Electric cars are on their way to surpassing your fuel guzzler this year. Check out the latest line-up of electric cars paving the way for 2015. From best-value to the best sports car, electric vehicles are now available for every driver.
Best Value Electric Car
At $26,000, the Chevrolet Spark Electric Vehicle (EV) offers a great value in the lower price range. With greater horsepower and torque, this EV provides better steering and speed topping off at 90 mph. When charged, Chevrolet Spark’s battery power results in 82 miles. A great choice for first-time buyers, the Chevrolet Spark EV is a solid buy.
Best Distance Electric Car
If you need a car for long distance driving, The Tesla Model S goes the distance. In a single battery charge, this EV can drive up to 270 miles. This impressive mileage classifies the Tesla S as the longest driving electric car up to date. At $75,000 the Tesla S is considered the best EV up to date. With the Tesla S, you can finally take that road trip without the fear of battery life.
Best City Ride Electric Car
Perfect for short distance driving, the Fiat 500E is a compact choice for your electric car. Sold for $32,000, the Fiat 500E is suitable for stop-and-go traffic due to its agility. It’s also great for parallel parking, being able to maneuver rapidly into tight spaces. The Fiat 500E is a top pick for those who drive primarily to and from work.
Best Efficiency Electric Car
The BMW i3 is unique because of its carbon-fiber make-up rather than the conventional steel. The use of carbon-fiber material makes the BMW i3 lighter and faster, driving at zero to 60 in seven seconds. This EV also contains a range extender, pushing the amount of miles driven from a single charge from 81 miles to 150 miles. It is extremely energy efficient and overall the most innovative of electric cars. BMW i3’s are sold for $43,000, a reasonable price for its quality and worth.
Best Family Electric Car
One of the most spacious electric vehicles, the Toyota Rav4 can fit a family of five and has a large trunk to fit all of your gear. This SUV also delivers an impressive range of 103 miles per charge and a horsepower of 154. Relatively fast with a zero to 60 in 7.6 seconds, the Toyota Rav4 is a good comparison to the Tesla S but with the advantage of the much cheaper price of $50,000.
Best Luxury Electric Car
Luxury cars aren’t exclusive to gas-powered vehicles. The BMW i8 is the winner of the 2015 World Green Car Award. Cruising at a top speed of 155 mph and reaching 60 miles in about 4.2 seconds, the BMW i8 is an impressive luxury hybrid vehicle selling at an estimated $137,000. The sleek design, shark grille, and swan doors are sure to turn heads.
Best Sports Electric Car
The Tesla Roadster is a gorgeous driving machine with 400 miles of driving range. Labeled as the Tesla 3.0, it is the highest quality of Tesla electric cars. Improvements include the battery, which has 30% more energy than previous models. The tires have also been upgraded, resulting in excellent traction for cruising down the highway in style.
Honorable Mention Electric Cars
The 2015 Kia Soul EV is worthy competition in the realm of electric cars. The boxy style is perfect for people looking for a more unique and eye-catching car. Reaching 93 miles per charge, the Kia Soul EV surpasses Nissan Leaf’s range of 84 miles. The only major difference is pricing. Kia Soul EV has a price tag of $34,000.
A cheaper option for electric cars is the Ford Focus Electric. It is sold for less than $30,000 and boasts 76 miles after fully charging. With a faster charging battery of 3.5 hours and newer gadgets and tech, this stylish electric vehicle is another popular choice for electric car buyers.
On the other hand, a more expensive choice is the Volkswagen e-Golf. Although the Volkswagen e-Golf sells for $35,000, it stands out as the third most efficient EV in the United States. It also gets drivers’ attention for handling like a gas-powered car due to its steady power.
Future Picks for Electric Cars
The Chevrolet Bolt hybrid will release in 2017 and already has been gaining buzz. The 1,000-mile distance before adding gas and $37,500 price tag make for a very attractive offer. The upgraded battery gives riders less charging anxiety as well. The engine also provides a smoother and more agile drive. It is safe to say the Chevrolet Bolt will be at the forefront of electric cars next year.
Toyota is leading the way for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). The main difference between electric cars and fuel cell electric cars is the source of energy. FCEV’s are charged with hydrogen rather than a battery. This change allows FCEV’s to drive for 300 miles on a single five minute charge alone. Hydrogen charging stations have made a rise across the nation, and there is even one located at UT.
Anticipation is on the rise for the upgraded Tesla Model X along with new EV and hybrid models for Audi and Cadillac. With the majority of car brands implementing electric cars, hybrid vehicles, or FCEV’s into their line-up, owning an EV is more accessible than ever. With a wide price range from the every day to going the distance, electric cars are most definitely in the forefront of transportation today.
To power your car find a charging station near you. To power your home request an appointment today from Bryant Electric Service.
