Best Electric Cars and EVs for 2024

Starting at $41,630, the 2023 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range is a tough act to follow, costing less than some combustion-powered sedans in its class once the dust settles after up to a $7,500 federal tax credit and any qualifying state EV incentives. Shoppers with a bit more room in the budget can opt to upgrade to longer-ranging and more powerful dual-motor variants, but this configuration's 272 miles is plenty for year-round daily driving with the occasional road trip, while its efficiency (4 miles per kWh) is the third highest on the road today, keeping operating costs low.

The Standard Range battery is mated with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant of Tesla's electric powertrain. Its 0 to 60 mph sprint of 5.8 seconds won't snap your neck, but it's more than quick enough for strong, silent merges and passing. Plus, it's available with all of the cutting-edge dashboard technology and driver aid tech offered on the automaker's more expensive models.

Pros

• Excellent performance, the highest range for the price
• Affordable price bolstered by federal tax incentives
• Native access to Supercharger fast charging network

Cons

• Dashboard tech moves too many basic features to the touchscreen
• Reputation of inconsistent build quality 
• Expensive Autopilot and FSD driver aid tech upgrades

Additional Attributes

• Range: 272 miles
• Efficiency: 4 mi/kWh, 132 mpge
• Max DCFC: 250 kW, 10 to 80% in 18 minutes
• Features: Available FSD driver aid, connected 15.4-inch dashboard display
• Starting price: $41,630

The angular Ioniq 5 was our first brush with Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP electric vehicle platform -- which also underpins the Kia's EV6 and EV9 and the Genesis GV60 -- and years later it continues to be one of our favorite electric vehicles in its class. In its thriftiest Long Range RWD configuration, the Ioniq 5 cruises up to 303 miles and covers 3.4 miles per kilowatt-hour. That's an EPA-estimated equivalent of 114 mpge.

Beyond simply being thrifty, the Ioniq 5's battery-electric platform enables up to 236-kW DC fast charging making it one of the fastest-charging EVs we've tested. Plus, optional V2L 120-volt AC power delivery lets you use stored battery power outside of the EV while parked for a variety of applications.

And, yes, Hyundai's own Ioniq 6 is a bit more efficient with a bit more range (361 miles), but I prefer the 5's sharply styled large hatchback design to the 6 sedan's lozenge silhouette. Either option is a good one, but more room for cargo in roughly the same footprint is a big win, I say.

Pros

• Melds handsome hatchback design with small SUV cargo space
• Comes standard with excellent, but not overwhelming dashboard tech
• Standard V2L bidirectional charging port (adapter required)

Cons

• Does not currently qualify for federal plug-in incentive
• No front trunk

Additional Attributes

• Range: 303 miles
• Efficiency: 3.4 mi/kWh, 114 mpge
  
• Max DCFC: 236 kW, 10 to 80% in 18 minutes
  
• Features: Standard V2L bidirectional charging, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, available Remote Smart Parking
• Starting price: $43,195

Rivian's fun-loving R1T electric pickup was recently updated with even more powerful dashboard technology, smarter connectivity and subtle exterior design revisions. Joining the already potent lineup of dual- and tri-motor configurations for this refresh is a new quad-motor option with a truly monstrous capacity for acceleration and new battery tech that promises even better range and performance than before.

The new R1T Dual Max configuration -- which I've previously called the sweet spot in the lineup -- now rolls for up to 420 miles between recharges. Rivian also turned on compatibility with the NACS standard (via a free adapter) this year, giving drivers access to Tesla's Supercharger network in addition to hundreds of CCS-compatible stations, including Rivian's outdoor-focused Adventure Network.

The Rivian R1T is the perfect electric pickup for eco-adventurers eager to explore the great outdoors. Its silent, but extremely capable electric powertrain lets you tackle trails while enjoying the sounds of nature, which is a unique and rewarding experience. The pickup is packed with unique features -- from the customizable gear tunnel to its playful dashboard tech -- that make you feel like you can (and should) go anywhere. Those features make it equally appealing for suburban drivers looking for a zero-emissions vehicle with more rugged utility than an SUV.

