2021 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for EVs. Long regarded as novelties with limited range and glacial recharging times, mass-market EVs have finally crossed the tipping point in the value and cost equation. Upstarts like Tesla were here early, but when everyone from Chevy to Ford, and Jaguar to Porsche, is fielding EVs, and there’s a proliferation of rapid charging networks to support them, it’s a burgeoning trend. The impressive performance numbers that humble their internal combustion counterparts are an added bonus.
Tesla Model 3-Introduced in 2017
The Model 3 Standard Range rises above the class in almost every area. It’s quicker, techier and more luxurious. The one area it trails is in max battery range at 220 miles. That’s less than what others provide but still more than sufficient for typical daily use.
The Model 3 spans a broad price range allowing it to compete in both standard and luxury segments. Its unique design, innovative user interface, and impressive performance make it a popular pick at either end of the spectrum.
Kia Niro EV-Introduced in 2019
The Niro EV is one of the best new electric vehicles and worth checking out if you’re thinking about going gasless. It’s fun to drive, has a roomy cabin, and a generous 239 miles of range, which is plenty.
Volkswagen ID.4-Introduced in 2021
The ID.4 is one of the first all-electric compact SUVs to hit the market, offering a ton of standard features and a genuinely spacious cabin. It pushes the envelope with some neat technology and has a generous 250 miles of range. There’s a lot to get excited about here.
Polestar 2-Introduced in 2021
The Polestar 2 is the first all-electric model from Volvo’s upstart brand. It boasts excellent driving dynamics, strong tech backed by Google, and a user-friendly interface. It’s a bit pricey even when factoring in available tax credits, and on the cozier side in terms of interior space.
Ford Mustang Mach-E-Introduced in 2021
The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s first electric vehicle built from the ground up, and they knocked it out of the park. From an engaging driving experience to a comfortable interior brimming with technology, the Mustang Mach-E is simply the most well-rounded luxury EV.
Mustang Mach-E GT Performance is the direct rival to the Tesla Model Y Performance. Acceleration and handling have improved over the standard Mach-E, but sheer, straight-line speed falls short of expectations. It’s still a good bit of fun, though, and the combination of excellent in-car tech, its wide array of driver aids, and generally charming personality make it well worth a look.
Tesla Model Y Long Range-Introduced in 2020
The Model Y Long Range might not have the crazy acceleration of the Performance model, but it’s the version we prefer. It’s still pleasingly quick but is smoother riding, and as its name states, has a longer range. This is one stylish and roomy electric SUV with strong appeal.
Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo
The Cross Turismo is the wagon-like version of Taycan. It provides more cargo room and passenger space with no perceptible trade-off in the driving experience. It manages to deliver incredible comfort and effortless driving one moment and then, with the twist of a knob, world-beating performance the next.
Aiways U5
It’s not only the big household-name car manufacturers that are getting in on the electric-car action – BEV powertrains make it easier for start-ups to get involved, with many originating in China. A range of 250 miles will suit the majority of drivers well, while its 201bhp motor system promises decent performance.
Audi Q6 e-Tron
The Audi Q6 e-Tron is due to become the latest in an increasingly long line of electric SUVs produced by the Germany manufacturer, with production set to begin some time in 2022.
Like the next-generation Macan it’s based on the Audi-developed PPE platform, which should allow it to offer the cabin space of a Q7 despite being as short as a Q5. That’s EV packaging for you.
There are no range of performance figures available yet, but the Q6 e-Tron is expected to support 350kW charging for uber-fast turnaround times at charging stations
Bollinger B1 / B2- Introduced in 2021
If there’s such a thing as an old-school electric truck, the Bollinger B1 and B2 (the SUV and pickup versions of the same vehicle, respectively) are it. Blocky enough to make an old Land Rover Defender look aerodynamic and utterly lacking in pretension, Bollinger’s giant rigs are designed to get shit done. Helping them do so: a giant 142-kWh battery pack that provides around 200 miles of range (these are big trucks) and dual electric motors providing 614 hp and 668 lb-ft of AWD grunt.
Lucid Air- Introduced in 2021
The Lucid Air is proof that “more is more” applies to EVs as much as it does pickup trucks and muscle cars. The fully-loaded launch version, the Air Dream Edition, makes 1,080 horsepower, rips off quarter-mile runs in less than 10 seconds and can (in test conditions) hit 235 mph; it can also go more than 500 miles on a charge, according to the company, and offers an interior that makes an Audi look like a Suzuki.
That one will run you $161,500 after the tax credit
Lotus Evija- Introduced in 2021
When we say “Lotus,” you probably think of lithe, nimble roadsters and other lightweight sports cars, not EV hypercars packing quadruple-digit horsepower. Four electric motors cranking out a combined 2,000 horsepower and a body that looks sexy enough to be practically obscene mean Evija drivers will be the envy of both gawkers and drag-racers alike.
Nissan Ariya- Introduced in 2021
Midsize crossovers are huge business, but EV versions have been few and far-between so far. Nissan’s Ariya (note the spelling, it’s not like the Game of Thrones character) could be the electric SUV the mainstream has been waiting for. FWD or AWD and up to 389 hp join many of the EV tricks and treats Nissan developed for the Leaf, like the e-Pedal function that makes one-pedal driving a snap.
Pininfarina Battista- Introduced in 2021
Electric hypercars are about to become a serious thing — and when people in the future look back on the dawn of this new era, odds are good they’ll see the Battista as one of the pioneers. The powertrain is based on that of Rimac’s incredible Nevera, so we’re talking around 1,900 horsepower — but it’s all wrapped up in a bespoke body crafted by one of the world’s leading names in design.
Haima Bird Electric EV1- Introduced in 2021
China’s Haima Automobiles is geared to enter the Indian market in collaboration with Bird. Its electric hatchback named EV1 is all set to enter the arena in 2021. It integrates safety, cutting-edge technology, practicability, high economy, and environment-friendliness.
Aspark Owl- Introduced in 2021
The Aspark Owl hypercar is the first of what the Japanese EV maker promises will be a lineup of high-dollar hypercars. The Owl produces 1984 horsepower from four electric motors, what it claims is a unique torque-vectoring system, and a 64.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that Aspark promises will deliver 280 miles of driving range. The Owl’s claimed top speed is 249 mph, and it’ll cost $3.2 million.
Canoo Van- Introduced in 2021
Like Canoo’s pickup, this seven-seat EV is built on a skateboard platform, similar to what BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen use to easily swap body styles on similar underpinnings. Canoo claims this little bus will have a range of 250 miles and 300 horsepower.
