The Mustang Mach-E is part of a wave of new EVs coming in the next year. However, if you want one now, there are plenty of options.
This could be a very big year for the electric vehicle market – at least if the coronavirus epidemic and Wall Street crash don’t short-circuit overall U.S. new car sales. There is an assortment of all-new battery-electric vehicles heading to showrooms before the end of 2020, including products as diverse as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Porsche Taycan and Volkswagen ID.4, to name just a few.
But why wait? If you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid or all-electric model there are a substantial number of offerings already available, including the new Tesla Model Y, the California carmaker scheduled to start delivering the new SUV this week.
Here’s a look at all the options available right now – though do beware that some products, such as the Honda Clarity EV, are being pulled from production, as manufacturers shift from limited-range, first generation models to new long-range alternatives. Also note that the prices shown are before federal and state incentives – though some brands, notably Tesla, have either lost federal tax credits or will see theirs phase out.
(Kia planning 11 all-electric models by 2025.)
Audi e-tron
Audi e-tron. The German luxury brand’s first all-electric model is able to deliver 204 miles per charge, according to the EPA. It’s reasonably sporty, with a two-motor all-wheel-drive setup making 402 horsepower. Base price is $74,800. Expect to soon see several other BEVs from Audi, starting with the sleeker e-tron Sportback. One big plus with the e-tron is how quickly it can charge up with the newest high-speed quick-chargers.
BMW i3
BMW i3. BMW was an early pioneer in plug-based vehicles, starting with this all-electric city car. With its super-light carbon-fiber body, it can manage 153 miles per charge thanks to a recent battery-pack upgrade. There’s also an optional range-extended version, the i3 Rex, though that version may soon be dropped. Power ranges from 170 to 181 hp, prices starting at $44,450.
Chevy Bolt
Chevrolet Bolt EV. General Motors plans to have 20 all-electric models in production by 2023 and we’ll see now offerings from brands like Cadillac and GMC over the coming year. The only model currently available is the Bolt hatchback which manages 259 miles per charge after a recent battery upgrade. This front-wheel-drive BEV makes 200 hp and starts at $36.620. The stretched Bolt EUX debuts in 2021.
Honda Clarity
Honda Clarity EV. While Honda has laid out an aggressive green car strategy, it has been slow to embrace BEVs. This is one of three versions of the Clarity line – along with a PHEV and a fuel-cell vehicle. And the only all-electric model in the Honda family is going out of production. You might still find one at Honda dealers as sales of the short-range Clarity EV have been weak. Base price $36,620.
Hyundai Ioniq
Hyundai Ioniq Electric. The Korean marque is another company investing heavily in electrification and already has two BEVs in showrooms. Ioniq actually is offered with several different powertrain options, including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, as well as the pure electric model delivering a modest 124 miles per charge. Power comes from a single, 118-hp motor. Pricing starts at $36,315.
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Kona Electric. An optional version of the conventionally powered Kona SUV, this is Hyundai’s first long-range model, yielding 258 miles per charge, according to the EPA. The Kona offers not only twice the range but nearly double the power of the Ioniq Electric, with 201 hp directed to the front wheels. Pricing starts at $36,990.
Jaguar I-Pace
Jaguar I-Pace. The first British long-range EV has won raves for its performance and handling, as well as its roomy cabin and cargo bay which make use of space traditionally devoted to the engine compartment. The midsize SUV delivers 394 hp and gobs of instant torque. Range is rated at 234 miles per charge. The I-Pace starts at $69,850.
(Honda kills off the Clarity EV.)
Kia Niro
Kia Niro Electric. Hyundai’s sibling brand is also planning an array of EVs, though battery shortages mean the second-generation Soul EV won’t arrive until 2021. In the meantime, Kia customers still can get the battery version of the Niro – also offered in plug-in hybrid form. It runs an EPA-rated 239 miles between charges, and delivers 201 hp to its front wheels. Base price for the Niro Electric starts at $38,500.
Mini Cooper SE
Mini Cooper SE. The British automaker’s first entry into the BEV segment took some by surprise as it offers a mere 110 miles of range – though Mini claims that’s more than enough for the daily use of most urban and suburban motorists. The SE delivers 181 hp to the hatchback’s front wheels, and pricing is about as affordable as you can get, starting at just $29,900.
Nissan Leaf Plus
Nissan Leaf and Leaf Plus. The original version of the Leaf was the first battery-electric vehicle to target a mainstream market and was long the market’s best-seller. Nissan is looking to recharge demand with the second-generation EV. The base Leaf makes 147 hp and delivers 150 miles range, the Leaf Plus a sportier 214 hp while boosting range to 226 miles. Pricing starts at $31,600.
Porsche Taycan
Porsche Taycan. This new BEV clearly shows that you be both green and mean, its three different variants offering anywhere from 522 to a full 750 hp. The top-rated Taycan Turbo S can hit 60 in just 2.6 seconds. There is a trade-off in range, which is EPA-rated at anywhere from 192 to 201 miles. Taycan can recharge fast, however, using the latest 350 kW quick chargers. Prices start at $103,800.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3. The BEV market’s sales leader scored an immediate hit with the introduction of this compact electric sedan and now offers a variety of different Model 3 configurations. Power ranges anywhere from 258 to 271 hp, while range runs as high as 322 miles, with a network of Tesla Superchargers available to keep you running. Pricing starts at $39.990.
Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S. Tesla’s first mainstream offering, the big Model S was a breakthrough product, defying conventional EV logic with a sleek design, luxurious interior, long range and great performance – hitting 60 in just 2.4 seconds with optional Ludicrous Mode. There are numerous variants available, including Model S Long-Range going 390 miles per charge. Pricing starts at $79,990.
Tesla Model X
Tesla Model X. The automaker’s first SUV is distinctive, to say the least, especially when its “Falcon Wing” doors swing open. Plagued early on by quality issues it nonetheless expanded Tesla’s range of offerings while continuing to deliver great power and long distance capabilities, hitting as much as 351 miles per charge. The base price is $84,990.
(GM outlines EV plan to cover every brand, product segment and price range.)
Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y. Tesla’s newest entry, the electric crossover is expected to become the brand’s best-seller – no surprise considering the rapid shift to SUVs in the U.S. market. As was the case when the Model 3 debuted, pricing for the new Model Y is said to start at $39,000, but only more expensive versions, such as one with a 315-mile long-range pack, at $47,000, will be available initially.