Electric Cars 101
The electric car (also known as electric vehicle or EV) uses energy stored in its rechargeable batteries, which are recharged by electric vehicle supply equipment or EVSE. Unlike a hybrid car—which is fueled by gasoline and uses a battery and motor to improve efficiency—an electric car is powered by electricity only. Instant torque and streamlined processes make for an energetic, smooth ride. There are many benefits to driving electric such as a quick and effortless pace, less mechanical moving parts, meaning a lower cost to maintain the vehicle, and using electricity for fuel can save you up to thousands of dollars each year versus using gasoline. These are just some of the things people love about driving electric:
Benefits of Electric Cars
- Easy to drive – Smooth, quiet drives
- Fast acceleration – They are quick! Typically no lag at all
- Convenience of charging – No need to travel to a gas station, you can simply charge at home or at work
- Low maintenance – No longer need to get oil changes or smog checks
- New technology – Many EVs have regenerative braking which helps with range and brakes (less brake maintenance too). Most include timers for charging and some even have auto-parking technology
- Access to bus lanes/HOV lanes/special highway or carpool lanes – Varies by location, check with your state and local DMV
- Environmental benefits – Many do not emit emissions at all
Financial Benefits of Driving Electric
- Lower cost of maintenance – No need to purchase gas/diesel; no oil changes
- Financial savings – Subsidies, tax exemptions/credit, rebates
- Free or reduced charges on toll roads, bridge tolls, and ferries – Varies by time and location
- Free or reduced charges on parking
- Free ‘fuel’ – Many areas offer free public charging
Should I Drive A Battery Electric Vehicle or a Plug-in Electric Vehicle?
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) can operate on either electricity or petrol while Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are powered solely by electricity. PHEVs offer more flexibility with fueling options and ease of mind if you have range anxiety, but you won’t have the same benefits of minimal maintenance costs as a BEV. Take a look below to see whether a BEV or PHEV would suit your lifestyle more.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
A battery-electric vehicle, or BEV, is an all-electric vehicle. They have a longer electric range than PHEVs, in some cases over 200 miles, with no ‘gasoline back up’. They are only powered by the energy stored in their electric batteries. The black KIA Soul below is an example of a battery-electric car.
Why Driving a BEV May be the Right Choice for You:
- You typically have a predictable daily commute that is not lengthy: Find out how many miles you usually drive in a day, you might be surprised! Many Americans only drive around 30 miles in a typical day. BEVs with 200+ miles range put Range Anxiety at ease and more make and model options in this range become available.
- Many workplaces and commercial offices are installing EV charging stations. Some even let employees charge for free! If your workplace has Level 2 charging stations available, you can rest assured you will be driving home on a decent if not fully charged battery. What a treat!
- You will have convenient access to recharge at home: Many states offer incentives for purchasing charging stations. Take advantage of this and earn a tax refund for buying a Level 2 station, which can charge your EV 3-6 times faster than the Level 1 cord set that comes with the car.
Click the button below to read reviews of specific battery electric vehicles, including information about their range, charging, battery, trim levels, and more.
Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV)
A plug-in hybrid vehicle, or PHEV, has a battery that can be recharged by plugging it into an external source of electric power, as well as by its on-board engine and generator. They typically have enough electric range for the average daily commute but also have gas ‘back up’ for longer drives. The white Hyundai Santa Fe is an example of a plug-in hybrid.
Why Driving a PHEV May be the Right Choice for You:
- Your daily commute is long or unpredictable. One day (by all accounts, soon) there will be plenty of options in terms of public locations to recharge electric vehicles. Until then, if your daily commute is lengthy you may benefit from having the option to refuel at a conventional pump. A plug-in hybrid vehicle would allow you to reap most of the benefits of a BEV, while also avoiding range anxiety during longer commutes or trips.
- Your workplace does not offer charging stations: Ask co-workers if they would benefit from access to charging stations at the workplace and then ask your employer about it. You never know what could happen!
- You don’t have consistent access to recharge at home: If you live in an apartment complex, condo, or other building where you won’t be able to have easy access to a dedicated plug, managing a pure electric vehicle’s recharging needs may become too much of a hassle at this point.
Click the button below to read reviews of specific plug-in hybrid vehicles, including information about their range, gas mileage, charging, battery, trim levels, and more.
