The main electric car models you can buy today

Electric cars sold in the United States right now fall into a few categories: sedans, SUVs, trucks, and hatchbacks. The sedans include the Tesla Model 3 and Model S, the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, and the BMW i4. If you want an SUV or crossover, you can choose from the Tesla Model Y, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Chevrolet Equinox EV, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6, or the Volkswagen ID.4. For trucks, there is the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Chevrolet Silverado EV, with the Rivian R1T also available in some markets. Hatchbacks include the Nissan Leaf and the Volkswagen ID.Buzz.

New models arrive regularly, and existing models get updated versions with longer range or lower prices. The vehicles listed here represent what major manufacturers currently produce, but the market changes year to year. Prices, available features, and range all vary by model year and trim level.

Key Takeaways

  • Electric cars are sold as sedans, SUVs, trucks, and hatchbacks by manufacturers including Tesla, Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Volkswagen, Nissan, and Rivian.
  • Range on a single charge varies widely—from around 200 miles on some models to over 300 miles on others—and depends on the battery size you choose.
  • Charging at home on a standard outlet takes many hours, while a dedicated home charger or public fast charger cuts that time significantly.
  • The federal tax credit of up to $7,500 applies to some new electric cars and used ones, but may be able to access depends on the vehicle's price, where it was made, and your income.
  • Operating costs are lower than gas cars because electricity is cheaper than fuel and electric motors need less maintenance.

How far an electric car can go on one charge

Range—the distance a car travels before the battery runs out—is one of the first things to compare. Most new electric cars sold today go between 200 and 300 miles on a full charge. The Tesla Model 3 reaches over 350 miles in some versions. The Chevrolet Equinox EV and Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer around 300 miles. Smaller or less expensive models like the Nissan Leaf go closer to 150 to 200 miles.

Range depends on the size of the battery you choose. A larger battery costs more but lets you drive farther before charging. It also depends on how you drive—highway driving uses more energy than city driving, and cold weather reduces range. Manufacturers publish an EPA estimate, which is the number you will see on the window sticker and in advertising.

Where and how to charge an electric car

You can charge at home, at work, or at public charging stations. Home charging is the most common option for daily use. A standard wall outlet charges very slowly—adding only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour. A dedicated home charger, called a Level 2 charger, adds 25 to 30 miles per hour and costs between $500 and $2,500 to install, depending on your electrical panel and how far the charger is from it.

Public charging stations come in two types. Level 2 chargers at shopping centers, parking garages, and workplaces work like home chargers and take several hours for a full charge. DC fast chargers at highway rest stops and dedicated charging networks add 200 miles in 20 to 40 minutes, though the speed slows as the battery fills. Apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint show you where public chargers are located and whether they are available.

The federal tax credit and state incentives

The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for new electric cars and up to $4,000 for used ones. For new cars, the credit applies only if the vehicle is assembled in North America, the battery meets certain domestic content rules, and your income is below a set limit. In 2024, that limit is $300,000 for joint filers and $150,000 for single filers. The vehicle's price also matters—the cap is $55,000 for vans, SUVs, and trucks, and $55,000 for sedans.

Some states offer their own rebates or tax credits on top of the federal one. California, New York, and Colorado have state programs that vary by income and vehicle type. A few states offer rebates at the point of sale, meaning you get the money back when you buy the car rather than waiting until tax time. Check your state's energy office website to see what programs exist where you live.

How much it costs to run an electric car

Electricity is cheaper than gasoline in most places. The cost to "fuel" an electric car for 100 miles ranges from $3 to $5, depending on local electricity prices. A gas car traveling the same distance at current fuel prices costs roughly $12 to $15. Over a year of typical driving, the fuel savings can reach $800 to $1,200.

Maintenance is also lower. Electric motors have fewer moving parts than gas engines, so there is no oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, and no transmission fluid. Brake pads last longer because electric cars use regenerative braking, which captures energy when you slow down instead of relying only on friction brakes. Tire wear is normal and the same as any car. Batteries are covered by warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles in most cases, and battery failure in the first decade is rare.

What to know before buying an electric car

Cold weather reduces range by 20 to 40 percent, so if you live somewhere with harsh winters, expect lower real-world range than the EPA estimate. Towing capacity is lower on most electric cars than on comparable gas trucks, though the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T are exceptions. If you rent or live in an apartment without dedicated parking, home charging may not be possible, and you will rely on public chargers.

Resale value for electric cars has become more stable in recent years, but it varies by model and market. Popular models like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E hold value better than less common ones. Insurance costs are similar to gas cars, though repair costs can be higher if you need battery or electrical work done outside the dealership.

Comparing electric cars to gas cars and hybrids

Electric cars cost more upfront than gas cars of the same size, but the federal tax credit and lower fuel and maintenance costs narrow that gap over time. A typical electric car breaks even with a gas car after five to seven years of ownership, depending on how much you drive and local electricity and fuel prices. If you drive less than 10,000 miles per year, the payback period is longer.

Hybrid cars use both a gas engine and a battery, so they do not need to be plugged in and have no range anxiety. They cost less than electric cars but more than gas cars, and they save fuel but not as much as a full electric car. Plug-in hybrids can be charged at home and run on electricity for short trips, then switch to gas for longer ones. The choice depends on your driving patterns, budget, and access to charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

At home on a standard outlet, 8 to 12 hours or more. On a home Level 2 charger, 4 to 10 hours depending on battery size. On a DC fast charger, 20 to 40 minutes to add 200 miles, though the last 20 percent of charge takes longer.

Can I charge an electric car in an apartment?

It depends on your building. Some apartments have dedicated parking with chargers or allow you to install one. Others do not permit it. If your building does not have charging, you can use public chargers, though it is less convenient than home charging. Ask your landlord or building management what options exist.

What happens if the battery dies while I am driving?

The car slows down gradually as the battery drains, giving you time to find a charger. You will not suddenly lose power. Most cars alert you when range is low, and the navigation system shows nearby chargers. Running completely out of charge is rare if you pay attention to the battery meter.

Do electric cars work in the snow?

Yes, but range decreases in cold weather because the battery is less efficient and the car uses energy to heat the cabin. Traction and handling are similar to gas cars. Some electric cars have all-wheel drive and perform well in snow. Plan for 20 to 40 percent less range in winter.

Is it cheaper to buy a used electric car?

Used electric cars cost less than new ones, and you may still be able to claim the federal tax credit if the car meets the rules. However, the battery has less capacity than when new, so range is lower. Check the battery health report from the dealer or have an independent mechanic inspect it before buying.