It's estimated that more than 3 million cars across the US are electric, making them a growing option for anyone looking to save money on fuel while going green. If you're interested in buying electric cars, you might be wondering about the pros and cons, along with what to expect, before making this kind of investment. With so many electric vehicles to choose from, it can be challenging to know which one to purchase.
However, this helpful guide walks you through some of the most popular electric car companies, so you're prepared as you make the transition from combustion engines to electric ones. You'll also learn about the benefits of owning an electric vehicle, including tax incentives and zero tailpipe emissions.
Are you ready to begin comparing electric car prices and brands? Then keep reading for a comprehensive list of popular electric vehicles on the market, along with the pros and cons for each.
What Is an Electric Vehicle?
You may have heard of electric vehicles, also called EVs. These differ from hybrid vehicles, which run on a combination of electricity and fuel.
Electric vehicles, on the other hand, don't run on gasoline. They have a battery that powers an electric motor. Electric vehicles can drive anywhere from 80 to 300+ miles on a single charge, but you'll need to plan your trip around charging stations if you're out for an extended period of time.
Even better, electric vehicles don't require much maintenance. This means there's no need for oil changes like traditional combustion motors.
They also don't require smog checks and you won't need to replace spark plugs. Electric vehicles don't contain catalytic converters and their motors are often made of considerably fewer parts, meaning they're less likely to break down or experience worn-out parts.
You can charge electric vehicles at home or at a charging station. At home, you can use a 120-volt or a 240-volt house plug. You can also use a DC fast charger. These chargers typically provide you with 100 miles of range and can offer it in roughly 30 minutes.
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
There are countless benefits of electric vehicles, from monthly savings to reduced maintenance. Let's take a look.
Cost Effective
While you can find an array of expensive electric vehicles from luxury brands, you can also find reasonably priced ones. Nissan, Chevy, and Hyundai, for example, offer affordable electric vehicles, for anyone looking to enter the world of electric vehicles without breaking the bank.
Save on Fuel
Every year, Americans spend roughly $5,000 on gasoline. This number accounts for roughly 2.24% of every family's monthly income. However, with an electric vehicle, you won't have to worry about fueling your vehicle with gasoline.
It's estimated that it costs less than $1,000 to fuel a US electric vehicle yearly. When you purchase an electric vehicle, you can keep your money in your wallet, where it belongs.
Low Maintenance
In today's fast-paced world, the last thing you need to worry about is maintaining a vehicle. This doesn't mean that electric vehicles don't require any maintenance, however —just less.
An electric vehicle costs roughly $949 annually to maintain. This is $330 less than a traditional gas-powered vehicle costs to maintain.
Access to the Carpool Lane
If you live in California, you can drive solo in the carpool lane. The Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) program lets electric vehicles enjoy the HOV lane throughout the entire state of California.
Reduce Pollution
According to the EPA, the average passenger vehicle contributes to an estimated 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. However, electric vehicles don't have any tailpipe emissions. The only emissions associated with electric vehicles are power plants which may generate emissions as they produce energy.
But what manufacturers make electric vehicles, and which are best for your needs? Here are some popular models to choose from, along with the pros and cons of each.
Tesla
When shopping for an electric vehicle, one of the most popular brands is Tesla. You can choose from several models, including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.
Tesla’s Model S is on the pricier side and is comparable to a Jaguar. All models offer consumers rear-wheel drive and some models have all-wheel drive. Every model has standard Autopilot.
Tesla’s Model 3 is an alternative option to the Model S and is more affordable. It’s currently Tesla’s most affordable option for those looking to switch to EVs. It’s also the most common Tesla on the road.
This model is a four-door sedan and has standard Autopilot like other Tesla models.
Next is the Model X. This SUV features an SUV-like appearance and is great if you need additional space. You can comfortably fit seven people and, like other models, it offers Autopilot.
The Model Y is a compact SUV and is somewhere between the Model 3 and Model X. However, it’s more affordable than the Model X. This model also offers Autopilot.
If you're interested in a sleek electric vehicle, then Tesla is one of the best electric car companies around. Although some Tesla models are on the pricier side, you can purchase a pre-owned one from a dealership to save money.
