Electric vehicles are becoming more popular by the day, and you no longer have to settle for some small plug-in hatchback anymore. In fact, you don’t even have to get a traditional EV, since several automakers are toying with the idea of hydrogen-powered cars. The latest Toyota electric vehicle is one such option. The Mirai does a great job of making this new technology appealing, with its chic good looks, elaborate powertrain, and classy, comfortable interior. Despite all this, hydrogen cars are unlikely to take off just yet. This is because there simply isn’t enough infrastructure in place to support it. Just as EVs rely on the now-widespread charging network, vehicles like the Mirai need specialized refueling stations, akin to gas stations, that house replacement hydrogen cells.
This is not a new problem for plug-in EVs, though, and companies like Tesla, Ford, Nissan, and Kia have put in the effort to create the necessary infrastructure. Now, you have a lot more choice than just a Tesla or Kia EV. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and even some new automakers are getting into the game, taking advantage of the groundwork that has been laid down. But, it is still very true that gas-powered cars, and even hybrids, are far more common and a lot cheaper than electric vehicles. So is now the tipping point to trade in your V6 for a pair of electric motors?
Supply and demand
With governments around the world cracking down on carbon emission standards, incentivizing car manufacturers to move away from fossil fuels. Concurrently, there have been buyer incentives, too. With many states in the USA and countries across the world offering money back when consumers buy an electric or hybrid car. This normally takes the form of a fuel allowance, which stretches quite far when you consider the excellent mileage these vehicles deliver.
With this demand for more EVs by policymakers, the supply has certainly improved, as automakers strive to comply. Subsequently, the extra supply means that there is more competition and shoppers no longer have to pay what is asked of them. This has brought the price of electric cars down a lot, but they are still noticeably more expensive than a cheap gas car. So one has to consider whether or not the savings gained through superior fuel economy are enough to make up the difference.
The most affordable EVs
Without taking into account the slew of models set to hit the US market in coming years, there are already a couple dozen electric cars on sale right now. And while it may be true that many carry high price tags, there are several that should be considered by those on a budget. These nameplates do their best to take into account the needs of their shoppers, emphasizing not just affordability but also passenger space, both up front and in the rear seats, as well as cargo capacity. These are areas where hybrids and EVs have had to make sacrifices in the past.
At under $40,000 MSRP, some great options include the:
- Nissan Leaf
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Kia Niro EV
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model Y
Just breaking that price point, the new Ford Mustang Mach-E crossover may be the one to beat in the states. It carries the heritage of one of the most beloved brands and has the styling and performance to back it up. Tesla still dominated in terms of electric expertise and maximum range on its EVs, but Ford seems to be putting in the work.
Electric luxury
It’s not just economy brands that are clamoring to get a piece of the EV pie, and the premium German automakers are gearing up to wow us with their offerings. The Audi e-tron has been around for a few years, but additional variants will be released soon, while Mercedes-Benz has a whole drawing board of EQ models that it’s been teasing us with. BMW will be using what it learned from the forgettable i3 to bring us the iX SUV and the very handsome i4 in sedan and coupe configurations.
The EV bubble is teetering on the edge of bursting, and prices may soon drop further as the technology becomes more widespread and more automakers start rolling out various electric cars across their classifications. However, now is actually a good time to consider getting an EV, since the incentives currently associated with them may not be standard in the future, once electric propulsion becomes the new norm, rather than a novel alternative.
