One of the biggest concerns people have when considering an electric vehicle is the fear of running out of charge, better known as “range anxiety.” But, you don’t have to worry as much as you think. With the recent advancements in battery technology, electric vehicles (EVs) now have longer ranges and are more affordable than ever before.
Today, the electric vehicle that can take you the farthest on a single charge is the Lucid Air Dream Edition Range model, which boasts a noteworthy 520 miles per charge. However, Lucid isn’t the only company that offers long-range electric vehicles. Here are some electric vehicle options worth considering and evaluating for your daily driving needs so you can find the right one to fit your needs and lifestyle.
1. Lucid Air Dream Edition
The Lucid Air Dream Edition is certainly a standout option in the electric vehicle market, with an EPA-rated range of 520 miles for the Range model and 471 miles for the Performance model. This extensive range is a result of the EVs powerful 118kWh battery, which is 18% bigger than the Model S’s 100kWh battery pack.
The only downside to the Lucid Air Dream Edition is its price tag, which comes in at a hefty $169,000. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option from Lucid Motors, the Lucid Air Pure may be a better choice. With a listed range of 406 miles and a price of $87,400, it still offers a higher range than the next car on our list, but at a more accessible price point.
2. Tesla Model S
Next is the Tesla Model S with an impressive EPA-listed range of 405 miles, which is enough to make it from Los Angeles to San Francisco on a single charge. However, this range assumes opting for the smallest wheel option (which is the case with all Tesla models on this list). The Model S starts at a price of $104,990, which makes it more accessible than some other options on the market.
For those looking for an even sportier option, Tesla also offers the Model S Plaid Edition. This variant has a range of 396 miles and comes with an all-wheel drive (AWD) tri-motor, which makes it one of the fastest options on the market. The Model S Plaid Edition boasts a 0-60 mph time of just 1.99 seconds, which is sure to impress even the most experienced car enthusiasts.
3. Tesla Model 3 Long Range
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range is a great option for those looking for a balance between range and affordability. With an impressive 358 miles of range, it’s $47,000 cheaper than the Model S, yet only has a 12% reduction in range (a big part of the reason it’s Tesla’s best-selling vehicle).
The Model 3 comes in three different variants:
- The Long Range Model (with a 358-mile range)
- The Performance Model (with a 315-mile range)
- The Standard (with a 267-mile range)
The Model 3 Standard has the lowest range because of its lower battery capacity compared to the other models.
4. Tesla Model X
Next is the Tesla Model X, an electric vehicle with a listed range of 351 miles and a price tag of $120,990. The price may seem a bit steep, especially when it’s $16,000 more expensive than the Model S and has a lower driving range.
However, an important feature to note is that the Model X is designed to accommodate seven passengers, which makes it a roomy option for families. Plus, the Model X has the largest panoramic roof out of any vehicle on the market, which is a bonus for those who love to take in the view while driving.
Similar to the Model S, the Model X also has a Plaid edition, which boasts an even faster 0-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds. While this edition has a slightly reduced range of 333 miles, the powertrain is optimized for performance, which is a trade-off you might be willing to make if you’re looking for a sportier option.
5. Mercedes EQS 450+
Mercedes-Benz is known for its stylish cars and the EQS 450+ electric vehicle is no exception. With an MSRP of $102,310 and a range of 350 miles on a single charge, the EQS 450+ is a great alternative to Tesla’s models. The EQS 450+ features an impressive minimalist infotainment system, heated seats, and a panoramic roof.
The EQS 450+ also comes with three different “trim” packages, starting with the default Premium Trim, Exclusive Trim, and Pinnacle Trim. The packages vary in features, but the engine specs remain the same. The Premium Trim has 77 standard features, the Exclusive Trim has 85, and the Pinnacle Trim has 90.
The Mercedes website also has a great tool that allows you to design your own EQS 450+ by swapping different features in and out for customized car preferences to fit your lifestyle.
Affordable Electric Vehicles
The high-range and high-performance electric cars we listed are certainly impressive, but they’re also some of the most expensive options on the market. These prices also don’t include any additional features or add-ons, so the final cost could be even higher. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price for a new car in the U.S. is $47,077, which is less than even Tesla’s cheapest model.
