What electric cars are actually available right now

The electric vehicle market has moved past the early stage where you had one or two choices. Today you can walk into a dealership and find battery-powered sedans, SUVs, trucks, and hatchbacks from more than a dozen manufacturers. The cars range from around $25,000 to over $100,000, and they come with different battery sizes, driving ranges, and charging speeds.

This guide walks through the real models you can purchase, what separates them from each other, and how to think about which one might fit your situation. We are not recommending any particular car — that depends on your budget, how far you drive, and whether you have home charging. Instead, we are laying out what exists and how to compare them.

Key Takeaways

  • Electric cars sold in the United States range from compact sedans under $30,000 to luxury SUVs over $100,000, with most mainstream models between $35,000 and $65,000.
  • Driving range varies widely by model and battery size, from around 200 miles on a single charge to over 300 miles, which affects how often you need to charge.
  • Charging speed depends on whether you use a standard home outlet, a Level 2 charger, or a public fast-charging station, and this matters more than battery size for daily use.
  • The major manufacturers selling electric cars in the US include Tesla, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Volkswagen, and Audi, each with multiple models.
  • Used electric cars are becoming more available as earlier models reach the secondhand market, often at significantly lower prices than new.

Popular electric sedans and hatchbacks under $50,000

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a hatchback with an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles and starts around $26,500. It has a smaller footprint than an SUV, which makes it easier to park and maneuver in cities. The Bolt charges to 80 percent in about 30 minutes on a DC fast charger.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a sedan with a sleek design and an estimated range of up to 361 miles on the longer-range battery. It starts in the mid-$40,000s and charges quickly — Hyundai claims 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes on a fast charger. The Ioniq 6 is narrower than most sedans, which some drivers like and others find cramped.

The Kia Niro EV sits between a sedan and an SUV and offers around 253 miles of range starting in the low $40,000s. It has more interior space than the Ioniq 6 and a more traditional driving position. Kia's fast-charging speed is comparable to Hyundai's, since both companies share battery technology.

The Tesla Model 3 starts around $38,000 for the base rear-wheel-drive version and offers 272 miles of range. The longer-range version adds about 100 miles and costs roughly $10,000 more. Tesla's Supercharger network is the largest in the country, which matters if you take long trips frequently.

Electric SUVs and crossovers between $40,000 and $70,000

The Chevrolet Equinox EV is a compact SUV with an estimated range of 319 miles and a starting price around $35,000, making it one of the most affordable SUVs available. It shares the Bolt's platform and charging speed. The Equinox has more cargo space than the Bolt and a higher seating position, which appeals to buyers who want SUV practicality without the price tag.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a mid-size crossover with up to 303 miles of range and starts in the mid-$40,000s. It has a boxy, modern design with a flat floor that creates unusual interior space. The Ioniq 5 charges extremely fast — some owners report 10 to 80 percent in under 20 minutes on optimal chargers. It also supports vehicle-to-load charging, meaning you can power devices directly from the car's battery.

The Kia EV9 is a three-row SUV with seating for up to seven people and an estimated range of 304 miles. It starts around $55,000 and offers significantly more space than the Ioniq 5. The EV9 is one of the few electric vehicles with a genuine third row, which matters if you regularly carry more than five people.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a performance-focused SUV with range options from 224 to 312 miles depending on the battery and drivetrain. Prices start around $38,000 for the base model and climb to $60,000 for the high-performance version. The Mach-E has a sportier suspension than most electric SUVs, which some drivers prefer and others find less comfortable on rough roads.

The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling electric vehicle in the world. The base rear-wheel-drive version starts around $43,000 with 260 miles of range. The long-range version adds about 100 miles and costs roughly $12,000 more. The Model Y has a minimalist interior and a large touchscreen that controls most functions — some owners love this, others find it frustrating.

Premium and performance electric vehicles above $60,000

The BMW i4 is a performance sedan with up to 301 miles of range and starts around $60,000. It has a traditional luxury car interior with physical buttons and knobs, which appeals to drivers who find Tesla's all-touchscreen approach impractical. The i4 accelerates quickly and handles well on curves, but charging speeds are slower than Hyundai or Kia models.

The Audi e-tron GT is a high-performance sedan with up to 249 miles of range and a starting price around $105,000. It is designed for drivers who want sports car acceleration in an electric package. The e-tron GT charges very quickly on compatible chargers but has a smaller battery than less expensive models, so the range is shorter.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is a luxury sedan with up to 260 miles of range and a starting price around $105,000. It emphasizes interior comfort and technology over driving range. The EQE has a large touchscreen and advanced driver information features, but like the Audi, it prioritizes performance over efficiency.

The Tesla Model S is a large sedan with up to 405 miles of range on the longest-range battery and a starting price around $73,000. It is faster than the Model 3 and has more interior space. The Model S appeals to buyers who want maximum range and performance in a sedan shape.

