This year, many new Electric Vehicle Brands have been released, including models from established manufacturers like Rivian and Chevrolet, Ford, and Kia. Here is our ranking of the firms spearheading the shift to battery power in our first edition of the Best Electric Vehicle Brands. However, rather than rating specific EVs, we’re looking at vehicle manufacturers collectively since every automaker has a unique strategy for EVs.
It’s critical to choose your investment carefully since battery performance, autonomous capabilities, and dashboard technology will all undergo significant change over the next ten years, which is also the usual length of time people will keep their cars.
The winners of next year’s competition could look somewhat different since the business is developing quickly. Still, for now, we want to emphasize the companies who provide EVs for sale—vaporware is not permitted. If you’re looking to purchase an EV in 2023, these are the brands we highly suggest.
Standards and Procedures
We used data from EV reporting, our time spent at auto shows, and test drives of vehicles to compile this scorecard. We also spoke to professionals who have reviewed gas-powered and, more recently, electric cars for many years. From this, a few crucial factors were apparent as being most important to EV buyers today:
Is there an EV produced by the brand? For the simple reason that they don’t have any completely electric cars, certain manufacturers were left off of the 2023 list. Next year, Honda and Jeep will release the Prologue and Wagoneer S, respectively, as their first electric vehicles. Other well-known manufacturers, including the Volkswagen ID.4 and Cadillac Lyriq, also have EVs, although they will be sold out by 2023. (We do, however, keep track of impending releases in case the wait is worthwhile.)
- Price: Since EVs are often more costly than gas-powered vehicles, we award bonus points to manufacturers that provide a variety of models for around $40,000. Additionally, certain cars are eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500.
- Selection: We considered the number and range of models (sedan, SUV, pickup truck) each brand provides.
- Range and Charging: We considered each manufacturer’s vehicle range and battery technology. While all EVs on the list may be charged at home and public fast chargers, certain manufacturers, like Tesla and Rivian, provide specialized chargers designed just for their cars.
- Technology: Today’s top-performing cars must have an advanced dash screen, autonomous driving capabilities, and over-the-air (OTA) updates for regular feature upgrades.
Scorecard for EV Brands
If it falls within your budget, Tesla, Kia/Hyundai, and Mercedes are the three brands buyers should prioritize. Overall, Tesla is the clear victor because of its unmatched Supercharger network. Still, Kia and Hyundai are starting to get attention from consumers with their eye-catching designs and more affordable alternatives than Tesla. Because Kia and Hyundai share a parent corporation and the higher-end Genesis brand, as well as advanced battery technology, we have integrated them.
Mercedes leads in terms of opulent interiors and an upscale atmosphere. It provides a combination of sedans and SUVs, including five EVs—the most of any brand on the list. Mercedes is unique because it is committed to making its whole portfolio electric by 2030. It has made significant investments to create a network of charging stations that run entirely on sustainable energy.
After selecting our three winners, we used data from their lines’ basic models to rank the top 10 brands according to how many of the five criteria above they satisfy. Keep in mind that they all provide OTA software upgrades.
Best Overall: Tesla
Tesla lineup (price and range of base models)
- Tesla Model 3: $40,240 (before the $3,750 federal tax credit), with a range of 272 miles
- Tesla Model Y ): $279-mile range, $47,490 (before the $7,500 federal tax credit).
- Tesla Model S: $405 miles per charge, $88,490
- Tesla Model X: $348-mile range, $98,490 (Editors’ Choice)
- Future Releases: Cybertruck (launch date TBD, 2024 or 2025)
In terms of sales, Tesla continues to dominate by a wide margin despite increasing competition. CleanTechnica said the Model Y was the best-selling automobile in Q1, marking the first time an EV surpassed a gas-powered vehicle. The Model 3 and Model Y accounted for 62% of all EV sales in Q1 2023, thanks to several price reductions. Both automobiles are now more affordable than they were, particularly in light of Tesla’s extensive network of charging stations and the relatively extended range of the vehicles for their price.
