The Best Selling Electric Vehicles You Can Buy Right Now
If you've been thinking of making the big switch, now is the best time to do so.
With rising gas prices, many car owners are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) as a more cost-effective choice. The current administration is facilitating this transition by committing to construct 500,000 EV chargers across the nation. Additionally, federal and state incentives are being expanded, including tax credits of up to $7,500 on qualified all-electric, fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid vehicles purchased from 2023.
As demand for electric cars rises, carmakers are ramping up production of EVs more high-tech than the next. While some may say that the EV market is saturated, competition among manufacturers could benefit buyers. Now more options are available in terms of ranges, costs, performance, and even luxurious features, allowing prospective electric vehicle owners to customize their pick to fit their needs and budget.
Here are the top-selling EVs you can buy right now:
Ford F-150 Lightning
Image courtesy of The Drive
Starting price: $33,695
EPA range: 320 miles (Extended Range)
2022 vehicle sales: 15,617 units sold
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the electrified version of the popular F-150 pickup truck offering a blend of power and eco-friendliness. It retains the rugged design and utility of the traditional F-150 while incorporating an electric powertrain for a greener driving experience.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning comes in four distinct trim levels: PRO, XLT, LARIAT, and PLATINUM. The PRO base model offers battery upgrades and built-in electrical outlets, ideal for powering tools on the go. The XLT is equipped with 18-inch wheels, optional truck bed lighting, and an available tow package with helpful towing features. The LARIAT trim features a larger touchscreen, premium audio, and standard leather upholstery, while the PLATINUM boasts 22-inch wheels, a powerful 563-horsepower powertrain, and an extended-range battery option for about 70 additional miles per charge.
Kia EV6
Image courtesy of CarDekho
Starting price: 43,925
EPA range: 310 miles
2022 vehicle sales: 20,498 units sold
The Kia EV6 is a compact SUV with a spacious interior for comfort and versatility, making it suitable for both daily commuting and longer journeys. The EV6 is equipped with advanced technology features, including a high-tech infotainment system and driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
The EV6 comes in five trim levels: Wind RWD, GT-Line RWD, Wind AWD, GT-Line AWD, and GT AWD. The base model Wind RWD boasts a 225-horsepower powertrain, a 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery, and features including a gloss black grille, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a 12.3-inch dual panoramic display. On the other end, the flagship GT AWD is equipped with a 576-horsepower electric motor, 21-inch alloy wheels, and GT Exclusive Drive Mode.
Volkswagen ID.4
Image courtesy of Edmunds
Starting price: $40,290
EPA range: 328 miles
2022 vehicle sales: 20,511 units sold
The Volkswagen ID.4 is another compact all-electric SUV with advanced features like adaptive cruise control and an active blind spot monitor. It is offered with rear- or all-wheel drive options and the choice of 52 or 77kWh battery variants, with a performance-oriented version called the ID.4 GTX completing the lineup.
The base models called Pure and Pure Performance, offer around 223 miles of EPA estimated range with a 52kWh battery. The middle-range versions, known as Pro and Pro Performance, provide a longer range of about 328 miles using a larger battery pack. At the top end, the GTX variant maintains a strong range of up to 308 miles.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Image courtesy of Digital Trends
Starting price: $41,450
EPA range: 220 miles
2022 vehicle sales: 22,982 units sold
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric crossover that features sharp lines and unique styling elements. It offers a versatile and spacious interior, making it a practical choice for families and urban drivers alike. Equipped with a choice of battery sizes and powertrain options, the Ioniq 5 delivers impressive performance capabilities. The innovative 'Vehicle-to-Load' (V2L) function allows the car's battery to power other devices, adding to its utility. The Ioniq 5's V2L technology has the capability to deliver AC power of up to 3.6kW, providing sufficient energy to charge everything from laptops and smartphones.
The base model features a rear-wheel drive setup and a single electric motor. It's fitted with a 58 kWh battery pack that delivers a total power output of 168 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the all-wheel drive variant features dual electric motors and a larger battery pack, resulting in a substantial 320 horsepower and an impressive 446 pound-feet of torque. With electric motors at the front and back, the all-wheel drive setup gives great traction and stability fit for any road condition.
Tesla Model X
Image courtesy of Drive
Starting price: $106,190
EPA range: 348 miles
2022 vehicle sales: 24,099 units sold
The Tesla Model X, with its distinctive falcon-wing doors, combines futuristic design, high performance, and cutting-edge technology. Its electric powertrain delivers impressive acceleration and a quiet, smooth ride. The Model X also boasts advanced driver-assistance features, including Tesla's Autopilot system, which enhances safety and convenience.
A full charge gives up to 348 miles of range and with Tesla's vast Supercharger network, recharging on the road won't be a problem. It is available in two trim levels: AWD and Plaid. Priced at $106 the AWD trim features 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, air suspension, panoramic sunroof, heated/ventilated front seats, and advanced safety features. The Plaid, starting at $127,690, adds a third motor for improved stability and acceleration, with options for 22-inch wheels and third-row seating. Both trims come with a 100-kWh battery and all-wheel drive. The AWD produces 680 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, while the Plaid boasts 1,020 horsepower and a 2.5-second 0-60 mph time. The Model X's battery placement enhances handling, and the firm yet compliant suspension absorbs road imperfections.