Electric trucks and vans

The Ford F-150 Lightning is a full-size electric pickup truck with an estimated range of 240 to 320 miles depending on the battery. Prices start around $55,000 for the base model. The F-150 Lightning can tow up to 14,000 pounds and has a large bed, making it practical for work. It also supports vehicle-to-home charging, meaning you can power your house from the truck's battery during an outage.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV is a full-size truck with an estimated range of 400 miles and a starting price around $85,000. It is not yet widely available but is coming to dealerships in 2024 and 2025. The Silverado EV emphasizes range over towing capacity compared to the F-150 Lightning.

The Tesla Cybertruck is an angular, stainless-steel truck with an estimated range of 250 to 320 miles and a starting price around $60,000. It is still ramping up production, so availability is limited. The Cybertruck has an unusual design and a minimalist interior, and it appeals to buyers who want a distinctive vehicle.

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is an electric van based on the classic VW bus design. It has an estimated range of 260 miles and a starting price around $59,000. The ID.Buzz is designed for buyers who want a spacious, distinctive vehicle for camping or small business use. It is just beginning to reach US dealerships.

How to compare electric cars by range and charging

Range is the distance a car can travel on a full battery charge. Most modern electric cars offer between 200 and 350 miles, though some offer more. The EPA publishes official range estimates for every model, and these are more reliable than manufacturer claims. However, real-world range depends on weather, driving style, and road conditions — cold weather can reduce range by 20 to 40 percent.

Charging speed matters more for daily use than total range. A car with 250 miles of range that charges to 80 percent in 30 minutes is more practical for most drivers than a car with 350 miles that takes two hours to charge. Home charging speed depends on whether you install a Level 2 charger (which adds 25 to 30 miles per hour of charging) or use a standard outlet (which adds 2 to 3 miles per hour). Public fast chargers add 150 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the car and charger.

Battery size is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A larger battery costs more upfront but gives you more range and more flexibility about when you charge. A smaller battery is cheaper but requires more frequent charging. Most buyers do not need the largest battery available — a 60 to 75 kWh battery covers most daily driving patterns.

Used electric cars and what to watch for

Used electric cars are becoming more available as the first generation of electric vehicles reaches the secondhand market. A used Tesla Model 3 from 2018 or 2019 might cost $20,000 to $25,000, compared to $38,000 for a new base model. A used Chevy Bolt from 2020 or 2021 might cost $18,000 to $22,000.

Battery degradation is the main concern with used electric cars. Most modern batteries retain 80 to 90 percent of their original capacity after 100,000 miles. Some manufacturers, including Tesla and Hyundai, offer battery warranties that cover degradation beyond a certain threshold — typically 70 to 80 percent capacity — for eight years or 100,000 miles. Check the warranty before buying used.

Charging port compatibility matters when buying used. Most new cars use the North American Charging Standard (NACS), but older cars use either Tesla's proprietary connector or the Combined Charging System (CCS). If you buy a used car with CCS, you will need an adapter to use Tesla's Supercharger network, or you will rely on other public charging networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which electric car has the longest range?

The Tesla Model S Long Range has an EPA-estimated range of 405 miles, the highest of any production electric car available today. The Chevrolet Silverado EV claims 400 miles but is still ramping up production. For practical purposes, any car with 300+ miles of range covers most daily driving patterns and long trips without frequent charging stops.

Can I charge an electric car at home?

Yes. You can plug any electric car into a standard 120-volt outlet, but this is slow — it adds 2 to 3 miles of range per hour. Installing a Level 2 charger (240 volts) is faster and costs $500 to $2,500 including installation. Most electric car owners install a Level 2 charger at home because it lets you charge overnight and start each day with a full battery.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

Charging at home costs roughly one-third to one-half the price of gasoline per mile, depending on your local electricity rates. Public fast charging is more expensive — typically $10 to $15 per 100 miles. The exact cost varies by location, charger network, and time of day. Some networks charge by the minute, others by the kilowatt-hour.

Do electric cars need oil changes or regular maintenance?

No oil changes are needed because electric cars have no engine. Maintenance is simpler overall — no spark plugs, timing belts, or transmission fluid. You still need tire rotations, brake fluid checks, and battery system inspections. Regenerative braking means brake pads last much longer than in gas cars, often 100,000+ miles.

What is the difference between all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive electric cars?

All-wheel drive (AWD) models have a motor on each axle, providing better traction in snow and ice. They cost $8,000 to $15,000 more than rear-wheel drive versions and reduce range by 10 to 15 percent because they are heavier. Rear-wheel drive is sufficient for most drivers and offers better efficiency. Choose AWD only if you live in a climate with frequent snow or ice.