Because the world of EVs is only beginning to grow, you might wonder if there are enough models for Car and Driver to have an EV of the Year Award; there are.
Eventually, all cars will ride on electric platforms and use nothing but this renewable energy for power and fuel. Five years ago, there might have only been a handful of true EVs, and all of them could have had driving ranges that barely make it across town. Today, we see at least one electric model from most brand names, along with a few new brands that are starting out and only making electric vehicles. Let’s look at some of the contenders.
Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo
This Porsche is active, crisp, and decisive on the road. It has the Porsche characteristics that are expected from this brand. Acceleration is quick enough to it 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. While some EVs offer bland driving characteristics, the Taycan gives you an amazing drive. This Cross Turismo model is a wagon, but don’t tell anyone that. In Europe, this car might be the first shooting brake from the Porsche brand.
BMW i4 M50
BMW isn’t new to the EV market, and it shows in the new i4. This car is an elegant, athletic, and dynamic electric performance machine. There’s no doubt the BMW i4 M50 would be up for EV of the Year. The M50 model is one of the more expensive versions in the lineup, giving you the electric driving experience desired. When you want 586 horsepower and the instant acceleration that comes from the 586 lb-ft of torque from the electric motors, this is the car you want to drive.
Ford Mustang Mach-E GT
If the Mach-E is going to go up against some of the luxury-laden EVs in this contest, it has to be the GT model. This is the most powerful version of this performance-oriented EV. The power coming from the electric motors reaches 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. This electric SUV is quick enough to hit 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds. If you want one of the most popular electric vehicles in the market, this could be the right one for you to drive.
Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV
Maybe the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV don’t fit in with the likes of the previous three models, but this pair is worthy of consideration for EV of the Year. These two don’t blow you away with performance, but they give new EV shoppers incredibly affordable pricing, excellent driving ranges, and the practicality desired. Chevy did something other automakers haven’t been able to yet; they lowered the price of the Bolt models; you’ve got to love that.
Hyundai Kona Electric
If the EV you want to drive can be simple and check off the basic boxes for you, the Hyundai Kona Electric should be on your list. This EV offers a driving range of 258 miles from a full charge, and it gives you a style that hasn’t transitioned into the futuristic bubble-shaped EVs that are hitting the market. You’ll have 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque when you get behind the wheel and take this electric SUV out for a drive.
Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum
Other trims of the Ford F-150 Lightning might not be in contention for EV of the Year, but the Platinum trim offers you a ton of great features and the drive you desire. This trim is the only model with the flat front seats which allow you to relax while you’re waiting for the vehicle to charge. You’ll find 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque with this impressive pickup. If you want to see something seriously special, check out the frunk of the F-150 Lightning. This area is bigger than the trunk of most sedans.
Rivian R1t Launch Edition
The Rivian RT1 is an interesting truck with some special features that make it a contender for your attention when you want an electric pickup. Technically, the R1T fits in the midsize part o the market, which makes it a useful off-roader. You’ll find some clever storage options and plenty of power in this pickup. The driving range is 314 miles, and you’ll find 835 horsepower to go along with 908 lb-ft of torque for a truck that handles the challenges of off-road driving like a champion.
Audi e-tron GT
If you’re looking for an EV that challenges the Porsche Taycan, the Audi e-tron GT is the electric performance sedan that does the job. This Audi is a contender for EV of the Year, giving you a ton of exciting and sporty performance qualities. The low-slung shape, dynamic steering, and impressive power make this car an easy choice when you want an impressive luxury drive. The power for the e-tron GT reaches 522 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque, giving you the numbers you desire.
Lucid Air Grand Touring
Even though Lucid is one of the newest names offered in the electric vehicle world, this version of the Air sedan gives you lots of performance and fun that you want when out on the road. This car delivers 516 miles of electric driving range, which is the most in the EV market. Acceleration is incredible at three seconds to hit 60 mph. The power of this Lucid electric sedan is 819 horsepower and 885 lb-ft of torque. This high-priced EV is taking the market by storm and sitting near the top of the list.
GMC Hummer EV Truck
It’s hard to argue with the GMC Hummer EV as a contender for EV of the Year. This pickup gives you 1000 horsepower and a lot of amazing tricks to enjoy the drive. The Crab Walk Mode takes you around obstacles at an angle, the Extract Mode lifts the truck up much higher than normal, and the Watts to Freedom is a launch control system that rockets this truck to 60 mph in three seconds. That’s an amazing feat considering this truck tips the scales at 9,000 pounds.
There are more contenders for the Car and Driver EV of the Year, but these are ten that certainly make it to the top of the list. Which one is your favorite?
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