Gas prices are astronomical these days, and it's time to consider going electric. While the initial investment cost might be steeper with an electric car for certain options, the long-term payoff is worth it. Not every EV is expensive, either. 

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Electric cars are convenient, cost less to drive, and are much quieter to operate than other types of vehicles. They're also one of the best options on the road to environmental sustainability because they do not emit exhaust gases. Electric vehicles have the potential to transform transportation and mitigate air pollution in cities.

Whether your reasons are environmental, economic, or anything in between, we got you covered with the best electric cars. There are many options out there, so my priority is to highlight innovation as well as efficiency. 

Also: The best affordable electric cars

Tesla Model 3

Best electric car overall

Tesla Pros & Cons Pros

• Key card and app
• Amazing level of control through the app
• Lock valuables in the glovebox
• Two wireless chargers
• Rear heated seats, including the middle seat

Cons

• Pricey compared to other options
• Earliest estimated delivery in six months
• Back windows open halfway

More Details

Features: 132 MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent)Estimated charging cost per year: $500 Up to 334 miles on a single chargeMax speed:145 mph  Accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.2 secondsMax power:430 hp Full self-driving capability (autopilot, auto lane change, autopark, and more) with a$12,000 upgradePrice: $42,990 (rear wheel drive),$53,990 (dual-motor, AWD)

The Tesla Model 3 was one of the top-selling electric cars of 2022, with good reason. It combines functionality with innovation at a higher price point. Cars usually depreciate in value over time but used Tesla prices show the opposite.

I once ordered a Lyft, and the driver showed up in a Model 3. I had no idea how to open the door. I didn't know right away that you had to press one side, and the other popped open as a handle. Once I was inside, I was blown away by the comfort of the car, the roof that took panoramic to another level, and the large touchscreen that the driver was using to navigate. 

The car has futuristic features, like autopark and auto lane change (part of the$12,000 upgrade to full self-driving capability). It's expensive but a solid investment with some cool perks.

Take the Tesla key card, for example. It's a sleek black card that fits perfectly into your wallet: Forget your keys no longer! If you have more than one Tesla, spanning different models, you can use your one specific key card to unlock them all. If you lose the key card, you can delete it from the car and order a replacement for$25. 

Say you forget to tap your card on your Tesla to lock it -- the car has a walk-away feature that detects when you walk away and locks automatically (watch YouTuber POGAuto demonstrate here). If you leave the windows open, the car will automatically close them for you when it locks. You can also control the car from the Tesla app, opening and closing the trunk, flashing the lights just in case you're in a dark space and need to locate it, and much more. If you've ever had that moment of "oh no, I think I left my trunk open," this is the car for you.

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Polestar 2

Best Google-enabled electric car

Polestar Pros & Cons Pros

• First car with Google built-in
• Digital driver display is user-friendly
• Full charge in 8 hours on a 3-phase 16A (11 kW) home charging station
• Frameless door mirrors move as a unit
• Spacious trunk

Cons

• Not as roomy as Tesla Model 3
• Back windows only go down halfway
• Heavier than the Tesla Model 3

More Details

Features: 107 MPGe (miles per gallon gasoline-equivalent)Estimated charging cost per year:$600 Up to 270 miles on a single chargeMax speed:127 mphMax power:408 hp Tow up to 2,000 lbs Accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.2 secondsPrice:Starts at$40,900 before federal tax credit

If you want something different from a Tesla Model 3 but with similar specs and a comparable driving experience, look no further than the Polestar 2. This sleek electric vehicle has a panoramic roof and an Android tablet screen that connects seamlessly to Google Maps with no need for a phone connection -- and it features Spotify, a radio, and a "Hey Google" function, too. 

You can even control the heated front seats (included) and the car's temperature from the tablet. Also included with the driving experience is a digital driver display behind the steering wheel with multiple views that helps you navigate without being distracted by your phone. 

Read the review: An electrifying weekend with the Polestar 2

Speaking of phones, you can actually open this car with your phone! Just download the free Polestar app, link it to your Polestar ID, and safely unlock your car by touching the door handle. You can even set the car's temperature in advance -- perfect for hot days when your car feels like an oven or cold days when you need to warm up.

