More people are switching to electric cars, as drivers look to ditch diesel and petrol engines. Electric vehicles are an excellent way to reduce environmental pollution and cut down operating costs. But what is the best electric car?
However, as you’ll realize, not all electric cars are equal. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll give you insights to help you choose an efficient model and explain how the technology works. This will help you find a dynamic model that meets environmental goals and your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Electric Cars
Is There a Difference Between Electric Cars and Hybrid Cars?
Yes, there’s a difference between the two. Electric cars exclusively use electricity as the source of power, but hybrid cars use gasoline, motor, and a battery to function. Back in the day, there were a few electric cars as automakers didn’t have the interest to produce these cars. However, this has changed, and you now have a variety of new generation electric cars to choose from.
Why should you buy an Electric Car?
Electric cars are efficient than gasoline engines as they use a third of the latter’s energy to work. Also, these cars can reduce your running costs. EVs cost four cents a mile to run at national average electric rates. Although most full hybrid cars are expensive than gas-fuelled vehicles, they make up for this difference in fuel savings. The best part is that you can have an electric motor, a gasoline engine, and a battery pack. With this, you can use electricity when it’s efficient, without giving up the practicality of gasoline engines
How We Chose Our Ratings
Photo by Mike Bird from Pexels
We chose our rating based on multiple online reviews from popular car sites like Edmunds, CarMax, Top Gear, and Car Magazine. We also listed the cars in regards to performance, fuel efficiency, mile coverage, and basic safety features. We also went through user feedback on different sites to bring you cars that will match your driving style and budget.
What’s the Best Electric Car? Top 13 Revealed
Image by Thanks for your Like • donations welcome from Pixabay
More people are switching to electric cars, as drivers look to ditch diesel and petrol engines. Electric vehicles are an excellent way to reduce environmental pollution and cut down operating costs.
However, as you’ll realize, not all electric cars are equal. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll give you insights to help you choose an efficient model and explain how the technology works. This will help you find a dynamic model that meets environmental goals and your needs.
Is There a Difference Between Electric Cars and Hybrid Cars?
Yes, there’s a difference between the two. Electric cars exclusively use electricity as the source of power, but hybrid cars use gasoline, motor, and a battery to function. Back in the day, there were a few electric cars as automakers didn’t have the interest to produce these cars. However, this has changed, and you now have a variety of new generation electric cars to choose from.
Why should you buy an Electric Car?
Photo by Mike Bird from Pexels
Electric cars are efficient than gasoline engines as they use a third of the latter’s energy to work. Also, these cars can reduce your running costs. EVs cost four cents a mile to run at national average electric rates.
Although most full hybrid cars are expensive than gas-fuelled vehicles, they make up for this difference in fuel savings. The best part is that you can have an electric motor, a gasoline engine, and a battery pack. With this, you can use electricity when it’s efficient, without giving up the practicality of gasoline engines
Top 13 Best Electric Cars in 2019
Here are some of the best electric cars in 2019.Electric cars are becoming a favorite, but so is their jargon. Here’s everything you need to know about the best electric car in 2019. Go through our detailed buyer’s guide to make an informed decision.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S from Elon Musk’s company is one of the first mass-produced cars. This car is a perfect combination of style, innovation, and impressive performance, something that makes it the best electric car. The front features a cleaner look without the fake grille, and the rear remains unchanged. You’ll love how responsive the maps and menu are, not forgetting the overall user experience.
There’s a dock on the infotainment system that includes navigation, music, internet browser, and phone, calendar, and vehicle settings. You can expand some apps to view them full screen. Also, the vehicle comes with a pre-paid 4G connection that allows you to stream a Spotify premium account.
When driving the Model S, you’ll appreciate the smooth driving. Moreover, you feel the regenerative braking slow down the car when you get into tight corners. The car’s impressive acceleration allows you to drive faster.
If you’re looking for a different experience and a car that offers unique handling, the Tesla Model S is an excellent choice.
Although the starting price may be high, you’ll love the fact the car has a five-star safety rating, can go on a 259-mile range, it’s an all-wheel drive, and comes with 400-kilowatt hours of free annual supercharger credits. You can also pay extra for the enhanced autopilot technology.
Jaguar I-PACE
The I-PACE model is a recent release electric car by Jaguar that promises to outperform its gasoline predecessors. Being one of the first electric SUVs, the I-PACE is in stiff competition with Tesla’s Model X which is also an electric SU.