Pros
Tesla offers a fantastic range and has unparalleled charging capabilities. For example, the EPA rating for Tesla's base Model 3 is 263 miles. Tesla's Model S is rated for 400 miles.
If you're looking for places to charge your vehicle, there's no shortage of Supercharge networks with Tesla. Each station boasts upward of 250kW so you can charge your Tesla in as little as 20 minutes. Your Tesla also knows how to find a Supercharger and can let you know how busy the station is before you arrive.
Tesla also costs less to operate when compared to vehicles with combustible engines. You don't need to worry about changing your oil or transmission fluids, and you won't need to replace spark plugs or belts since it has much fewer moving parts than traditional combustion engines.
You'll also spend less on "fuel" as Tesla's cost roughly 28 cents per kWh when using a Supercharger. This is much cheaper than filling a traditional gas tank.
If you're looking for a vehicle rife with technology, Tesla has you covered. It features a large touchscreen mounted on the dash where you can control the infotainment system, your HVAC system, and stream music.
Tesla offers Autopilot which takes over your steering while, accelerates, changes lanes, and brakes. If needed, you can have your Tesla meet you at the front of the store so you don't have to walk across a parking lot.
Tesla has high safety ratings, performs extremely well, and has many great accessories you can benefit from, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to purchase an electric vehicle, especially someone who loves technology.
Cons
Unfortunately, Tesla is on the pricier side when compared to more affordable EVs. However, you can choose from different models, finding one that works best for your budget. This means that you can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to $120,000.
A Tesla may also be expensive to repair when something breaks, such as a faulty touchscreen which could cost over $1,000 to repair. If you have to replace the battery, you could be looking at as much as $22,000, depending on the model. Luckily, Tesla offers a 150,000-mile or eight-year warranty.
Tesla also takes a while to charge, but only relative to gas-powered vehicles. On average, they take the same amount of time to charge as other electric vehicles. At the end of the day, the longer time it takes to charge your electronic vehicle can save you a good deal of money on gasoline prices, while doing something good for the environment.
Toyota
Toyota is a trusted name in vehicles, and it now offers an electronic vehicle called the bZ4X. This vehicle comes in front-wheel drive modes and all-wheel drive models, depending on your needs. This non-luxury SUV is more affordable than other EVs and is in the same class of EVs as Chevy, Ford, Kia, and the Tesla Model Y.
Here’s what you can expect if you purchase this electric vehicle.
Pros
Toyota’s bZ4X has plenty of pros, for those looking to stay with the Toyota family.
For starters, you can save battery power by limiting your AC and DC charging power. The bZ4X also has x-mode if you’re looking to off-road and is very spacious and perfect for a family.
It’s built well for the price and has plenty of legroom and headroom. Even better, it has a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating, a 10-year warranty, comfortable seating, instant torque, and a high seating position, to name a few. You can even tow roughly 1,600 lbs with it.
Cons
One drawback for some people is the price. The bZ4X has a base price of $42,000, which might be more than some people are looking to spend on a vehicle. However, you can make back some of what you spend since you won't have to purchase fuel.
Another drawback is the display on the bZ4X. The display is unfortunately positioned poorly in front of the steering wheel, there’s no available battery percentage displayed, and it might not be the best vehicle for long trips due to how quickly it consumes energy.
It needs to be inspected yearly, however. It also has no glove box, which might be an inconvenience if you like to store important documents for your vehicle there. Additionally, its interior is made from plastic pieces that scratch easily.
BMW
If you're interested in driving electric cars, BMW offers three luxury vehicles available. This includes the BMW i4, BMW iX, and the BMW i7. You can drive upwards of 324 miles with one charge, can charge your vehicle at home or while out and about, and may qualify for state and utility incentives when you purchase an electric vehicle.
However, BMW is on the pricier side, with some models starting at $119,300. If you're considering this luxury vehicle, here is a list of pros and cons to consider before making the investment.
Pros
For the BMW i3, you’ll benefit from a reliable vehicle with low battery degradation. You also get a great view from the car while driving and an excellent turning circle.