When it comes to the car's design, Polestar has its design roots in Volvo, which can be seen in subtle choices throughout the vehicle. The audio is also top-notch. The system delivers 250 watts through eight speakers, including one mounted underneath the hood, just underneath the windshield.

The Polestar 2 holds its own as an electric car with top-of-the-line features. 

Video review: A comprehensive, entertaining walkthrough of this vehicle

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Lucid Air

Best luxury electric car

Lucid Pros & Cons Pros

• Up to 520 miles per charge means an unrivaled range
• Only takes 20 minutes to charge the car up to 300 miles
• Distinctive design that doesn't look like anything else on the road
• Car of the Year award

Cons

• Expensive
• Slight delays in screen responsiveness
• Most drivers don't need that much horsepower

More Details

Features: 131 MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent)Estimated charging cost per year:$500 Up to 520 miles per chargeMax speed:168 mphMax power:1,111 hp Accelerates from 0-60 mph in 2.5 secondsPrice: $87,500, with certain editions (the Air Dream and the Air Grand Touring) qualifying for up to$7,500 federal tax credit

This car won the prestigious 2022 MotorTrends Car of the Year award for a reason -- it's incredibly powerful in both range and horsepower. You get up to 520 miles per charge, and it only takes 20 minutes to charge the car up to 300 miles. The car is made of sustainable materials and has the option of a glass canopy roof. 

Its staggering 1,111 hp max power is more than double that of the Polestar 2 and the Tesla Model 3, and that max power finds a perfect complement in the 2.5-second acceleration time needed to get from 0-60 mph. 

I admired the dashboard display on the Polestar 2, but the Lucid Air takes it to a higher level with a 34-inch, 5K glass cockpit display, a 21-speaker surreal sound system, and Alexa-enabled voice commands. 

The only downside is the luxury price range for this line of electric vehicles. The Lucid Air Pure starts at$87,400 while the most expensive option of the lot, the Lucid Air Dream Edition, starts at an eye-watering$169,000. 

Still, this car won came out on top compared to other cars, electric or otherwise, to secure the car of the Year award. The criteria included efficiency, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence, safety, and performance.

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Chevrolet Bolt

Best affordable electric car

Chevrolet Pros & Cons Pros

• Free Level 2 home charging outlet installation
• myChevrolet mobile app tells you to charge
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and built-in Alexa
• Comes with Chevy Safety Assist

Cons

• Only has 200 hp
• Six-speaker audio system not the most powerful

More Details

Features: 120 MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent)Estimated charging cost per year: $550 Up to 259 miles on a single chargeMax speed:90.1 mphMax power:200 hp Accelerates 0-60 in 6.5 secondsPrice: $26,595

This car costs roughly the same to charge per year as a Tesla and has a 120 MPGe, which sets it apart as a highly efficient EV -- and yet it's more affordable than cars with similar stats. 

The standard model comes with Chevy Safety Assist, which has front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, distance indicator for a vehicle you're following, and auto high beams that adjust to traffic conditions. That's a considerable amount of value for the standard model price tag.

Chevy will install a Level 2 charging outlet in your home for free if you purchase or lease a 2022 Bolt EV or EUV. If you go on a road trip, download the myChevrolet mobile app to calculate when and where you'll need to charge along the way -- and find those needed charging stations, too. The app uses the vehicle's current battery level and real-time weather to alert you when to stop and charge the car when you're on the road. It also automatically changes its recommendations when driving conditions change. 

The 8-inch graphic display behind the driving wheel shows you essential driver information, like the battery range. There's another screen above the radio, a built-in tablet, that wirelessly connects to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so that you can stay connected. The icing on the cake is a built-in Alexa that responds to every question and command. This car incorporates the essential high-tech features of luxury options at an accessible price point.

The 2023 Bolt is cheaper than the comparable Nissan Leaf and has a significantly higher driving range. It also has a 56.6 cubic feet cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down compared to the Leaf's 30 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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Hyundai Kona Electric

Best electric SUV

Hyundai Pros & Cons Pros

• 8-inch touchscreen display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for your phone
• Audio and digital controls mounted to steering wheel
• Can upgrade to the Hyundai Digital Key, which allows you to control your car from your phone

Cons

• Doesn't have the power or acceleration ability of other options on this list
• Upgrading to the convenience package costs an additional$3,500

More Details

Features: 120 MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent)Estimated charging cost per year: $550 Up to 258 miles on one chargeMax speed:103.8 mphMax power:201 hpPrice: $35,295, minus a federal tax credit up to$7,500

The Kona Electric is a formidable all-electric SUV that prioritizes safety and comfort. The steering wheel has mounted audio and cruise controls, the basic package comes with an 8-inch color touchscreen display for audio, and there's a push-button to start.

