17 best electric cars
The best electric cars and electric vehicles just for you, we have compiled a list of the best battery-powered cars. You've come to the right place if you're ready to buy an electric car and need some advice.
Our editors have almost all new electric vehicles now available for test drives, and we're happy to point you in the right direction and bring you some of the greatest electric vehicles 2022 has to offer. After all, these days, electric car sales are not limited to Tesla.
There are many different types of electric vehicles, and some may be more suitable for you than others. But how do you choose the perfect electric vehicle for your requirements?
We can help you narrow down your options even if we can't tell you exactly which EV is best for your lifestyle. What do you prefer: a more affordable option with a shorter range or a more expensive option with luxury features and a longer range for free road trips?
At CNET Cars, we've driven almost every difference from every electric car now in production in the U.S., giving us a better-than-average perspective on what's good and what's not in EVs right now.
Don't forget to read our advice for buying your first electric car after checking out our suggestions.
Oh, and there's a good reason not to include anything from the Tesla brand here, for those of you who are fans of that company. The Model Y we rent (yes, we pay for it) has a lot for it, but as we noted in our car review, the phantom braking problem is a clear deal break. Model 3 is as dangerous and uncomfortable to drive as it is, and many Model 3 owners have expressed the same concerns. When Tesla releases a hotfix, we will update this list and evaluate us.
2022 Polestar 2 Polestar-2
Best Mini Electric Car
Decent electric vehicle parts are only one part of the whole. The Polestar 2 may not have the highest specs in its class, but it's a great car everywhere and it's easy to love.
There are many reasons why we love Polestar 2. In its two-engine form, it is fairly fast, and no matter how many engines it has, 2 is considered a driving explosion. The design is beautiful inside and out. There are also plenty of smart technologies inside, including one of our favorite infotainment systems powered by Google. Although its range is not the best in this category, it has many other charming qualities. Read our review for Polestar Polestar 2 for 2022.
The Polestar 2 2022 looks absolutely stunning and the cost of its launch is lower.
2022 Mini Cooper SE
The best runner-up of a small electric car
Although the Mini is new to the electric car scene, the brand's premiere is excellent. It compensates for the general lack of range by driving entertainment and ride comfort, all at a surprisingly low cost. And the wheels that look like electrical outlets are great.
With 181 horsepower and a ton of torque packed in a small package, the Mini SE may only travel 110 miles before it needs a charge, but those 110 miles will almost certainly be full of excitement. The good news is that you can get 80% off charge with a 50kW fast charger in about 30 minutes.
2020 Mini Cooper SE: Fantastic, Fun and Affordable Prices
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Best midsize electric car
After patiently waiting for the arrival of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, we are eager to approve it now that we have had the opportunity to spend time with one.
Don't let the Ioniq 5's small-looking look in photos mislead you about its size; it's a medium-sized EV. We found the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to be a comfortable cruiser with a respectable range and better appearance than most other electric vehicles. It rides on Hyundai's specialized E-GMP EV platform, which also supports Kia EV6. Four USB and digital key connections are features that come standard on the sleek sleek center console.
Many active and passive safety features are available, including a HUD that can compete with some luxury vehicles.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 from 2022 seems to be the future today.
2022 Ford Mustang Mach E
Best midsize electric runner-up car
The Mustang Mach-E is Ford's first dedicated EV platform, yet it's a great effort. Despite having a controversial name, the Mach-E is a practical car with reasonable range, great interior and great driving characteristics. It also has 29 cubic feet of cargo space when all seats are elevated.
There are now different flavors of Mach-E. Even the standard model is fun to drive and deserves the title of Mustang, although the hottest (and most expensive) GT versions are available. With 290 horsepower available in RWD or 346 horsepower in the all-wheel drive configuration, the Mach-E easily overcomes obstacles. The cabin is a comfortable place, and the chassis is excellent. One of the best all-round electric vehicles on sale right now is the Mach-E.
