11 best electric cars and SUVs | Our top choices in three price segments

Like our planet's endangered climate, this list is subject to change. There are so many electric cars, SUVs and even trucks on the horizon, that it's only a matter of time before we get a chance to drive something great enough to be included on this list of best electric cars (and to supplant one of the current choices).

We have broken our recommendations down alphabetically and within price segments, because obviously, as great as a Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S are, only a tiny fraction of car buyers can afford them. Thankfully, many of the upcoming new EVs are of the more affordable variety, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Nissan Ariya. We look forward to testing them all as soon as possible – not to mention more expensive upcoming offerings like the Rivian R1T and R1S, Cadillac Lyriq, GMC Hummer EV, Mercedes-Benz EQS and sure, why not, the Tesla Cybertruck.

For now, though, these are the electric cars and SUVs that earn our top recommendation:

Best EVs Under $35,000 | Best EVs Under $50,000 | Best EVs Over $50,000

Note that all base prices include destination charges unless otherwise noted, but not tax incentives, fuel savings or other discounts some EV makers bake into advertised prices. However, we do indicate which cars are still eligible for federal tax credits. For those who pay enough federal tax to qualify, you can effectively subtract that amount from the base price.

Best electric cars under $35,000

Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV

Why it stands out: Two body styles to choose from; compelling to drive; roomy back seat in EUV
Could be better: Limited cargo space in both

Read our 2022 Chevy Bolt Review

We're grouping the revised Bolt EV and the new-for-2022 Bolt EUV together here because, just in case the pictures above aren't illustrative enough, they're basically the same car. The EUV has considerably more backseat space, a vaguely more SUV-ish shape, subtle styling differences and eight fewer miles of range. They're so close together, including in price ($31,995 vs $33,995), we wonder why Chevy bothered revising and keeping around the Bolt EV at all. Either way, and most important, both are excellent electric cars made even better thanks to their shared interior, comfort and feature content upgrades (including the availability of Super Cruise for the EUV). They have ample ranges of 258 and 250 miles, respectively, to easily assuage range-anxiety fears, and the addition of a dual-level charge cord means you can easily charge at home without the need of a dedicated 240-volt charge unit (GM will even cover the costs of installing a simple 240-volt outlet in your garage). From a car perspective, they're roomy, well-equipped, quick to accelerate and handle better than our other two affordable EV choices.

Note: Since this roundup was originally published, GM has issued a recall for every Bolt model year, including the updated 2022 EV and new 2022 EUV. This is inconvenient for current owners and bad news for GM's bottom line, but a new Bolt with a new battery would still be a good electric car choice.

Electric range: 258 miles (EV) or 250 miles (EUV)
Base price: $31,995 (EV) and $33,995 (EUV)
Eligible for $7,500 federal tax credit?: No

Mini Cooper SE

Why it stands out: Fun to drive; unique style; premium interior
Could be better: Low range; only two doors; very small

Read our Mini Cooper SE Review

The electric Mini won't be for everyone. Its range is less than half the other two choices in this price segment, it has half as many doors, and although not half the size, it definitely lives up to the name Mini. So, why on Earth would you want one? Well, for those with a second car for longer journeys, the Mini Cooper SE makes for a superb commuter car that'll brighten your day with its unmatched driving fun and effervescent character. Those elements, plus the Mini's more premium interior and sophisticated underpinnings, offset the value lost with its significant range and space disadvantage. We could make the same case for the BMW i3, but that comes with a substantially higher price than its corporate cousin, the Mini Cooper SE. Indeed, when you factor in the $7,500 federal tax credit, the SE becomes the cheapest Mini you can buy. It's quicker and better equipped than a base gasoline-powered Cooper, too.

Electric range: 110 miles
Base price: $29,850
Eligible for $7,500 federal tax credit?: Yes

Nissan Leaf

Why it stands out: Well-executed driver assistance features; low price with base battery; multiple range options
Could be better: Dull to drive; not as much range as other EVs

Read our full 2021 Nissan Leaf Review

The Nissan Leaf was really the first affordable electric car that didn't share its body with an internal combustion car. Now in its second generation, the Leaf is a little more normal in appearance, and thanks to the availability of the Leaf Plus model, can top the 200-mile plateau that seems to be the point where range anxiety begins to lesson. Like the Mini SE, however, the base Leaf is still around for those who don't intend to go very far at any given time and are happy to not pay extra for range they don't really need. Indeed, when you factor in the federal tax credit, the Leaf's base price is only $25,210. Not as low as the Mini perhaps, but it also has four doors, a usable back seat and a much bigger trunk. You also get Nissan's user-friendly infotainment tech and well-executed driver assistance features. Now, the Leaf's value degrades when you consider the Plus model, which starts at $39,220. That puts it against EVs like the Hyundai Kona Electric and VW ID.4, which go farther for about the same money or less. The regular Bolt EV is also cheaper and you don't have to wait for a tax rebate.

Note: Base prices listed here reflect a recent large price cut for the 2022 models.

Electric range: 150 miles (base); 226 miles (Plus)
Base price: $28,375 (base); $33,375 (Plus)
Eligible for $7,500 federal tax credit?: Yes

Best electric cars under $50,000

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Why it stands out: Distinctive style; compelling performance; user-friendly tech; high-quality cabin
Could be better: Back seat is mounted a bit low; cabin design is a bit anonymous

Read our full 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Review

One of the most talked about (and controversial) new cars is also one of the best electric cars you can buy. No, this is not "the new Mustang." It's a new thing, not a replacement, that effectively makes "Mustang" a Ford sub-brand by creating an electric crossover with styling cues and a performance-oriented driving character inspired by the still-very-much-on-sale Mustang coupe and convertible that are still powered by gasoline. That's a big part of the Mach-E's appeal: It looks cooler and drives better because it's a Mustang. Considering how uncool and drab lower-priced electric cars have been, this is very good news. Plus, its crossover body style provides usable backseat and cargo space, its giant Sync 4A touchscreen has impressed our editors with its clean simplicity, and its wide variety of drivetrain and battery combos makes Ford's first from-scratch electric car open to a wide range of needs and taste. Although there are a wave of new electric crossovers coming for roughly the same price, they'll need to be awfully good to bump the Mach-E from its perch among this price segment's best.

Electric range: 211-300 miles depending on drivetrain (RWD vs AWD) and battery pack (68 vs 88 kWh)
Base price: $43,995
Eligible for $7,500 federal tax credit?: Yes

Tesla Model 3

Why it stands out: Superior range and performance; Tesla Supercharger network
Could be better: Reliability and build quality concerns; central screen that controls and displays everything; a bit cramped

Read our Tesla Model 3 Review

For many people, this is the only affordable electric car. It definitely isn't, but it's still an obvious choice given Tesla's clear advantages in terms of electric battery range and its expansive Supercharger network. Even the most basic "Standard Range Plus" Model 3 is rated to go further on a charge than any of the other electric cars in these first two price brackets (apart from the best-possible Mach-E), while pricier Long Range and Performance models go even farther. Acceleration is also exceptional, and although there's definitely more to a car's performance credentials than a single 0-60-mph run yielding a low number, the Model 3's squatty stance, low center of gravity and well-tuned suspension result in capable handling on curvaceous roads. It's not a sport sedan, but it doesn't need to be. Now, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the Model 3's suspect build quality and reliability, and the questionable functionality of everything in the car being controlled and displayed by one touchscreen. And while "Autopilot" is an impressive advanced adaptive cruise control system with automated steering and lane changes, it's still just that. The driver must still be prepared to take over as is the case with other such systems.