Best Electric SUVs
#1 in Electric SUVs
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 54.7
Expert Rating
The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a well-rounded electric SUV that does almost everything well, backed by a high-tech interior, good range, and the best warranty in its class.
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EV Guide
The Pros and Cons of Electric Cars: A Comprehensive EV Guide
Everything you need to know about EVs: costs, charging, range, safety, and more.
Research
The experts at KBB.com give you everything you need to research and compare Electric Vehicles (EVs) to help you make an informed decision. We’re your guide for “everything electric,” whether you’re just browsing, actively looking, or ready to buy your first – or next – electric car.
Pros And Cons
Overall, electric cars are a good option if you want to save money on gas and help the environment. However, they do have some limitations. It's important to weigh both the pros and cons before deciding if an electric car is right for you.
Pro: Save Money on Gas
Electric cars save money on gas because they run on electricity, so you’re not spending any money filling up at the pump.
Pro: Good for the Environment
Electric cars produce less pollution than traditional cars because they don’t emit exhaust gases, keeping the air cleaner and healthier.
Pro: Quiet
Electric cars are extremely quiet because they have fewer moving parts. This means there’s no loud engine noise while driving.
Pro: Less Maintenance Required
Electric cars require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts. You don’t have to worry about changing oil, replacing filters, or other typical maintenance tasks.
Con: Expensive Battery Replacement
An electric car battery is expensive to replace if it fails. This means you could end up spending a lot of money replacing it.
Con: Limited Driving Range
Electric cars can only go a certain distance before they need to be recharged, meaning you can’t drive as far on a single charge as you could with a gas-powered car.
Con: Limited Charging Infrastructure
There aren’t as many charging stations as there are gas stations, so you might have difficulty finding a place to charge if driving a long distance.
Con: Higher Upfront Cost
Electric cars are generally more expensive to buy than traditional cars. Bottom line? You’ll probably spend more money upfront.
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Busting EV Myths and Fears
All Electric Cars Feel the Same
On the contrary, different automakers go to great lengths to give their specific electric cars a distinct experience. Just like in gasoline-powered cars, manufacturers try to capture the character, look, and feel of their respective brands overall.
Performance Cars Need a Rumbling Gas Engine
Electric vehicles drive as quickly or even quicker than gas-powered cars, even when it comes to high-dollar performance cars. Drive an EV and you’ll see that gas-powered cars can be viewed as crude, noisy, and unrefined.
All Electric Cars Look Ugly
At one point this was true, but not anymore. Today’s EVs are not only fun to drive but their looks are sharp, stylish, and luxurious. Automakers can make dramatic design choices because they no longer need to design around a large gas tank.
Electric Cars Cost Too Much
While it’s true that some EVs are expensive, we’re already seeing some easing in pricing. And don’t forget federal tax credits, state and local rebates, electricity discounts, and even discounted or free home chargers from certain automakers.
There’s No Place to Charge Electric Cars
Research shows that 80% of EVs are charged at home. Still, drivers need more charging stations. To that end, the federal government has earmarked $5 billion over five years to grow the U.S. network of chargers to 500,000, some five times that of today.
Electric Cars Are Unreliable
Evidence shows that electric vehicles are just as reliable as gas-powered cars. Plus, EVs typically offer more extensive warranties on the battery and drive components. For example, one automaker covers its EVs for 10 years or 150,000 miles.
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Browse and Compare EVs
Find the best electric car, SUV or truck for you from the following list provided by the KBB.com editors. Our experts drove each one and ranked them on performance, range, features, value, safety, and more.
Best Electric Cars
#1 in Electric Cars
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV4.6
Expert Rating
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is our Best EV Under $35,000 for 2023. With a starting price of $27,800 and impressive range of 247 miles, the Bolt EUV is a practical and cost-effective way to go electric.
Best Luxury Electric SUVs
#1 in Luxury Electric SUVs
2023 Audi Q4 e-tron4.5
Expert Rating
The 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron all-electric compact luxury SUV touts substance and style for a sub-$50K starting price.
Best Luxury Electric Cars
#1 in Luxury Electric Cars
2024 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG EQE4.5
Expert Rating
The 2024 Mercedes-EQ EQE is a plush and hushed all-electric midsize luxury sedan with a maximum range of 298 miles.
Longest Range Electric SUVs
#1 in Longest Range Electric SUVs
2023 Fisker Oceanundefined Miles
Estimated Electric Range
The 2023 Fisker Ocean is a new electric SUV from a new brand. It looks good on paper but is plagued with too many problems to recommend.
Longest Range Electric Cars
#1 in Longest Range Electric Cars
2024 Lucid Airundefined Miles
Estimated Electric Range
The all-electric 2024 Lucid Air luxury sedan beats all rivals in terms of range — the distance travelled between full charges.
Best Electric Trucks
#1 in Electric Trucks
2024 Ford F150 Lightning4.8
Expert Rating
The Ford F-150 Lightning is our defending Best Buy Award champion in electric trucks for successfully electrifying the excellence of the F-150.
