The future is electrical, but with so many options out there it’s hard to know the best electric car to buy in 2024.
It’s evident that EVs are experiencing a major surge in popularity, as the world becomes more concerned with environmental sustainability, consumers are turning to electric cars as a cleaner alternative.
EVs are emission-free plus offer significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
And with more and more manufacturers entering the EV market, there are some seriously cool cars emerging.
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The best way to buy an electric car is by considering several key factors.
The electric range is one of the most important considerations, with road trip regulars needing a longer range than those looking for a daily commuting car.
Next, look at the EV charging networks to ensure you’ll have peace of mind while embarking on longer trips.
The upfront cost of electric cars may be higher than conventional cars, but it will work out cheaper in the long run.
Besides lower maintenance costs, many governments offer incentives for EV buyers.
Whether you’re looking for the cheapest Tesla car for sale or the best electric SUV to buy, these are our top picks.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Hyundai has earned a reputation as the leader in the EV market, and the Ioniq 6 cements its place there.
The sedan offers the option of either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, along with a selection between two battery packs.
The larger of these packs boasts an EPA-estimated driving range of 361 miles, which is more impressive than even the Tesla Model 3.
The standard Ioniq 6 produces 149 horsepower, which increases to 225 when equipped with the Long Range battery pack.
The RWD Long Range can reach 60 mph in 6.2 seconds while the AWD Long Range takes 4.3 seconds.
The interior is just as sleek and stylish as the body, with light leather seats, a digital gauge cluster, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
The car also has a lighting system that turns it into a huge moving mood ring.
It reads the driver’s heart rate through the steering wheel and adjusts the interior lighting accordingly.
Tesla Model 3
The Performance version of the Tesla Model 3 is highly anticipated, set to be released later this year.
In the meantime, the best Tesla Model 3 to buy is the 2024 version.
It’s a pleasure to drive, both with and without the Autopilot feature.
The base model is the cheapest Model 3 to buy and has a 272-mile range while the Long Range is 341 miles.
The Model 3 is ideal for people who want the complete Tesla experience without needing the top-tier model in the lineup.
Nissan Leaf
While not the most impressive car performance-wise, the Leaf gets a special mention for being one of the most quality cheap EVs out there.
It’s the best electric car to buy if you’re looking for reliability and affordability.
Launched in 2008, the 2024 model will mark the end of the Leaf series, available in two variants: the standard Leaf S and the Leaf SV.
The S has a 147-horsepower electric motor and a 40.0-kWh battery pack while the SV has a bit more power, producing 214 horsepower with a 62.0-kWh battery.
The larger battery has a range of 215 miles, while the smaller model has a range of 149 miles
The Leaf’s interior is ultra-spacious and comfortable, featuring black leather seats and an 8.0-inch infotainment display.
The Leaf won’t be winning any races or admiring glances, but it provides a simple, stylish, and incredibly affordable way to access a great electric car.
Audi Q6 SUV e-tron
Audi’s newest member to its fully-electric SUV family is the Q6 e-tron.
This model is built upon an advanced EV platform known as the Premium Platform Electric (PPE).
This platform is shared with Porsche, which will be utilizing it in the Macan 4 Electric too.
The Q6 features the world’s first active digital light signature, allowing owners to customize their EVs like never before.
The interior boasts many special features including ambient lighting, keyless entry, speakers built into the headrest, and a passenger screen with a digital blind so as not to distract the driver.
Q6’s battery can go from 10 to 80% in 21 minutes and can drive up to 381 miles before needing a recharge.
Porsche Macan 4 Electric
Porsche’s second-ever electric vehicle is available as a Macan 4 and a Turbo Macan.
It boasts incredibly efficient charging, achieving 10 to 80% charge in just over 20 minutes.
The range of the Macan 4 is 380 miles, while the Turbo can reach 367 miles.
The base model can reach 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, has a top speed of 136 mph, and produces 402 horsepower.
The more powerful Turbo accelerates to 60 in just 3.1 seconds, maxing out at 161 mph and generating 630 horsepower.
This EV includes the new Porsche UI which comes with a built-in Voice Pilot, activated by saying “Hey Porsche.”
BMW i4
BMW’s first all-electric Grand Coupe has impressed car enthusiasts already with its long-range, luxurious interior and performance driving.
