11 Best Electric Cars in 2017

Check Out the Best Electric Cars Available Today

The list of available all-electric vehicles is growing at a steady clip as more automakers introduce new models. Electric car range is growing as well, and prices are coming down. Remember that purchasing a fully electric vehicle entitles you to up to a $7,500 federal tax credit – at least for now.

You can get in an electric car (EV) like the Ford Focus Electric, Volkswagen e-Golf, or Hyundai Ioniq for around $22,000 after the federal rebate. This is lower than the average new car price in the United States. Like traditional gas cars, electric cars range from subcompact city cars, to luxury 3-row SUVs.

If you’re seeking a luxury EV, the highly efficient BMW i3 is one option. Additionally, Tesla offers the Model S sedan and the Model X SUV, both of which rank at the top of their segments and can cost you well over $100,000 fully loaded. The Silicon Valley automaker’s much more affordable Model 3 compact sedan will begin to hit markets later this year.

The following slideshow offers an extensive list of all-electric vehicles currently on the market, although some are not available in all states. Also mentioned is one upcoming model that aims to significantly further the momentum of the EV segment.

Click through for more information about today’s best electric cars.

• Read the 2017 Ford Focus Full Review
• See 2017 Ford Focus Photos
• See Compact Cars Rankings

2017 Fiat 500e

$32,995 | Range: 84 mi (Details Below)

The FIAT 500e has loads of personality, and comes in an array of fun colors. The all-electric version feels faster than its gas counterpart, due to the instant torque of its 111-horsepower motor. The retro-styled interior is full of tech features like a 5.0-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, and integrated voice commands. It travels 84 miles on a charge, making it an ideal city car. We don’t review the 500e due to its limited availability nationwide, but we do review its gasoline-powered counterpart, the Fiat 500. The Fiat 500 has good safety scores but critics mention that the seats are cramped, and there’s not much room for cargo.

• Read the 2017 FIAT 500 Full Review
• See 2017 FIAT 500 Photos
• See Subcompact Cars Rankings

2017 Nissan Leaf

$30,680 | Range: 107 mi (Details Below)

The Nissan Leaf is the best-selling highway-capable all-electric car of all time. The 107-horsepower compact car comes standard with a 30 kWh battery that will travel up to 107 miles per charge. Even though it’s a compact car, it boasts passenger and cargo space that rivals some midsize cars. The Leaf provides a smooth, comfortable ride, but it feels underpowered at highway speeds.

• Read the 2017 Nissan Leaf Full Review
• See 2017 Nissan Leaf Photos
• See Compact Cars Rankings

2017 BMW i3

$42,400 | Range: 81 - 114 mi (Details Below)

The efficient BMW i3 delivers 170 horsepower and is exceptionally light due to its carbon fiber body. It performs as a BMW is expected to perform, with brisk acceleration, and nimble handling. Portions of its futuristic interior are manufactured using recycled and renewable materials.

The base i3 can travel 81 miles, but you can now upgrade to a model with a larger battery, which gets you 114 miles of range. You can also opt for an i3 REX (range-extending) that comes with a gas engine backup. Its combined electric and gas range reaches up to 180 miles.

• Read the 2017 BMW i3 Full Review
• See 2017 BMW i3 Photos
• See Luxury Small Cars Rankings

2017 Ford Focus Electric

$29,120 | Range: 115 mi (Details Below)

The Ford Focus Electric’s range improves to 115 miles per charge, due to its new 33.5 kWh battery pack. Despite the battery upgrade, the 2017 model is less expensive than the outgoing model. It delivers 143 horsepower, and is peppy off the line, but not so powerful at higher speeds. The Focus Electric is much the same as the gas model, with its quality interior, and athletic handling.

• Read the 2017 Ford Focus Full Review
• See 2017 Ford Focus Photos
• See Compact Cars Rankings

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric

$29,500 | Range: 124 mi (Details Below)

The all-new Hyundai Ioniq is available as a traditional hybrid, an electric car, and soon as a plug-in hybrid. It’s the first vehicle offered in these three configuration options. In any of its forms, it’s highly efficient, and has an upscale interior that includes an intuitive 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

• Read the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Full Review
• See 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Photos
• See Compact Cars Rankings

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf

$28,995 | Range: 125 mi (Details Below)

The Volkswagen e-Golf is very similar to its parent vehicle, the gas-powered Golf. Volkswagen did a superb job with battery placement, so that passenger and cargo space remain uncompromised. The automaker promised a 2017 model with a range boost from 83 miles to 125 miles, and it’s just beginning to hit dealers in states where it’s sold.

• Read the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Full Review
• See 2017 Volkswagen Golf Photos
• See Compact Cars Rankings

2017 Chevrolet Bolt

$36,620 | Range: 238 mi (Details Below)

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is the first affordable mass-market long-range all-electric vehicle. It will take you 238 miles on a charge. It’s a five-seat compact hatchback that General Motors calls a crossover, and the EPA calls a wagon. You will find plenty of space for passengers and cargo, and it comes equipped with a wealth of tech features, including a 10.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

• Read the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Full Review
• See 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Photos
• See Compact Cars Rankings

2017 Kia Soul EV

$32,250 | Range: 93 mi (Details Below)

The Kia Soul EV features an abundance of cargo space, plenty of room for five passengers, and hip styling inside and out. In its gas-powered configuration, it earned our 2017 Best Compact Car for the Money and Best Compact Car for Families Award. It delivers a mere 109 horsepower, but there’s noticeable instant torque for spirited city driving. Unfortunately, it’s only available in some states.

• Read the 2017 Kia Soul Full Review
• See 2017 Kia Soul Photos
• See Compact Cars Rankings

2017 Tesla Model X

$85,500 | Range: 237 - 295 mi (Details Below)

The Tesla Model X is in a league of its own as a long-range all-electric midsize SUV that seats up to seven passengers. It includes unique features like an enormous panoramic windshield, the industry’s largest touch-screen, Autopilot and Summon modes, over-the-air software updates, and access to Tesla’s exclusive Supercharger network.

The Model X can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and in its 100D configuration, it can travel 295 miles on a charge. The top-of-the-line P100D is the world’s quickest SUV from zero to 60 mph. It will get you there in 2.9 seconds, and with Tesla’s latest over-the-air Ludicrous Plus update, it’s even faster.

• Read the 2017 Tesla Model X Full Review
• See 2017 Tesla Model X Photos
• See Luxury Midsize SUVs Rankings

2017 Tesla Model S

$69,500 | Range: 249-335 mi (Details Below)

The Tesla Model S boasts more electric range than any car on the market today. The 100D will take you a whopping 335 miles on a charge. It’s also the quickest accelerating production car to date. The Model S P100D will rifle you from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Like the Model X P100D, the new Ludicrous Plus update shaves off even more time.

The Model S offers state-of-the-art technology, including over-the-air updates, Autopilot mode, and a 17-inch touch-screen infotainment system. There’s plenty of room for cargo, and all passengers should find comfort in all seats, however, tall passengers may find headroom lacking in the back. 

• Read the 2017 Tesla Model S Full Review
• See 2017 Tesla Model S Photos
• See Luxury Large Cars Rankings

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