Things have recently gotten a lot more complicated if you’re looking to buy an EV (that’s “electric vehicle,” for the uninitiated). The September 2025 expiration of the $7,500 federal incentive made things more expensive, while the fluctuating state of global tariffs has only made things more complicated. That means the pricing and availability of today’s battery-powered machines is dynamic to say the least.

But, with gas prices going through the roof, many car shoppers are taking a second look at EVs.  Electric cars are cheaper and easier to run and frankly nicer to drive than most of the gas-powered machines on the road. The majority of vehicle manufacturers globally are still committed to a battery-powered future, and it’s still a great time to get on board the emissions-free train.

The best electric crossover SUVs

Crossover SUVs are a major force on the market today. More and more buyers are appreciating the extra space and taller seating position afforded by a small SUV instead of a sedan.

Tesla’s Model Y is the top-seller in this segment. It starts at $38,490 for a single-motor Standard model that does 321 miles on a charge, but is extremely limited on options. A better-equipped Premium model costs $43,390 and does 357 miles on a charge, while the $47,490 Premium dual-motor, all-wheel drive version offers more power but drops maximum range to 327 miles. (Note that Tesla doesn’t quote horsepower figures for its vehicles.)

For that money, I’d look at a few different alternatives, starting with the Volvo EX30. This little SUV was clearly designed to tackle the Model Y directly, especially in terms of cost. You can see evidence of savings all over the interior, like the lack of a gauge cluster behind the steering wheel and the basic materials used throughout.

The EX30 is not on par with some of Volvo’s finer SUVs when it comes to refinement, then, but it’s still a great-driving, great-looking SUV, and an attractively priced one. The single-motor version with 261 miles of range starts at $38,950, or you can get a faster, dual-motor version with 422 horsepower and 253 miles of range for $46,650.

Another favorite of mine in this price point is the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Its distinctive styling has a touch of ’80s retro flair to a striking design that helps hide the SUV’s prodigious dimensions. It’s quite a bit larger than the Model Y, which means more room for cargo and people. At 318 miles of maximum range, it won’t quite keep up with the Model Y, but its $35,000 starting price is hard to ignore.

And then there’s the newest kid on the block, the 2026 Nissan Leaf. With over 300 miles of range and a starting price of just under $30,000, it’s likewise well worth checking out. It looks great and drives with the quality of a far more expensive machine.

The best small electric sedans

The Model 3 is Tesla’s second-best-selling machine, a compact sedan that really helped the brand evolve into the global powerhouse that it is today. But, other than a visual refresh in 2023 and a number of tweaks under the skin along the way, it hasn’t really changed all that much since it was introduced in 2016. A base Tesla Model 3 with very limited features is available for $35,490, with 321 miles of range. The Premium offers 363 miles of range and starts at $40,990. You then step up to $45,990 for a dual-motor version with 346 miles of range, or the top-shelf, $53,490 Performance edition with 309 miles of range.

With much of the market chasing SUV sales volume, there actually aren’t many options in the affordable electric sedan side of things. But a great option here is another Hyundai, the Ioniq 6. Hyundai’s four-door EV was designed with a real priority on aerodynamics, enabling it to go up to 342 miles on a charge.

The base, single-motor version with 149 hp won’t go that far, offering 240 miles of range for $37,850. You’ll need to spend at least $42,800 for the 225-hp SE model to get that 342 miles of range. Adding a second motor for AWD is another $2,800. There’s also a bonkers Ioniq 6 N coming, offering 641 hp and a far more aggressive character, making it a great alternative to Model 3 Performance. But, act fast: Hyundai is discontinuing the Ioniq 6 for the U.S. market after the current model year’s sales are through!

The best luxury electric sedans

It was the Tesla Model S that really put luxury electric sedans on the map. Tesla introduced this way back in 2012, and while it’s seen plenty of minor updates and refreshes since then, it’s still very much the same platform as was launched well over a decade ago. The Model S currently starts at $109,990 for a 410-mile car, but you can go all the way up to $124,990 for a high-performance, 368-mile Plaid edition Model S.

That’s a lot of money for a new car with some seriously old bones. Rather than develop an updated Model S, Tesla has decided to discontinue the sedan. Don’t fret, though! There are already some better options out there.

If you’re looking for a high-performance big electric sedan, check out the Lucid Air. It comes in a variety of performance levels from the 430-hp, 420-mile Pure trim at $70,900 all the way up to the $249,999, 1,234-hp Sapphire edition, which still does 427 miles of range on a charge. But, having driven them all, the base Pure edition is far and away the most compelling value. It’s far cheaper and nicer to drive than the Model S.

Or, if you’d prefer something from a more familiar brand, check out the BMW i5. It offers great dynamics, a premium interior, up to 310 miles of range, and is available for as little as $67,100.

The best electric luxury SUVs

The luxury SUV segment is increasingly crowded with great choices. If practicality and off-road performance are your priorities, check out the Rivian R1S. This three-row SUV is available in a range of trims from the 533-hp, 270-mile Dual Standard edition at $76,990 and going up to the 1,025-hp, 374-mile Quad edition at $121,990.

For on-road performance, the BMW iX is a great-driving and extremely comfortable SUV. Its distinctive style isn’t for anyone, but its interior design is among the best of today’s SUV lineup. It’s also recently refreshed, offering up to 364 miles on a charge. Starting price on the iX is $75,150 for a 402-hp xDrive45 model, but you can go all the way up to the 650-hp M70 model for $111,500.

If luxury is more your priority, there’s the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. This is among the most plush and comfortable electric SUVs on the market, offers over 300 miles of range, and can be had for a starting price of $89,950. Have more money in your discretionary fund? Check out the Maybach edition. At $180,000, it’s among the most luxurious SUVs on the road, electric or no.

The best electric trucks

While the Tesla Cybertruck is certainly the most high-profile battery-powered truck on the market, it’s far from the best choice. The Rivian R1T, which, like the R1S above, is available in a variety of trims and performance levels, offering exceptional practicality and off-road prowess across the range. Starting prices are similar to the R1S, with the base, Dual Standard model offering 533 hp and 270 miles of range for $72,990, and the top Quad edition doing 374 miles on a charge with 1,025 hp for $115,990.