It’s rear-wheel drive and fun to drive, making it great for the city. It performs well at higher speeds, is comfortable, and has a spacious interior. It also features good brakes.
It received a 4-star EuroNCAP safety rating and has a reliable range indicator, making BMW a great option when purchasing an electric vehicle.
Cons
The BMW i3 isn’t great for long distances —it has less range than other electric vehicles and stiff suspension.
When carbon parts are damaged, it gets expensive to repair. The suspension is still and it’s expensive for a small car. The rear door has been reported as complicated to use and it becomes noisy at high speeds.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet offers tons of great options for electric vehicles and, when comparing electric car prices, they're more affordable than luxury vehicles.
Chevrolet offers the Bolt EV and the Bolt EUV. As of the fall of 2023, Chevy will offer the Silverado EV. The Blazer EV will be available in the summer of 2023.
The Chevy Bolt EV has a base price of $26,500, making it an affordable option for anyone interested in driving electric cars. You can purchase a used Chevy Bolt if you're looking to save money while investing in an electric vehicle.
Pros
One of Chevy’s most popular EVs is the Bolt. Its all-electric range is 259 miles, with some people reporting close to 280 miles on one full charge. The electric motor delivers 200 horsepower, providing it with some pep.
It also features a 120-volt and 240-volt cord so you can choose how you want to charge your vehicle at home, provided you have a 24–volt outlet It takes nine hours to completely charge your battery (when completely drained) using this new cord.
The new Bolt EV also features a one-pedal driving button, comfortable front seats, and easy-to-use controls, including a 19.2-inch touchscreen. The menus are user-friendly and you can access buttons without taking your eyes off the road.
You’ll also benefit from a roomy cabin area and plenty of cargo space.
The Bolt EV comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and a warning for forward collision. However, additional options which aren’t standard include rear cross-alert traffic, blind spot monitoring, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control.
Cons
Unfortunately, a good deal of the safety features are optional when they should be standard. Adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert cost extra, whereas many other vehicles feature them as a standard option.
Also, not every home has a 240-volt power outlet. You can ask for a complimentary one, however, but this means you can’t charge your EV with the 240-volt connection until you have one installed.
Nissan
Nissan is another trusted name in the world of electric vehicles. Consumers can choose from popular choices, such as the Ariya and the Leaf.
Benefit from preferred parking spaces, a quiet cabin while driving, no oil changes, and no fuel while driving around in an environmentally friendly vehicle.
Nissan’s Ariya features e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology. It has a smooth ride and powerful acceleration.
The Leaf can fit five passengers and is the first ever zero-emission, affordable car. It has an 80kW electric motor, a 24kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and can run for roughly 100 miles on a single charge.
Pros
Nissan’s 2022 Leaf is the US’s cheapest electric car. You can even apply a tax credit to lower the price.
It also has plenty of standard safety technology. This includes lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic braking.
You’ll also experience ProPilot Assist, which is an advanced type of cruise control. It accelerates, steers, and brakes when on the highway, but only comes with more expensive trim levels.
It features a spacious interior, with more than enough headroom for passengers in the back seat. It also has ample cargo space.
The Nissan Ariya has plenty of pros. For starters, it’s easy to drive. There aren’t any quirky electric vehicle controls to fiddle with, so it feels like a regular SUV. This is great for anyone purchasing an electric vehicle for the first time.
It also features a nice braking system with natural, linear brakes that are easy to get accustomed to. It doesn’t feature true one-pedal driving, however, since the Ariya is unable to come to a complete stop without you tapping the brake pedal, even if you select the most regenerative setting available.
The Ariya also features big screens with a customizable, programmable 12.3-inch infotainment screen. It’s also compatible with Apple CarPlay and is easy to use. Every trim the Ariya features come with Nissan’s extensive Safety Shield 360 and its host of safety systems. This includes ProPilot Park which handles parallel parking for you.
Cons
The Leaf comes with less charging capability and range than pricier EVs. It also has a less common charging port.
You can use a fast DC charger, but only if you have a connector called the CHAdeMO. This is difficult to find at public charging stations. The Leaf comes with the J1772 port which is more common, but it charges slowly.
