Electric vehicles, or “EV” are gaining popularity worldwide due to the increasing concern around climate change. Over the years, more models of all price points have been introduced, increasing the accessibility of eco-friendly vehicles.
There are many pros to owning an electric vehicle. Electric vehicles are typically more expensive to buy than gas-powered equivalents, however, they’re more affordable to run than gas-powered cars. Depending on your driving habits, driving an electric vehicle 20,000 kilometres may cost an average of $500 per year. For the same distance and similar make and model on gasoline, it may be over $3000!
Electric vehicles are also cheaper to maintain and service because they have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes. Some provinces even offer incentives and discounts for owning an electric vehicle. We’re going to cover a variety of vehicle models and price points, showing that there’s something out there for everyone!
10. Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a family-friendly EV at a budget-friendly price. It’s adapted from the ID.3 hatchback model to be almost as spacious as an SUV. The 2022 model features 135-kW DC fast charging (up from 125 kW), improved EPA-estimated range of over 440 kilometres, and a simplified charging experience.
9. Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is a large, pure-electric hatchback SUV with direct and distinct steering and a sport mode. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive models are available with a larger battery pack and increased driving range. The Kia EV6 offers two battery sizes: a 58.0-kWh, with an EPA-rated range of 373 kilometres, and a 77.4-kWh pack, with an EPA-rated range of almost 500 kilometres.
8. Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mach-E is described as agile and quick, and comes in various configurations with a range of equipment packages. The interior features top notch technology, storage solutions, and a spacious backseat and cargo area. Ford says the Mustang Mach-E can travel more than 480 kilometres before needing a charge.
7. Ford F-150 Lightning Truck
Ford says this all-electric truck will be the most powerful F-150 to date, with a dual-motor system that delivers power to all four wheels. The Ford F-150 Lightning can travel 370 kilometres on the standard range battery or 515 kilometres on the extended range battery. Four drive modes are available: normal, sport, off-road, and tow/haul.
6. Hyundai Ioniq 5
What makes the Hyundai Ioniq 5 stand out is its futuristic hatchback-like exterior that conceals how large the SUV actually is. The only propulsion option is a 168bhp rear motor powered by a 58kWh battery good for just under 390 kilometres of range. The next option is a 73kWh battery, which ups the range closer to 485 kilometres and the power is also boosted to 215bhp. Or, you can go all out with a second motor up front, dropping range by 10 per cent in exchange for over 300bhp.
5. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is a four-door car with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, seating for five people, and a touchscreen inside. The Model 3 is becoming known as Tesla’s affordable entry-level car. The base model gets you rear-wheel drive and a claimed 447 kilometres of range. The next tiers are the Long Range, which is good for up to 580 kilometres, and the Performance. Its speed and mileage are comparable to other high-end car models, which makes its variability that much more impressive.
4. BMW iX
The BMW iX is the brand's first all-electric SUV and offers an electric driving range of over 480 kilometres per charge. It features two electric motors that provide full-time all-wheel drive, and a spacious interior with modern technology features.
3. Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan is Porsche’s first all-electric car with various options. The base model is rear-wheel drive and has a 79kWh battery slung between the two axles. The Taycan 4S adds another e-motor on the front axle for all-wheel drive and gets a bit more power, but with the same battery. The range is about 350 to 430 kilometres.
2. Audi e-tron GT
The sporty Audi e-tron GT features dual electric motors, which produce between 522 and 637 horsepower depending upon the model. The Audi e-tron GT also features an innovative two-speed transmission. The RS e-tron GT, the most expensive model, can speed up to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds while the less powerful e-tron GT takes 3.6 seconds. The regular model has 383 miles of range, while the RS model is rated slightly lower at 373 kilometres.
1. Mercedes EQS
With the Mercedes EQS , you can choose from rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and up to 778 kilometres of claimed range. The EQS 450+ begins the range with a single 325bhp rear motor and low-end performance. Above this comes the EQS 580 4Matic, with twin motors that drop range to 675 kilometres. The Mercedes EQS has 10 degrees of rear-wheel steering, the cabin is isolated with noise-cancelling technology, and the doors open and close themselves.
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Whether you’re jumping into an electric vehicle for the first time, or looking to upgrade your current one for something with better range and upgraded tech, there are plenty of options out there. If you’re not ready to take the plunge yet, check out our History of the Electric Car and BC Road Trips for Electric Vehicles to get a spark going!