“Everyone ought to own a Tesla Model 3, in my view. Longtime Tesla owner and tech writer Myriam Joire praises the car, saying, “It’s so much better than the competition in every way.” She also gives the Hyundai Ioniq and Kia EV6 GT excellent grades.
According to S&P Global Mobility, there are around 16,822 Tesla destination chargers and Superchargers in the United States. The latter is prevalent in hotels and office buildings for those who can plug in for extended periods, while the former is for short charges, particularly on road trips.
Of all the brands on the list, Tesla’s mobile app and in-car dashboard system have the most advanced technology. This YouTuber demonstrates how OTA software upgrades also allow for constant technological refreshment. Although Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are omitted, the in-car maps function similarly to Google Maps, and drivers can use the dash screen to access services like Spotify or connect their music over Bluetooth.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider before you make a Tesla deposit. One is the $15,000 price tag for the company’s “Full Self-Driving” Autopilot technology. (It may be accessible with a $99 or $199 monthly subscription or added after the fact with an OTA update.) For $6,000, a scaled-down version is offered.
However, neither fully autonomously powers the vehicle. At its finest, FSD traffic and stop sign control “identifies traffic lights and stop signs and automatically slows your car to a stop on approach.” Aside from that, Teslas only have a few “autonomous-light” capabilities, such as autosteer and intelligent cruise control.
Apart from the forthcoming Cybertruck, Tesla hasn’t made any significant changes to its design in a while. According to automotive writer Tim Stevens, “Tesla is facing more competition than ever, and most of its products have been on the market for years.” “They’ve had manufacturing improvements and software updates along the way, but for those who already have a Tesla and want another EV, Tesla doesn’t have much to offer.”
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, Twitter, and other businesses like Neuralink and The Boring Company, may cause this. The fact that Musk multitask and his vocal political opinions have already irritated Tesla investors. Will it discourage consumers from committing to the brand and force them to choose Hyundai and Kia?
Hyundai/Kia Group
Base Model Price and Range for the EV Lineup from Hyundai and Kia
- Kia Niro: $39,550; the range of 253 miles
- Kia EV6: $48,700; range of 310 miles
- Hyundai Kona Electric: $258-mile range, $33,550
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Editors’ Pick for PCMag): $41,450, 220 miles
- Hyundai Ioniq 6: 240-mile range, $45,500
- Future Releases: 2024 Hyundai Kona, 2024 Kia EV9
While they can use any other public network and lack Tesla’s charging network, Kia, Hyundai, and the more expensive Genesis brand may appeal to specific consumers more than Tesla for various reasons.
“The brand offering the most variety and the most interesting products right now is Hyundai, and that’s where I would push buyers first,” Stevens adds. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, Choice, is a best-seller in the US.
One reason might be that the athletic styling of Hyundai and Kia EVs is more appealing than the rounded edges of a Tesla. The Kia EV6 is such a gorgeous vehicle that others will take notice when you drive it, according to Doug Newcomb, chief automotive critic and veteran of over 180 hybrid and electric vehicle tests.
Joire also describes the Hyundai Ioniq 6 as “really hot.” Among the hundreds of automobiles at the New York Auto Show, these designs caught our attention.
The e-GMP battery architecture, which Joire describes as “my second favorite platform of mass-produced EVs after Tesla,” powers the top-tier Kia and Hyundai EVs. It is a masterwork. 350kW charging with architecture up to 800 volts. It backs everything from the extreme, high-performance EV6 GT to the more economical, efficient versions that can go great distances on a comparatively modest 77kW battery. Additionally, bi-directional charging is supported.
Drivers gain from the brand’s ability to issue regular software upgrades more efficiently when the platform is standardized across many cars. “This is the advantage of a big company with so many brands and vehicles to test new features,” Stevens adds. “More testing and upgrades at a reduced cost are possible with more uniformity. It also facilitates their ability to release new cars more quickly.”
The whole range is presently offered, and two new electric vehicles (EVs)—the 2024 Hyundai Kona and the 2024 Kia EV9, a seven-seat SUV—will arrive at dealerships this autumn. However, since Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis cars are manufactured abroad, they are not eligible for federal tax credits. Nonetheless, as Kia intends to construct the EV9 in Georgia, it will be suitable. Only 22 US states are home to Genesis automobiles.
