Kia Niro EV
Credit:
Jonathan Gitlin
The Niro EV keeps its charge port in its nose, which is handy for recharging and also means shorter cable runs to the inverter that lives under the hood.
Credit:
Jonathan Gitlin
The $39,600 Kia Niro EV is another Ars favorite. It doesn’t have quite the same level of engineering as the Ioniq 6 or other E-GMP-based Korean EVs, but even at 400 V, this is one of the more efficient electric cars on sale today, easily capable of 4 miles/kWh (15.5 kWh/100 km). And it feels more like a hatchback than a crossover, which should help it find friends among those who think new vehicles are way too large.
Volkswagen ID.4
Credit:
Jonathan Gitlin
The ID.4 uses a simple styling trick to look smaller—black paint hides the bits the designers want you to ignore.
Credit:
Jonathan Gitlin
VW’s ID.4 crossover starts at $39,735, and since it’s built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, it’s eligible for the full $7,500 IRS clean vehicle tax credit, whether it’s bought or leased. The entry-level ID.4 makes do with a smaller 62 kWh battery than the pack in the more expensive ID.4 S and S Plus and keeps the original and 12-inch unloved infotainment system. VW’s electric sales were down 12.2 percent compared to last year, so buyers may have some leverage.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Credit:
Jonathan Gitlin
Yes, I am aware that photographing an electric car in front of an electricity power station is a cliché. Sorry.
Credit:
Jonathan Gitlin
Three years since its launch, the Mustang Mach-E continues to draw divisive comments based on its name. The Mach-E has much more competition than it did back then, as the midsize crossover segment has filled up, but we still like how easy this car is to charge. The interior is also nice, even if it is a little too reliant on the car’s touchscreen. The Mach-E is one of the few EVs where I think the more expensive version is actually better, but neither the Mach-E GT nor the new Mach-E Rally qualify for inclusion in this list. But the regular $39,995 Mach-E surely does.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Credit:
Jonathan Gitlin
A slightly grimy Hyundai Ioniq 5 on an unusually wet and gray day in Southern California.
Credit:
Jonathan Gitlin
Another Ars favorite, and another 800 V E-GMP EV from Korea. Although it looks like an ’80s hatchback, the Ioniq 5 is actually a pretty large car. Otherwise, it has all the same plusses as the Ioniq 6—it charges faster than almost any other EV, and it’s extremely efficient on the road. Ioniq 5s start at $41,800, but we’re hearing of $200/month lease deals.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Credit:
Michael Teo Van Runkle
Until the Bolt returns, this is Chevrolet’s entry-level electric car, the Equinox EV.
Credit:
Michael Teo Van Runkle
The Chevy Equinox EV is an even newer EV than the Fiat 500e—first drives were embargoed until last week. By the end of the year, there should be a $34,995 version of the Equinox on sale. You can find this newest GM EV on sale for $41,900, and it’s eligible for the full $7,500 clean vehicle tax credit.