Compare Best EVs
new 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 | new 2024 Kia EV9 | new 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $43,195 | $56,395 | $53,715 | |
| KBB.com Rating | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | |
| Consumer Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 | 3.7 | |
| Fuel Economy | City 127/Hwy 94/Comb 110 MPGe | City 99/Hwy 77/Comb 88 MPGe | City 103/Hwy 88/Comb 96 MPGe | |
| Estimated EV Range | 220 Miles | 230 Miles | 279 Miles | |
| Safety Rating | 'N/A' | 'N/A' | 'N/A' | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 | 5 | |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years or 60000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | |
| 0-60 | N/A | 7.7 Seconds | N/A | |
| Horsepower | 168 HP | 215 HP | 0 @ 0 RPM | |
| Engine | Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | Dual Electric Motors | |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD |
Read the Latest EV Comparisons
Got several EVs in mind but can’t decide which one to choose? Let our expert Editorial staff help you make a more informed choice.
Comparison
2024 Tesla Cybertruck vs. 2024 Rivian R1T Comparison
The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck and 2024 Rivian R1T are competing all-electric pickup trucks from innovative EV brands.
Michael Strong June 18, 2024
Comparison
2024 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron vs. 2024 Polestar 2 Comparison
The 2024 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron and 2024 Polestar 2 EVs are comparable in some ways, but quite different in others.
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Comparison
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. 2024 Jaguar I-Pace Comparison
The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E is part small SUV, part wagon, and all-electric. Having first arrived for the 2021 model…
Nick Kurczewski May 20, 2024
Incentives
If you’re looking to buy an EV, you’ll need to know what incentives exist that can help you defray costs. Many states offer rebates and tax deductions to make the transition to electric vehicles more attractive, like electricity discounts or bill credits.
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How Do Electric Car Tax Credits Work in 2024?
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Electric Car Rebates and Incentives: What to Know by State
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Buy a New Electric Car Now or Wait?
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Charging and Range
How much does it cost to charge an EV? What are the three types of chargers for electric cars? How far can I go on a full charge? All reasonable questions potential electric car buyers ask. Check out the articles below and let the experts at KBB.com help answer your EV questions.
Car Advice
List of Charging Networks for Electric Cars
According to the United States Department of Energy, over 60,000 charging stations are available to electric car drivers throughout the…
Chantel Wakefield April 05, 2023
Car Advice
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
Charging an electric vehicle battery overnight at home is usually the least expensive option. Gas prices fluctuate, and electricity rates…
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Car Advice
5 Fastest-Charging Electric Cars
Quick Facts About Fast-Charging Electric Cars Get to know the fastest-charging electric cars. Electric vehicles (EVs) are fast becoming mainstream,…
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Car Advice
Electric Car Range: Everything You Need to Know
A desire to do something to help save the planet, along with the potential for saving money on fuel and…
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Car Advice
EV Charging Stations: Everything You Need To Know
Quick Facts About Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Download the apps for charging stations you’ll use locally and for travel. Smaller…
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Car Advice
Everything That Drains Your Electric Car Battery
Quick Facts on EV Battery Drain EV range drops significantly in freezing temperatures. Steady highway driving drains the battery faster…
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How to Charge an Electric Vehicle
Charging an electric car can feel daunting but it's really quite simple. Lyn Woodward is here to run you through the basics of how to charge an EV, how long it might take, and proper charging etiquette.
Electric Cars for Sale Near You
Popular Electric Vehicles by Make
More EV Advice
- EV tax credits
- Cost of charging your EV
- EV charging times
- EV charging stations
- Fasted charging electric cars
- EV car companeis
- Buying a used EV
- PHEV advice
- Hybrid EV battery warranties
- Reasons to buy a PHEV
- EV rebates by state
- EV payloads and towing capacities
- Charging the Kia EV6
- Charging the Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Charging an EV without a cord
- Charging the Chevy Bolt EV
- Charging a Tesla in winter
- EV charging apps
- Lucid EV advice
- EV charger cable theft
- EV myths
- How to jump start an EV battery
- Charging an electric car for free
- EVs you can convert
- Choosing an EV charger
- Buying a used Chevy Volt
- Buying a new EV today
- Charging a Rivian
- EV inspections
- Charging EVs for free
- EV tires
- Hyundai Kona - electric vs hybrid vs gas engines
- EV charger buying guide
- EV battery drain - what you need to know
Electric Car FAQs
Why are electric cars bad?
Electric cars offer numerous benefits. However, some reasons electric cars may be perceived negatively are: limited driving range, limited charging infrastructure, longer refueling time, initial cost, battery production and disposal, and limited model options.
Electric cars vs. gas cars?
The choice between an electric car and a gas car depends on individual needs, preferences, driving habits, and the availability of charging infrastructure. It’s important to consider factors like environmental impact, operating costs, range requirements, and charging availability when making a decision.
What’s the future of electric cars?
The future of electric cars is promising. Technological advancements, increased adoption, and improved infrastructure are poised to reshape how we drive and contribute to a more sustainable transportation future.
How many electric cars are in the US?
Reports vary, but in mid-2023, it’s safe to say there are approximately 2 million electric cars on the road out of a total of roughly 285 million vehicles.
Why are electric cars better?
Electric cars are considered better than gas-powered cars for several reasons: environmental benefits, lower operating costs, quieter operation, performance, and energy independence. However, the choice between an electric and a gas car depends on individual needs, preferences, driving habits, and the availability of charging infrastructure.
Are electric cars better than gas cars?
There are pros and cons to each. It ultimately depends on your individual needs, preferences, driving habits, and the availability of charging infrastructure where you live. That said, ongoing advancements and increasing adoption of electric cars make them a promising alternative to traditional gas vehicles.
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