Pros

• Massive front trunk and unique gear tunnel storage
• Updated dashboard tech features fun, intuitive design and advanced connectivity
• Updated powertrain options offer improved range and mind-bending performance

Cons

• Currently lacks the bidirectional power functionality found on other electric pickups
• It's pricey for a pickup

Additional Attributes

• Range: up to 420 miles
• Efficiency: 2.5 mi/kWh, 84 mpge
• Max DCFC: 220 kW, 10 to 80% in 41 minutes
• Features: Rivian Gear Tunnel storage, Gear Guard camera system, Highway and Lane Change Assist, Google Cast media streaming while parked
• Starting price: $71,700

I love the adventure-oriented (and recently updated) Rivian R1S, but Kia's new three-row electric EV9 feels, in many ways, like a better fit for families seeking an urban utility vehicle. Tipping the scales are little things, like the EV9's surprisingly low step in height, which makes getting in and out and loading cargo and car seats super easy, and larger factors like Kia's lower starting price of $56,395. 

The EV9 also features a more conventional suite of dashboard and driver-aid technologies inherited from Kia's family of EVs, PHEVs and combustion cars. "Conventional" may sound like a backhand compliment, but I appreciated how familiar and easy to use the EV9's tech was during my multiple times behind the wheel. Plus, the EV9 supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, giving drivers the flexibility to customize their dashboard experience -- a critical advantage in a vehicle that may be shared with multiple drivers.

SUV shoppers will have the choice of two battery sizes and three electric motor configurations, ranging from the 304-mile Light RWD (the longest-ranging spec in the line) to the 379hp GT-Line AWD which leaps from 0-60 mph in just 5.0 seconds -- which is plenty quick for a family hauler. Plus, the EV9 is one of the fastest charging EVs I've tested in this class, able to scramble from 10-80% optimally in around 24 minutes at a 350-kW DC charger. I'm also a huge fan of the EV9's V2L bidirectional power feature that allows the EV's battery to keep critical appliances running during a home power outage with an inexpensive, easy-to-use adapter (and an extension cord.)

Pros

• Bold, eye-catching design
• Available battery and e-motor configurations offer plenty of flexibility for various budgetary, range and performance needs
• Optional V2L bidirectional power adds utility at home during power outages, as well as at campsites and tailgate parties

Cons

• Frunk storage area is only big enough for the power cable
• Subscription and paid DLC features feels like a slippery slope

Additional Attributes

• Range: 304 miles
• Efficiency: 2.6 mi/kWh, 89 mpge
• Max DCFC: 236 kW, 10-80% in 24 min.
• Features: V2L bidirectional power, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• Starting price: $56,395

California-based EV startup Lucid recently announced updates to its Air electric luxury sedan that make it the most energy efficient EV you can buy today by a country mile. Aerodynamic, battery and powertrain improvements elevate the Lucid Air Pure configuration to an amazing 5.0 miles per kilowatt hour -- the equivalent of an EPA estimated 146 mpge -- nearly 20% higher than the next most efficient EV, Hyundai's Ioniq 6. (That said, the Lucid starts at $71,400, almost double the price of the much smaller Hyundai.)

Elsewhere in the lineup, the Lucid Air also takes the electric car endurance crown with its 516-mile Lucid Air Grand Touring. To accomplish this feat, Lucid stuffed its large sedan with a massive 112-kWh battery pack, wrapped it in an impressive aerodynamic design that helps it cut through the air with very little drag and compact electric motors with an efficiency of 3.8 kilowatt-hours per mile. 

If you're ever not feeling particularly thrifty, the dual-motor Air also boasts impressive performance with over 800 hp and 3.0-second 0-to-60 mph sprint. The 2024 Lucid Air Grand Touring tips the scales at $138,000, and that's not even the most expensive spec.

Pros

• Grand Touring boasts the most range of any EV on sale today
• Pure is the most energy efficient EV by a significant margin
• Tons of storage space including two full-size trunks
• Wicked fast 3.0 second 0-to-60 mph
• Now available with wireless Apple CarPlay

Cons

• Extremely expensive
• Awkward dashboard tech, no Android Auto
• Limited driver-aid tech relative to competitors at this price

Additional Attributes

• Range: up to 516 miles (Grand Touring)
• Efficiency: up to 5.0 mi/kWh, 146 mpge (Pure)
• Max DCFC: 300 kW, 10-80% in 16 min.
• Features: 34-inch curved main display, Wireless AppleCarPlay, Alexa voice command
• Starting price: $71,400 (Pure)

The new i7 is BMW's flagship electric sedan, hitting the road with 536 horsepower, 549 pound-feet of torque and every gadget and gizmo in the German automaker's arsenal. The i7 boasts up to 318 miles of electric range, features generated electric motor tones composed by Hans Zimmer and is one of the first Bimmers available with the automaker's updated Highway Assistant, which provides Level 2 hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph.