2022 Porsche Taycan
Best full-size electric car
It is rather difficult to sell Porsche Taycan on paper. Given that it is a Porsche, it is expensive, and the estimated range is shocking. The Taycan tells a completely different story when you drive it, and we're sure it's the greatest electric vehicle on the market right now. Except for long trips on the road, their realistic range is quite enough, and the quality of their construction and driving dynamics are almost unbeatable.
The farthest the Taycan can now travel is 227 miles, and that's only when it's equipped with the performance battery option in the 4S model. Even if it's quite accurate in the real world, most people will still have enough food most days. With just 400 horsepower, the standard Taycan offers a driving experience far superior to that of the majority of other electric vehicles now on the market.
2022 Audi RS E-Tron GT
The best runner-up for a full-size electric car
The RS E-Tron GT and Porsche Taycan don't have to be replicas of each other just because they share a platform.
In over-boost mode, the RS E-Tron GT generates impressive 637 horsepower and 612 pound-feet, enough to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just under 3 seconds. Although this may sound dramatic, Audi has put so much thought and attention to this car that it always feels great and gathered, even when it is noisy like crazy. The RS E-Tron GT isn't exactly cheap, like the Taycan, but you definitely get your money worth.
2022 GMC Hummer EV
The best ultra-large electric car
Do you enjoy power and dominance? The GMC Hummer EV is the only electric vehicle that fits this standard perfectly.
Although we have only spent a short time driving a Hummer EV so far, what we have done has left us with some positive memories. Its acceleration in Watts to Freedom mode, or WTF, is absolutely amazing for something that can weigh up to nearly 9,000 pounds. When something is the size of a building, it can cause mental confusion. When you buy a car from version 1 now, it costs up to $ 113,000, but if you wait until 2024, you can buy a lower version for $ 80k.
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
Best affordable electric car
Many people wanting to buy their first electric car will be looking for something at a reasonable price. Electric cars still cost more than internal combustion cars, but there are many excellent models below the $ 50,000 threshold. Hyundai Kona Electric is our best favorite of these. We chose the Kona because it has a great warranty, a handy small SUV chassis, and a suitable set.
With a drivetrain that generates 201 horsepower and a very reasonable range of 258 miles, the Kona Electric is a great choice for most families. It offers a decent amount of cargo space – 19.2 cubic feet with all seats – and because it's Hyundai, it also comes with a plethora of premium features as standard. Don't bother with the warranty; don't even put it up. The Kona is an almost excellent first electric car if you can live with aesthetics (we love it) and expand your budget enough.
2022 Volkswagen ID4
Best Affordable Electric Car Runner
Hyundai Kona Electric may have a higher starting price than the Volkswagen ID 4, but ID 4 still has a strong case to make for itself because of its relative affordability.
VW ID 4 has great shapes on all sides and a respectful attractive appearance for the intersection. The interior is modest, but there is a lot of storage, and the overall appearance is attractive, as is the case with the interiors of Volkswagen. It is available with all-wheel drive, although you can choose a rear-wheel drive model to keep costs low. Although the technology is very strange, ID 4 is still an affordable EV.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS
Best Luxury Electric Car
After an early drive in the Mercedes EQS, we were confident that customers would love it. We left after spending more time sitting thinking about the same thing, and that is unlikely to ever change.
Simply put, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is an incredible luxury electric car. It adds a touch of electric mobility to all the beloved amenities found in the gas S-Class. Even in its EQS450 Plus form, more than enough acceleration is available, and it can handle corners easily, while the upcoming AMG version will come with something smarter than the factory. The hyperscreen stretched on the dashboard, which must be seen in order to be believed, is part of the technology.
2022 Lucid Air
Runner-up of the best luxury electric car
There are many ways Lucid Air stands out. Although it may lack the automatic survival power of the Mercedes EQS, Lucid's impressive architecture is not to be taken lightly.
