one of those people and you’ve at least thought of buying yourself an EV for your next vehicle purchase.
There are a variety of factors contributing to the meteoric rise in the popularity of EVs. Firstly, they have a lower impact on the surrounding ecosystem and are more efficient in their use of fuel than traditional automobiles powered by gasoline. Number two, charging an EV is a lot cheaper than filling up a car with gas. Thirdly, electric cars contain a different drivetrain which means they don’t require regular oil changes, saving you more money.
If you’re someone who’s interested in EVs, you might be wondering in terms of performance, price range, and reliability, what are the most ideal EVs that money can buy right now. In this article, we will discuss the 10 best electric cars and SUVs you should consider buying in 2023.
The list will be kicking off with the BMW i4. This car is relatively more expensive than the others on this list but if an electric, compact, luxury car is what you’re looking for then definitely consider the i4. It is meant to challenge Tesla given the similarities in price and performance, but it comes with BMW ownership. With the base model of eDrive40, the i4 can travel up to 300 miles or 480 kilometers on a single charge. However, to get all-wheel drive, you’ll need to opt for the high-performance m50 as the standard i4 comes only with rear-wheel drive. Aside from the rear hatchback body type that offers a big cargo space, it also boasts a neat-looking interior with a commendable infotainment system. The i4 is comparable to the gas-powered m340i which also offers similar cargo space and performance so you won’t really be spending much to go electric. However you look at it, the i4 is a phenomenal car, delivering the kind of performance that can only come from a BMW.
Coming in at number 9 is the Ford Mustang Mach E. This small electric SUV offers either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and is available with either a standard-range or a long-range battery that can run for 300 miles or 480 kilometers of range. It also offers a super high-performance GT model that provides smooth acceleration and handling. The Mach E is a fantastic crossover vehicle thanks to its superb ride quality, terrific handling, and impressive acceleration. The interior and technology aren’t a slouch either. The front and rear seats offer a lot of space. The cargo area isn’t big, but it isn’t too small. Under the hood is also another small cargo space. Despite being expensive for a crossover car, the Mach E is still a good purchase, given all it brings to the table.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge takes the number 8 spot. Volvo announced that it will go fully electric in 2030 and the XC40 Recharge happens to be its most popular electric model today. The XC40 is in the same price range as the Mach-E but is a better car overall. It offers more space, has better technology, and has better handling. Unfortunately, its relatively low range of 220 miles or 350 kilometers is a huge con. If a small electric luxury SUV tickles your fancy, then XC40 is a good choice.
But if the models mentioned are too expensive for you, then you’d love to see the cheaper options on this list.
At number 7 is the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The Bolt is probably the most affordable EV available. Surprisingly, General Motors didn’t economize too many aspects of the Bolt. It delivers a range of 260 miles on a single charge. Someone who’d rather charge at home using level 2 power shouldn’t worry about the Bolt’s slow charging speed at level 3 power since it still uses the old EV technology. With that said, the Bolt has a good-looking interior with good technology and a lot of space. The Bolt is a good purchase for anyone on a budget who wants to own their first electric vehicle.
Even better than the Bolt is the Nissan Leaf which comes in at number 6. Its attractive price tag and good reputation make the Leaf one of the most ideal EVs anyone can buy. Nissan has been producing the Leaf for longer than nearly any other manufacturer of electric vehicles. Don’t expect anything special from the Leaf, though. Even with the bigger battery pack option, it only has a driving range of 220 miles or 360 kilometers. Charging at level 3 power is also not advisable because, unlike the other models that use the CCS connector, the Leaf is still equipped with the outdated CHAdeMO connector. It may be lacking in impressive technology and driving experience, but it is as reliable as any other car out there. The Leaf is a safe choice if you want a basic EV that can take you from point A to point B.
The fifth and fourth spots on this list belong to the Toyota BZ4X and the Subaru Solterra, respectively since they are virtually identical because of their co-development. The BZ4X can either have two-wheel or all-wheel drive while the Solterra only has the latter option. They both have a range of 250 miles or 400 kilometers and are compatible with DC fast charging. But both models are kind of harder to come by. Interested customers may spend more time on the waiting list than for other electric cars. However, Toyota and Subaru are known for being reliable, so you can’t go wrong with buying either model.
At number 3 we have the Tesla Model 3, the cheapest popular Tesla you can buy. With the long-range battery pack, It can travel up to 360 miles or 570 kilometers on a single charge, the longest driving range of any electric vehicle in its price range. It allows you to use Tesla’s charging stations, a benefit no other EV has. The Model 3 may have been around for a while, but it’s still one of the most reliable from Tesla.
But if you want something with more up-to-date technology but cheaper, check out the KIA EV6. Anything you want in an EV you can find in the EV6. It offers two-wheel or all-wheel drive, a standard range or long range battery with up to 300 miles or 480 kilometers of range, or just buy the high-performance version. The EV6’s technology is undeniably outstanding. Its infotainment system is arguably the best on the market. Its long-term reliability is still a bit of a mystery, but luckily KIA has one of the longest warranties in the business.
There are not a lot of cons with the EV6 but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is even more impressive and tops this list. The Ioniq 5 is a testament to Hyundai’s dedication to the EV industry. It shares numerous similarities with the EV6. You can go with either all-wheel drive or two-wheel drive, a standard range or long-range battery with a driving range of up to 300 miles or 480 kilometers. Thanks to an 800-volt circuit that can deliver up to 350 kilowatts of charging power, the Ioniq 5 and the EV6 are both significantly quicker than almost all of the other electric vehicles on the market. The rest of the technology is identical to that of the EV6, including the elegant interior, state-of-the-art infotainment system, and array of advanced safety measures. Like Kia, Hyundai customers also enjoy long warranties. Although advancements in electric vehicle technology are occurring at a rapid pace, vehicles like the EV6 and the Ioniq 5 show that there are already excellent options available to consumers.
Some of the EVs on this list are more on the affordable side. Some have better reputations for reliability, while others excel at performance. However, one thing they all share in common is excessively long waiting times because EVs are in high demand but only have a limited supply. Over the past few years, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of electric cars sold. According to the International Energy Agency, EV sales grew from 0.6 million in 2012 to 2.1 million in 2017. At the end of 2020, about 10 million EVs were driving on the roads.
Expect car companies to produce more EV models in the coming years. Most recently, Tim Cook revealed the Apple Car which will most likely rival Tesla. Watch out for that one in succeeding videos.
So based on the list, which electric car will you consider buying or at least are excited about? Comment your answer below. Thanks for watching. Until next time.