You may be wondering what the top EVs on today’s market are. That’s easy; Tesla, Ford, Chevrolet, Mini Cooper, and Porsche topped both CNET and U.S. World & News Report’s lists. Continue reading to learn more.
We’re Going to Rate EVs Based on These Five Factors
This article will rank EVs based on these categories:
Miles per charge Depreciation within the first five years of ownership Affordability Safety features
We’ll also include some information on what sets these vehicles apart from each other.
The Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is the most affordable Tesla vehicle on today’s market, starting at around $43,000. On a single charge (which takes anywhere from eight-and-a-half to 10 hours), you can go anywhere from 272 to 358 miles. Other benefits include:
The average car loses about 50 percent of its value within the first five years of ownership. Tesla holds its value remarkably, losing anywhere from 10 percent to 44 percent of its asking price. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) gives the Tesla Model 3 five out of five stars. Its best features include lane departure warning, blind spot sensors, and dynamic brake support.
Tesla is one of the hottest vehicles on today’s market. You just can’t beat Elon Musk’s cult of personality. With that in mind, it seems there’s no limit to what Tesla can do.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s newest EV combines America’s love for the Mustang and love for saving gas money. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is exactly what you think it is; it’s a cutting-edge sports car that runs on electricity. Here’s what you need to know:
It takes about 10 to 15 hours to reach a full charge. Once the battery’s charged, you’ll get 211 to 305 miles. Standard models start at around $42,000. The NHTSA hasn’t rated this car yet. However, it notes that it comes with lane departure warnings, rear-end collision safety features, and back-up cameras.
So far, Ford’s sold over 57,000 of these vehicles––not bad for a first-time debut. The only bummer is that, according to MotorBiscuit, analysts aren’t sure whether the Ford Mustang Mach-E will have good resale values.
The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt
CNET notes that the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt is nothing special, describing it as “cuteish” and having “less-than-exciting driving dynamics.” But honestly, that’s what makes it special. Aside from being one of the most affordable EVs on today’s market (around $36,000), consider the following:
It gets about 260 miles on a single charge after charging for seven hours The NHTSA gave it a five out of five safety rating. On average, consumers on Kelley Blue Book’s website gave the EV a 93 percent positivity rating.
The only drawback is that while dynamic braking, blind spot sensors, and other safety features don’t come standard. They’re either non-existent or don’t come with standard models. The good thing is that when it comes to five-year depreciation, it maintains most of its original value.
The 2021 Mini Cooper SE
Mini Cooper’s new to the EV game, but passengers are in for a wild ride. It’s actually the cheapest option on our list, with standard models starting at $29,000. This car is ideal for big cities or driving locally, since it only gets about 110 miles on a single charge. Yet, these cars are so dang charming, you’ll hardly notice. Other benefits include:
It gets 181 horsepower, meaning you can literally go zero to 60 in seconds. It reaches an 80 percent charging after being plugged in for a half-hour––record timing compared to the other cars on this list. The NHTSA hasn’t rated this car yet. However, during its time on the market, it’s had zero complaints and only one recall.
Each 2021 Mini Cooper SE comes standard with forward-collision warning. This means that if you’re too close to the car in front of it, a beeper will go off. This is perfect for avoiding rear-end collisions or navigating congested traffic. The jury’s still out on whether the Mini Cooper SE will hold its value over time. Sadly, standard Mini Cooper can lose 70 percent of their original values within the first five years.
The 2021 Porsche Taycan
If you’re looking for a luxurious electric-power sports car, look no further. The 2021 Porsche Taycan is nearly indistinguishable from other vehicles in its class. Starting at around $79,000, these bad boys:
Run 199 to 212 on a single charge Depreciate the same rate as Tesla Model 3s Have solid safety ratings
These vehicles come with cruise control, electric power steering, and front and rear cupholders.
These Vehicles May Seem Price But Prove Their Values Over Time
We know some of the EVs on this list are a little pricey––but don’t let that discourage you from getting one. It’s worth noting that many cars on today’s market (even “clunkers”) are going for record prices. This is in response to today’s economy and worldwide microchip shortage. The savings really come from the maintenance costs and money you’ll spend on gas. Consider this information from Consumer Reports:
Within the first seven years of ownership, you’ll save at least $4,500 on gas––and really, that’s on the low end. Ideally, you’ll save $800 to $1,000 a year on gas. The typical cost of maintenance costs $6,000 to $10,000 over the car’s lifetime––which is either on par or better than standard vehicles.
With this information in mind, you may consider the value of purchasing an EV.
A Final Word
There are a lot of fine EVs on today’s market, alright––and the competition’s only going to get fiercer as time goes on. The best EV for you ultimately depends on you, including your lifestyle, commute, and budget. For more information about EVs, check out this study from the Environmental Protection Agency.