The Leaf takes longer to get from 0-60, which may be a drawback for some people who prefer peppier cars.
The Ariya unfortunately offers poor rear visibility due to its coupe-like style. Its low, sloped roof also takes a toll on the amount of interior headroom you’ll have, along with visibility.
The front and rear boast plenty of legroom, but tall passengers may find themselves without ample headroom to sit comfortably in the back seats. The low roof also compromises rear visibility, due to the protruding rear camera and thick pillars.
The Ariya also has a limited driving range of just 216 miles with the FWD model and 205 miles with the AWD model. However, if you have the Empower Plus trim in FWD, you can get roughly 304 miles with the 87kWh battery. This larger battery only gives AWD models a 270-mile driving range, on average.
There’s also no AWD model available yet, something that’s essential when navigating harsh elements. The Ariya is also on the pricier side, with a base price starting at $44,485. It’s also ineligible for tax credits.
As with other EVs, you can purchase a used vehicle to save money while you enter into the world of electric vehicles.
Ford
Like other electric vehicles, if you buy a Ford, you may benefit from $7,500 in potential federal tax credits.
Mustang Mach-E starts at $45,995 and seats five.
F-150 Lightening starts at $55,974 and has an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles. It has a max towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and is an impressively robust electric vehicle.
Pros
The Mach-E offers 266 horsepower and has 317 pounds-foot of torque, making it fun to drive and more than enough power for an SUV. You can purchase a Mach-E trim level that boasts 346 horsepower and 428 pounds-foot of torque, but it comes with a larger price tag.
Even better, the Mach-E comes with several drive modes, such as Whisper mode for a relaxing time driving, or Engage mode for a more energetic feel.
If you’re looking to drive your Mach-E in a series of weather-related elements, you’ll be pleased to learn that it has an all-wheel drive available. You can even take it on trips without needing to charge it, as its range features an impressive 247 miles when fully charged. Whether you’re driving the Mach-E around town or taking it on vacation, it’s an excellent electric vehicle.
You’ll also benefit from a variety of charging options. The Mach-E has access to the BlueOval Charge Network, which is the US’s largest charging network. If you rely on a public DC fast charging system, you’ll be able to secure an 80% battery charge in as little as 45 minutes.
You can also conveniently charge your Mach-E at home with its 240-volt hardwired Ford Connected Charge Station. This can be installed at your home, and you’ll have a full charge in 11 hours, ideal for overnight charging. If you connect a mobile charger to a 240-volt outlet, it takes 15 hours to charge the Mach-E.
The Mach-E also features amazing safety features, such as sensors and cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, navigation, and evasive steering.
It also features a beautiful cabin with ambient lighting that comes in an array of colors, and elegant seats covered in perforated ActiveX material. The Mach-E is also a great choice for anyone who loves technology and wants an electric vehicle that’s an impressive size.
Cons
High Mach-E trims are on the pricy side and can cost over $60,000. The average consumer might not want to spend this, limiting the number of people purchasing the Mach-E.
The Mach-E’s cargo area isn’t that high, giving it a cramped appearance. It’s not necessarily small, but it’s on an odd angle so it’s challenging to fit bulky items.
Although the Mach-E is great for technophiles, the 15.5-inch touchscreen might be too large for the average consumer and seems to take up an inordinate amount of space.
The front seats have no ventilation, which isn’t ideal for anyone looking to spend $45,000 to $60,000 on a high-end vehicle.
Volkswagen
Are you a fan of Volkswagen? If so, then the ID.4 is the perfect electric vehicle for you.
The ID.4 is Volkswagen's coveted all-electric vehicle. It was launched in 2021 and comes in rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive models. Its AWD model features an 82kWh battery, and its RWD model features a 63kWh battery.
The RWD model is more affordable than the AWD model with a base price of $45,290. Although on the pricier side, you're getting a whole lot of car for your money.
Here's what to expect if you decide to purchase a Walkswahedn ID.4 as your next electric vehicle.