Mercedes is the Best Luxury EV Brand.
Mercedes EV lineup (price and range of base models)
- EQB SUV: 240 miles per charge, $52,750
- EQE Sedan: $74,900; a range of 305 miles
- EQE SUV: $279 miles per gallon, $77,900
- EQS sedan: $104,400; a range of 350 miles
- EQS SUV: $104,400; a range of 305 miles
2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV and 2024 AMG EQE SUV are scheduled to launch.
Mercedes is the only carmaker in the US to offer five electric vehicles (EVs), so visiting the showroom is particularly beneficial. “A Mercedes has a much nicer interior and a much better ride than a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, but you are paying a premium for it,” explains Stevens. According to CleanTechnica, the top-selling models in Q12023 were the EQS sedan and EQB SUV.
Additionally, the company has cleverly combined luxury with sustainability. With ChargePoint, it is constructing a charging network that will run entirely on renewable electricity generated by wind and solar energy. “If we cannot find a clean energy source in an area, we will not set up stations there,” CTO of Mercedes-Benz Markus Schäfer When it launches online in 2027, it will be accessible to the general public, but Mercedes owners may reserve spaces ahead of time. Even if it won’t happen for a few years, people who purchase now will still profit from it.
The primary drawback of Mercedes, which it shares with rival BMW, is its dashboard technology. More excellent interiors, not more excellent technology, give these manufacturers their price premium over a Tesla. “I tested the Mercedes EQS [in 2022], and it kept wishing me a Happy Halloween, and I couldn’t turn it off,” Newcomb recounts. “My automobile seemed to have been struck once more, but it turned out to be a glitch. These little details neither enhance the car’s performance nor my life.” Nevertheless, the car’s 400-mile range pleased him.
Customers who like dashboard technology may want to hold off until late 2024 or early 2025, when Mercedes is set to release MB.OS (Mercedes Benz Operating System) is a new system specifically designed for electric vehicles. MB.OS will integrate Google Maps, provide over-the-air updates, and show more precise charge-level information.
Although Mercedes has not officially announced, we anticipate the 2025 electric G-Wagon will debut in late 2024. It offers higher energy-dense silicon ion batteries with quicker charging times (an improvement over the current industry standard lithium iron). In 2024, Mercedes will surpass Tesla as the first US carmaker to deploy level 3 autonomous cars in Nevada (FSD is level 2).
Mercedes is an excellent option for anybody searching for an EV with long-range and upscale amenities. Joire remarks, “Mercedes is…doing an excellent job.” But “for now, the Kia EV6 is just as good,” she says if the moniker and furnishings don’t appeal to you.
Ford: Best Electric Vehicle Brands
Ford EV lineup (price and range of base models)
- 250-mile range, Mustang Mach-E $42,995 (before $3,750 tax credit)
- F-150 Lightning: 240-mile range, $59,974 (before the $7,500 tax credit).
“Kia and Hyundai are leading the older companies in the seamless transition to electric vehicles.” Joire continues, “Ford is next. When Ford electrified the F-150, our Editors’ Choice winner and the best-selling pickup vehicle in America in 2022, it drastically changed public opinion of EVs.
Ford has made yet another bold move in the EV space: Beginning in 2025, it will be the first carmaker to equip its models with a Tesla charging connector, allowing its drivers easy access to a more excellent range of Supercharger locations. Even if it may take several years to arrive, this is a game changer for the Ford brand. Any other EV charger can charge a Ford EV purchased today. With an adaptor, you can use 12,000 V3 Superchargers starting in 2024.
Only two vehicles are available in Ford’s electrified portfolio: the F-150 Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E SUV. They are respectable substitutes for the Rivian R1T and the Tesla Model Y.
