The Nissan LEAF is the most popular EV in the world. It is a well-equipped, all-electric hatchback that seats five adults. The LEAF Plus version of the second-generation model can travel up to 226 miles on a single charge. The LEAF is available to test-drive and purchase at Nissan dealerships throughout the United States.
The Tesla Model S is more than a car. It’s the embodiment of the electric-car movement. The Model S is not just a great EV, but one of the world's best luxury sedans. While still technically in its first generation, Tesla makes significant updates and improvements every year—bringing longer range, more power, and enhanced features.
Measuring just over 106 inches from tip to tail, and a shade under 62 inches tall and wide, the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive is small enough to occupy the smallest of spaces. And it's the only EV available with a convertible top. However, the 2018 model offers just 58 miles of driving range on a single charge.
The Fiat 500e is every bit as cute as the gas-powered Fiat 500. It uses a 24 kilowatt-hour liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, providing an official EPA range of 84 miles. The Fiat 500e is widely considered a "compliance" car, produced only to meet emissions regulations. It's only sold in California and Oregon.
The five-door hatchback provides about 115 miles of range. It offers many features that make it an enticing EV package, including an attractive design and zippy drive. The Focus Electric employs a 107-kilowatt (143 horsepower) motor. Its nicely designed interior with materials of a higher quality than found in many affordable small cars.
Battery Supplier Deals Are Key to Lower EV Prices
Carmakers don’t openly talk about what they pay to suppliers for components. The cost of batteries for electric cars is one of their most tightly controlled secrets. So when Mary Barry, chief executive of General Motors announced last year that her company brought its battery cost down to $145 per kilowatt-hour for the forthcoming Chevy Bolt, it came as a surprise.
Fast Charging: For Some, It's a Way of Life
Most electric cars are still getting juice from 240-volt power, but embryonic 480-volt networks (Tesla and both CHAdeMO and SAE) are starting to take off—and get used regularly. For some drivers, quick charging has become the norm.
Electric Car Sales Doing Just Fine (If You Don't Count Hybrids)
A new Edmunds analysis says the "green car" market is stagnant, but that's misleading—cars with plugs are showing big gains.
Can Tesla Really Make a $35,000 200-mile EV?
Tesla Motors set a high bar for the so-called Model 3—$35,000, 200-mile range, on the road in 2017. But the experts refuse to count out Elon Musk, who's so far done everything he said he would do.