Best Electric Cars And Sedans: The 2021 Roundup

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way over the past few years. Once perceived as strictly green vehicles, EVs can now accelerate much faster than many traditional gas combustion engines. The quality of EV batteries has improved dramatically, driving resale values substantially higher. There are now dozens of fully electric makes and models to choose from for both the budget-conscious and luxury-seekers.      

We based our picks for the best electric vehicles on a number of factors including price, performance and standard range, along with research from real-world users of electric vehicles, automotive journalists and industry experts. 

We referenced industry-leading sources like IIHS Safety, NHTSA, U.S. News and World Report, Kelley Blue Book, and manufacturer sites to determine ratings and features that make each electric car the best in its category. Take a look through our list of the best new electric cars of 2021 to find one that's right for you.

The best electric cars today include a number of Tesla models, including the top-ranked Tesla Model S and the Tesla Model Y. To make the most informed decision, you should understand a few key terms first.

MPGe: The MPGe listed for electric vehicles is the miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent. The combined MPGe is based on an assumption of 55% city miles and 45% highway miles.

Fast charge time: While 7kW home chargers are best for charging an EV overnight, a 50kW rapid charger is 15 times faster. Every fast charge time listed is typically the time it takes to go from 0% juice to 80% charged.

1. Tesla Model S Performance

Best for: Daily Drivers

Driving range: 387 miles

Combined MPGe: 117

0-60 time: 2.07 seconds

Fast charge time: 27 minutes

The Tesla Model S has long been regarded as one of the best electric cars, and it's been around since 2012. Few vehicles can compete with the Model S's quick acceleration, ride quality and impressive range rating.

2. Tesla Model Y

Best for: Daily Drivers

Driving range: 326 miles

Combined MPGe: 129

0-60 time: 3.6 seconds

Fast charge time: 25 minutes  

Tesla's Model Y is a small, nimble electric SUV with seating for five, standard all-wheel drive and an impressive 326-mile range. In fact, every 15 minutes of supercharging powers up 158 miles of range.

3. Volvo XC40 Recharge

Best For: Active Families 

Driving range: 208 miles

Combined MPGe: 79

0-60 time: 4.3 seconds

Fast charge time: 40 minutes

Volvo's first all-electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge is based on the company's popular XC40 gas-powered SUV. The Recharge features seating for five, a spacious front-trunk, or frunk. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the XC40 Recharge a “Top Safety Pick,” denoting a superior vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention system.

These EV's are priced similar to comparable internal-combustion cars, and offer impressive MPGe ratings. 

1. Tesla Model 3 

Best for: Daily Drivers and Business Use

Driving range: 263 – 353 miles

Combined MPGe: 117

0-60 time: 5.3 seconds

Fast charge time: 30 minutes  

Tesla's rear-wheel drive Model 3 consistently earns rave reviews thanks to its range, comfortable cabin, relatively moderate price and energy efficiency. It comes standard with Tesla Autopilot and a suite of advanced, high-tech driver aids that includes multiple exterior cameras, adaptive cruise control and a collision avoidance system. 

2. Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Best for: Daily Drivers and Families

Driving range: 170 miles 

Combined MPGe: 119

0-60 time: 9.9 seconds

Fast charge time: 54 minutes

The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is a midsize EV powered by a 100-kW electric motor that delivers an impressively high MPGe rating. A lane-keeping system, adaptive cruise control and satellite radio are among the long list of standard features. 

3. Chevrolet Bolt EV

Best for: Budget-Conscious Daily Drivers

Driving range: 259 miles

Combined MPGe: 120

0-60 time: 6.5 seconds

Fast charge time: 1 hour

Introduced in 2017, the Chevrolet Bolt is a compact five-door wagon that offers an impressive 259-mile range, making it a great option for daily drivers.

Our picks of the best luxury electric cars of 2021 make it easy to reduce your gas emissions in style.

1. Porsche Taycan

Best for: Sports Car Feel

Driving range: 199 – 227 miles

Combined MPGe: 68

0-60 time: 5.1 seconds

Fast charge time: 22.5 minutes  

With its distinctive Porsche styling, the Taycan tops our list. Launched in 2020 and available in eight models in 2021, this high-end electric sedan features an industry-leading two-speed transmission and Porsche's signature precision steering. 

2. Audi e-tron

Best for: High-Performance Luxury

Driving range: 222 miles

Combined MPGe: 77

0-60 time: 4.3 seconds

Fast charge time: 30 minutes 

With an impressive 4,000-pound towing capacity, Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive system and a 0 – 60 mph rating of just 5.5 seconds, the Audi e-tron is a luxury SUV for discerning drivers. If you’re looking for something more sporty, consider the Audi e-tron Sportback, which has a lower roof and smaller cargo space.

3. Jaguar I-Pace

Best for: Sports Car Enthusiasts

Driving range: 234 miles

Combined MPGe: 76

0-60 time: 4.5 seconds

Fast charge time: 45 minutes

With its unmistakable Jaguar styling, the I-Pace is a luxury electric crossover that comes standard with all-wheel drive, a DC fast-charging port and an industry-leading eight year, 100,000-mile warranty on electrical components.

When parking space is at a premium, smaller is better – that's why we included a list of the best compact electric cars in our roundup. 

