Electric vehicles (EVs) have once been deemed the future of driving. But it’s not a future you have to wait for anymore. There’s no better time to buy an EV than in 2020, especially given the variety of exceptional EVs that are available. Crossovers, hatchbacks, sedans, just about every fuel-powered vehicle class has an equivalent EV. The best electric vehicles are eco-friendly, stylish, roomy, pleasant to ride, and packed with great features. And all the makes you’ve grown to adore, like Chevy, Tesla, BMW, and Porsche, all have options for modern EVs.
To narrow down your search, we’ve compiled our list of the six best electric vehicles that are packed with features.
6. Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace is the best fully electric SUV you can find on the market today. In fact, it’s only the relatively high price that prevents this car from ranking first on our list. If you’re looking for a Jag that offers sleek, futuristic style with plenty of features both inside and outside the cabin, this one is for you.
Even with its coupe-like roofline, the I-Pace offers modest utility. Yet this Jag really makes the cut thanks to its responsive steering and immediate acceleration. Two features that make the I-Pace as luxurious as it is sporty.
And best of all, this Jag’s power unit means that on 2019 models, you get an EPA estimated range of 234 miles on a full battery.
Per Edmunds, the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace completes 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. But it’s the handling that pops the eye. You’ll feel a sense of control and poise with this Jaguar when threading sharp bends. Marry this to a classy interior, good looks, and low running costs, and you have a top-class electric SUV by any standards.
5. BMW i3
For an excellent subcompact EV with funky bodywork and real presence, take a look at the BMW i3. First rolled out in 2014, the i3 is ideal for your short highway sprints as well as your daily commute.
Not only is the i3 stylish, but its one-speed transmission means that it pulls smoothly, hard, and in a linear manner. It’s a relatively fast ride, too. With 0-60 mph in a time of 6.6 seconds and a maximum range of 153 miles, it falls just short of its rivals on this list.
The 2020 i3 is in line with BMW’s impressive pedigree and high-end interior with numerous features. While you can get a few options outside of the interior and exterior colors, we would go for the Giga World package. Still, there are some questions about its not-so-ideal price, numb steering, untoward vibrations, and supply. But its diminutive size, sporty technology, and unique interior will be enough to sway many its way.
4. Mercedes-Benz B-Class
If you are looking for a practical family EV with four or more seats, look no further than the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. For a midsize crossover that combines a real zero-emissions powertrain with everyday utility, the 2017 Mercedes Benz B-Class should be your ideal pick.
That everyday utility translates to a roomy interior that can comfortably carry up to 5 people. Add that to 17.7 cubic feet of trunk space, and you have a reasonably versatile EV.
The B-Class does offer a truly electrifying experience, going for a full 87 miles on a full charge. You can also expect steady EPA ratings of 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds from a 177 hp electric motor. Acceleration is eye-catching too, even though the heavy powertrain leads the Mercedes-Benz B-Class to tip the scale at close to 4,000 pounds.
The B-Class has the shortest range in this list, but it is the most affordable of the lot. Step into the rear seat and find adult-sized legroom, which is not a feature a lot of compact EVs (like the BMW i3) can claim. And best of all, the reconstructive braking has a natural feel to it without the odd spurting so familiar with such units.
Despite the Mercedes badge it wears, the B-Class has a few downsides. These include some hard-plastic dashboard and door trim at odds with what you would otherwise expect to be standard equipment. But overall, the B-Class is the ultimate EV for the short-distance family commute.
3. Chevrolet Bolt
Ever wondered about having all the above EV specs under one hood? That’s what the Chevrolet Bolt brings to reality.
If you’d like to give up gas with no sacrifice on the range, the Chevrolet Bolt EV should make your shortlist. Before the Kona and Niro came along, it was the only non-Tesla EV to offer a driving range in the proximity of 250 miles.
You get a robust around-town torque and peak performance with the Chevy Bolt 2019. Inside, the Bolt is like any other roomy and well-equipped Chevy, with a comfy and spacious cabin, DC quick charging options, and a top-class infotainment system.
With 17 cubic feet of trunk volume and 94 cubic feet of passenger volume, the Bolt EV can handle transporting your groceries, sports equipment, and even your family with ease. An EPA-estimated range of 259 miles when on the full battery means that Bolt can thread long journeys with ease.
Unlike the top two picks on this list, the Chevy Bolt is the only affordable EV worthy of a road trip. Add to that agile handling and its floor-mounted battery pack, and you have an industry leader you’ll want to drive.
Besides its plastic interior and overly firm seats, you get little wrong with the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
During the Car and Driver test ride, the Bolt gave an exceptional highway range of 180 miles.
2. Tesla Model 3
The astounding popularity of Model 3 shouldn’t take you by surprise. Unlike the BMW i3 and the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, the 2020 Tesla Model 3 offers excellent range, real reality, and advanced gadgetry.
But that’s just the beginning.
Where the Model 3 will really impress you is the futuristic interior, stylish exterior, and availability with up to 322 miles of range. Its innovative convenience, future-proofed technology, and cutting-edge safety features will leave you wanting more.
Thanks to Tesla’s over-the-air updates, this EV is always improving. Meaning you can configure the Model 3 according to your taste and wants, even after you purchase it. The Model 3 EV also affords you composed handling, tight steering, and instant acceleration, making it a blast on the road.
With other brands catching up, the Model 3 still stands out for its variable and ultra-fast charging options. Combine that with a realistic entry price, and you get one of the best midsize electric sedans available today.
According to the Car and Driver performance test, “the model went from zero to 60 mph in a lightning-fast 3.5 seconds.”
1. Nissan Leaf
An EV that beats Tesla Model 3 at its own game and costs less than the rest? That’s the 2020 Nissan Leaf, and it’s a difficult formula to resist.
Style, convenience, and practicality all in one posh four-door hatchback ride; that’s what you get with the Nissan Leaf. With a new generation rolled out in 2018, the Leaf remains head and shoulders above its competitors. And the moment you’re in the driver’s seat, you’ll reckon why.
A comfy and seamless ride is matched with space for you and four other commuters inside. Plus, you can expect an impressive 24 cubic feet of trunk volume, which is ideal for vacation luggage and grocery shopping. If that’s not enough, you can go all out for the Nissan Leaf Plus, a more expensive model clocking 226 miles of range.
And if its tech features you’re after, the Leaf has a lot under its hood. The redesigned version has a higher tech-quotient, a suite of semi-autonomous driving aids, and a bigger 62-kWh battery pack.
If you’re an eco-conscious driver seeking zero-emissions to commute to work, the Nissan Leaf is your best bet. Get ready to tackle those family excursions, shopping trips, and city rides with the new-and-improved Leaf EV.
In base form, the 2020 Leaf is one of the more affordable EVs around. For the money, you get an estimated 150 miles of range and a 147-horsepower electric motor.
