17 Best Electric Cars
Cars Best EVs & Electric Vehicles Just for you, we've compiled a list of the top battery-powered automobiles. You've come to the right place if you're prepared to purchase an electric vehicle and need some advice.
Our editors have almost all of the new EVs now available for test drives, and we'd be happy to point you in the proper direction and introduce you to some of the greatest EVs 2022 has to offer. After all, these days, EV sales are not limited to Tesla.
There are many different types of electric automobiles, and some might be more suitable for you than others. But how can you pick the ideal electric vehicle for your requirements?
We can help you narrow down your options even if we can't tell you precisely which EV is best for your lifestyle. Which would you prefer: a more affordable option with a shorter range or a more expensive option with deluxe features and a longer range for charge-free road trips?
We at CNET Cars have driven nearly every variation of every electric vehicle now in production in the US, giving us a better-than-average perspective on what's good and what isn't in EVs right now.
Don't forget to read our advice for purchasing your first EV after looking at our suggestions.
Oh, and there's a good reason why we didn't include anything from the Tesla brand here, for those of you who are lovers of that company. The Model Y we're leasing (yes, we're paying for it) has a lot going for it, but as we observed in our assessment of the vehicle, the phantom braking issue is a definite deal-breaker. The Model 3 is dangerous and uncomfortable to drive as-is, and many Model 3 owners have expressed the same concerns. When Tesla releases a thorough repair, we'll update this list and our assessment.
2022 Polestar 2
Best small electric car
The parts of a decent electric vehicle are only one part of the whole. The Polestar 2 may not have the highest specifications in its class, but it's a terrific car all around and is simple to love.
There are several reasons why we adore the Polestar 2. In its two-motor form, it is fairly swift, and no matter how many motors it has, the 2 are a blast to drive. Both inside and out, the styling is beautiful. There is also a tonne of clever technology inside, including one of our favorite infotainment systems that is powered by Google. Even while its range isn't the greatest in the category, it nevertheless has many other charming qualities. Read our evaluation of the 2022 Polestar Polestar 2.
The 2022 Polestar 2 looks exactly as amazing and costs less to launch.
2022 Mini Cooper SE
Best small electric car runner-up
Although Mini is new to the EV scene, the brand's debut offering is excellent. It makes up for its overall lack of range by being entertaining to drive and comfortable to ride in, all for a surprisingly low cost. And those wheels that resemble electrical outlets are fantastic.
With 181 horsepower and a tonne of torque packed into a small package, the Mini SE may only travel 110 miles before needing a charge, but those 110 miles will almost certainly be full of excitement. The good news is that you can receive 80% of a charge with a 50-kilowatt fast charger in around 30 minutes.
2020 Mini Cooper SE: Adorable, enjoyable, and affordably priced
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Best midsize electric car
After patiently awaiting the arrival of a Hyundai Ioniq 5, we are eager to endorse it now that we have had a chance to spend some time with one.
Don't allow the Ioniq 5's small-looking appearance in photographs to mislead you about its size; it is a midsize EV. We found the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to be a comfortable cruiser with a respectable range and better appearance than most other EVs. It rides on Hyundai's E-GMP specialized EV platform, which also supports the Kia EV6. Four USB connections and a digital key are features that come standard on the sleek sliding center console.
There are numerous active and passive safety features available, including a HUD that can compete with certain luxury vehicles.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 from 2022 appears to be the future today.
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Best midsize electric car runner-up
The Mustang Mach-E is Ford's first dedicated EV platform, yet it is a fantastic effort. Despite having a contentious name, the Mach-E is a practical vehicle with reasonable range, a fantastic interior, and superb driving characteristics. It also has 29 cubic feet of cargo space when all the seats are up.
There are now various flavors of the Mach-E. Even the standard model is enjoyable to drive and worthy of the Mustang moniker, though there are hotter (and more expensive) GT versions available. With 290 horsepower available in RWD form or 346 hp in all-wheel drive configuration, the Mach-E effortlessly overcomes obstacles. The cabin is a comfortable place to be, and the chassis is excellent. One of the best all-around EVs now on sale is the Mach-E.
