These Are the Best and Worst for Your Money
Going green has never been more appealing — or more confusing. With electric vehicles (EVs) taking over roads and driveways, it’s tough to know which ones truly deliver bang for your buck.
But don’t worry, GOBankingRates talked to experts to help you navigate the electrified maze and score an EV that leaves you feeling charged up! Here are three EVs recommended by experts and three that they think you should avoid.
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Best EVs
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 has become the poster child for accessible electric mobility, and for good reason.
“Among the best, the Tesla Model 3 stands out for its superb range, high-tech features and overall driving experience, making it a top choice for consumers seeking efficiency coupled with performance,” said Geoff Cudd, founder of Find The Best Car Price.
Tesla’s Supercharger network remains the most extensive and reliable fast-charging infrastructure.
Read Next: 10 Cars That Outlast the Average Vehicle
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric has an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles on a single charge — which is pretty darn good.
“The Hyundai Kona Electric also ranks high due to its affordability, impressive range and packed features, representing exceptional value for money,” said Cudd.
The Kona Electric also comes standard with advanced safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist and driver attention warning, which are often pricey add-ons on other cars. It’s got a spacious interior but it’s not enormous — the perfect compact SUV for everyday use.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has stellar range — up to 361 miles. This places it among the longest-range EVs available, surpassing even some much pricier luxury models.
Joyce Gutierrez, content writer for 4WheelOnline, said that she found that the long range per charge was anxiety-relieving. She also highlighted its rapid recharging, which she said made long-distance travel more convenient.
This rapid charging ability can mean significant time savings and convenience, especially for those who rely on public charging.
Worst EVs
Volvo EX30
The Volvo EX30 is the brand’s most affordable electric offering, might seem like an odd inclusion on the “worst” list for value. After all, with a starting price expected to be under $35,000, it’s positioned to compete directly with entry-level EVs. However, early indications suggest that the EX30’s value proposition may be undermined by compromises.
“I recently had the opportunity to test drive the new Volvo EX30 and it was very disappointing,” said John Ellmore, editor at EV Schemes. “The car felt like it was trying to do too much, like a cliche of what EV makers think we want. The EX30 is overloaded with tech features that seem impressive on paper but fall short when you try to use them.”
Volvo has opted for a more sparse interior than normal, with a single central screen and fewer physical controls. This minimalist approach may appeal to some, but it could also be distracting.
“Inside the cabin, there are no dials on the dashboard, everything is integrated into the infotainment system,” said Ellmore. “This might seem modern and sleek, but it proves to be a real distraction. Having to turn your head to check your speed on the screen rather than a traditional dashboard display is a real pain.”
The EX30’s compact dimensions also give it a small cargo capacity — especially compared to other cars in its class. If you’ve got a big family or need large transport capabilities, it’s something to think about.
“The EX30 is smaller than I expected, which made for a less-than-comfortable experience,” said Ellmore. “Same for the trunk as well, which was disappointingly small, limiting its practicality.”
Ellmore summed up his experience by saying, “The car seems to be trying too hard to be ‘cool.’”
Mercedes EQC
The luxury brand’s first all-electric SUV shows how more prestigious brands can stumble when it comes to EV value. The EQC positions itself as a premium vehicle, but it doesn’t quite justify the expense, according to the experts.
“The Mercedes EQC has struggled with a high price point and a range that doesn’t compete well with other luxury EVs, making it a tougher sell,” said Cudd.
The EQC has the plush interior and ride quality you might expect from Mercedes-Benz, but the experts say it’s inefficient. The estimated range is just 230 miles, which is worse than many cheaper alternatives.
Audi Q8 e-tron
The Q8 e-tron is Audi’s flagship electric SUV, and it comes with the deluxe interior, cutting-edge technology and build quality you might expect from Audi. But is it worth the cost? The main problem is its EPA-estimated range of 222 miles — the limited reach could be a deal-breaker for many.
“The Audi e-tron, despite its premium feel and brand prestige, also falls short with a limited range and high cost compared to its features and performance,” said Cudd.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Have Driven Over 100 EVs: These Are the Best and Worst for Your Money
