Where the number of all-electric vehicles on the market may once have been a limiting factor, environmentally conscious buyers now have an ever-growing number of diverse, battery-powered models to choose from.
If you’re considering ditching gasoline power for the sprightly and eco-friendly performance EVs have to offer, here are a half-dozen of our favorites suited to a wide variety of needs and desires.
Volvo, an upscale brand known for its strong crash-test scores, heads off in a new direction with the all-electric XC40 Recharge. This eco-friendly compact SUV combines lively acceleration with a comfortable, stylish interior befitting its Scandinavian roots.
Better still, the combination of the rear cargo hold and the under-hood frunk (or front trunk) offers more storage than comparably sized crossovers. Add an all-electric driving range of 223 miles, and you have an EV that’s easy to live with.
Looking for an EV that’s simple to incorporate into your hectic schedule? Consider the Volkswagen ID.4.
For starters, its 275-mile driving range (with the larger of two battery options) means most owners will need to plug this compact crossover in only every few days. When you do, the availability of both Level 2 and faster Level 3 charging is a definite plus.
The ID.4 really shines on the road with an appealing balance of sprightly performance and light handling that makes it a practical SUV that’s fun to drive.
If you like to turn heads as you’re turning corners on a winding road, consider the all-new Kia EV6.
While its futuristic styling may be the first thing that catches your eye, this midsize crossover offers a choice of one or two electric motors and a driving range of up to 310 miles on a single charge. Add Kia’s outstanding 10-year/100,000-mile warranty and the EV6 can deliver sporty performance for miles to come.
If you’re going to splurge on an EV, it’d be nice if you could find one that won’t quickly feel outdated. Enter the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
With distinctive styling and advanced features, this compact crossover should be pretty well future-proofed. There are several all-electric powertrains available, including a muscular 320-horsepower setup with standard all-wheel drive.
Even more impressive is its long 303-mile driving range, quick recharging times and nicely tuned suspension. Add a spacious, futuristic cabin and you have an EV that you won’t soon outgrow.
If you think an EV pickup truck can’t be practical, the Ford F-150 Lightning will change your mind.
Based on the bestselling F-150 pickup, the Lightning combines a four-door crew cab with a 5.5-foot bed. A pair of electric motors give it all-wheel drive and sports-car-like acceleration. An optional 131-kW battery pack bumps driving range from 230 to 320 miles. Add a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds and you have a pickup that’s up for most anything.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