This EV is available in four configurations, from the entry-level eDrive35 to the high-performance M50.
The most affordable model reaches ranges of up to 300 miles and goes from a 10 to 80% charge in 31 minutes.
With white leather upholstery, light wood details and the option to add rose gold trim too, the interior is suitably luxurious.
This is the first BMW to feature a huge seamless display that takes up two-thirds of the dashboard.
The dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain of the M50 produces 536 horsepower while the more humble eDrive35 generates 282 horsepower.
These beautiful BMWs are certainly the best electric cars to buy right now.
BMW backs its selection of EVs so much that it’s willing to offer $1,000 cash to anyone who trades in a competitor’s EV for a BMW.
If you can hold out until 2025, keep your eyes peeled for the Vision Neue Klasse X which can recharge 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The second generation of the Kona Electric is certainly striking in a bold shade of acid yellow with futuristic stylings.
One of the best EV SUVs to buy, it was recently used in an experiment with a wireless charger, in which it was able to charge to 50% in just 20 minutes.
Two battery packs are offered with the smaller offering producing 133 horsepower and the larger 201 horsepower.
The 2024 model is longer and wider than previous models, making more room for a bigger battery and a comfortable interior.
The Kona Electric is amongst the most affordable electric cars for sale right now.
Its range is solid, with the smaller battery pack reaching 200 miles and the bigger one able to go 260 miles before needing a charge.
While the previous generation had an 8.0-inch display, this one’s been seriously upgraded to two 12.3-inch touch screens.
Tesla Model Y
Tesla is a key player in the electric car market, and for good reason.
The Model Y is the company’s global best-seller.
With dual motor all-wheel-drive, it lends itself to both nipping out for errands and traversing rocky terrains on the weekends.
Tesla prioritizes safety with features like Forward Collision Warning, Active Emergency Braking and Lane Departure avoidance all included.
There’s also the feature that makes your Tesla safe for dogs.
The 2024 Tesla Model Y is widely considered the top pick for the best electric car to buy in 2024, with no redesigns expected for at least another year.
The RWD model has a range of 260 miles while the Long Range model can go for 310 miles.
The Performance is more expensive but more exciting, able to reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a 279-mile range.
Rivian’s impact in 2024
Rivian might not be the first name that springs to mind when thinking of the best electric car to buy right now.
However, it has emerged as a prominent player in the EV market, rolling out innovative technology and unique designs.
Rivian focuses on electric adventure vehicles, going head-to-head with EVs like the Cybertruck with its off-road capabilities.
The Southern California-based company is responsible for the wild-looking safari truck, the R1S aka the ‘Cybertruck killer’ SUV and one of the coolest pickup trucks in the world.
Rivian just unveiled a new fleet of EVs, all of which are really good electric cars to buy right now.
The R2 is a smaller and more affordable version of the R1, and is the first Rivian to be available outside of North America and in Europe.
The R3 is its smaller and more affordable cousin and looks more like a crossover than a full SUV.
The surge in popularity of electric cars is undeniable, strengthened by the fact that numerous countries are phasing out the sale of new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles.
As consumers’ attitudes shift towards sustainability and technology advances, EVs are set to undergo an evolution.
Thanks to developments like solid-state batteries and improved energy density, future EVs will boast enhanced range, faster charging times, and better performance, alleviating concerns like range anxiety.
Autonomous driving will soon be the norm in EVs, with vehicles offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and autonomous parking.
The expansion of fast-charging infrastructure is rapidly underway, with companies investing in high-power networks, and we will see a rise in charging stations along highways and in urban areas.
Another innovation is the emergence of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing EVs to supply excess energy back to the grid.
More money than ever is being poured into EV development, resulting in inventions like a battery that can charge an EV in five minutes and a road that charges cars as they drive on it.
The environmental benefits of EVs are clear, offering reduced emissions and a step towards a more sustainable future.
Today’s EVs not only benefit the planet but also offer driving experiences on par with, if not better than, conventional vehicles.
Whether you’re looking for the luxury of the Porsche Macan 4 Electric or the affordable simplicity of the Nissan Leaf, there’s never been a better time to buy the best electric car for you.
We’ll all join the electric revolution someday, so why not get a head start?
