The Best Electric Cars on the Market Today

After almost a decade of hype, there are some signs that the electric-vehicle revolution is finally coming to pass. In the first half of 2021, there were 19 EVs for sale in the United States, plus many more hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Almost every concept that graces a dealership has an electric angle. Automakers are promising to launch dozens of EVs over the next decade. Governors are promising to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles. And improvements in charging infrastructure and battery technology mean that the vision of an electrified future is clearer than ever.

But there's still one problem: in order for EVs to change the world, people are going to have to start driving them. So which are the best models?

Here's our list of the top 8 best electric cars on the market today:

1. Volkswagen ID.4

The ID.4 isn't technically Volkswagen's first U.S.-market EV, but it seems poised to make a bigger impact than its forerunners. The car had only been on the market briefly before breaking onto the bestseller list. The ID.4 is a compact SUV, and owners can expect 260 miles of range on a full charge.

Plus, the crossover version will likely be available soon, in all-wheel drive.

2. Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is the most affordable Tesla model to hit the market yet. The company's pricing strategy has shifted in recent years, with cheaper models dominating the lineup. This is a great fit for a growing number of consumers looking to adopt electric cars.

The Model Y can seat up to seven passengers and gets up to 230 miles per charge, depending on the options chosen.

3. Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is notable because it's the only mainstream model on this list. That also makes it unique among the top 10 sellers, as well as one of the most affordable. The sedan can seat five passengers and offers a reduced-range hybrid option in addition to its fully electric offerings.

The car has been outfitted with numerous driver aids, such as automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. It's priced in between the Ford Focus Electric and Fusion Energi, a plug-in hybrid model with more than twice as much range as the standard Fusion Hybrid.

4. Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is Nissan's second-generation electric car, with the company pitching it as a crossover option. That means more features and amenities than its predecessor, which is great news for shoppers.

The Leaf can seat five people and gets up to 150 miles on a single charge. There are also zero-to-sixty sprints in less than six seconds for drivers who want a little extra kick behind the wheel.

5. BMW i3

The first-generation BMW i3 was an impressive crossover option with a lot to offer, but the second-generation is even better thanks to more range, cargo space and power. There are also several advanced safety features that make this one of the safest options on the market.

The i3 can seat four people and offers a maximum range of 124 miles. It also has zero-to-sixty sprints in less than seven seconds for shoppers who really want to feel the power behind their electric car.

6. Hyundai Ioniq Electric

The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is one of the most affordable electric cars on the market. The car offers up to 124 miles on a full charge and can seat four passengers comfortably. It's also fairly sporty, with the option for fully variable torque vectoring across each wheel for increased control and power in low-grip conditions.

Shoppers who like the Ioniq's looks but need more range are in luck: The plug-in hybrid has 29 miles of EV range and earns 52 mpg even after its battery pack has been depleted. Base price is $34,250.

7. Chevrolet Bolt

The Chevy Bolt has a lot going for it, including an impressive 238-mile range on a full battery charge and some budget-friendly pricing. It's automatic, too—which is rare among top-selling electric cars of its caliber. The car can seat five people and offers lots of safety features that make it.

The Bolt is an excellent choice for anyone who primarily uses their car to commute and needs a vehicle that doesn't cost a fortune. With its zero-to-sixty acceleration in just under seven seconds, it's still plenty impressive on the road despite affordability.

8. Kia Niro EV

Not everyone wants or needs something as sporty as a Ford Fusion Hybrid or Hyundai Ioniq Electric. For shoppers who want an affordable electric car that's easy to operate and offers some style, the Kia Niro EV is a great choice. The car has different drive modes that offer increased power for increased acceleration, which increases driver enjoyment.

The Kia Niro EV seats five people and has a maximum range of 239 miles. It's also pretty affordable, with an entry-level price tag of $31,900 for well-equipped models.

9. Volkswagen e-Golf

Like its gas counterpart, the e-Golf is one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market today. The car gets 125 miles on a single charge and can seat five passengers. It's also reasonably priced at $30,500—and it's eligible for government tax credits that can put the price closer to $26,000.

The e-Golf offers up to 199 horsepower and has a zero-to-sixty time of less than ten seconds. It's also available with a range of advanced safety features, making it one of the most complete offerings on this list.

If you're in the market for a new electric car, there are plenty of options to choose from. Looking ahead, there will be even more developments and innovations in the electric vehicle space, making these cars a more attractive and economical option!