Lucid Air is one of the longest electric vehicles currently available in range, with a maximum range of 520 miles when properly equipped. You can make a luxurious electric stew by adding a large number of powerful design components inside and out, along with plush rides and comfortable seats. We'll have to wait and see if Lucid can offer as many decorations and variants as you want, but for now, we're still happy with what we've seen.
2022 Ford Mustang Mach E
Best electric SUV or crossover
Perhaps you are specifically looking for an electric SUV. Simply put, there aren't many options yet, and many of those options are fairly modest. The Ford Mustang Mach-E offers a ton of cargo space, one ton of passenger space, a respectable range, great driving dynamics, good entertainment information, and for this we recommend it again. In addition, the prices are really reasonable.
Nowadays, nothing is sold like an SUV, so Ford's decision to make its first electric SUV was a wise one. The fact that the Mach-E is so pleasant to drive and simple to live with the benefits of Blue Oval even more, the Mach-E EV should be very practical and medium-sized that almost no family will have any problem living with, despite its lavish design and sporty logo. Ford also has a GT model that will be available soon if you want something sporty.
2022 BMW iX
Best luxury electric SUV or crossover
One of the features of the small BMW i3 that we lived through was its distinctive interior, which had materials and aesthetics that were difficult to match at their price or higher. The BMW iX SUV has a lot of this enthusiasm.
Similar to the i3 that came before it, the bones of the iX consist of a composite space structure of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic. Inside, which once again embraces curious new design aspects and relies on warmer materials than we typically see in contemporary leather-laden Bimmers, it somehow outweighs its exotic exterior. The iX is a pleasure to drive and has a net output of 516 horsepower and 564 pounds.
2022 Rivian R1T
Best Mini Electric Truck
With the Pick August R1T Electrophoresis, Rivian launched first, ahead of well-known automakers. Fortunately, the R1T is an overall great electric vehicle as well as being the first battery-powered pickup truck on the market.
Eventually, we drove the R1T in more traditional conditions late last year after facing Rebelle Rally in the specially equipped R1T, and we came out impressed. For those considering longer road trips, its 314-mile battery isn't too horrible, and the arrangement of the quad engines results in some incredible acceleration. The R1T delighted us with the quality of the ride and construction on the road and in the dirt. Once manufacturers launch their electric trucks on the market, it will be interesting to see how the R1T compares.
2022 Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo
Best Electric Station Trolley
Porsche Taycan station wagon models are most often from the Cross Turismo range, which adds additional cladding to the wheel wells and increases ride height. But you only have one option if you want a tried-and-true and low-to-ground wagon vehicle: the Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo.
The Sport Turismo setup will only be available on the Taycan GTS in the US, which is good because we only need to. This Porsche wrestles and overcomes tar from curved roads as if it gets paid to do so, just like any other Porsche with the GTS logo on the rear. The range estimated by the EPA should also be fairly simple to override, similar to other Taycan models.
Rimac Refrigerator 2022
The best electric car if money is nothing
Although the number of electric supercars is slowly increasing, for now, if we have an infinite amount of money to spend on one, we will consider the Rimac Nevera.
This Croatian supercar comes equipped with a four-engine engine that generates 1,914 horsepower and 1,740 pounds, among other incredibly stunning specifications. You'll go at a top speed of 258 mph (!) and traverse 60 mph in less than two seconds. In the United States, a 120 kWh battery pack should give it a range of about 300 miles. It also helps both the interior and the outside to be spectacular. But it would have been better at $2.45 million.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
The electric car we look forward to so much
Ford's announcement of the F-150 Lightning came as no surprise because traditional automakers typically valued the portfolio of light pickups. It's more than just an electric truck. They are full of features and amenities that should appeal to buyers. It must be on sale pieces years ahead of its main competitors.
When the F-150 Lightning goes on sale in 2022, two separate sets of batteries will be available, offering a range of 230 or 300 miles depending on the manufacturer.
Lightning will be somewhat more democratic, offering a variety of decorations across multiple price points to customers across the socioeconomic spectrum, unlike a single competitor who adopts a moon approach and fills the production queue for the first year with six-figure trucks loaded to the gills with things. You can buy Lightning for $90,000 if you choose. Ford has already announced — twice, in fact — that it will ramp up manufacturing to keep up with growing demand for the F-150 Lightning. We are happy.