The latest $4,000 price reduction and $3,750 tax credit have made the Mustang Mach-E more accessible than ever, even though it is still somewhat more costly than a Tesla Model Y. The car has OTA updates, an expansive infotainment screen in the dash, and an aggressive appearance. A free 90-day subscription to BlueCruise driverless technology is given to new customers. It assists in maintaining lane discipline, adjusting speed, and executing lane changes while driving and is engaged by pushing a button on the steering wheel. After the trial, you may buy a membership for $200 per year or $75 per month if you enjoy it. BlueCruise is also available for an upfront price of $2,100 for three years. A $6,000 update is needed for a Tesla to have the same features.
Although the base price of the F-150 Lightning is less than that of the Rivian R1T ($59,974 as opposed to $73,000), the Rivian’s fee may be readily increased with premium trims. Ford has a devoted following as well. “I drove a Ford F-150 Lightning last year, and I couldn’t drive anywhere without people swarming around it,” Newcomb recalls.
Ford electric vehicles will be larger than the more compact and less expensive variants. 2025, a new pickup truck and a three-row SUV will be released.
Volvo/Polestar: Best Electric Vehicle Brands
Base Model Price and Range for the Volvo/Polestar EV Lineup
- Volvo C40 Recharge: $55,300; range of 226 miles
- Volvo XC40 Recharge: $53,550 with a range of 223 miles
- Polestar 2: $48,000; a range of 270 miles
- 2024 EX90, 2024 EX30, 2024 Polestar 2, and 2024 Polestar 3 are upcoming releases.
In the past, Volvo has been more of a specialty car manufacturer with a devoted following. Always a Volvo driver, once experienced one. However, those who have never bought a Volvo must consider its EV lineup, mainly if the cost is affordable.
The XC40 Recharge and the somewhat more expensive C40 Recharge are the two electric cars that Volvo presently sells. According to Stevens, “Volvo products are excellent.” “The C40 and XC40 Recharge have excellent acceleration and speed. They started with high-performance cars that cost more than Teslas but were also more luxurious.
Recharge vehicles have a slightly shorter range than the Model Y, Ioniq 5, and Mach-E. However, it may not be sufficient to rule it out, depending on your driving style.
Volvo also invests in autonomous technology with its seven-seat SUV, the 2024 EX90. “Zenseact, the company that integrates the autonomous technology in the EX90, employs Ödgärd Andersson as CEO. The EX90 is the next generation of ADAS systems found in the C40, XC40, and Polestar 2.” “It has higher-resolution cameras, LiDAR, and a solid foundation of powerful core computing that allows for the algorithms we need to introduce self-driving [in the future].”
The pricing of the Volvo EX90 is unknown, although it is probably in the neighborhood of $80,000. The EX30 is a compact, reasonably priced SUV that costs less than the Recharge automobiles if it is outside your means. Pre-orders are accepted today with a starting price of $34,950.
Two premium EVs with Android OS, plush interiors, and linked dash displays are also available under the Polestar brand, a collaboration between Volvo and Chinese carmaker Geely. “Polestar is doing an excellent job with their EVs,” remarks Newcomb, who gave the Polestar 2 a four-star rating. “It’s almost exactly like a Volvo, but maybe better.” Customers in the US will be able to purchase the new Polestar 3 and 2024 Polestar 2 later this year.
Chevrolet (GM): Best Electric Vehicle Brands
Chevrolet EV lineup (price and range of base models)
- Chevrolet Bolt EV: $26,500 (before tax credit of $7,500); a range of 259 miles
- EUV ($27,800, excluding $7,500 tax credit) for the Chevrolet Bolt; a capacity of 247 miles
- The models are the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox, the 2024 Blazer, and the 2024 Silverado.
The least expensive and most generally accessible EVs on the market are Chevrolet’s Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, which start at around $20,000 after the federal tax credit. Newcomb rated the Bolt EV excellent scores, and Stevens concurs, saying, “The car is reasonably priced, and GM offers a variety of incentives.” He claims the vehicle is pleasant to drive, reasonably priced, and dependable.
Regretfully, when it introduces its redesigned EV portfolio on the new Ultium battery technology at the end of this year, General Motors will cease production of the two Bolt models. This includes the Silverado, Blazer, and Chevy Equinox, which will cost around $30,000. All will be eligible for the entire federal tax credit of $7,500. But no one has been allowed to test drive the cars yet, so it’s unclear what the future holds for the brand.
