As concerns about climate change escalate, more and more drivers are considering the switch to electric vehicles (EVs). Moving away from gasoline-powered cars is a significant step towards reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a healthier environment. Beyond the environmental benefits, electric cars offer a variety of advantages, making them an increasingly attractive option for modern drivers.
Electric vehicles are not only environmentally friendly but also offer compelling reasons to switch. They are recognized for their safety features, reduced maintenance needs, and lower running costs, eliminating the need for gas station visits. With the expansion of charging infrastructure and decreasing upfront costs, coupled with government incentives like federal tax credits up to $7,500 for eligible new EVs, owning an electric car is becoming both practical and affordable.
If you’re contemplating joining the electric revolution, 2024 presents an exciting array of high-quality EVs to choose from. Here’s a guide to some of the best electric vehicles available on the market this year, helping you navigate the options and find the perfect EV to match your needs and lifestyle.
Top Electric SUVs of 2024
For those seeking versatility, space, and eco-friendly driving, electric SUVs are leading the charge. These models combine the practicality of an SUV with the environmental and economic benefits of electric power.
Audi Q4 e-tron
Vehicle type: SUV
Range: 265 miles
Fuel economy: 103 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 5.8 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 7.5/10
Car and Driver review: “The 2024 Q4 e-tron democratizes Audi’s electric offerings with a more approachable starting price and enough luxury to put it in contention with popular rivals”.
Cost: Starting at $49,800
The Audi Q4 e-tron stands out as an accessible entry into Audi’s EV lineup, offering a blend of luxury and practicality at a competitive price point. It provides a comfortable ride and sufficient range for daily commutes and longer trips, making it a strong contender in the electric SUV market.
Cadillac Lyriq
Vehicle type: SUV
Range: 314 miles
Fuel economy: 88 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 5.7 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 9/10 (Editors’ Choice list)
Car and Driver review: “Cadillac’s first entrant into the luxury EV SUV market is the Lyriq, which offers sharp styling, a modern cabin, and a driving range of up to 308 miles per charge.”
Cost: Starting at $58,590
Cadillac’s Lyriq marks the brand’s foray into the electric SUV segment, and it does so with considerable style and sophistication. The Lyriq boasts a striking design, a well-appointed interior, and a long driving range, positioning itself as a compelling option in the luxury EV SUV category.
Chevrolet Blazer EV
Vehicle type: SUV
Range: 324 miles
Fuel economy: 96 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 8/10
Car and Driver review: “The Blazer EV is a handsome and competent electric SUV with a broad—and confusing—array of available powertrains.”
Cost: Starting at $60,215
The Chevrolet Blazer EV is recognized for its attractive design and robust performance as an electric SUV. While offering a variety of powertrain options, it consistently delivers a capable and appealing electric driving experience with a substantial range.
Fisker Ocean
Vehicle type: SUV
Range: 360 miles
Fuel economy: 100 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 3.7 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 7.5/10
Car and Driver review: “If you’re willing to roll the dice on a startup automaker, the Fisker Ocean is a stylish and promising EV SUV with some legitimately good ideas.”
Cost: Starting at $38,999
The Fisker Ocean is an intriguing EV SUV from a startup automaker, noted for its stylish design and innovative features. It offers a long range and quick acceleration, making it a noteworthy contender for those willing to explore newer brands in the electric vehicle space.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Vehicle type: SUV
Range: 312 miles
Fuel economy: 90 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 6.3 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 9/10
Car and Driver review: “The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a Mustang in name only, but it is a first-rate electric SUV, a solid Tesla competitor—and its high-performance version is quick.”
Cost: Starting at $39,895
The Ford Mustang Mach-E, while carrying the iconic Mustang name, carves its own path as a top-tier electric SUV. Praised as a strong Tesla competitor, it combines performance, style, and electric efficiency in a popular SUV format.
Genesis Electrified GV70
Vehicle type: SUV
Range: 236 miles
Fuel economy: 91 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 3.8 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 10/10 (Editors’ Choice list + 10Best Trucks and SUVs list)
Car and Driver review: “The Electrified GV70 inherits its excellence from the gas-powered GV70, which serves as a stylish and upscale basis for this EV remix.”
Cost: Starting at $67,800
The Genesis Electrified GV70 seamlessly transitions the excellence of its gasoline counterpart into the electric realm. It maintains the stylish and upscale nature of the GV70 while adding a powerful electric powertrain, earning high accolades and recognition.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Vehicle type: SUV
Range: 303 miles
Fuel economy: 114 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 4.5 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 10/10 (Editors’ Choice list + 10Best Trucks and SUVs list)
Car and Driver review: “The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is among the very best EVs in terms of pricing, charging speed, and usable driving range—with styling that’s distractingly cool.”