2022 Porsche Taycan
Best full-size electric car
The Porsche Taycan is somewhat difficult to sell on paper. Given that it is a Porsche, it is pricey, and the estimated range is appalling. The Taycan tells an entirely different tale when you drive it, and we're sure that it's the greatest EV on the market right now. With the exception of lengthy road excursions, its real-world range is completely adequate, and its build quality and driving dynamics are virtually unbeatable.
The furthest distance that a Taycan can now travel is 227 miles, and that is only when it is equipped with the performance battery option in the 4S trim. Even if that were entirely accurate in the real world, most people would still have enough to eat on most days. With only 400 horsepower, the standard Taycan offers a driving experience that much exceeds that of the majority of other EVs now on the market.
2022 Audi RS E-Tron GT
Best full-size electric car runner-up
The RS E-Tron GT and the Porsche Taycan don't have to be exact replicas of one another just because they share a platform.
In its over-boost mode, the RS E-Tron GT generates a remarkable 637 horsepower and 612 lb-ft, which is sufficient to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a little under 3 seconds. Although that may sound dramatic, Audi has put so much thought and care into this car that it always feels cool and collected, even when you're hustling like crazy. The RS E-Tron GT isn't exactly inexpensive, like the Taycan, but you definitely get your money's worth.
2022 GMC Hummer EV
Best extra-large electric car
Do you enjoy having power and dominance? The GMC Hummer EV is the only electric vehicle that perfectly fits this criterion.
Although we've only spent a small amount of time driving a Hummer EV so far, what we've done so has left us with some positive recollections. Its acceleration in Watts to Freedom, or WTF, mode is damned amazing for something that might weigh close to 9,000 pounds. When something is the size of a building, it can cause mental confusion. When you buy an Edition 1 vehicle right now, it costs a whopping $113,000, but if you wait until 2024, you can buy a lower trim for more like $80,000.
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
Best affordable electric car
Many people wanting to purchase their first electric vehicle will be seeking out something reasonably priced. EVs still cost more than internal combustion cars, but there are several excellent models that fall under the $50,000 threshold. The Hyundai Kona Electric is the one we like best out of these. We chose the Kona because it has a fantastic warranty, a useful small-SUV body, and a decent range.
With a drivetrain that generates 201 horsepower and a very reasonable range of 258 miles, the Kona Electric is a great option for most families. It offers a respectable amount of cargo space—19.2 cubic feet with all the seats up—and because it's a Hyundai, it also comes with a tonne of luxury features as standard. Never mind the warranty; don't even bring it up. The Kona is a nearly excellent first EV if you can live with the aesthetics (we like it) and stretch your budget far enough.
2022 Volkswagen ID 4
Best affordable electric car runner-up
The Hyundai Kona Electric may have a higher beginning price than the Volkswagen ID 4, but the ID 4 still has a strong case to be made for itself because of its relative affordability.
The VW ID 4 has fascinating forms on all sides and a respectably attractive appearance for a crossover. The interior is modest, but there is a tonne of storage, and the general appearance is appealing, as is typical with VW interiors. It is available with all-wheel drive, although you can choose a rear-drive model to keep costs down. Although the technology is a touch odd, the ID 4 is still a reasonably priced 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 even more time seated thinking the same thing, and it's unlikely that will ever change.
Simply said, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is an incredible electric luxury vehicle. It adds a touch of electromobility to all the cuddly comfort found in the gas-powered S-Class. Even in its EQS450 Plus form, it has more than enough acceleration available, and it can handle turns with ease, while a forthcoming AMG version will come with something more nimble out of the factory. The dashboard-spanning Hyperscreen, which has to be seen to be believed, is part of the tech.
2022 Lucid Air
Best luxury electric car runner-up
There are several ways in which Lucid Air is outstanding. Although it may lack the Mercedes EQS's automatic staying power, Lucid's brilliant engineering is not to be taken lightly.