Comparison of the best electric cars of 2022
| name | Maximum range (mile) | Starting Price | |
| Best Mini Electric Car | Polestar 2 | 270 | 47200 USD |
| The best runner-up of a small electric car | Mini Cooper SE | 114 | 30750 USD |
| Best midsize electric car | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 303 | $40,925 |
| Best midsize electric runner-up car | Ford Mustang Mach-E | 305 | $44,995 |
| Best full-size electric car | Porsche Taycan | 227 | $84.050 |
| The best runner-up for a full-size electric car | Audi RS E-Tron GT | 232 | $143,445 |
| The best ultra-large electric car | GMC Hummer EV | 350 (estimate) | $79,995 (est.) |
| Best affordable electric car | Hyundai Kona Electric | 258 | $35185 |
| Best Affordable Electric Car Runner | Volkswagen ID 4 | 260 | 41955 USD |
| Best Luxury Electric Car | Mercedes-Benz EQS | 350 | $103,360 |
| Runner-up of the best luxury electric car | Lucid Air | 520 | 77400 USD |
| Best electric SUV/crossover | Ford Mustang Mach-E | 305 | $44,995 |
| Best Luxury Electric SUV/Crossover | BMW iX | 324 | $84195 |
| Best Mini Electric Truck | Rivian R1T | 314 | 68575 USD |
| Best Electric Station Trolley | Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo | TBA | 134.650 USD |
| The best electric car if money is nothing | Rimac Refrigerator | 300 (est.) | $2,450,000 |
| EV we are looking forward to the most | Ford F-150 Lightning | 300 (est.) | $41,669 |
Consider this before buying an EV.
Switching to an electric car involves more than just choosing a car. Things get a little more difficult when you can't rush to the local petrol station, but we can also help you with that.
When you're looking for an electric car, the first thing you should think about is how you're going to charge it. In fact, you should even consider this before you start looking. Despite the fact that each EV comes with an adapter that allows you to plug into any standard 110V outlet, you may have to wait days for a full charge due to the size of modern EV batteries.
You should consider installing a Level 2 charger if you own your home. Fortunately, they are not expensive in themselves. There may be tax advantages to a single installation, although to do so entails hiring a contractor (we deal with dangerous voltages and currents), especially if you decide to switch to solar at the same time.
You will use a charging network if you do not own your home. You should look for the most established places in the area where you stay and drive frequently. This is relatively simple if you are driving a Tesla.
You'll need to do some research if you have other electric vehicles, but the most common non-proprietary networks are Electrify America, Chargepoint, and EVGo.
They all work pretty much the same but have different applications and prices. Level 2 charging or DC fast charging will be available through these charging networks. The latter is much faster, but much more expensive.
The next thing to consider is maintenance and support. Compared to internal combustion cars, electric vehicles often require much less maintenance. However, if you have put your heart on Tesla and do not live near a Tesla service facility, you can find yourself in a difficult situation if something goes wrong. Perhaps the most traditional electric car is preferred for you in this case.
Many people's decisions to move to electric vehicles are influenced by tax incentives, and this is absolutely true.
It is important to realize, however, that not all manufacturers (Tesla, in particular) are eligible for all incentives, and not all buyers will be able to take full advantage of federal incentives, even if they are provided.
Even if the manufacturer tries to incorporate a $7,500 tax credit into their published rates, it's wise to consult a tax expert before including it in your purchase. Don't leave money on the table by failing to investigate whether you qualify for state and local tax benefits.
Finally, be prepared to discuss your electric vehicle. People will inquire about this from friends, family, and completely strangers, especially if you live in an area where electric vehicles have not yet become very widespread. You will be asked some questions that may seem trivial or even stupid, but depending on how you respond, you may only convince these people that an electric car may be a good option for them as well.