“I’m struggling to recommend the future of GM until I see what the new EVs are like, and they’re taking away Android Auto and Apple CarPlay,” adds Stevens. (Tesla and Rivian do not have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay either.)
The Cadillac Lyriq (sold out for 2023), the oversized $85,000 GMC Hummer, and the planned $300,000 2024 Cadillac Celestiq make up General Motors’ electrified vehicle inventory outside Chevrolet. By 2035, it promises to sell solely electric vehicles across all brands.
“Technologically, I think the GMC Hummer is a great car, and it shows me what GM can do,” Joire remarks.
Interestingly, GM is spending a lot of money on bi-directional charging, which will appeal to customers seeking more energy independence. GM Energy, a new subsidiary, will assist drivers in intelligently managing electricity between the vehicle’s battery and the electrical grid so they may use their cars to power their houses. According to Newcomb, “They’re supporting electrification more widely.” “They’re trying to become an energy company.”
Nissan: Best Electric Vehicle Brands
Nissan EV lineup (pricing and range of base models)
- Nissan Leaf: $28,040; a range of 212 miles
- Nissan Ariya: $43,190; 216–304 miles at eight different battery capacities
After its 2010 debut, the Nissan Leaf became the world’s best-selling electric vehicle (EV) during the next ten years; it is still reasonably priced, coming in at around $30,000.
“You have to respect Nissan for being so early to the EV market, and the Leaf is still a good choice if you’re looking for a value EV with a hatchback design,” Stevens adds.
The 2023 Nissan Ariya, Nissan’s second electric vehicle, surpasses the Leaf in terms of luxury features such as its autonomous technology, camera mode on the rearview mirror, and gorgeous interior.
“The Ariya is a very different and a good option if someone is looking for something with a bit more premium styling and ride quality than a Tesla Model Y,” Stevens states. The Ariya is now only available in limited quantities, however. The website advises Interested buyers to “contact your local dealer for inventory information.”
BMW: Best Electric Vehicle Brands
The Base Model Price and Range of the BMW EV Lineup
- i4: $52,000; range of 256 miles
- iX: 87,100, a range of 307 miles
- i7: 318-mile range, $119,300
- Future Releases: 2025 BMW iX2, BMW i5
The upscale interiors, high electric range, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto of BMW’s three electric versions make them desirable luxury alternatives.
Stevens says, “The BMW i4 and iX are fantastic to drive., Newcomb also rated the iX highly as a vital substitute for the Tesla Model X. InsideEVs says that BMW plans to unveil the iX2, a new electric vehicle, along with a revised iX later this year.
Like Mercedes, BMW has recently improved its dash software, but more must be done. BMW debuted the humanoid concept automobile Dee at CES 2023 to demonstrate its cutting-edge voice and head-up display technologies. Future Bimmers probably won’t converse with drivers and turn into different colors as Dee does, but the stunt did mark the beginning of a new phase in the company’s software development. By 2025, it will be available, most likely starting with the X7 and i7 series.
Joire adds, “BMW is finally getting it.” “When they converted gas cars to electric vehicles a year ago, I felt conflicted, but now they’re taking a fresh approach and creating EVs from the ground up.”
When Joire recently tested a BMW iX60, she pointed out that although the ride quality and furnishings were more luxurious, the software felt a little dated—it still can’t match Tesla’s dashboard for the price.
Rivian: Best Electric Vehicle Brands
The base model price and range of the Rivian EV lineup
- Rivian R1T, 270-mile range, $73,000 (before the $3,750 tax credit).
- Rivian R1S: 260-mile range, $78,000 (before $3,750 tax credit).
This all-EV newcomer from California delivers some of the most excellent craftsmanship and technology. The R1 Shop now offers more off-the-shelf choices than before, but access to its first two vehicles—the R1T truck and R1S SUV—has been hindered by lengthy wait periods. However, manufacturing has increased.
Still, these high-end cars are excellent on their own. “The Rivian R1T just blew my mind, and I’m not a truck person,” Joire adds. “It drives like a sports car; it’s comfortable, great tech.” PCMag Editors’ Choice Award was given to it.