The Lucid Air is one of the longest-range EVs available today, with a maximum range of 520 miles when equipped properly. You may create a luxurious electric stew by adding a tonne of strong design components both inside and out, along with a plush ride and cozy seats. We'll have to wait and see if Lucid can deliver as many trims and variants as it desires, but for now, we're still happy with what we've seen.
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Best electric SUV or crossover
Perhaps you're looking specifically for an electric SUV. Simply put, there aren't that many options yet, and many of those that are are somewhat modest. The Ford Mustang Mach-E delivers a tonne of cargo space, a tonne of passenger space, a respectable range, fantastic driving dynamics, and good infotainment, which is why we're recommending it once more. Additionally, the pricing is really affordable.
Nowadays, nothing sells as well as SUVs, therefore Ford's decision to make its first dedicated EV an SUV was a wise one. The fact that the Mach-E is so damn enjoyable to drive and simple to live with benefits the Blue Oval even more The Mach-E should be a very practical midsize EV that practically any family would have no trouble living with, despite its rakish design and sporty logo. Ford even has a GT variant that will soon be available if you require something sportier.
2022 BMW iX
Best luxury electric SUV or crossover
One feature of the little BMW i3 that we adored was its distinctive interior, which had materials and aesthetics that were difficult to match at its price point or above. The iX SUV from BMW has a lot of that enthusiasm back.
Similar to the i3 that came before it, the iX's bones consist of a composite spaceframe with carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics. Its inside, which once again adopts intriguing new design aspects and relies on warmer materials than we typically see in contemporary leather-loaded Bimmers, somehow tops its quirky outward appearance. The iX is a joy to drive and has a net output of 516 horsepower and 564 pound-feet.
2022 Rivian R1T
Best electric pickup truck
With their R1T electric pickup, Rivian launched first, ahead of the established automakers. Fortunately, the R1T is a fantastic EV overall in addition to being the first battery-powered light-duty pickup on the market.
We eventually drove the R1T in more conventional conditions late last year after taking on the Rebelle Rally in a specially equipped R1T, and we came away impressed. For those considering longer road trips, its 314-mile battery isn't too awful, and its quad-motor arrangement produces some amazing acceleration. The R1T pleased us with its riding and build quality both on the road and in the dirt. Once the established manufacturers release 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 wagon
The Porsche Taycan's station wagon models are often of the Cross Turismo variety, which adds additional cladding to the wheel wells and raises the ride height. But you only have one choice if you want a tried-and-true, low-to-the-ground waggon: the Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo.
The Sport Turismo setup will only be available on the Taycan GTS in the US, which is OK because we only need that one. This Porsche hustles and beats the tar out of curving roads like it's getting paid to do so, just like any other Porsche with a GTS emblem on the rear. The EPA-estimated range should also be fairly simple to surpass, similar to other Taycan models.
2022 Rimac Nevera
Best electric car if money is no object
Although the number of electric hypercars is slowly increasing, for the time being, if we had an endless amount of money to spend on one, we would consider the Rimac Nevera.
This Croatian electric hypercar comes equipped with a four-motor drivetrain that generates a staggering 1,914 horsepower and 1,740 lb-ft, among other incredibly astounding specifications. It will sprint to its 258 mph (!) top speed and pass 60 mph in less than 2 seconds. In the US, the 120 kWh battery pack should give it a range of roughly 300 miles. It also helps that both the inside and outside are stunning. But it had better be for $2.45 million.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
The electric car we're looking forward to most
Ford's announcement of the F-150 Lightning didn't come as a surprise because traditional automakers have typically valued their light-duty pickup portfolio. It's more than just an electric truck; it's packed with features and conveniences that should appeal to buyers. It should be on dealership lots before its main rivals by years.
When the F-150 Lightning goes on sale in 2022, two separate battery packs will be available, providing a range of 230 or 300 miles according to the manufacturer.