1. Nissan LEAF

Best for: City-Dwellers

Driving range: 149 – 226 miles

Combined MPGe: 111

0-60 time: 16.5 seconds

Fast charge time: 30 minutes

Launched in 2011, the Nissan LEAF is a practical, user-friendly compact electric car with seating for five and 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space between the rear seats and hatch. It’s also one of the most-efficient eco-friendly cars.

2. BMW i3

Best for: Short Urban Commutes 

Driving range:  153 miles 

Combined MPGe: 102  

0-60 time: 8.1 seconds

Fast charge time: 35 minutes

The i3 is a small, city-friendly EV with classic BMW styling. At just 13.2 feet long, it's ideal for city-dwellers looking for a car that's easy to fit into tight urban parking spots. 

3. Kia Niro EV

Best for: Weekend Adventures

Driving range: 239 miles

Combined MPGe: 112

0-60 time: 6.5 seconds

Fast charge time: 60 minutes

The Kia Niro EV is a compact, all-electric crossover powered by a 201-HP electric motor paired with a 64-kWh battery. With the rear seats folded flat, the Niro EV sports an impressive 53 cubic feet of cargo room.

Drivers seeking the best midsize electric car will want to take a look at the Tesla Model S Long Range and Polestar 2. Tesla EVs will nearly always be the most expensive option as the automaker stays ahead of the competition in autonomous tech, battery power and range, its network of superchargers and even a Bioweapon Defense Mode indoor air filtration.

1. Tesla Model S Long Range

Best for: Long-Distance Travel

Driving range: 402 miles

Combined MPGe: 120  

0-60 time: 3.1 seconds

Fast charge time: 40 minutes

The Tesla Model S Long Range has the greatest range of any production EV available in the United States today. The Tesla has been consistently ranked among the best electric cars, driving competition in the luxury market.

2. Polestar 2

Best for: Sports Car Enthusiasts

Driving range: 335 miles 

Combined MPGe: 92

0-60 time: 4.45 seconds

Fast charge time: 60 minutes

Founded by Volvo, Polestar is an independent performance car company. Built in China, the electric driving range delivered by the Polestar 2 comes close to that of the Tesla Model 3, making this import a great alternative to a Tesla.

While there are very few EV trucks available in 2021, the list of the best electric trucks is expected to grow in 2022 with the launch of a number of all-electric pickups. 

1. Rivian R1T

Best for: Weekend Warriors And Contractors 

Driving range: 230/300 miles 

MPGe: N/A

Fast charge time: 140 miles in 20 minutes

With its 11,000-pound towing capacity, innovative storage solutions and seating for five, the all-wheel drive Rivan R1T is designed to compete with traditional pickups like the F-150. Plus, the Rivian Adventure Network boasts access to popular U.S. routes with rapid charging stations available to Rivian owners only.

2. GMC Hummer EV 

Best for: Off-Roading

Driving range: 350 miles

MPGe: N/A

Fast charge time: 100 miles in 10 minutes

Dubbed a "super truck" by GMC, the Hummer EV is a consumer-grade all-wheel-drive truck designed to deliver comfort, speed and exceptional off-road capabilities. 

3. Bollinger B2

Best for: Utility And Off-Roading

Driving range: 200 miles

MPGe: N/A

Fast charge time: 100% charge in 75 minutes

Built by Michigan-based startup Bollinger, the B2 is a head-turning electric truck meant for serious off-road adventures. The rear seats, doors, roof panels and windshield are all removable, making it easy to customize your EV for several different uses.

Here are our top picks among the exciting electric vehicles set to hit the market in 2022. 

1. Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle

Best for: Pioneers Of Change 

Driving range: 250 miles

MPGe: N/A

0-60 time: 6.3 seconds

Fast charge time: 28 minutes

The Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle is a futuristic, all-electric van from California-based startup Canoo. Available with seating for seven and a range of 250 miles, this unique, affordable EV can meet a wide range of needs. 

2. BMW i4 

Best for: BMW Devotees

Driving range: 240 – 300 miles 

MPGe: N/A

0-60 time: 5.7 seconds

Fast charge time: 31 minutes

Based on BMW's popular 3-series, the optional all-wheel-drive i4 is poised to be one of the best electric cars of 2022. Its main competitors are the Tesla Model 3 and Audi e-tron GT. 

3. Ford F-150 Lightning

Best for: Multifunctional Use

Driving range: 230 - 300 miles 

MPGe: N/A

0-60 time: 5 seconds

Fast charge time: 41 minutes

Priced similar to comparable combustion-engine trucks, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is a five-passenger pickup with a 2,000 payload, towing max of up to a whopping 10,000 pounds, standard all-wheel drive and up to a 300-mile range.

When shopping for the best electric car, start by setting your budget. From there, consider the ideal range for your day-to-day needs, along with the size and style of EV you want. 

Best In Luxury: Audi E-Tron

Best In Value: Tesla Model 3

Best For Families: Volkswagen Id

Best For Safety: Volvo Xc40 Recharge

Best In Range: Tesla Model S

All-electric vehicles are a great option for drivers who want to save on fuel and maintenance costs. Plus, they're reliable, advancing rapidly in both technology and popularity and make for a fun driving experience.