14) 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric
$37,190 | Max Range: 258 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: TBD
The gas-powered Hyundai Kona first came to market for the 2018 model year. It features sporty handling, a nice cabin, comfortable front seats, and fantastic crash test ratings. It currently tops our subcompact SUV rankings with an overall score of 8.2 out of 10.
An all-electric version of the Kona became available for 2019. It’s much like the gas-powered version, though it hasn’t been crash-tested separately. The Kona Electric comes with one of the best warranties in the industry and has a history of above-average predicted reliability ratings. However, its second row is tight for adults and it doesn’t offer much cargo space.
The 2020 Kona Electric comes standard with niceties like a user-friendly 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Standard active safety aids include lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a driver condition monitor.
The Kona Electric is only available in 11 states.
13) 2020 Nissan Leaf
$31,600 | Max Range: 226 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: TBD
The Nissan Leaf sold better than most electric cars for many years. In fact, it’s the best-selling EV of all time worldwide. However, sales dropped over the last several years. To attract new buyers to the once-popular Leaf, Nissan launched a fully redesigned version for 2018. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that the automaker brought a long-range model to market.
The standard 2020 Nissan Leaf will only take you 149 miles on a charge, which is low compared to most of today’s electric cars. You have to opt for the Leaf Plus to get 226 miles, and it will cost you $38,200, which is almost $7,000 more than the base model. This is pricier than the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Chevrolet Bolt, all of which offer more range.
The 2020 Leaf features an expansive interior, excellent cargo volume, confident handling, and peppy acceleration. However, it’s not as upscale or reliable as competitors. It comes equipped with an 8-inch touch screen, smartphone app integration, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The Leaf is available at Nissan dealerships in all U.S. states.
12) 2020 Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop
$29,900 | Max Range: 110 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: TBD
The 2020 Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop is the newest entrant to the EV space. While it has far less range than any other electric car available today, it’s also the cheapest new EV you can buy. If you can take advantage of the tax credit, this car is priced the same as the gas-powered Cooper.
The Cooper SE is fun to drive and boasts a luxury-grade cabin, plenty of maximum cargo space, and straightforward infotainment technology. However, its rear seats are cramped and there’s not much room behind them for cargo. Still, If you have another car for road trips, the Cooper SE is worth considering.
Standard features in the Cooper Electric Hardtop include synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 6.5-inch display, Apple CarPlay, navigation, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
Mini is offering the Cooper SE at dealerships nationwide.
11) 2020 BMW i3
$44,450 | Max Range: 153 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10
The 2020 BMW i3 is one of the most expensive short-range electric cars available today. You can add a gas-powered range extender for about $4,000, but it only bumps the i3’s maximum range to 200 miles. At the same time, it drops the car's electric-only range to just 126 miles.
Typical of BMW, the i3’s build quality is top-notch. Its interior is unique since it’s constructed with recycled, eco-friendly, and sustainably sourced materials. It seats four people and has sufficient cargo capacity, but its rear seats could use more legroom. The i3 also features eager acceleration for city driving and respectable ratings for safety and predicted reliability.
The i3 comes standard with a 6.5-inch display screen, Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated and power-folding outside mirrors. A handful of safety systems are available as part of a package.
A BMW i3s (sport) model is also available with a starting price of $47,650. It offers more horsepower and a sport-tuned suspension.
The i3 is available nationwide.
10) 2020 Kia Niro EV
$39,090 | Max Range: 239 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10
Much like the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Niro first came to market as a gas-powered car (hybrid) and became available later with an all-electric powertrain. The 2020 Kia Niro EV is only available in limited quantities in select states, though the standard Niro hybrid and the Niro Plug-In Hybrid are widely available.
The Niro is a good choice thanks to its ample cargo space, terrific warranty, and history of solid safety and predicted reliability ratings. It features impressive handling, a comfortable ride, a high-quality interior, and roomy seats.
Standard features in the 2020 Niro EV include an easy-to-use 8-inch touch screen, smartphone connectivity, and voice recognition. A long list of driver-assistance aids are included as well, such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane following assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
9) 2020 Chevrolet Bolt
$36,620 | Max Range: 259 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt received a range boost for the 2020 model year. Now it offers more range than most EV rivals. In addition, it features roomy seats, abundant cargo capacity, engaging handling, and energetic acceleration. However, its cabin isn’t as nice as competing models, it could use more supportive seats, and you have to pay extra for DC fast charging, which comes standard in many EVs.