Inside, you'll find perhaps the most opulent cabin that BMW has ever assembled, with crystal controls, high-quality leather and cashmere trim. If you think the dual 12.3-inch and 14.9-inch dashboard displays are huge, wait until you get a gander at the 31.3-inch 8K BMW Theater Screen that folds down from the ceiling to entertain rear seat passengers with Amazon Fire TV apps powered by 5G data.

Pros

• Large and luxurious
• Long range and fast charging are great for longer hauls
• Available with BMW's first hands-free Highway Assistant tech
• One of the best rear-seat entertainment screens in the business

Cons

• Less range than Lucid or Tesla

Additional Attributes

• Range: 324 miles
• Efficiency: 2.63 mi/kWh, 89 mpge
• Max DCFC: 195 kW, 10 to 80% in 34 minutes
  
• Features: BMW Highway Assistant, hands-free soft close doors, 31.3-inch 8K BMW Theater 5G rear seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV
  
• Starting price: $125,195

The Tesla Model Y is everything that EV enthusiasts love about the Tesla Model 3 with a bit more cargo space. The Y's taller seating position, extra headroom and additional cargo capacity have made it slightly more popular than its sibling, narrowly edging out the Model 3 as the best-selling electric car in America. Heavier and with a larger aerodynamic profile than the 3, the Model Y can roam up to 330 miles per charge. That's enough to stand head and shoulders above the rest of the class. 

Add to that access to Tesla's extensive and, more importantly, reliable Supercharger public charging network and the promise of constant improvement via over-the-air updates (that is, software updates to enhance performance) and it's no wonder the Model Y sells so well. Like the smaller Model 3, the Tesla Model Y also recently regained qualification for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, bringing its starting price to an adjusted $41,630.

Pros

• Native access to Tesla Supercharger network
  
• Massive range for the money
  
• More spacious than Model 3
  

Cons

• Controversial Autopilot and FSD driver aid tech are expensive upgrades
  
• Reputation for subpar build quality
  

Additional attributes

• Range: 330 miles
  
• Efficiency: 3.85 mi/kWh, 123 mpge
  
• Max DCFC: 210 kW, 10 to 80% in 17 minutes
  
• Features: Available FSD driver aid, connected 15.4-inch dashboard display, optional third-row seating
  
• Starting price: $51,880
  

The Porsche Taycan is expensive (it's a Porsche, after all) and its range falls short of the class-leading Tesla Model S, but there's more to enjoying an EV than just range. Driving a Taycan tells a completely different story, and I'm confident that the sweet spot GTS model is the most fun you can have in a sporty EV today. With 590 horsepower in this spec and a 3.5-second 0 to 60 mph sprint, the Taycan GTS is quick, but it also corners and connects to the road with precision like no other EV I've ever driven. The build quality, much like its driving dynamics, is basically unbeatable.

The range, officially estimated at 246 miles for the Taycan GTS, is more than adequate for daily driving, but it's also not difficult to exceed that when driving with a light foot. We reckon Porsche is underpromising here so that it can overdeliver on the real-world range. Plus, the automaker's 800-volt electric architecture charges quickly -- it's capable of climbing from 10% to 80% in 23 minutes at a powerful charging station.

In addition to the sedan profile, the Taycan is also available in Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo electric sport wagon configurations for bonus style and utility.

Pros

• The most fun I've ever had behind the wheel of an EV
  
• Excellent build quality and design matches the price tag
  
• The GTS is the sweet spot for range and performance
  

Cons

• Expensive for the range promised
  
• Less cargo space than Tesla Model S
  

Additional attributes

• Range: 246 miles
  
• Efficiency: 2.44 mi/kWh, 83 mpge
  
• Max DCFC: 270 kW, 10 to 80% in 20 minutes
  
• Features: Driver-focused Porsche Advanced Cockpit, PCM infotainment with integrated Apple Music and Spotify, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
  
• Starting price: $140,950