Top Electric Cars of 2021 To Look Forward To
Find out how you can save on soaring gas prices with an electric car. Compare the top 2021 electric cars to purchase this year. Learn more about electric car pricing, specs and more!
Moving into 2021, electric vehicles (EVs) are still considered a new piece of technology, despite many EVs currently existing. One of the reasons it is considered new is the technology is still evolving. Each year, more efficient models are produced. Not only does this lead to more powerful vehicles, but also significant price drops. In previous years, EVs were significantly more expensive than traditional vehicles, but thanks to multiple advancements in batteries and charging technology, the prices have started to drop.
There are many benefits to driving an electric vehicle. Not only are the cars better for the environment, but the vehicles require less overall maintenance, further saving you money. You can get additional savings using special tax credits. Electric vehicles are also much quieter than traditional cars. More information for five of the top 2021 EVs is detailed below.
2021 Tesla Model 3
Tesla is known as one of the top EV brands. In the past, Tesla was criticized for overpriced EVs, but the Tesla Model 3 was designed with affordability in mind. The model is based off of previous Tesla models, including Models S and X. Unlike these larger models, the Model 3 was designed for faster speed, boasting a quick acceleration, going from 0 to 60 within five seconds.
It boasts an impressive battery range. The base model provides nearly 265 miles each charge. If you upgrade to the long-range model, you get a stronger battery, lasting roughly 350 miles each charge. There are two charging options available, using either 240- or 120-volt outlets. It takes roughly 40 to 120 minutes to charge the battery to 80 percent. After this, the battery charge slows to protect the battery. The base price comes in around $39,000, depending on what dealership you go through.
2021 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is one of the most affordable EVs on the market, costing around $30,000 to $31,000 for the base model. There are two other packages available, the S Plus and SL Plus, which are around $38,000 and $44,000 respectively. The main difference between the packages is the battery life. The base model only gets around 150 miles per charge, while the advanced versions achieve over 200 miles on one charge.
It is one of the few EV hatchbacks on the market, with each model comfortably fitting five. It was also designed with a sleek appearance, looking more like a traditional vehicle as opposed to an EV. All versions of the Leaf use a 240-volt charger. It takes between 10 and 12 hours to get a full charge, but with a 50-kw fast charger, you can achieve a full charge in about an hour.
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Bolt released in 2020 to mixed reviews, ultimately failing to gain much traction. For 2021, Chevrolet completely revolutionized the Bolt, with one of the biggest changes coming in the battery. Previously, the Bolt was criticized for having a weak battery, getting much fewer miles than other EVs. In 2021, the Bolt has a 66-kwh battery, lasting for around 260 miles each charge. With a basic charger, it takes around 10 hours to fully charge the bolt. With DC fast-charging, charging takes about three hours.
It is not as large as the Leaf, but it can comfortably seat four, also boasting a fair amount of cargo space for an EV.As of writing, the exact price of the Bolt has not been released, but it is estimated to go on the market for around $36,000 to $38,000.
2021 BMW i3
The 2021 BMW i3 is one of the pricier EVs on the market, costing around $45,000. In addition to a 42.2 kWh battery pack, the BMW i3 has a gas-powered range extender. If you are worried about running out of charge on a long trip, the i3 is an excellent choice. In terms of performance, it is also one of the more powerful EVs, accelerating from zero to 60 in six seconds. The downside is, the battery is not as powerful as other EVs, typically lasting for 150 miles each charge. It takes about 50 minutes to fully charge the battery using a standard 50 kW charger. For some drivers, another issue was the single USB charger in the front console, with no charging options available in the back.
The biggest appeal of the i3 is the stylish design. The i3 was designed to match sportier BMW designs. There are also multiple upgrades available for a small price, including automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning.
2021 Hyundai Kona EV
The 2021 Kona is based on a previous Hyundai SUV design, swapping out the gas engine for an electric motor. The Kona uses a 64.0-kWh battery pack, which gets around 260 miles each charge. It can be charged using either a 110- or 240-volt outlet. For the best and quickest results, mechanics recommend using a 240-volt outlet. It is also compatible with DC fast-charging stations, which take roughly an hour to fully charge. Otherwise, it takes about seven hours to fully charge.
Unlike other EVs, the Kona only has front-wheel drive. While it can seat four, the back seats are smaller than the front. One of the benefits of the Kona is it comes with Hyundai’s excellent warranty, which includes coverage on scheduled maintenance tasks. This includes tire rotation, air-filter changes and multiple system inspections. The Kona costs around $38,500.
