Eco-Friendly Rides: The Best Electric Cars of 2024

Electric cars have become a very popular option. It's not just that they are good for the environment, electric cars are generally stylish, full of gadgets, and provide impressive acceleration. Of course, there have been complications regarding the charging network and there are still concerns over battery life. However, for the most part, these vehicles are desirable, reliable, and there are enough different brands producing them that you will find something you love.

Let's take a look at the best electric cars of 2024:

1. Hyundai Ioniq 6

It's probably not surprising that the Ioniq 6 is one of the best electric cars of 2024. Every version of this vehicle has been slightly better than the previous one. It's stylish, aerodynamic, and has an impressive range. Of course, like most electric cars, the manufacturer's estimates (361 miles) don't quite match the real-world range. It's under $40,000 and is packed full of features, has good acceleration, and a surprisingly spacious interior.

2. BMW i4

BMW have thrown themselves into the electric car market and achieved some impressive results. The i4 is staggering. It looks fantastic, managing to mix contemporary BMW with a hint of the future. As expected, the cabin is comfortable and very quiet. The car can outperform an M3 and drives like a BMW sports car. It has an impressive 282 horsepower in the base model and a whopping 523 horsepower in the top-of-the-range M50. It's one purchase you're unlikely to regret.

3. Polestar 2

If you want a Tesla but don't want to buy a Tesla, the Polestar 2 is probably the right solution for you. It's a stylish sedan with an impressive 320-mile range and the starting model has 295 hp. On the other end, the performance version gives you 449 hp. One feature that most drivers love is that the cockpit has a more traditional feel with normal instrument clusters as opposed to a large electronic screen. It's an excellent and surprisingly affordable option.

4. Tesla Model 3

You can't have a list of the best electric cars without including at least one Tesla. The Model 3 looks good, handles surprisingly well, and offers excellent performance. In fact, it's a lot of fun to drive. Most importantly, it was the first Tesla to be affordable to most households and this hasn't changed. Of course, it's futuristic, there are very few buttons inside the vehicle.

5. Fiat 500e

This is definitely an affordable option. It's also a lot smaller than most of the competition. It has an advertised range of 141 miles, looks cute, and still embodies the look of the early Fiat 500s. The 500e is surprisingly nimble and has a 117-hp motor, which is more than enough considering the size of the car. The interior is well-equipped and has a large 10.3-inch touchscreen. It's hard to beat Italian styling.

6. Nissan Leaf

The original Nissan Leaf was the first mass-produced all-electric car. The 2024 version looks very different from its 10-year-old predecessor, although the driving range is still around 150-215 miles. The latest version is surprisingly spacious, very comfortable, and has distinctive styling. The range is shorter than most of its competitors but it's a very affordable electric car. The latest Leaf features a 147-hp motor and a 40 kWh battery pack. There's even a sporty SV version offering 214 hp and a 62 kWh battery!

7. Mini Cooper Electric

The Mini is a classic in all its forms and the electric version somehow manages to look more like the original than many of the other versions currently available. Its range is limited, offering just 114 miles. However, it's a lot of fun to drive and handles impressively. Naturally, the room inside is limited, but the quality and equipment inside more than makes up for this. It will accelerate as quickly as a petrol Mini and it offers an array of driver assistance tech.

8. Volkswagen ID.7

The ID.7 is an all-new design from Volkswagen. It's based on the well-known Passat and has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. With just one motor of 282 hp, it offers excellent acceleration. Dual-engine versions should give BMW a run for their money. You'll get roughly 300 miles off one charge and VW intends to offer a bigger battery in the future to increase the range. The inside is spacious and comfortable with a high equipment level.

Summing Up

Choosing the best electric car of 2024 isn't easy. The market is becoming increasingly competitive and there are some truly stunning vehicles on offer. If budget is your guiding factor then the Mini or the Leaf are likely to come out on top. If not, you're going to find it hard to beat the BMW i4 or Hyundai Ioniq 6. Of course, if range is the most important factor, Tesla remains the only one whose real-world performance matches the manufacturer's advertised range. In other words, whatever your motivation, one of these impressive electric cars will do.