These Electric Vehicles Lead The Marketplace
Sales numbers over the past few years prove it: drivers like electric cars, buying more each year than the previous. Manufacturers know this, too. It seems like every manufacturer offers its own electric or plug-in hybrid car. With some makers offering more than one electric or hybrids option and others recently discontinuing their internal combustion options, consumer choice has never been more difficult. Which car is the best when it comes to range, safety features, or cargo capacity? More importantly, which cars are all marketing and no performance? Is an electric car really preferable to a hybrid plug-in? What car is the best option for the car enthusiast, the family man, or the road tripper? In this article, we look into the four electric cars that are the most popular on the market (and the road) to answer all of those questions and explain which of these models is the best for each type of buyer.
1 - Tesla Model 3
To many people, the Tesla brand defines electric vehicles. In 2019, the company sold more than 300,000 of its Model 3 entry-level sedan that starts at $36,000. Inside, the sedan is minimalist, but that's not why consumers buy a Model 3. The Model 3 is both a tech lover and a car lover's dream. The Model 3 is quick: it can go from 0-60 MPH in as little as 3.2 seconds (for the performance model). Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive responds to changing road conditions with ease. Tesla offers multiple battery configurations to fit every owner's needs. The long-range and performance models have a maximum range of 322 miles on a single charge, while the standard model has a 250-mile range. Drivers who have the budget and desire for the sportiest version should opt for the performance option.
2 - Toyota Prius Prime
The popularity of the Model 3 is no more apparent when you consider the next-leading electric car, the Toyota Prius Prime, which sold more than 23,000 units in 2019 despite a price almost $10,000 less than the Model 3. The Prius Prime is still the most popular of the Prius line, however, which includes the liftback, minivan, and hatchback. Still, these options may better suit some lifestyles. The newest model also includes safety features such as the Toyota Safety Sense™ P that some drivers may prefer. A hybrid, the Prius Prime offers a pure electric range of just under 25 miles. However, the car offers an impressive 55 miles per gallon (combined city and highway). Other perks included heater mirrors and the SofTex®-trimmed steering wheel that includes audio controls and a display. The XLE and Limited models offer Predictive Fuel-Efficient Drive and a smart charging cable lock.
3 - Tesla Model X
Tesla's Model X sold approximately 20,000 units. While the SUV lags behind the Model 3 significantly, this is still enough to put it in third place overall. The ability to seat seven people makes the Model X a better option for families. Falcon wing doors make it easy to load passengers or cargo into the spacious body. Tesla packed the Model X with safety features such as 360° cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. Like the Model 3, Tesla offers a standard option with a range of 351 miles and a top speed of 155 MPH as well as a performance model that accelerates to 60 MPH in 2.7 seconds and tops out at 163 MPH with a slightly shorter range. In just 15 minutes, owners can recharge up to 123 miles. The Model X also has the same dual-motor AWD.
4 - Chevrolet Bolt EV
Selling just 3,307 units puts the Bolt well behind the Model X. Yet starting price of $37,000, 56.6 cubic feet of cargo space, 200 HP, and a 238-mile range put it in the same league as the other electric cars on this list. The Bolt may even see a sales boost in 2020 due to Chevrolet discontinuing the hybrid plug-in Volt. Drivers hoping to get behind the wheel of the refreshed Bolt EV will have to wait until 2021, however.