The Bolt comes standard with an array of niceties, including a 10.2-inch touch screen, smartphone app integration, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and GM’s Teen Driver safety system. Several advanced driver-assist systems are available. However, you can’t get adaptive cruise control, which is a common feature among EVs.
The Bolt EV is available nationwide. The federal electric car tax credit is no longer available on the purchase of GM electric vehicles.
8) 2020 Tesla Model Y
$49,990 | Max Range: 316 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
The 2020 Model Y is Tesla’s latest model and essentially a crossover version of the Model 3 sedan. Like all Tesla vehicles, it delivers potent acceleration, nimble handling, and a modern and roomy interior with high-tech features. Currently, you can choose between two all-wheel-drive configurations: The 316-mile Long Range and 291-mile Performance, which costs $10,000 more. Tesla says it will offer cheaper versions in the future.
Notable standard features in the Model Y include a 15-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, heated front and rear seats, over-the-air software updates, a built-in dashcam, blind spot monitoring, side collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Some of these features are part of Tesla’s standard Autopilot system.
Tesla sells the 2020 Model Y in most U.S. states. If your state is among those that ban the sale of Tesla’s vehicles, you can order one from a nearby state. Tesla’s vehicles are no longer eligible for the federal electric car tax credit.
7) 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
$33,045 | Max Range: 170 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric received plenty of updates for the 2020 model year, including a range increase to 170 miles. Still, the Ioniq Electric’s range is on the low end in comparison to other EVs, but it’s an improvement nonetheless. This Hyundai also gets more horsepower, an 8-inch touch screen, and more driver-assist tech as standard. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go capability is newly available too.
The Ioniq Electric features spacious front seats and reasonable cargo capacity, but its back seats may be tight for taller people. It also delivers energetic off-the-line acceleration, though its ride and handling are subpar. The Ioniq gets high crash test scores and comes with a long warranty.
Other standard equipment in the 2020 Ioniq Electric includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated front seats, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, driver drowsiness monitoring, and automatic high beams.
The Ioniq Electric is only sold in 11 states, so contact your local dealership to see if it’s available near you.
6) 2020 Jaguar I-Pace
$69,850 | Max Range: 234 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10
The 2020 Jaguar I-Pace is highly capable off the pavement, as well as a star on the track. It delivers instant acceleration and includes all-wheel drive and an adaptive air suspension system, which makes it a solid daily driver. It’s arguably short on range for the price, though its only major flaw is its complex infotainment system. The I-Pace also features a classy cabin, abundant cargo volume, and two rows of adult-friendly seats.
The 2020 I-Pace is loaded with advanced safety systems, as well as a dual-screen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch driver display, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a premium Meridian audio system, synthetic leather seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
Jaguar dealerships sell the I-Pace nationwide.
5) 2020 Tesla Model X
$79,990 | Max Range: 351 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
The Tesla Model X has more range than every EV available today, aside from the Tesla Model S. This is impressive since the Model X is larger than any other current electric vehicle. It’s the only three-row EV on the market, and it includes available seating for up to seven passengers plus plenty of cargo volume. The Model X comes standard with all-wheel drive and boasts composed handling and supercar-like acceleration.
The 2020 Model X is teeming with standard features, such as navigation, a 17-inch touch screen, a 17-speaker premium stereo, voice command activation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, an air filtration system, synthetic leather upholstery, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic windshield, and a built-in dashcam. Tesla’s Autopilot system, which combines several active driver-assist technologies, comes standard too.
Tesla sells the Model X in most areas of the country. If you can’t buy one in your home state, you should be able to order one from a neighboring state. It’s not eligible for the federal electric car tax credit.
4) 2020 Audi e-tron
$77,400 | Max Range: 204 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
The 2020 Audi e-tron SUV is arguably the most opulent all-electric vehicle you can buy today. It’s tied with the Tesla Model X at the top of our luxury hybrid and electric SUV ranking thanks to its superb crash test rating, outstanding driving dynamics, coddling ride, and state-of-the-art technology features. The e-tron’s range lags behind classmates, but it provides adequate cargo capacity and adult-sized accommodations in both rows.
Standard features in the 2020 e-tron include navigation, a 10.1-inch touch screen, smartphone app integration, wireless phone charging, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, and an assortment of driver-assist systems.
Audi sells the 2020 e-tron nationwide.