The high price tag of some mainstream EVs might discourage you from exploring the benefits of owning an electric vehicle and reducing your carbon footprint. However, brands like Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, and Ford offer more affordable options that still provide reliable and efficient performance.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mach-E’s listed range of 247 miles and an MSRP of $43,895 makes it a cost-effective option for the average commuter. With a range of 247 miles, it can easily handle day trips of about 90-minutes each way on one charge.
The Mach-E stands out as a Sportback, delivering performance that’s more like traditional sports cars compared to other hatchbacks like the Nissan Leaf. It’s a great option for those looking for a balance of practicality and a sporty driving experience.
The Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is another cost-effective electric vehicle option with an MSRP of $27,400 and a standard range of 149 miles. For those who want a longer range, the Nissan Leaf Plus is available with a range of 226 miles for an MSRP of $32,400. This is a great budget-friendly EV option for those who primarily use it for daily commuting and shorter trips.
Kia Niro
If you’re looking for a crossover SUV, the Kia Niro EV offers an estimated range of 239 miles and a starting MSRP of $39,990. For those looking for upgraded features, Kia also offers the EX Premium trim for the Niro for $44,650, but the range remains the same. The Niro EV is a great option for those who want a crossover SUV with a good balance of range and affordability.
The following features come standard with the Kia Niro:
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Apple CarPlay and Android Audio
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) & Lane Following Assist (LFA)
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasts an impressive maximum range of 303 miles, making it a great EV choice for long-distance travel. The range and price will vary depending on which of the four available variants you choose to purchase, which gives you the flexibility to purchase the right car for your driving needs and budget.
The SE and SEL variants of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are particularly noteworthy. With a cost less than $50,000 and a range greater than 300 miles, it’s uncommon to find an electric vehicle that offers this combination of value and performance. This makes the Ioniq 5 an excellent and more budget-friendly alternative to the Tesla Model 3.
Are There EV Incentives and Tax Credits Available?
Electric vehicle incentives and tax credits can significantly reduce the cost of purchasing one, but not all EVs qualify.
On December 29, 2022, the U.S. Department of Treasury and IRS released additional guidance on the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA represents a significant investment in clean energy and transportation technologies, including a variety of incentives for electric vehicles (EVs).
For more information, check out our Electric Vehicle Tax Credits & Incentives.
EV Tax Credit Changes for 2023
Starting January 1, 2023, the most significant changes to Clean Vehicle Tax Credit are:
- Eligible new clean vehicles can qualify for up to $7,500 in tax credits based on battery size, until additional guidance from the Treasury/IRS is released in March 2023.
- Previously owned clean vehicles, or “used vehicles,” can receive a tax credit of up to $4,000.
- The minimum battery capacity of 7 kilowatt hours,
- The vehicle must be made by a qualified manufacturer and meet MSRP limitations
- Income limits also apply to taxpayers who wish to claim the credit
- The taxpayer must report the vehicle identification number (VIN) on their income tax return
- Dealers must provide the taxpayer with reports and inform the IRS regarding the sale of the vehicle.
How Much Range Does Your EV Need?
Probably less than you might expect. Since the average American’s commute is just 16 miles, according to ABC, this can easily be covered by a Nissan Leaf with ample range for additional errands.
As the widespread adoption of EVs has led to the proliferation of fast-charging stations across the country, you’ll likely be able to recharge when needed. A useful resource for EV owners is PlugShare, a website that displays a map of EV charging stations worldwide and also has a useful trip planner feature.
Lastly, if a more expensive EV is the only option you’re considering, installing a solar panel system on your home can help offset the cost. Charging your EV with solar energy is not only cleaner, but also cheaper. Homeowners can save thousands of dollars in electrical costs every year after installing solar panels, including the cost of charging an EV.
Conclusion
Making the switch to an electric vehicle has never been easier and with options like installing solar panels to charge your car overnight, even EVs with lower range can be a viable option. Plus, solar panels can help offset the high cost of owning an EV by providing a cheaper source of energy for charging the car.
If you’re ready to save money and power your home with solar, contact us today for a free customized solar quote.
Related Links:
5 Ways Switching To An Electric Vehicle Can Save You Money