EV Directory
EV Basics
- Electric Vehicles 101: BEV and PHEV Directory (Current Page)
- EV Terms and Glossary
- Features of Electric Cars
- Debunking Common EV Myths
Electric Vehicle Resources
- Financial Incentives for Purchasing an Electric Car
- Finding the Perfect Charging Station for Your EV
- Frequently Asked Questions
Tips for EV and Battery Maintenance
Audi
Audi e-tron SUV
Base MSRP: From $65,900
EPA Range: 222 to 248 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 9.6kW
Tax Credit: up to $7,500
BMW
BMW i3
Base MSRP: From $45,445
EPA Range: Up to 153 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.4kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
BMW iX
Base MSRP: $83,200
EPA Range: Up to 324 pure electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Bollinger
Bollinger B2 Electric Pickup Truck
Base MSRP: From $125,000
EPA Range: Up to 200 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: TBA
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Cadillac
Cadillac Lyriq
Base MSRP: From $60,000 to $90,000
EPA Range: 300 to 324 pure electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 19.2kW
Chevrolet
Chevy Bolt
Base MSRP: From $37,495
EPA Range: Up to 259 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.2kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Electra Meccanica
Electra Meccanica Solo
Base MSRP: From $18,500
EPA Range: Up to 100 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: TBA
Tax Credit: Up to $900 (CA)
Fiat
Fiat 500e
Base MSRP: From $37,900
EPA Range: Up to 199 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 6.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500 for 2013-19 models
Ford
Ford E-Transit
Base MSRP: From $43,295
EPA Range: Up to 126 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Ford F-150 Lightning Truck
Base MSRP: From $39,974
EPA Range: 230 to 300 pure electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Ford Focus Electric
Base MSRP: From $29,995
EPA Range: Up to 115 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 6.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Base MSRP: From $42,895
EPA Range: 200 to 300 pure electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 10.5kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Genesis
Genesis G80 EV
Base MSRP: From $60,000 to $80,000
EPA Range: Up to 265 miles, pure-electric
Charging Acceptance Rate: TBA
Tax Credit: TBA
Genesis GV60 EV
Base MSRP: From $50,000
EPA Range: 229 to 280 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11kW
Tax Credit: TBA
GMC
GMC Hummer EV Truck
Base MSRP: From $79,995
EPA Range: Up to 329 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11.5kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Honda
Honda Clarity Electric (Discontinued)
Base MSRP: From $36,620
EPA Range: Up to 89 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 6.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Hyundai
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Base MSRP: From $43,650
EPA Range: Up to 303 pure electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11 kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Hyundai Kona EV
Base MSRP: From $34,100
EPA Range: Up to 258 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.2kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Jaguar
Jaguar I-Pace
Base MSRP: From $69,500
EPA Range: Up to 240 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
KIA
KIA EV6
Base MSRP: From $40,900
EPA Range: 232 to 300 pure electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 10.9kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
KIA Niro EV
Base MSRP: From $38,500
EPA Range: Up to 239 pure electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.2kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
KIA Soul EV
Base MSRP: From $32,250
EPA Range: 93 to 111 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 27 to 30 kWh
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Lucid
Lucid Air
Base MSRP: From $69,900
EPA Range: 406 to 520 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 19.2kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Mazda
Mazda MX-30
Base MSRP: From $33,470
EPA Range: Up to 100 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 6.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Mercedes
Mercedes Benz B250e
Base MSRP: From $39,900
EPA Range: Up to 87 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 9.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Mercedes Benz EQC
Base MSRP: From $68,895
EPA Range: Up to 279 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.4kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Mini
Mini Cooper SE
Base MSRP: $30,750
EPA Range: 110 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.4kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Nissan
Nissan Ariya
Base MSRP: From $45,950
EPA Range: Up to 300 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.2kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Nissan LEAF
Base MSRP: From $31,670
EPA Range: 149 to 226 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 6.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Read Full Review: 2021 Nissan LEAF >
Read Full Review: 2019 Nissan LEAF Plus >
Polestar
Polestar 2
Base MSRP: From $59,900
EPA Range: Up to 233 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.4kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Porsche
Porsche Taycan
Base MSRP: From $103,800
EPA Range: 192 to 201 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 9.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Base MSRP: From $92,250
EPA Range: 215 to 227 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Rivian
Rivian R1T
Base MSRP: From $67,500
EPA Range: 240 to 400 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11.5kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Tesla
Tesla Cybertruck
Base MSRP: From $39,900
EPA Range: 200 to 500 pure electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11kW
Tesla Model 3
Base MSRP: From $36,200
EPA Range: 220 to 310 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.7kW to 11.5kW
Tesla Model S
Base MSRP: From $81,190
EPA Range: 390 to 520 pure electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11.5kW to 19.2kW
Tesla Model S Plaid
Base MSRP: From $130,000
