Top 5 Electric Cars Available on the Market

Electric cars are having some troubles in 2024. Audi planned to switch to electric cars by 2030 instead of sooner. Jaguar is struggling to stay in business until it can start making electric cars next year. Ford and GM are not focusing as much on electric cars now. Some carmakers might close their stores because not many people are buying electric cars.

I have had two electric cars and ordered another one, which will be on this list. But right now, things are changing a lot in the world. This change is hard because the world wasn't ready for it.

I believe everything will be better by the end of the 2020s. But there might be new car companies, and some might close or be sold because of this change.

Now, let's talk about the five best electric cars in the world. Some of them aren't available in the U.S.

Understanding the Practicality of Electric Cars

When deciding on the "best of" list, it's important to know what criteria the reviewer uses to determine "best." I've had two fully electric cars and still have one plug-in hybrid. Right now, for most people, a plug-in hybrid makes more sense than a fully electric car because you're not relying solely on charging stations for long trips.

Electric cars are mostly used as secondary vehicles for trips under 200 miles, so you can charge them at home and avoid public charging. This is because Level 3 chargers, except for Tesla's, have been unreliable. But if you can charge mostly at home, you don't face this issue and can avoid unreliable public chargers.

Many electric cars on the market combine internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric technology, which can cause problems. These technologies were not designed to work together and are from different time periods. Electric cars should be reliable, but they often aren't because of this mix of old and new technology.

For the best electric cars, I'll choose ones that are designed solely as electric cars and have a range of at least 300 miles. This range is enough for most people to rely mainly on home charging.

If your daily commute is longer than 200 miles round trip, you might want to consider a car with a longer range. Cars with over 600 miles of range are on the way. Until then, it might be better to stick with an ICE car or plug-in hybrid until 2026 when electric cars with longer ranges and better batteries become available.

Currently, only Tesla cars have NACS (North American Charging Standard), which is better than the non-Tesla J1772 port. It's likely that the industry will start using the NACS standard more, which could increase the resale value of cars with this standard.

Here are my picks for the top five electric cars.

The New Tesla Model 3

Tesla has recently updated its Model 3. It may not be as futuristic as the Tesla Cybertruck, but it's more practical, affordable, and better looking than its larger counterpart.

The improvements in the Tesla lineup are worth waiting for. Right now, the Model 3 is the most affordable option and sets a standard for reasonably priced electric cars designed from scratch. It can be customized to have a range of 333 miles, which is more than enough for most people, and it performs well.

Tesla's financial situation is stable, so it's likely to still be around in five years, unlike some other electric car companies that have failed. While the starting price is $30,000, fully equipped models are closer to $45,000, which is still a good deal.

Lucid Air Sapphire


Lucid Air Sapphire

If I were rich, I'd go for the Lucid Air Sapphire. With its impressive 1,234 horsepower and lightning-fast 0-60 time of 1.89 seconds, it's on par with top-tier supercars in terms of performance. Comparable in size and price to the Tesla Model X, it doesn't come cheap, with a fully equipped version costing around $250,000. However, if you're seeking an uncompromising electric car experience in the U.S., this is the one.

The Lucid Air Sapphire is among the first cars to feature 900V charging systems, though finding a compatible charger may be challenging at present. It can also be customized with a range of up to 427 miles.

Fisker Ocean Extreme


Fisker Ocean Extreme

Since I’m not rich, I recently ordered the Fisker Ocean Extreme, which is far more affordable at closer to $65,000 (prices start at a more cost-effective $38,000). It also features a ground-up design, and with around 364 miles of configurable range, it easily meets my minimum.

This Fisker is not only a decent-looking car, but it provides several unique features, like an airline-like fold-down table for the driver. I tend to eat burgers when traveling in the car, and having a table to put my meal on would be incredibly helpful. It is also handy when you have to sign a charge slip.

As one of the best-looking electric cars on the road, I put my money into the Ocean Extreme even though the company is on uneven financial ground.

Rivian R1S/R1T

The Rivian R1S SUV or R1T pickup, available in two potential configurations, offers an impressive range of up to 410 miles for the pickup and up to 390 miles for the SUV. What sets it apart is its four-motor option, making it superior for off-road driving, snowy, or icy conditions since power can be distributed individually to all four wheels.

The four-motor capability makes the Rivian one of the most advanced electric cars available. It also features unique elements like a slide-out RV-type tray under the rear truck bed. Pricing starts in the mid-$80,000 range, depending on the configuration, but the extra cost is worth it for the four motors.

Zeekr 001

I'll conclude my list with one of the Chinese cars that aren't available here. This vehicle is among the most attractive electric cars on the market. From a distance, you might mistake it for a Porsche Taycan.

With an impressive range of about 640 miles, a luxurious interior, and prices starting under $40,000 (compared to the Porsche, which starts at around $90,000 and can go up to $160,000), this car offers one of the best deals out there. While you can't purchase the Zeekr 001 in the U.S., it's expected to be very similar to the Polestar 4, which will be available here starting at around $60,000 and is also stunning.

I chose this over the BYD Denza N7 because it's a bit cheaper and, in my opinion, better looking. Plus, it anticipates a car that will be available here soon. (Note: BYD is either already or expected to surpass Tesla as the top electric car company in the world.)

Written by: Faizan Ahmad