3) 2020 Porsche Taycan
$103,800 | Max Range: 201 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
The 2020 Taycan is Porsche’s first all-electric car. It’s much more expensive than rivals and it's short on range. However, the Taycan delivers intense acceleration and excellent ride and handling. It also features a handsome cabin with ample room for four adults. Its trunk offers usable space for at least a few large suitcases, plus there’s a small trunk at the front of the car as well.
The 2020 Taycan 4S base model comes standard with all-wheel drive, an adaptive air suspension, navigation, a 10.9-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, and partial leather seats. Its futuristic technology is challenging to operate, and there are no buttons or knobs. Safety systems like lane keep assist, parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and forward collision warning with brake assist are also standard.
The midrange Taycan Turbo has an MSRP of $150,900, and the Turbo S starts at $185,000. The 2020 Taycan is available nationwide.
2) 2020 Tesla Model 3
$37,990 | Max Range: 322 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 is the most popular electric car available today. It sells better than all other EVs in the U.S. by a wide margin. Moreover, it’s the first EV to outsell many gas-powered competitors. It finishes in one of the top positions in our luxury hybrid and electric car ranking due in part to its brisk acceleration, agile handling, spacious cabin, and first-rate crash test results. The Model 3 also has more range than all other EVs, aside from its more expensive siblings.
The 2020 Model 3 comes standard with a 15-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a built-in dashcam, over-the-air software updates, blind spot monitoring, side collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Its active safety features are part of Tesla’s Autopilot semi-autonomous driving technology, which comes standard.
The $37,990 Model 3 Standard Range Plus has 250 miles of range. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive Long Range Model 3 can travel 322 miles and starts at $46,990. A Performance version with 299 miles of range is also available.
Tesla sells the Model 3 in most U.S. states. It no longer qualifies for the federal electric car tax credit.
1) 2020 Tesla Model S
$74,990 | Max Range: 402 mi | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
The 2020 Tesla Model S holds the leading position in our luxury hybrid and electric car ranking and has the highest U.S. News score among all EVs in our new car rankings. It has significantly more range than all other electric cars and can accelerate like million-dollar supercars. The Model S also features a premium cabin, cutting-edge technology, and expansive passenger and cargo space.
Standard features in the 2020 Model S include navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 17-inch touch screen, voice-activated controls, synthetic leather upholstery, heated seats, a dashcam, and Tesla Autopilot.
You can buy or lease a Model S in most U.S. states. However, it’s not eligible for the federal electric car tax credit.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Have you decided to buy an EV? If you need to research these cars further, visit our new car rankings. Once you’ve narrowed it down, have a look at our best new car financing deals and lease deals pages to learn about current manufacturer-sponsored incentives on the vehicles of your choice.
When you’re ready to move forward, be sure to use our U.S. News Best Price Program to find the dealer in your area that’s offering the lowest pre-negotiated prices. Car shoppers who use the program when buying or leasing a new car save an average of over $3,000 off MSRP.
Best Electric Cars for 2020
- 2020 Tesla Model S
- 2020 Tesla Model 3
- 2020 Porsche Taycan
- 2020 Audi e-tron
- 2020 Tesla Model X
- 2020 Jaguar I-Pace
- 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
- 2020 Tesla Model Y
- 2020 Chevrolet Bolt
- 2020 Kia Niro EV
- 2020 BMW i3
- 2020 Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop
- 2020 Nissan Leaf
- 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric
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We Rank Every Electric Car You Can Buy Today
While fully electric vehicles are still few and far between, the number of compelling options is growing. A few still don’t offer enough range to be practical for some people, though many have well over 200 miles of range, and some have over 300.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are more expensive than gas-powered cars, mostly due to expensive batteries and smaller production efforts. As the cost of batteries comes down and automakers begin making EVs in larger quantities, prices should drop to reach parity with traditional cars.
In the meantime, most EVs are eligible for a federal electric vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500. You’ll have to wait until tax time to realize the savings, but it could make your EV as affordable as a similarly equipped gas car. This is especially true if you also factor in the money you’ll save on “fuel.” Be sure to check with a tax professional about how the credit works. It would also be wise to contact your local electricity provider to inquire about rates and programs.
We’ve pored over our rankings to find every electric car available new in 2020. They’re ranked, based on their U.S. News overall scores. We also provide details related to each EV’s price, range, pros, cons, features, and availability. The first few vehicles don’t have a U.S. News overall score due to incomplete safety data.
Keep in mind that our vehicle scores and rankings are updated regularly as new data and expert research become available, so the scores you see on the following slides may not match those in our individual reviews and rankings.
Keep reading to learn more about today’s best electric cars.