Electric cars allow you to fully enjoy the driving experience, in complete safety and comfort. Currently, electric vehicles cost more than their gasoline or diesel counterparts, but the gap is narrowing significantly, thanks in part to national government incentive policies and subsidies.
The growth trend of electric cars will only continue as electric vehicle costs decline, range increases, and the electric charging network expands. Naturally, drivers considering a new vehicle will need to consider new parameters to assess whether an electric car can truly meet their changing mobility needs. For short-distance city driving, we can already say that electric cars are certainly an excellent alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles, while for those using them for medium- to long-distance journeys, it's advisable to do the math first.
Anyone looking to buy an electric car for longer trips should ensure that local roads and highways offer a sufficient network of charging infrastructure along the route. The alternative to a pure electric car is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which combines battery-electric technology with the power of a gasoline or diesel engine to provide a mileage backup in case the electric range is insufficient.
In this guide, we reveal our picks for the best electric cars, and explain why you should consider buying one now more than ever.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Korean manufacturer was among the first to believe in electric technology, investing before other brands and thus strengthening its position as an industry leader. Using the E-GMP platform, the Hyundai Ioniq is a mid-size electric crossover capable of fast and efficient charging. The price is still quite high compared to the average, but the offering is respectable considering the range of nearly 400 km and maximum power outputs exceeding 200 horsepower.
Kia e-Niro
The Kia e-Niro is often compared to the Hyundai, as it belongs to the same market segment. The Kia's standout features include a lower price, a longer range (455 km), and a seven-year warranty offered on all models in the range. Standard features are top-notch and unrivaled: adaptive cruise control, leather interior, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with wireless phone charging.
Tesla Model 3
It remains the industry leader, both in terms of number of cars sold and the best balance between quality and price. It's available in three variants, but even the entry-level version offers a range of over 400 km. The interior design is minimalist yet elegant: the 15-inch central screen is a true multimedia hub, capable of browsing websites, reading, and listening to music. Last but not least, the car's high technological value is enhanced by the intelligent, autonomous driving that has made Tesla famous worldwide.
Renault Zoe
The small French electric car is one of the most popular new arrivals on the market, and in fact ranks highly in the best-selling car rankings. It's especially popular in cities, where its small spaces make it very versatile for parking. The price is very attractive: it can easily be purchased for under €30,000.
Volkswagen ID.3
Volkswagen has introduced a fully electric version of the latest Golf, effectively creating its own autonomous range of electric cars under the ID. name. The ID.3 is one of the most interesting and affordable mid-size EVs. It boasts exhilarating driving qualities and the renowned Wolfsburg quality that will make even the most tech-savvy buyers more than happy.
