Best Electric Car Models [Top Rated EVs for 2024]

Best Electric Vehicles

Today, there are EVs of all sizes, body types, and capabilities, with pricing ranging from $30,000 to nearly $200,000.

There is an EV for every buyer, but with so many options, someone who is new to the electric world might have a hard time knowing where to start shopping.

To help with that effort, we have put together this piece looking at the best electric vehicles in many different categories.

Read about how we rank our vehicles >>

EV Winners in Each Category

CategoryWinner
Longest Range EVLucid Air Grand Touring
Best Electric SUVTesla Model Y LR
Best Electric TruckRivian R1-T
Best OverallTesla Model X

Note About Electric Vehicles

The electric vehicle segment is growing like no other group in the automotive industry.

See the latest EV stats & trends here >>

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While some automakers are hesitant to go all-in on EVs, the combination of government regulations, environmental concerns and the popularity of the all-electric Tesla brand have led every company that sells vehicles in the United States to develop battery-powered models.

The upsides to the boom in the number of electric vehicles on the market include an increase in range capabilities, more different types of EVs, and more affordable models.

The first EVs were predominantly compact cars with a relatively low range like the original Nissan Leaf. The first higher mileage EVs were Tesla sedans, which were far more expensive and far too expensive for many drivers.

For quite a while, if you were buying an EV, you were either buying a low cost, low range compact or a high priced, high performance and high range sedan.

Longest Range EVs

Many models offer at least 300 miles of range on a single charge. That allows even those folks with the longest commute the option of an all-electric daily driver that won’t require a midday recharge.

1. Lucid Air Grand Touring

Lucid Air Grand Touring

All Lucid models boast impressive range thanks to their top-tier electric motor technology, with the Grand Touring model surpassing the 500-mile mark, establishing a new range standard.

Although the high-end Lucid Air comes with a six-figure price tag, making it unattainable for many, it sets a precedent and paves the way for the future of electric vehicles.

2. Rivian R1S/R1T Max Pack

Rivian R1SIn 2024, two new automakers leading in range underscore the EV sector's swift progress and the importance of range. Rivian's R1, in truck and SUV forms, upgraded its battery in late 2023 to achieve around 400 miles, up from 350, a significant figure though still trailing the Tesla Model S. Rivian also offers fast charging over 200kW and is expanding its charging network for its adventure-focused vehicles.

The range increase comes with a $10,000 premium over the previous trim, which offers 352 miles per charge, making the upgrade's value dependent on individual travel needs and location.

See all our picks for the longest range EVs >>


Best Electric SUVs

Most automakers that offer electric vehicles have an EV SUV in their lineup, so there is a large spread in pricing. Some of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market are SUVs, but at the same time, you can pay big money for a luxurious Tesla or Audi.

1. Tesla Model Y LR AWD

Tesla-Model-Y-LR-AWD-Best-Electric-VehiclesThe Model Y is the smaller of the two Tesla EVs, but it outshines the competitors in several key areas. It offers 68 cubic feet of cargo space, a 3,500-pound towing capacity, and a range of 326 miles – beating all other vehicles in our electric SUV comparison.

Best of all, Model Y LR AWD pricing starts below $60,000, so while it is more expensive than the options from Ford or Volkswagen, it offers more capabilities of every kind.

2. Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S

Volkswagen-ID.4-Pro-S-Best-Electric-VehiclesThe Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S has 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space, it can tow 2,200 pounds, and it has a range of 250 miles.

Those figures are all well below the Tesla, but they exceed the capabilities of other SUVs on the market and most importantly, you can get into the all-electric VW for around $45,000.

See all our picks for the best electric SUVs >>


Best Electric Trucks

The popularity of trucks and the popularity of EVs would suggest the need for electric pickups, but there are a few issues. They are everything that the average EV is not, but several automakers have figured out a way to make it work.

1. Rivian R1-T

Rivian-R1-T-Best-Electric-VehiclesThe Rivian R1-T was the first large truck to come to market and the young company set the bar high. Their truck delivers 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque with four electric motors that send power to all four wheels.

The truck has achieved around 315 miles of range on a single charge in media testing, but more importantly, it has a 4.5-foot cargo bed and the ability to tow 11,000 pounds with a price starting at $67,500.

2. Ford F-150 Lightning

Ford-F-150-Lightning-Best-Electric-VehiclesThe Ford F-150 Lightning is expected to hit dealerships later this year and when it does, the Rivian R1-T will have its first real competitor. The all-electric F-150 is expected to offer around 300 miles with the extended range battery and a 10,000-pound towing capacity, but it should cost far less than the Rivian.

Ford will have commercial models starting under $40,000 while nicely equipped consumer models will start in the low-$50,000 range.

See all our picks for the best EV trucks >>


What Is the Best Electric Vehicle Brand?

Best EV BrandTesla has sold more electric vehicles than any other automaker in the past decade and while they don’t have a truck yet, they offer models in the other key American segments. With their four core models, they cover midsize SUVs, large SUVs, midsize sedans, and large sedan groups, while every other company works to catch up.

They have higher prices than many other EVs, but Tesla models offer the best electric range and performance in each of their respective segments.

 

Check out this month's best EV finance and lease deals >>

What Is the Best All-Around Electric Vehicle?

Best Choice EV ModelThe Tesla Model X is the best all-around electric vehicle on the market today. It has seating for up to seven people, the seating can be configured for a ton of cargo space, it has a range of up to 335 miles, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and in its premium form, the Model X Plaid packs 1,020 horsepower and the ability to sprint to 60 in just 2.5 seconds.

Room for passengers, room for cargo, premium luxury amenities, over a thousand horsepower, and the ability to tow most common trailers all come together to make the Model X the best all-around EV.