Pros
When shopping around at the best car dealerships for your next EV, you'll find that the Id.4 offers an amazing turning circle and has high safety levels. It also features a comfortable chassis even though it has large wheels (21 inches). You can comfortably store all your luggage or items when traveling and benefit from the vehicle’s rigid body.
RWD is excellent for navigating the elements, and the ID.4 also offers a good amount of space in the front and rear for all your passengers.
You’ll find good brakes, pockets in all the doors for your drinks, and comfortable seats, even in the rear where seats are typically less ergonomic. The EV’s interior build is excellent, with smooth, even surfaces, and great soundproofing so you don’t have to hear tons of exterior sounds while on the road.
The electric drive is very quiet, there is sufficient power when driving, and it has an impressive EPA estimated driving range of 275 miles.
Cons
Some of the cons of the Volkswagen ID.4 include the remote controls. There are only two of them controlling the four windows inside the driver’s door (that operates the vehicle’s rear windows). You’d need to light up the icon for the “rear” windows to activate this control, something that’s on the impractical side.
The door handles are made of a glossy plastic that scratches easily, and long routes experience incomplete planning when recharging. Navigation doesn’t have much information -if any- about charging stations, so you’d need to plan ahead.
The vehicle’s voice assistant struggles to understand basic commands, the instrument cluster display fails to show the battery percentage (you only see when it’s below 10%), and the steering wheel only has touch buttons and no conventional buttons.
Kia
Kia offers the all-electric EV6 crossover vehicle. The EV6 comes in five different trim levels: Wind (RWD), Wind (e-AWD), GT-Line (RWD), GT-Line (e-AWD), and GT (e-AWD).
The Wind (RWD) has a base price of $48,700 and is the most affordable of the EV6 product line. Consumers can easily spend over $60,000 on this electric vehicle, depending on the trim they purchase.
The Wind (RWD) has 225 horsepower and 258 pounds-foot of torque and an 800VDC charging capability that’s ultrafast, according to the manufacturer. This electric vehicle features 19-inch alloy wheels, vegan leather seats, and an onboard power generator. It can also tow up to 2,300 pounds.
But what are some other pros? And what cons should consumers be aware of? Let’s take a look.
Pros
The EV6 Wind (RWD) boasts impressive 12.3-inch Dual Panoramic Displays. This includes navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Kia Connect. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available.
While driving the EV6 Wind (RWD), you’ll enjoy the Meridian Premium Audio System, complete with 14 speakers. There is also a wireless phone charger, remote start, and a push-button smart key.
Experience dual-zone auto climate control and 5 USB ports for plenty of charging availability. There’s also a smart power tailgate and a Technology Package you can upgrade to.
For safety, Kia offers Auto Emergency Braking Technology, including Junction Turning Detection along with Blind Spot Detection Technology.
Additional pros include assistance with rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, Lane Keeping and Following Assist Technology, and smart cruise control with integrated stop-and-go. There’s also highway driving assist and safe exit assist available, along with front and rear parking sensors.
Cons
One of the drawbacks of purchasing Kia’s EV is that it no longer qualifies for a federal tax credit, as of August 2022. Electric vehicles no longer manufactured in North America, despite being driven on American terrain, do not qualify for federal tax credits.
Another drawback is that you can’t use Kia Waze and navigation at the same time. One cancels the other out. Additionally, RWD EV6 models don’t feature heated steering wheels, and it’s reported that Kia’s Apple CarPlay isn’t anything to write home about.
Mazda
Mazda is entering the electric vehicle game with the 2023 MX-30. This electric vehicle has an estimated EPA range of 100 miles when fully charged. If you're at 20% charge, you can get to 80% charge in roughly 36 minutes when using the Level 3 DC Fast Charger.
The MX-30 is also designed for comfort and incorporates user-friendly technology. It's also on the more affordable side, starting at $34,110.
Let's take a look at some pros and cons when deciding to purchase this electric vehicle.
Pros
One of the best things about the MX-30 is the price tag. It's more affordable than other electric vehicles, although you will have to compromise its driving range. However, if you don't need an EV with an impressive driving range, then the Mazda MX-30 might be for you.