Tesla Model X battery life is designed for longevity, with Tesla's advanced battery management systems and engineering contributing to the overall durability and endurance of the battery over the vehicle's lifespan.
Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV
Image courtesy of CleanTechnica
Starting price: $26,595
EPA range: 359 miles
2022 vehicle sales: 38,120 units sold
The Chevrolet Bolt lineup offers two electric models: the Bolt EV and the Bolt EUV. The Bolt EV, with its compact design, is designed for efficient urban driving, while the larger Bolt EUV introduces a more spacious crossover format.
Both the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV use the same 65 kWh battery pack. However, the slimmer Bolt EV can travel farther on a single charge. The Bolt EUV has a range of around 247 miles, while the Bolt EV can go up to 259 miles on a single charge, giving it a 12-mile edge in terms of range. Both models can add around four miles of range in about an hour of charging at 120 volts, and they take about seven hours to fully charge at 240 volts. With DC fast charging capability, the EV gains 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes, while the EUV only achieves 95 percent of this figure.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Image courtesy of Edmunds
Starting price: $42,995
EPA range: 312 miles
2022 vehicle sales: 39,458 units sold
The Ford Mustang Mach-E carries the Mustang legacy into the EV world with its stylish design and impressive performance. With options for rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the Mach-E caters to both urban commutes and longer journeys.
The entry-level Select model is available with single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive, using a standard-range 70-kWh battery that provides an estimated range of 250 miles for RWD and 226 miles for AWD. The Premium trim features a 91-kWh extended-range battery, increasing range to an estimated 306 miles for RWD and 290 miles for AWD. The California Route 1 trim, exclusively with AWD, has an estimated 312-mile range. The top-tier Mustang Mach-E GT, available only with AWD and the extended-range battery, offers an estimated range of 270 miles, while the GT Performance Edition offers around 260 miles.
Tesla Model S
Image courtesy of Tesla
Starting price: $80,130
EPA range: 405 miles
2022 vehicle sales: 42,606 units sold
The base Tesla Model S boasts an EPA-estimated range of 405 miles, one of the longest available for sedans. Meanwhile, its Plaid version has a slightly shorter 348-mile range. The Model S features an intelligent adaptive suspension system, which enables the car to autonomously adapt its suspension to match the road conditions, resulting in a more comfortable and seamless driving experience. The system can recognize variations in the road surface and make instant adjustments to maintain stability and safety throughout the ride.
Tesla Model 3
Image courtesy of Car and Driver
Starting price: $46,990
EPA range: 358 miles
2022 vehicle sales: 240,266 units sold
The Model 3 offers a minimalist interior centered around a prominent touchscreen display that controls various functions. It comes in three trim levels: base RWD, Long Range, and Performance. The base RWD model can travel up to 272 miles on a single charge, while the Tesla Model 3 Performance has 315 miles of range. The Model 3 Long Range lives up to its name, offering the highest range in the lineup at 358 miles per charge.
The Model 3 is currently one of the most affordable electric compact sedans you can find. The base Model 3 costs $46,990, the Model 3 Long Range is priced at $57,990, and the Model 3 Performance is available for $62,990.
Tesla Model Y
Image courtesy of Tesla
Starting price: $65,990
EPA range: 330 miles
2022 vehicle sales: 252,000 units sold
The Model Y provides a slightly larger interior and greater cargo capacity than the Model 3, making it an appealing choice for families and those seeking more space. It features a minimalist interior with a large central touchscreen for controls and entertainment. The Model Y boasts stellar acceleration, clocking in at 3.5 seconds from 0-60 mph, which is faster than gas-powered vehicles and other EVs in its range.
The Tesla Model Y comes with a dual-motor AWD system, ensuring stability in challenging road conditions. Its impressive battery range of over 300 miles on a single charge allows for longer trips. The Smart Air Suspension with Road Preview technology makes rides smoother on uneven surfaces. Thanks to its batteries' low placement, the car has better cornering and road grip.
When considering the practicality of electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, you might wonder, how much electricity it takes to charge a Tesla. Charging requirements can vary depending on the battery size and charging speed, but on average, a full charge for a Tesla Model Y might cost less than the equivalent distance traveled on gasoline, contributing to its cost-effectiveness over time.
FAQs
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The Tesla Model Y is currently the best-selling electric with 252,000 units sold in 2022 alone.
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Tesla continues to maintain a significant lead in the electric vehicle market, commanding an impressive 65% of total EV sales in the United States for the year 2022.
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Electric vehicles, particularly those from Tesla, tend to retain their value well due to their technological advancements, brand reputation, and demand in the used car market. The Tesla Model 3 and Model S are known for their strong resale value compared to other EVs.
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