PICK OF THE BUNCH: TOP 6 BEST ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN 2020
Electric vehicles were once 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, given the variety of exceptional EVs available for purchase. Crossovers, hatchbacks, sedans, just about every fuel-powered vehicle class has an equivalent EV. The best electric vehicles are eco-friendly, stylish, roomy, and pleasant to ride. And all the models you’ve grown to adore, like Chevy, Tesla, BMW, and Porsche, are all options on modern EVs.
To narrow down your search, we’ve compiled our list of the six best electric vehicles worth your buck in 2020. Read more below.
#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 its 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 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 60mph in just 4.2 seconds. But it’s the handling that really pops the eye. You’ll feel a sense of control and poise with this Jag’ 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 a great 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 0-60mph 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. While you can get a few options outside of 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 you away.
You can also get the 2020 BMW (available in both i3 and i3s trims) equipped with a gasoline-powered Range Extender. (Edmunds).
#4 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
If you are looking for a practical family EV with 4 or more seats, look no further than the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. For a midsize crossover that combines real zero-emission 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 fairly 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 60mph in just 6.8 seconds. Acceleration is eye-catching too, despite the fact that 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 an adult-size 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 common with such units.
Given the Mercedes badge it wears, the B-Class has several downsides. These include a hard-plastic dashboard trim and very firm seats, features you would otherwise expect to be standard equipment. But overall, the B-Class is the ultimate EV for short distance family commute.
The Tesla-supplied electric motor provides 177 horsepower and moves the B250e smartly from a stop, thanks to excellent torque, and it’s quick if you keep the “gas” pedal pinned to the floor, although your range will be considerably shortened. (Kelly blue book)
#3 Chevrolet Bolt
Ever wondered to have all the above EV specs under one hood? That’s exactly what the Chevrolet Bolt brings to reality.
If you’d like to give up gas without sacrificing range, the Chevrolet Bolt EV should definitely 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- 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, sport equipment, and even your family with ease. An EPA-estimated range of 259 miles when on 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 nimble handling and its floor-mounted battery pack and you have an industry leader you’ll actually want to drive.
Besides its plasticky interior and overly firm seats, you can do little wrong with the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
The Bolt’s 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque are great when there’s somewhere to plug in, but there’ll be no flooring the accelerator to experience the punchiness of the Bolt’s 6.7-second run to 60 mph. (Car and Driver)
#2 Tesla Model 3
The astounding popularity of the Model 3 shouldn’t take you by surprise. Unlike the BMW i3 and the Mercedes-Bez 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 viable charging points and ultra-fast charging points. Marry that to a realistic entry price, and you get one of the best midsize electric sedans available today.
In our testing, the Performance model went from zero to 60 mph in a lightning-fast 3.5 seconds. (Car and Driver).
# 1 Nissan Leaf
An EV that beats Tesla Model 3 in its own game and costs less than the rest? That’s the 2020 Nissan Leaf for you, and it’s a difficult formula to resist.
Style, convenience, and practicality all in one posh four-door hatchback ride, that what’s 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 4 other commuters inside. Plus, you can expect an impressive 24 cubic feet of trunk volume- 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 aid, and a bigger 62-kWh battery pack.
If you’re an eco-conscious driver seeking for 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 150 miles of estimated range and a 147-horsepower electric motor. (Edmunds)
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