2020 Tesla Model 3
Tesla deserves a lot of the credit for bringing the electric car to the forefront, and the Model 3 is the version designed for the everyday driver. Starting at $35,000, the Model 3 offers a range of 220 miles fully charged (there is a long-range model available too). Its electric engine produces 258 horsepower and comes with dual-motor, all-wheel drive. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 162 mph. Charging is easy with the Tesla line, as there are 17,000 superchargers installed on well-traveled routes worldwide.
2020 Kia Niro
Kia is jumping headfirst into the electric-vehicle market; looking to make it 20% of the total sales volume, with 11 models offered, by 2029. The Kia Niro is available now, starting at $39,090. This model operates on a 201-horsepower electric engine with 291 pound-feet of torque. It can drive up to 239 miles on a full charge and offers four different driving modes that adjust various functions, like air conditioning, to manage efficiency. On a fast-charge system, the car can be brought to 80% capacity in just 75 minutes. A new premium EX version was added in 2020.
2019 Chevrolet Volt
The Chevy Volt made a big impact on the market in 2017, owing to a long range and the mark of a long-trusted brand. The 2019 model charges even faster, about 2.3 hours on a 240W charger. The Volt does have a gas tank for extended driving range, but owners of the 2017-18 model went an average of 1,100 miles between fill-ups, according to the company. It has a 149-horsepower engine with 294 pound-feet of torque. The Volt, available in LT and Premier packages, also comes with some nifty features, like an HD rearview camera and a built-in mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.
2020 Nissan LEAF
Starting at $31,600, the Nissan LEAF is a heavy competitor in the electric vehicle market, and there are five different trims to choose from. It can travel up to 149 miles on a full charge (an optional battery upgrade can go 226 miles) and charges in eight hours on a 240V charging station. The engine delivers 149 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque with the base model. The LEAF is also lauded for a healthy amount of interior space and cargo room compared to other EV models. It also comes with Apple CarPlay as a standard feature.