Depending on who you ask, the dash screen is as nice or better than Tesla’s. Routine OTA updates every few months add several enhancements and new features. Rivian Drive+ refers to the autonomous functions that are standard on all cars. It comes with intelligent cruise control, highway driving assistance, and lane assist.
YouTuber Marques Brownlee recently praised the R1S, saying, “Being electric, it’s the quietest, most responsive, most efficient, and has the most space compared to any other SUV.” “If the mission is to make a great car that’s the most fun for people who don’t have a budget, I don’t think there’s much else I’d take over this one.”
The front sections of the R1T pickup and R1S SUV are the same (seats, dash, and unique headlamps), but the R1S has an additional row of seats while the R1T has a conventional truck bed.
Ten driving modes, including an All Purpose Mode, are something Rivian is proud of. Drivers may engage in more agile handling and reduce car clearance by selecting choices like Sport Mode on the dash screen. To prevent getting trapped, Snow Mode slows acceleration. When you use Pet Comfort, your car will maintain your pet’s ideal temperature and alert onlookers when you place a paw print on the dash before getting out.
Regarding charging, Rivian is expanding its Adventure Network, which will eventually include 3,500 200kW chargers positioned in outdoor leisure locations. The Rivian app allows drivers to remotely switch on the AC and heat, lock or unlock the car, and locate it.
lucid: Best Electric Vehicle Brands
Lucid EV Lineup (Price and Range of Base Model)
- Lucid Air Pure: $87,400; a range of 410 miles
- Lucid Air Touring: $425 miles for $107,400
- Lucid Air Grand Touring: $516 miles for $138,000.
- Future Releases: Lucid Air Sapphire in 2023 and Lucid Gravity SUV in 2024
Range, range, and content are what Lucid offers. Founded in 2009, this California-based electric vehicle business now provides three 400–500 mile range Lucid Air sedan variants. Later this year, the Lucid Air Sapphire, the Air lineup’s fourth and final member, will be available.
With a remarkable 516-mile range, the Air Grand Touring received great reviews from Newcomb in PCMag’s judgment for its opulent feel, quick handling, and rapid charging. Joire concurs, saying, “It’s got to be the greatest EV I’ve ever driven, the Lucid Air. Very, very nice.” Despite being one of the priciest EV brands available, Lucid’s range surpasses that of rivals such as Bill Gates’ Porsche Taycan, which begins at $90,900 and has a half-mile range (208 miles).
Lucid plans to add the new Gravity SUV to its portfolio if funding is available next year. “More aerodynamic than any SUV the world has ever seen, Gravity distances itself from the competition with a previously unattainable combination of supercar performance and seating for up to seven adults,” Lucid states. “Lucid Gravity also promises more range than any other EV on the market—other than its stablemate, Lucid Air.”
Uncertain About Which Brand to Select? Think About Renting
With the market constantly changing, you may want to think about taking a less committed approach to testing out new EVs. This is especially useful for accurately determining how much range your lifestyle requires since most customers tend to overestimate.
“You shouldn’t just consider price when evaluating an EV’s range or assume that the model with the longest range is the only option,” advises Stevens. “In addition to considering if they’re lucky enough to be able to charge at home, people should think about how often and how far they travel. It’s crucial to step outside, look at the automobiles, and try to drive them so you can choose the one that best fits your style.
Leasing is the most efficient option compared to purchasing. Thanks to a legal loophole, you may even get the entire $7,500 tax credit while leasing, resulting in cheaper monthly payments. To be very honest, I advise leasing. Everything is changing so quickly that you shouldn’t have an EV for more than three years, suggests Joire.
In contrast, EV subscriptions provide cars for a few months rather than the standard two- or three-year lease. Using an Autonomy app subscription to drive a Tesla for a month taught me a lot. Hyundai also has a new EV subscription service. However, it’s unavailable everywhere since it’s still early.
It’s an exciting moment to test drive an electric car and be a pioneer in this uncommon transportation revolution, whether you choose to purchase or lease one. Please share in the comments which brand you would consider if you were in the market.
