By 2035, California plans to end the sale of all gasoline-powered vehicles. If this trend continues, you may soon be unable to find a place that still uses internal combustion engines. The auto industry may have released a flood of plug-in electric vehicles, but they still need to iron out all the flaws. The high cost of electricity may put off even the most environmentally conscientious consumers.
By 2035, manufacturers will have refined the technology and reduced the price of these cars so that more people can afford to drive them. Meanwhile, we've researched the EV market and come up with a list of five that are worth the extra money right now and five that you should steer clear of.
1: 2023 GMC Hummer EV
The GMC Hummer EV is your best bet if you need a costly, inefficient, and unreliable electric vehicle that could break down and leave you stranded. With a price tag of $87,000 to over $107,000, you might expect a luxurious cabin, but what you get is functional but could be of better quality.
The GMC Hummer EV boasts many features and can go from 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds, but its use could be better. You'd be better off looking at just about any other electric pickup on the market instead, as we think you'll get a lot more for your money there.
2: 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5
The 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is now at the top of many rankings, including Best Electric Vehicle and Best Safety Pick. This Hyundai is in high demand but is only available at a few dealerships. The interior is loaded with cutting-edge gadgetry, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen for navigation and Android Auto/Apple Car Play.
When the back seats are collapsed, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has nearly 60 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making it an ideal family car. The driver's seat in the Limited package can be set to a "relaxation mode," allowing the driver to stretch out comfortably while waiting for the car to charge. Among electric vehicles, this Hyundai is in a league of its own.
3: 2022 Mazda MX-30
The 2022 Mazda MX-30 has the poorest gas mileage of any car in the world. The 100-mile range delayed charging, lackluster acceleration, and two-pedal need make this EV a considerable letdown.
Mazda's Freestyle side doors (rear-hinged "suicide" doors) are a cool design cue, but they lead to a cramped backseat with only 30 inches of legroom. Since these cars are only sold in California at the moment, the rest of the country can disregard this discussion altogether. Still, the new Mazda MX-30 R-EV made its debut at the Brussels Motor Show, and it looks very promising.
4: 2023 Ford F-150 Lighting
Although this electric truck will save you a hefty sum (the base model costs $56,000), Ford has done everything possible to make it a worthwhile investment. The 2023 Lightning boasts all the features you'd expect from an F-150, including a hefty 775 ft-lbs of torque, a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, and a payload of 2,000 pounds. The storage space beneath the hood may accommodate up to 400 pounds.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lighting is more than a practical vehicle thanks to its comfortable seats, quiet cabin, and plenty of space in the back. While the regular battery will get you 240 miles, the optional long-range battery will transport you 320 miles. The highly desirable 2023 Lightning is fantastic as a vehicle and an EV.
5: 2023 Mini Cooper SE
A range of 110 miles per charge? That's reasonable only if you want to utilize this electric Mini for no other purpose than zipping around town. Although it could be considered a low-priced electric vehicle, we do not recommend buying one.
Inside the 2023 Mini Cooper SE, you'll find an unusual circular light-up infotainment screen and a 5.5-inch digital instrument cluster. Although Mini says its hatchback can fit four adults, the back two seats are likely to be rather cramped. You can think of the Cooper SE as a go-kart with doors.
6: 2023 Ford Mustang MACH-E
Since this car looks nothing like Ford's legendary muscle car, it's understandable that some people could take issue with its name. Let's call it an explosive tribute to a living hero. And once you get behind the wheel, you'll be won over by the exciting, athletic ride.
This Ford Mustang MACH-E has a range of nearly 300 miles on a single charge and features three driving modes with exciting names: Quiet, Engage, and Unbridled. A huge 15.5-inch infotainment screen, adaptive cruise control, and a 10-speaker sound system can all be found in the cockpit. It's as if the first Ford Mustang finally decided it was time to enter adulthood.