The Best Electric Vehicles of 2021
Check out our list ranking the best 2021 electric cars, from the affordable Hyundai Kona Electric to the luxury Porsche Taycan.
Written by John Pickhaver
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Ready to make the switch to an electric car? Maybe you’ve had your eye on the stylish yet affordable Tesla Model 3. Or perhaps you want an EV with some muscle like the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Whatever it is, we’ve got you covered with our list ranking the top electric vehicles 2021!
With each passing year, there are more and more electric vehicles on the road. If you’re ready to swap out your old gas-powered car for a state-of-the-art EV, or you just want to know more about what the future of driving looks like, then refer to our list of the best electric vehicles of 2021.
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Best affordable: Hyundai Kona Electric
Starting MSRP: $37,390
EPA-estimated range: 258 miles
Relatively new to the EV market,
Hyundai
is making an impact with its stellar EV line-up. There’s a lot to love about Hyundai’s electric vehicles, but the one thing we love most is the price, and that brings us to the Kona Electric. The Hyundai Kona Electric has a modest range, especially for its price point. At 258 miles per charge, this crossover outlasts some of the most sought-after electric vehicles on the road today. And because it’s similar in size to a small SUV, the Kona Electric has plenty of interior space while being less expensive than many of its smaller sedan competitors.
The Kona Electric also comes with a top-notch Hyundai warranty that will leave you feeling confident and secure with your new EV purchase.
Key Takeaway Want to make your electric car more affordable? Ask your dealer about federal and state tax credits that apply to the Kona—depending on your state, you may be able to score an even better deal!
Best mid-size: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Starting MSRP: $42,895
EPA-estimated range: 305 miles
Ford
may be newer to the EV market, but they are putting their nearly 120 years of experience in the automobile industry to great use when it comes to their electric models. Perhaps none are more exciting than the Ford Mustang Mach-E
. The Mach-E maintains the style and spirit of the
Mustang
along with much of its significant horsepower capabilities, but it trades away its gas-guzzling reputation for pure EV power—305 miles of driving range to be exact—making it one of the hottest muscle cars on the road today. The Mach-E is also available in a number of configurations, including with rear- or all-wheel drive, and it has a comfortable interior loaded with user-friendly technology, creating a smooth and enjoyable ride.
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Best full size: Tesla Model S
Starting MSRP: $91,190
EPA-estimated range: 405 miles
When you think of an electric car, there’s no doubt
Tesla
races through your mind. Tesla’s Model S
is the flagship car for the EV titan. The Model S is the undisputed champion of range with the 2021 model boasting an astounding 405 miles on a single charge. If you only plan on stopping every 400 miles, just know that you will be comfortable the entire way in this full-size car's roomy interior. Plus, if you're packing for a road trip, the Model S has plenty of storage for all your luggage and gear.
The Model S may be known for its range, but it also outshines its class in almost every other area. No doubt this is a fun and sleek car to drive, and because it’s a Tesla, it’s got the power and performance to make it an electric vehicle of both style and substance.
Oh, and did we mention the Model S goes from 0 to 60 in 2.07 seconds?!
Key Takeaway There’s a reason Elon Musk is at the forefront of the EV industry, no other automaker combines range and speed quite like Tesla.
Best compact: Mini Cooper SE
Starting MSRP: $30,750
EPA-estimated range: 110 miles
The
Mini Cooper SE
is hands down our pick for the best compact car. Mini Cooper has always been a fun car, and its new EV capabilities make it, well, more fun! Have you seen the electrical-socket-style wheels? So cool! It’s true that the Mini Cooper SE won’t give you the range of a Tesla, but it won’t take long to charge it back up due to its 50-kilowatt fast charger. All you need to do is take a mini 30-minute break, and you’ll be all the way back to an 80% charge.
Finally, this small-size car also comes with a small-size price tag, allowing for a more affordable way into the EV market.
Best SUV: Volkswagen ID.4
Starting MSRP: $41,190
EPA-estimated range: 240 to 260 miles
If you were holding out on an electric vehicle because you didn’t think there were enough SUV options, then look no further than the
Volkswagen ID.4
. This compact SUV from the German automaker sets the standard for its class. And man, did it set the standard high! Beyond its stunning and aerodynamic looks, the ID.4 can last an impressive 260 miles on a single charge with fast-charging capabilities to boot. The ID.4 also ranks high on our list when it comes to driving performance.
Its available all-wheel-drive technology means you get a second electric motor at the front wheels, providing for both quicker acceleration and intelligent handling that distributes the extra power where it’s most needed.
This tech-savvy EV also offers an ultra-spacious cabin where it houses an impressive number of standard features to enhance your driving experience.
Best luxury: Porsche Taycan
Starting MSRP: $81,250
EPA-estimated range: 227 miles
No one drives more luxurious, future-focused cars than James Bond, so it’s no wonder that the secret agent opted for a
Porsche
when he made the switch to an EV. Sure, 007’s model may not be available for sale (unless you are indeed a British spy!), but the Porsche Taycan is a beyond-excellent choice that we’re giving two thumbs WAY up!The iconic Porsche style is preserved in this futuristic-looking EV which should please any Porsche aficionado. If there’s one thing this luxury EV could improve upon it would be its range, but even at 227 miles per charge, it's still miles ahead of other EV competitors.
The Taycan does live up to the ferocious speeds of its gas-powered siblings, so you know you can always make up time after a charge. Speaking of charge, that’s perhaps the fastest aspect of this sports EV. Equipped with an 800-volt charging system, the Taycan can regain power quicker than just about any EV on the market.
Key Takeaway The Porsche Taycan may be the king when it comes to luxury but you’ll need to plan accordingly for longer trips with its relatively short battery life.
Honorable mentions
Tesla Model 3
Starting MSRP: $39,990
EPA-estimated range: 263 to 353 miles
When you think of
Tesla
, you think of luxury. But when it comes to the Tesla Model 3
you can also think of affordability, which makes this particular model attractive to more buyers looking to add a Tesla to their garage. While it may not have all the features of some of Tesla's other models, this electric car can still perform.
The Tesla Model 3 has a powerful range that can keep you on the road for over 350 miles (263 on the base model), giving it best-in-class range. The interior may be a bit minimalist for some, but the Model 3’s large windows and glass roof keeps the focus on the outside with its panoramic-like views.
Plus, what it lacks in bells and whistles, it exceeds in comfort with its spacious interior keeping you and your passengers relaxed on the road 300 miles at a time.
Chevrolet Bolt
Starting MSRP: $37,495
EPA-estimated range: 259 miles
The
Chevrolet Bolt’s
low price tag makes it an attractive buy if you’re on the fence about making the switch to an electric vehicle. It may not be the fanciest EV on the market, but the Bolt boasts a range of 259 miles, and you can opt for DC fast-charging capability to gain 100 miles of range every 30 minutes at Level 3 charging stations. Its hatchback design gives this American EV a sportier finish that will look as great in your driveway as it is for the environment.
Kia Niro EV
Starting MSRP: $44,650
EPA-estimated range: 239 miles
The
Kia Niro
combines range and high-tech features into a sharp-looking crossover SUV at an affordable price point. With 239 miles on a single charge, the Kia Niro EV keeps you going farther than many of its direct competitors. The Niro EV offers solid drive performance that is further improved with a number of drive-assist technologies. It’s a great everyday commuter EV for any driver looking to go green.
How to find car insurance for your electric vehicle
If you’re ready to buy one of these 2021 electric cars, you’ll need more than just a charging station. You need the car insurance policy that is right for you and your new EV!
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