Key Takeaways
- More Americans are choosing electric vehicles than ever before!
- There have never been better five-star choices for EV drivers either.
If you plan on buying an EV in 2023, you aren’t alone. After a brief demand dip, sales of new electric vehicles are surging and showing no signs of slowing down. The United States has more than 2-million EVs on the road, and they aren’t all Teslas either.
The EV manufacturing sector is booming too. Big automotive brands have heavily invested in the electric segment, and those investments are paying off in a big way. That’s good news for consumers, because potential EV drivers have more choices now than ever before.
Sifting through all the new cars can get confusing. Popular automotive digest Edmunds knows this, which is why they’ve laid out their top EV picks across all categories for 2023. Today, we’re going to take a look at that list, and highlight a few of the things that make each great.
Top Electric Car: Chevrolet Bolt EV
Cost: $25,600 – $28,280
The Chevrolet Bolt EV’s price point and driving range was bound to turn heads. But it’s the finer details that earn it the top spot in the electric car segment. 2023 saw the price of the Bolt EV drop substantially. Which makes this year’s model more competitive than ever.
The 200 horsepower electric motor hidden under the hood of the 2023 Bolt EV is capable of 266 pound-feet of torque, and the battery can deliver an estimated 259 miles on one charge. Buyers have two trim packages to choose from. The {insert basic trim name}, or the upgraded 2LT trim which adds a 360-degree camera, heated leather seats, and a few additional safety features.
Top Electric SUV: Kia Niro EV
Cost: $40,745 – $45,745
The demand for extra seating, cargo space, and performance will never go away. It’s why SUVs are, and always will be, all over the road. As you’d expect, EV SUVs are all the rage right now. Kia is making the best ones too. At least according to Edmunds.
The 2023 Kia Niro EV delivers an estimated 253 miles on a single charge. The latest model also benefits from a full scale cosmetic overhaul. The exterior and interior have been fully redesigned, delivering more storage and a much more modern feel. Buyers can choose between the baseline Wind trim or the upgraded Wave package.
Top Electric Truck: Ford F-150 Lightning
Cost: $53,769 – $98,669
Ford is determined to prove that electric is up to any task you can throw at it. The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning is a giant leap for EV utility vehicles. The F-150 EV comes standard with a battery boasting an estimated range of 230 miles on one charge. There’s the option to upgrade to the extended-range battery which adds 90 miles to the estimated single-charge range and boosts the truck’s capabilities.
Other than the engine, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning looks and feels a lot like its combustion-driven sibling. The interior comes standard with a prominent 12-inch touchscreen, while standard safety features include lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Top Luxury Electric Car: Tesla Model 3
Cost: $48,440 – $64,440
Tesla reinvigorated the EV market and continues to push boundaries with the Tesla Model 3. The latest model offers a baseline range of 272 miles per charge. The optional Long Range trim package boosts the Model 3’s range to 358 miles.
Every Model 3 comes standard with heated front seats, navigation, and a touch screen infotainment system. Standar safety features include automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Top Luxury Electric SUV: BMW iX
Cost: $85,095 – $109,895
Standing atop the luxury SUV category is a car maker that’s synonymous with wealth and status. The 2023 BMW iX offers more than just a flashy hood ornament. 516 horsepower standard, with the option to upgrade to enjoy 610 horsepower, deliver the unrivaled performance BMW owners expect from the brand. An estimated driving range of over 300 miles turns heads too.
Similar in size to BMW’s X5 crossover, the iX interior is spacious, modern, and thoughtfully designed. The sizable curved touchscreen instrument panel, speaker-integrated leather seats, and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities round out a lengthy list of practical and luxurious features.
Buckle Up
The future of electric vehicles is bright. With ever-increasing ranges, mind blowing tech, and standard safety features, the case for purchasing an EV has never been more attractive. From the curb appeal and convenience of the Tesla Model 3, to the practical and efficient Kia Niro EV, there’s never been a better time to bring one home.
Just because a car earns a best-in-class distinction doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you and your family. Familiarizing yourself with the segment leaders is a great place to start, but finding your next ride could take time. Thankfully the internet is full of helpful resources to inform your decision.