EPA Range: 348 to 396 pure electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 16.5kW
Tesla Model X
Base MSRP: From $81,000
EPA Range: 205 to 305 pure electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11.5kW to 17.2kW
Tesla Model Y
Base MSRP: From $52,990
EPA Range: Up to 291 pure electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11.5kW
Volkswagen
Volkswagen e-Golf
Base MSRP: From $32,790
EPA Range: Up to 125 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.2kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Volkswagen ID.3
Base MSRP: From $42,250
EPA Range: 205 to 341 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: TBA
Volkswagen ID.4
Base MSRP: From $39,995
EPA Range: Up to 250 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Volvo
Volvo C40 Recharge
Base MSRP: From $58,900
EPA Range: Up to 225 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Volvo XC40 Recharge SUV
Base MSRP:From $53,990
EPA Range: Up to 208 pure-electric miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 11.5kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
| Back To Top | BEV Reviews |
Audi PHEV
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $40,475
EPA Range: 16 electric miles, 400 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $4,502
Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $52,895
EPA Range: 20 electric miles, 400 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.4kW
Tax Credit: Up to $6,712
BMW PHEV
BMW 530e Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $57,200
EPA Range: Up to 21 electric miles, 340 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $5,836
BMW X3 XDrive30e Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $48,550
EPA Range: 18 to 20 electric miles, 340 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $5,836
Cadillac PHEV
Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $75,095
EPA Range: 31 electric miles, 430 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Chevrolet PHEV
Chevy Volt
Base MSRP: From $33,220
EPA Range: 53 electric miles, 420 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Chrysler PHEV
Chrysler Pacifica
Base MSRP: From $40,245
EPA Range: Up to 35 electric miles, 520 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 6.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Ford PHEV
Ford C-Max Energi Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $27,120
EPA Range: 21 electric miles, 570 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $4,007
Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $33,040
EPA Range: 37 electric miles, 530 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $6,843
Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $36,595
EPA Range: 26 electric miles, 610 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $4,609
Honda PHEV
Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $33,400
EPA Range: 47 electric miles, 340 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 6.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Hyundai PHEV
Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $26,500
EPA Range: 29 electric miles, 630 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $4,543
Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $39,500
EPA Range: 30 electric miles, 440 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $6,587
Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $33,400
EPA Range: 28 electric miles, 600 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $4,919
Jeep PHEV
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Base MSRP: From $51,225
EPA Range: 30 electric miles, 370 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.2kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
KIA PHEV
KIA Niro Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $29,490
EPA Range: 26 electric miles, 560 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $4,543
Land Rover PHEV
Land Rover Range Rover P400e
Base MSRP: From $79,000
EPA Range: 19 electric miles, 480 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7kW
Tax Credit: Up to $6,295
Lincoln PHEV
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring
Base MSRP: From $68,800
EPA Range: 21 electric miles, 460 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $6,534
Mercedes-Benz PHEV
Mercedes-Benz C350e
Base MSRP: From $47,900
EPA Range: 20 electric miles, 375 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $3,501
Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e (Discontinued)
Base MSRP: From $52,895
EPA Range: 25 electric miles, 360 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 7.4kW
Tax Credit: Up to $6,462
MINI Cooper PHEV
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4
Base MSRP: From $37,650
EPA Range: 18 to 24 electric miles, 300 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $4,001
Mitsubishi PHEV
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Base MSRP: From $37,490
EPA Range: 22 electric miles, 310 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit:Up to $5,836
Porsche PHEV
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $79,900
EPA Range: 14 electric miles, 450 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW to 7.2kW, depending on model
Tax Credit: Up to $6,712
Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $103,800
EPA Range: 20 to 31 electric miles, 430 to 480 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW to 7.2kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Subaru PHEV
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $35,145
EPA Range: 17 electric miles, 480 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $4,500
Toyota PHEV
Toyota Prius Prime
Base MSRP: From $28,305
EPA Range: 25 electric miles, 640 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $4,502
Toyota RAV4 Prime
Base MSRP: From $38,350
EPA Range: 42 electric miles, 600 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW to 6.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $7,500
Volvo PHEV
Volvo XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $65,945
EPA Range: 15-19 electric miles, 380 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.3kW
Tax Credit: Up to $5,002
Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid
Base MSRP: From $54,695
EPA Range: 18 electric miles, 500 total miles
Charging Acceptance Rate: 3.6kW
Tax Credit: Up to $5,002
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