Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular in recent years and it seems like we all should slowly start considering EVs as our potential new car purchases. It’s worth mentioning that 56% of current car owners in the US state that either a hybrid or an EV has the potential to become their new car in the coming years.
As such, we need to be aware of all the benefits and drawbacks EVs carry for drivers of a more modest proportion. The Audi e-Tron is a great all-around compact SUV for both shorter and taller drivers because it offers a middle ground between compact and large electric SUVs.
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the best EVs you can get at any price which makes it one of the best EVs on the market right now, both for shorter and taller drivers alike. If you want a more compact EV, be sure to check out the Chevy Bolt because it offers a lot of kit for a fairly attainable entry price.
As far as the subcompact EV segment is concerned, the Hyundai Kona seems to be the best option to go for. Finally, if you want a high-end EV packed with all sorts of wizardry and gadgetry, be sure to check out the Porsche Taycan.
Audi e-Tron – Great ergonomics in a mid-size SUV platform
The Audi e-Tron mid-size SUV is the very first Audi EV to be released which means that Audi has played it safe by offering an EV in a fairly popular car segment. The e-Tron comes with a 95 kWh battery which should last you for 222 miles while also being able to recharge 54 additional miles in less than 10 minutes if you manage to find a fast public DC charger.
The e-Tron looks and feels like a more futuristic Audi Q5 which is a great thing to say considering that the Q5 is arguably the best all-around Audi SUV money can buy. The e-Tron is easily accessible for shorter drivers and it offers lots of adjustability in both the driving position and the driving experience.
Tesla Model 3 – Arguably the best EV on the market
The Tesla Model 3 is certainly the best all-around Tesla you can buy right now considering what you get for the price. The main selling point of most Tesla EVs is the ability to take advantage of Tesla’s supercharger network which bests 99% of public chargers out there because it is so reliable and easy to use.
The entry-level Model 3 comes with a 263-mile range while the higher-end Long Range Model offers 350 miles of range. The space on offer is great for both taller and shorter drivers because the adjustability levels of the Model 3 are superior to most EVs out there.
Chevrolet Bolt – The best range for the money
The current EV market is constantly being bombarded with high-end EVs which tend to gather the most attention but the Bolt EV offers 80% of what most EVs offer at a much more reasonable price tag. It starts under $38k and it offers 260 miles which makes the Bolt the best US-made value EV option out there.
The Bolt comes fairly decently equipped as standard and there are many useful features you can get as part of additional equipment packages. A fairly roomy interior ensures that everyone can get comfortable in the Bolt no matter how short or tall they are.
Hyundai Kona – A small EV that goes big
The Hyundai Kona comes well-equipped from the factory and is the Chevy Bolt’s most fierce competitor considering that both of them offer pretty much the same range for the same amount of money. However, the Kona comes with a 10-year warranty which makes it superior to most EVs on the market.
As far as short driver-friendly features are concerned, the Kona is easy to get in and out of while also offering lots of adjustability in the process. Even though the second-row of seats is fairly limited in space, a shorter driver can easily negate that by simply pushing his/her seat forward.
Porsche Taycan – Best high-end EV on the market
The Porsche Taycan is a true Porsche and a true EV that instantly makes it the best sports EV on the market. The Taycan is available in a few different power configurations ranging from 552hp all the way up to 750 horsepower for the top-of-the-line Turbo S Model.
Besides being rapid, the Taycan is also one of the most advanced EVs out there because it packs lots of new features for the EV segment such as a 2-speed gearbox and an 800-volt architecture. It comes with lots of space and is surely the most comfortable EV for both shorter and taller drivers alike.
FAQ Section
Does it make any sense to buy an EV in 2021?
It depends on how you tend to use a car and where you live. If you are someone who already has decent experience with a plug-in hybrid or an EV, you are well aware of how logical it is or is not for you to buy an EV. However, the main point of consideration is how accessible and reliable your charging capabilities are.
If you can charge your car at home overnight, it makes sense to buy an EV if you can do this comfortably every night. However, if you primarily street park your car and the charging infrastructure at the place you live is not all that advanced, it’s better to skip it for now.
What are the benefits of buying an EV?
The most obvious benefit of buying an EV is the ability to save money on fuel and all sorts of regular maintenance necessities such as oil changes. However, an EV offers an entirely different set of benefits that range from better environmental awareness to all sorts of government grants and tax cuts.
EVs also offer more cargo space when compared to most ICE cars out there because they don’t have traditional gas engines in the front.
What are the drawbacks of buying an EV?
EVs are still too expensive for mass use which makes them out of reach for most people. Moreover, they are not as easy to live with as ICE cars are because they take a long time to recharge. This means that it’s considerably more difficult to travel long distances with an EV if you don’t plan ahead.
This is a red flag for those who tend to drive long distances often. Finally, we are yet not ready for a full EV transition because the charging infrastructure is nowhere near capable.