Considering the car’s spacious interior, luxury feel, and impressive additional features, the I-PACE promises to outperform other electric vehicles in the market. Don’t forget it has a top speed of 125 mph, something speed junkies will appreciate. Also, the I-PACE can cover a distance of 298 miles on a full charge.
Unfortunately, the Jaguar I-PACE is not ideal for you if you’re on a budget as its price starts at $63,000. Moreover, you can experience a bumpy ride at low speeds.
BMW i3
Apart from Jaguar and Tesla, nothing matches the BMW i3’s premium desirability and impressive performance. Featuring a 42 kWh battery the car offers a pleasant drive. The vehicle has a mix of F1-spec carbonfire construction with unique styling, making the i3 an excellent city car.
You’ll love that the car has enough room in both rows. When driving, you can feel the Germanic precision to the controls that give you a luxurious feel. What’s more, the vehicle is affordable as its prices start at $34,000.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is a blend of pure class and performance. With this SUV, you can accelerate the crossover from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds. Also, you can travel between 237 and 295 miles when fully charged.
It features a classic interior with plenty of add-ons to make your driving experience worthwhile. It’s critical to note that the model X is the only all-electric car that gives you three rows of seating. You’ll love the huge cargo space and the car’s quiet operation.
However, the Model X has a large windshield that allows too much heat and sun into the cabin. The upward swinging rear doors also interfere with functionality.
Overall, the Tesla Model X is an excellent SUV that has enough cargo space and is enjoyable to drive. The 2018 model lowers the base price by some thousand dollars and reduces the trim lineup to three. You’ll love the plenty of features and classy interior styling.
Hyundai Ioniq EV
The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq EV comes from a family that includes a plug-in hybrid and a hybrid. With estimated mileage of 122 MPG on the highway and 150 MPG in the city, the Hyundai has excellent reliability ratings.
You can travel for up to 120 miles on a full charge. With its cost starting at $29,000, you get a car that provides value and an excellent warranty. The car’s interior features a combination of high-grade materials, comfortable seats, and a clean layout, which gives the Ioniq a premium feel.
Furthermore, the infotainment system is easy to navigate with laid out knobs and redundant buttons when you don’t want to use the touch screen. Other notable features include the Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging options. The 8-speaker stereo system allows you to enjoy music when driving.
As part of its safety features, the Ioniq comes standard with adaptive headlights; lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. You’ll love the Hyundai’s adaptive smart cruise control that has stop and go abilities.
It’s also one of the most spacious cars in our electric vehicle rankings. With 26.5 cubic feet, you can carry the entire weekend luggage without any worries. On the downside, the Hyundai has limited back seat space and the disconnected handling makes the ride bumpy.
Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a car that provides the benefits of a regular compact car without spending too much on gas, you should consider the Hyundai Ioniq.
The plug-in hybrid maintains fuel efficiency with excellent performance. The impressive warranty and outstanding crash test scores make the 2018 Hyundai one of the best electric cars.
Mercedes EQC
The Mercedes EQC is the first best electric car from Mercedes that allows you to drive up to 280 miles when fully charged. It also has two electric motors that get you from zero to sixty in five seconds.
As with all Mercedes vehicles, the EQC is a luxurious model that features metallic textiles that gives the interior an edgy vibe. You also get inbuilt speech recognition software and two crystal clear infotainment screens.
The only downside is that it’s expensive as its price range starts from $60,000. Moreover, there may be limited stock after the release in 2019.
Audi E-Tron
The Audi E-Tron is the company’s flagship electric SUV that takes on Tesla’s Model X and Jaguar I-PACE. You won’t need to stop long to recharge as it has a charging time of half an hour on 150kw.
With the luxury SUV, you can get to a 248-mile range and a top speed of 124 mph. Another excellent feature is the Range Mode, which allows you to reduce the electricity consumption and travel longer by taking power away from things like the AC. The only disadvantage is that it’s not thoroughly tested yet as it was set for a release date in 2019.
2018 Ford Focus
The electric Ford Focus is one of the highly-rated compact cars. It offers a comfortable ride, and it’s enjoyable to drive. With a seating space of five, the electric Ford Focus has a decent amount of space although the rear seats may feel tight for adults.
Its interior has a durable cabin that features an open layout. However, the base trim lacks any cruise control and power rear windows. The presence of hard plastics also makes the interior feel less classy.
The infotainment system is easy to navigate with features like voice recognition, USB ports, and Bluetooth. These appealing features and impressive reliability ratings make the Ford Focus a compact car that will suit your driving style.