It has a nice interior design that includes fabric that feels woolen, along with some integrated leather. The cargo area might not be huge, but you can fold up a stroller and fit it easily into this space.
There's also a heads-up display which is clearly organized and legible and includes blind-spot information displayed for you to see. This makes it easy for you to know when someone is coming up on you from either of your rear corners. Unfortunately, visibility when looking over your shoulder is limited, making this blind-spot feature an absolute must.
Mazda's MX-30 also gives you a warning as you pull forward, thanks to its forward cross-traffic alert. This electric vehicle might not be the best on the highway due to its low horsepower, but it has a low center of gravity and is fun to drive about town in. It has a well-tuned suspension and steers wonderfully.
Cons
One of the cons is the EPA-rated range. If you're staying local or don't have a far commute, then 100 miles should be plenty. However, this limited range doesn't make the MX-30 ideal for long road trips. This means that if you do take the MX-30 out for a ride, you need to be prepared to charge it and have your route mapped out in advance.
Another drawback is its busy exterior. This electric vehicle features several different colors and can come across as busy looking due to the various color schemes.
The rear doors are also problematic, as you can't open them unless you open the front doors first. They also open rearward so it's difficult to get a child into a rear-facing car seat.
Although this electric vehicle's 143 horsepower seems powerful enough for driving, it makes merging into traffic difficult. If you're looking for an EV with more pep, then this might not be the best choice, despite the vehicle's 200 pound-feet of torque.
The MX-30 also feels cramped, providing limited legroom in the back seats. There also isn't enough storage space for a busy family with lots to tote about.
Hyundai
Hyundai has been making cars since 1968, making it a trusted household name when looking to purchase vehicles. Hyundai sells the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and the KONA, although availability varies by state.
Pros
Anyone who leases or purchases a brand new electric vehicle with Hyundai benefits from Electrify America fast-charging stations. KONA owners receive complimentary charging anywhere within the network, not to exceed 1,000 miles of driving or 250kWh. If you have the IONIQ 5 or the IONIQ 6, you'll receive two years of DC fast-charing at 30 minutes, with no additional cost from the date you purchased your vehicle.
You may also benefit from state savings, in addition to the HOV lane where you can drive solo in the carpool lane in areas where this feature is available.
As with other electric vehicles, you won't have to worry about oil changes or gasoline. You can fuel up at home or on the go at one of the nation's many charging stations. Even better, zero tailpipe emissions mean you're contributing to a cleaner, greener planet.
Hyundai's electric vehicles also feature regenerative braking. This means that as you brake, you're recharging your vehicle's battery. Even better, the electric battery in these vehicles delivers instant torque for a peppy ride.
The KONA boasts an impressive 258-mile range when fully charged and handles well. Its cabin is comfortably designed and offers a quiet ride. There are also plenty of standard features, whereas other vehicles might require you to upgrade to a different package.
The controls are easy to use and there are advanced driver aids such as a blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, emergency braking, and a rear cross-traffic alert. These items are standard in every model. If you purchase the Ultimate trim, you'll enjoy adaptive cruise control.
Cons
The KONA has some cons, unfortunately.
For starters, there isn't much legroom for rear-seated passengers. Taller passengers might feel cramped, or you might have a lack of available space to store items. This also poses a challenge if you're looking to take rear-facing car seats in and out.
The KONA also has limited availability across US states and isn't available in every state. Currently, it's only available in Washington, Vermont, New York, Rhode Island, Oregon, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, California, Colorado, and Connecticut.
The center console is also large and takes up a good deal of space. It's user-friendly but detracts from space in the front of the vehicle. Taller occupants might find it cumbersome.
The Best Guide for Buying Electric Cars
If you're looking to save money on gas prices while "going green," then you should consider buying electric cars. BMW offers high-end vehicles that might not be in the average person's price point, while Nissan and Ford have more affordable electric vehicles to consider. No matter what type of EV you purchase, be sure to refer to this list of pros and cons when making your decision.
Are you looking to transport your vehicle? Nexus can help. We'll expertly ship your vehicle, so contact us today and a member of our auto transportation staff will be happy to answer all your questions.