The Lightning will be somewhat more democratized, offering a variety of trims across multiple price points for customers all across the socioeconomic spectrum, in contrast to one competitor who is taking the moonshot approach and filling its first-year production queue with six-figure trucks loaded to the gills with stuff. You can purchase a Lightning for $90,000 if you so choose. Ford has already announced — twice, in fact — that it will increase manufacturing to keep up with the high demand for the F-150 Lightning. We're thrilled.
Comparison of the best electric cars for 2022
| Name | Max range (mi.) | Starting price | |
| Best small electric car | Polestar 2 | 270 | $47,200 |
| Best small electric car runner-up | Mini Cooper SE | 114 | $30,750 |
| Best midsize electric car | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 303 | $40,925 |
| Best midsize electric car runner-up | Ford Mustang Mach-E | 305 | $44,995 |
| Best full-size electric car | Porsche Taycan | 227 | $84,050 |
| Best full-size electric car runner-up | Audi RS E-Tron GT | 232 | $143,445 |
| Best extra-large electric car | GMC Hummer EV | 350 (est.) | $79,995 (est.) |
| Best affordable electric car | Hyundai Kona Electric | 258 | $35,185 |
| Best affordable electric car runner-up | Volkswagen ID 4 | 260 | $41,955 |
| Best luxury electric car | Mercedes-Benz EQS | 350 | $103,360 |
| Best luxury electric car runner-up | Lucid Air | 520 | $77,400 |
| Best electric SUV/crossover | Ford Mustang Mach-E | 305 | $44,995 |
| Best electric luxury SUV/crossover | BMW iX | 324 | $84,195 |
| Best electric pickup truck | Rivian R1T | 314 | $68,575 |
| Best electric station wagon | Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo | TBA | $134,650 |
| Best electric car if money is no object | Rimac Nevera | 300 (est.) | $2,450,000 |
| EV we're looking forward to the most | Ford F-150 Lightning | 300 (est.) | $41,669 |
Think about this before purchasing an EV.
Making the switch to an electric vehicle involves more than just choosing a car. Things are a little more difficult when you can't just dash to the local petrol station, but we can also assist you with this.
When looking for an electric vehicle, the first thing you should think about is how you're going to charge it. In fact, you should think about this even before you start looking. In spite of the fact that every EV comes with an adapter that allows you to plug into any standard 110-volt 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 own home. Fortunately, they aren't so pricey by themselves. There may be tax benefits for installing one, even though doing so does necessitate hiring a contractor (we're dealing with dangerous voltages and currents), especially if you decide to switch to solar power at the same time.
You'll be utilizing a charging network if you don't own your own home. You should research which are most well-established in the area where you reside and drive most frequently. This is relatively simple if you drive a Tesla.
You'll need to do some research if you have other electric vehicles, but the most popular nonproprietary networks are Electrify America, Chargepoint, and EVGo.
They all function largely the same but have various apps and prices. Level 2 charging or DC fast charging will be available through these charging networks. The latter is far faster but significantly more expensive.
The next thing to consider is upkeep and support. In comparison to an automobile powered by internal combustion, EVs often require far less maintenance. However, if you have your heart set on a Tesla and don't live close to a Tesla service facility, you can find yourself in a difficult situation if something goes wrong. Perhaps a more conventional brand's EV would be preferable for you in this situation.
Many people's decisions to transition to electric vehicles are influenced by tax incentives, and that is absolutely valid.
It's crucial to realize, however, that not all manufacturers (Tesla, in particular) are eligible for all of the incentives, and not all purchasers would be able to benefit fully from the federal incentive, even if it is provided.
Even if a manufacturer tries to incorporate a $7,500 tax credit in its stated prices, 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 can be eligible for state and local tax benefits.
Finally, be ready to discuss your electric vehicle. People will inquire about it from friends, family, and complete strangers, particularly if you live in an area where EVs aren't yet very widespread. You will be asked some questions that may seem frivolous or even stupid, but depending on how you respond, you might just persuade those folks that an EV might be a good choice for them as well.