There are some class-exclusive features of the Kona that aren't available on the Chevy Bolt EUV, like the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Class exclusive safety features include Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. The vehicle can also avoid forward collisions with a pedestrian detect feature and monitor your driving patterns to detect drowsy or inattentive driving. 

The convenience package is$3,500, and it gives you access to some of the perks that higher-end electric vehicles have, including heated front seats, a sunroof, LED interior lighting, and the Hyundai Digital Key, which is an app on your phone that you can use to control your car.

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What is the best electric car?

You can't go wrong with a Tesla Model 3. It gives you the best MPGe and has a low charging cost per year, making it the most efficient model.

EV	Price	MPGe	Annual Charging Cost
Tesla Model 3	$40,390	132 MPGe	$500/year
Polestar 2	$40,900	107 MPGe	$600/year
Lucid Air	$87,500	131 MPGe	$500/year
Chevrolet Bolt	$26,595	120 MPGe	$550/year
Hyundai Kona Electric	$35,295	120 MPGe	$550/year

Which is the right electric car for you?

Maybe you need an SUV or an affordable car or maybe you're in the market for something more luxurious. The right electric car for you depends on your budget and the features you absolutely cannot live without.

Choose this EV...	If you want...
Tesla Model 3	Top-notch design and innovation
Polestar 2	Affordable innovation
Lucid Air	The most luxurious option
Chevrolet Bolt	The most affordable option
Hyundai Kona Electric	An all-electric SUV

How did we choose these electric cars?

I looked at MPGe, affordability, charging cost, acceleration time, power, and innovation in terms of out-of-the-box features that set one car apart from another. Electric cars are highly innovative vehicles, and I wanted to make sure to highlight the pros and cons of each one. 

Some of these factors might mean more to you than the others, so I tried to cast a wide net for specs, but not too wide that you were drowning in details, like available colors or wheel size. The pricing for these EVs could vary depending on the dealer, the configuration you choose, and delivery time. I set apart MPGe and charging costs in a comparison table. 

What is the No. 1 selling electric car?

You guessed it -- it's the Tesla Model 3, with over a million units sold. The Nissan Leaf comes in second, with half a million units. 

You can get the Model 3 with rear-wheel drive or dual motor all-wheel drive. Adding enhanced autopilot costs$6,000 and full self-driving capability costs$15,000. The Model 3 long range will be available this year. 

Which EV is the best value for the money?

I was impressed by the Chevy Bolt -- it packs in a lot of value and prioritizes safety. Also, the free Level 2 charging installation at home is a welcome perk. The Bolt is not the most fuel-effective car or the flashiest, but it does eliminate tailpipe emissions like any EV and it gives you tremendous cost savings. One thing to keep in mind is that the low price is due, in part, to the 2021 Bolt EV recall. Chevy cut prices for the 2022 model and cut prices even more for the 2023 model. 

How long do electric cars last?

An electric car battery usually lasts 10-20 years before it needs to be replaced, but EV manufacturers usually guarantee a shorter time frame of up to eight years. The battery is the most important aspect to consider, followed by special parts for EVs that may not be readily available at repair shops. 

The batteries for EVs need lithium, copper, cobalt, and other metals that take effort to mine. Making an EV releases the same amount of CO2 as making a non-EV. Even though the environmental aspects are debated, an EV lasts for a long time and most have long warranty periods.

Are there alternative EVs worth considering?

Yes, there are! You can access a mix of luxury and affordable options below. These are all as high-efficiency as the top five, meaning that they have comparable MPGe values and cost to charge per year.

BEST PRICE

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is a widely popular electric car, with over half a million units sold in 2022. 

View at Carvana

BEST PRICE

BMW i4

If you're a BMW loyalist, this sporty electric car has everything you already love and more.

View at Carvana

BEST PRICE

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 is an absolute joy to drive, and 's Jason Perlow test drove it last year: check it out.

View at Carvana

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