2018 Nissan Leaf
The 2018 Nissan Leaf is an upgrade that features a new look and an enhanced range. You can travel at an estimated distance of 150 miles when fully charged. Also, the new Nissan Lead earns efficiency ratings of 100 MPG on the highway and 125 MOC in the city.
If you’re on a budget, you’ll love the fact the 2018 Nissan Leaf’s price starts at $30,000. However, with a federal EV tax credit, you can buy the car for $22,000. The electric car is ideal for families as its practical, functional, and helps you reduce gas costs.
Although you won’t find a classic interior in the Nissan Leaf as you would find in a Tesla, the car makes up for this by incorporating other technologies like the ProPilot Assist which provides the semi-autonomous driving capability.
Other notable features you’ll enjoy are a five-inch display, steel wheels, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8- kilowatt synchronous motor.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt
The Chevrolet Bolt has a starting price of $30,000 after the federal electric vehicle tax credit. Despite its small stature, the Bolt boasts of a spacious interior and a peppy performance. Unfortunately, the interior comes up short on quality as it features lots of plastic.
When it comes to performance, the Bolt EV has a single electric motor with a 200-horsepower rating. The single-speed transmission and the lithium-ion battery pack gives the car instant acceleration, allowing you to cruise at high speeds.
With an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles, the Chevrolet Bolt provides more than the Ioniq that has a 120-mile range and a Nissan Leaf with a 150-mile range. You can fully recharge the battery in 9 hours.
Driving the Chevrolet Bolt doesn’t feel like work as it has responsive steering and extra stability, thanks to the battery pack that keep the center of gravity low. You’ll love the fact that the car comes with two driving modes, the drive, and the low modes.
When you put the mode in drive, the bolt acts like an ordinary small car. However, when you shift into low, you activate the regenerative brakes for one-pedal driving. You can enjoy a smooth driving experience once you get used to how the driving modes work.
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt is economical and one of the few electric cars that can cover a 200-mile range. The seating area and cargo room are spacious, and it’s fun to drive.
Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe got an upgrade that features an R110 motor that provides s106bhp and 225 NM of torque. It also comes with android auto. You can drive for up to 250 miles for the 40-kilowatt battery.
Although the new Renault is faster than its predecessor is, it still drives at low speeds compared to other electric cars. Also, it remains way off in regards to performance, features, and interior styling. Unfortunately, you have to pay to lease a battery for the car, something that pushes Renault’s price up.
2018 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul gets a high-rating because of its upscale cabin, improved reliability, and plenty of cargo space. You’ll love how the vehicle is equipped, and the high trims give it a compact look. It’s inexpensive compared to other subcompact SUVs like Mazda CX-3.
Also, the 2018 Kia has ample cargo space, providing you value for money. The Kia Soul has an energy efficiency rating of 124 MPG in the city and 93 MPG on the highway. Moreover, its EPA-estimated range of 100 miles.
The Soul comes with a USB port, Bluetooth, and a sound system as part of its infotainment system. Nonetheless, you can find advanced features like an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon audio system in uplevel trims.
A few drawbacks include a low fuel economy and an underwhelming base engine. The Soul lacks any advanced safety features, which is a disappointment.
However, with its spacious interior, high-grade cabin, excellent reliability score, and poised driving dynamics, the 2018 Kia Soul is a winner among the top electric vehicles. If you’re in the market for a subcompact SUV, you should have Kia Soul on your list.
The car provides value from its comfortable handling, premium-grade cabin, and its stability.
2016 Volkswagen e-Golf
The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf comes with a 134-horsepower electric motor and an upgraded battery from its 2017 version. You can get the electric car at a starting price of $21,000. The Golf can accommodate up to five people, and both rows have enough room for adult passengers.
Its well-built interior features quality materials which give the Golf a classic look and feel. With 23 cubic feet of space, you can relax knowing that you have ample room for luggage. You can also fold the rear seats for some extra space.
Also, you’ll find other features like an 8-speaker audios system, a USB port, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay. While the infotainment system isn’t edgy as that of a Tesla, it does a good job.
Another notable feature is the 170-horsepower turbo engine that feels stronger and allows you to drive with ease. You’ll enjoy the adept handling and precise steering when driving on city streets and winding roads. Furthermore, with the 134-horsepower electric motor, you can save on fuel costs.
Unlike Kia that lacks advanced safety features, the Volkswagen e-Golf comes with forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, and pedestrian detection features.
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf is a must-have if you’re looking for a car with adept handling, a reliable engine, upscale interior, and enough cargo room.