Cost: Starting at $41,800
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is celebrated as a standout EV, offering a compelling combination of affordability, rapid charging capabilities, and practical driving range. Its distinctive and modern styling further enhances its appeal, making it a top choice for EV buyers.
Kia EV6
Vehicle type: SUV
Range: 232 miles
Fuel economy: 117 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 5.1 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 10/10 (Editors’ Choice list)
Car and Driver review: “Easy on the eyes, priced right, and fun to drive, the fully-electric 2024 Kia EV6 is among the best SUVs sold today.”
Cost: Starting at $42,600
The Kia EV6 is highly praised for its attractive aesthetics, competitive pricing, and enjoyable driving dynamics. As a fully electric SUV, it stands out as one of the best options currently available, blending value with performance.
Kia EV9
Vehicle type: SUV
Range: 304 miles
Fuel economy: 89 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 4.5 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 10/10 (Editors’ Choice list + 10Best Trucks and SUVs list)
Car and Driver review: “The EV9 is one of the first true family-friendly EV options, and based on first impressions, it’s looking like a slam dunk.”
Cost: Starting at $54,900
The Kia EV9 emerges as a pioneering family-friendly EV option, offering a spacious and practical design suitable for larger families. Early reviews suggest it’s a highly successful entry into the market, addressing the need for larger electric vehicles.
Leading Electric Sedans of 2024
Electric sedans provide a sleek and efficient option for those prioritizing style and performance in an eco-conscious package. These models showcase the elegance and advanced technology inherent in electric vehicle design.
BMW i4 eDrive35
Vehicle type: Sedan
Range: 276 miles
Fuel economy: 120 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 5.8 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 10/10 (Editors’ Choice list)
Car and Driver review: “The i4 doesn’t let being an EV control its personality, but does reap benefits of its powertrains’ instant acceleration and balanced handling.”
Cost: Starting at $52,200
The BMW i4 eDrive35 demonstrates that electric vehicles can retain the driving spirit and personality of their gasoline counterparts while leveraging the advantages of electric powertrains, such as instant acceleration and refined handling.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Vehicle type: Sedan
Range: 361 miles
Fuel economy: 140 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 6.2 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 10/10 (Editors’ Choice list)
Car and Driver review: “The Ioniq 6 provides much more range and performance than you’d expect from an affordable EV sedan, and its design makes it even more desirable.”
Cost: Starting at $42,450
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 exceeds expectations for an affordable electric sedan, delivering impressive range and performance. Its distinctive design further enhances its desirability, making it a compelling choice in the EV sedan market.
Lucid Air Pure
Vehicle type: Sedan
Range: 410 miles
Fuel economy: 137 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 4.5 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 10/10 (Editors’ Choice list + 10Best Trucks and SUVs list)
Car and Driver review: “The Lucid Air is an impressive luxury EV, especially the Pure trim, which offers surprising value and range.”
Cost: Starting at $77,400
The Lucid Air Pure distinguishes itself as a luxury EV sedan with remarkable range and value, particularly in its Pure trim. It stands out in the luxury EV segment with its advanced technology and exceptional driving experience.
Best Electric Pickup Truck of 2024
For those needing robust utility and towing capability without sacrificing environmental responsibility, electric pickup trucks are now entering the market, offering a blend of power and sustainability.
Ford F-150 Lightning
Vehicle type: Pickup truck
Range: 240 miles
Fuel economy: 66 MPGe
0 to 60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Car and Driver rating: 9/10 (Editors’ Choice list)
Car and Driver review: “Fully-electric full-size pickups have mighty shoes to fill, but the F-150 Lightning is put together by the folks who built the decades-long bestselling truck—and it shows.”
Cost: Starting at $49,995
The Ford F-150 Lightning represents a significant step in the electric vehicle market, bringing electrification to the best-selling truck in America. It successfully transitions the capability and reliability of the F-150 into an electric format, proving that electric pickups can meet the demands of traditional truck owners.
Conclusion
The year 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year for electric vehicles, with a diverse range of models offering something for every type of driver. From versatile SUVs to sleek sedans and powerful pickup trucks, the best electric vehicles of 2024 combine performance, range, and environmental consciousness. As you consider your next vehicle purchase, exploring these top electric models is a worthwhile step towards embracing a more sustainable and exciting driving future. With ongoing advancements and incentives, switching to an EV has never been more compelling.
