Electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to gain steam, but sustainability is only partly responsible for its sustained momentum. Flair and performance are also fueling the green movement, enticing more and more gearheads to transition to electrified motoring.
Now that tens of millions of EVs are on the road globally, which models stand out?
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How Many Models of EV Are There?
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) shoppers in China could choose from 292 models in 2022 — an incredible jump from only 134 options in 2018. SUVs and medium cars were well represented, with 140 and 73 available models, respectively.
In Europe — the second-largest EV regional market — car model availability in Norway, the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden was above 150. Across the pond, the United States had a total of 87 models for small, medium and large cars, SUVs, and crossovers.
In all probability, model availability is highest in South Korea and the U.S. since they account for most of the FCEVs on the planet. Meanwhile, no other country comes close to the size of China’s heavy-duty fuel cell vehicle fleet, consisting of 13,200 trucks, buses and light commercial vehicles.
7 Most Impressive EVs on the Market
EVs come in various shapes and sizes. Check out some of the greenest and meanest emission-free vehicles out there.
1. 2024 Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is the undisputed EV market leader for a reason. Its Performance variant can go 60 mph from rest in 3.5 seconds and its Long Range version can run for 341 miles per charge. Heated and ventilated front seats, navigation, and a semi-autonomous autopilot driving system are its standard features.
Most of the improvements the 2024 model brings are cosmetic. Tesla designed it with more sound-deadening materials and outfitted it with acoustic glass to help lessen road noise while in the cabin.
2. 2024 Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 balances range and horsepower well. Its 2024 incarnation has a larger battery that can cover more ground per charge and supports up to 205 kW of DC-fast-charging speed.
The all-wheel-drive Performance Pack variety has dual motors, produces 449 horsepower tops and can sprint from 0 mph to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Polestar 2’s single-motor version with 19-inch wheels can last approximately 320 miles.
3. 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6
The IONIQ 6 is already perfect in the eyes of many electric motorheads. Independent range tests have proven its dual-motor iteration can travel 303 miles on a single charge. The single-motor version’s battery has a higher capacity, promising to last about 361 miles.
Quick-charging prowess is another selling point of this masterpiece from Hyundai. When hooked into a DC faster charger with an output flow of up to 350 kW, its battery can go from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes under ideal conditions.
The IONIQ 6 accelerates smoothly and progressively. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant needs 4.6 seconds to reach 60 mph — not the fastest, but still quick.
4. Winnebago eRV2
The eRV2 makes van life sustainable. This electric camper comes with fixed rooftop and portable solar panels to charge its 900-watt energy system.
Winnebago equips it with its proprietary IonBlade lithium house battery, which is suitable for up to seven days of off-grid living. Built on the Ford E-Transit platform, it’s rechargeable in as fast as 45 minutes through its 3-in-1 plug.
The Iowa-based motorhome manufacturer uses plant-based and recycled materials to furnish the eRV2 with sustainable flooring, bedroom and lounge seating and cab seat coverings. It leverages LED lighting, too. From a safety standpoint, Winnebago brags about eRV2’s blindspot assist, reverse brake assist and 360° cameras. This zero-emission RV is also smart, allowing you to control the house systems remotely through its companion app.
5. Nimbus
The Nimbus is a greener alternative to electric passenger vehicles. It uses fewer materials and batteries than ordinary EVs, so its manufacturing doesn’t impact the environment as much. In the city, it consumes 370 MPGe.
The Nimbus One has a swappable 9-kW battery pack, giving it a range of up to 93 miles of city driving. On the other hand, the One S model has a fixed 12-kWh battery and can go up to 128 miles per charge. It plugs into any standard household electrical outlet and can reach 90% from dead in under five and a half hours.
This EV is 91 inches long and 34 inches wide. Its compact design allows it to navigate urban traffic and simplify parking like motorcycles. Regarding acceleration, it can dash from 0 mph to 30 mph from rest in 3 seconds. The Nimbus’s top speed ranges 50–75 mph, depending on the model. It’s faster than street-legal carts, and may satisfy the speed limits states, counties or cities set for public roads.
Technically, it falls into the motorcycle category but has three wheels, so you can ride without a helmet and operate it with a standard driver’s license. Unlike some other two-wheeled vehicles, the Nimbus has various car safety features, including frontal airbags, traction control, an anti-lock braking system and frontal collision warning. That’s why it’s as insurable as cars and motorcycles.
6. Vector
The Vector is a fully electric North American-style fire truck — the first of its kind. It has the same components as diesel-powered trucks, except it has an electric motor to drive the pump or rear axle in normal split shaft operation.
This zero-emission firefighting apparatus performs 100% of ground duties purely on electricity and operates quietly. It has robust batteries with 327 kWh of power and can handle 800 DC voltage to support fast charging, although it has a 120-volt line option.
The Vector supports telematics, recording more than 40 vehicle metrics like routes, speed, power consumption and EV battery state of charge to lend itself to better management.
7. 2024 Toyota Mirai
This FCEV can stay on the road for 400 miles with a full tank of hydrogen and spends only five minutes at the pump to refuel. Its electric motor generates 182 horsepower and reaches 60 mph after 9.1 seconds.
The Mirai’s 2024 model features Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 — a suite of driver-assist capabilities, including Proactive Driver Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. Its Limited version has a digital smartphone key as a standard feature.
The 2024 Mirai is a decent zero-emission ride if you live in SoCal. It’s unavailable outside the Golden State because California is the only place in the continental U.S. to have FCEV infrastructure. The state has more than 50 public hydrogen fueling stations, but the Mirai offers 21 days of complimentary vehicle rentals if you must travel outside of coverage.
EVs Are Getting Cooler
Competition in the EV market will only become fiercer as time goes by. If these models impress you, the next generation of EVs will blow your mind.