Buyer’s Guide
As a newbie in the EVs industry, it can be daunting to choose a specific ca when you don’t know what to look for when shopping. Here’s a detailed guide on selecting the best electric car this year.
Do Your Homework
Although electric and gasoline cars are different, you still need to do your homework when shopping. After settling on a specific model, you can visit different dealerships to find the one with a good deal. Skipping this step can cost you thousands of dollars.
Decide Which Type of Electric Car You Need
There are various types of electric cars mainly
- Electric vehicles
- Hybrid electric vehicles
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
Electric vehicles run solely on electric power. They have an electric motor that gets its power from batteries. Hybrid electric cars have a diesel or petrol engine and an electric motor and batteries. Their engine generates the electric power, and through regenerative braking technology, the energy is conserved. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles require electric batteries but work as regular hybrids.
Determine Where You’ll Charge the Car
You’ll need to charge the battery depending on the range of your car, and the miles you cover daily. Some chargers allow you to get a full battery in 45 minutes while others may take up to six hours. It’s essential to figure out the best chargers for your electric car before making any car purchase.
Buying a Used Electric Car & Getting a VIN Check in Canada
Electric cars are of course very modern. However, some things never change. One of these things is the simple fact that you always want to do a VIN lookup in Canada whenever buying a used vehicle. This applies to electric vehicles just like all others too.
Something you might be wondering is why you would choose to get a VIN check in the first place. After all, they do cost money, right?
Well, no, that’s not always the case, because you can do a free VIN check in Canada. Now that you know that it won’t cost you anything, let’s see exactly what kind of information you can obtain about your vehicle by doing a VIN check.
Last Reported Mileage
Something that a VIN check in Canada can tell you is what the reported mileage of the vehicle in question is like. Knowing how many miles your vehicle has on it is important in terms of determining the overall lifespan. This is also something that is going to tell you whether or not an odometer rollback was performed.
Salvaged & Structural Damage
It also provides you with safety information about the vehicle in terms of whether or not it has been damaged or wrecked. Moreover, you will also find out whether or not an insurance company has determined that the vehicle in question was a total loss and whether or not they paid a claim on it.
On that note, a good vehicle history report can also tell you if there was any structural damage that the vehicle in question suffered. If it was in a wreck, and if there was structural damage, you will know about it.
Furthermore, a good vehicle history report will also tell you whether or not the frame of the vehicle has been damaged. Even if the frame has already been repaired, it can still be dangerous for the people inside of the vehicle. If it hasn’t yet been repaired, you will find out if it is required.
Insurance Claims
Whether it was actually wrecked or not, a VIN check in Canada will tell you whether or not there was an insurance claim made on the vehicle, and if it was paid. If there was a claim made, you will also find out exactly why, as well as how much money was paid out by the insurance company.
Service History
Something else that VIN check in Canada can tell you is what the service history of the vehicle in question is like. Here you will find out exactly how old all of the components in the vehicle are. You will also find out whether or not any components have been replaced or are in need of replacement.
Stolen Vehicle
Whenever you go to buy a used vehicle, you obviously don’t want it to be a stolen vehicle. Even if you are not aware that you are driving a stolen vehicle, you can still get in legal trouble for it. If the vehicle was reported stolen, a VIN lookup in Canada will instantly tell you.
Recall Information
Just like with gasoline powered cars, electric cars can also suffer from recalls. Yes, these vehicles do also run into trouble. A VIN check in Canada can tell you of all past and current recalls that your vehicle has. It’s all about knowing whether or not the vehicle you have is safe.
Registration, Branding, and Lemons
Some vehicles are branded as pieces of junk or lemons, and a good VIN look up in Canada will tell you that. It’s a good way to find out whether or not you should buy a car in the first place.
Moreover, a free VIN check in Canada will also tell you if your vehicle was branded. This could apply to the vehicle’s registration, permit documents, or the title. You’ll also see if it was written off into some kind of fire, flood, or accident.
Warranty Information
Another valuable piece of information at these vehicle history reports can provide you with has to do with the warranty. It’s always best to buy a vehicle that is still under warranty. Even if your vehicle no longer is under warranty, at least you will know about it.
Final Thoughts
Image by Marilyn Murphy from Pixabay
Buying an electric vehicle requires research to determine the best model that fits your current lifestyle and budget. Remember that you still need to maintain your EV like a conventional car to keep it in top condition. The above buyer’s guide will help you make an informed decision. You can then choose from the above best electric cars that are currently on the market. Looking to buy a pre-loved electric car? Check out its history via our free VIN check tool.
Featured Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay