Best EV Car For Daily Driving???
Thaddeus Watkins
Senior Sales Manager MVP | Author | Rainmaker | EV Charging Evangelist For Dunamis Charge.
More consumers in the U.S. are embracing electrified automobility as each day passes for multiple reasons. Electric cars are more cost-effective and reliable compared to their fossil-fuel-driven counterparts. The market is gradually being populated with a wide variety of electrified options offering consumers a broad spectrum of options to suit specific needs. Among the diverse range, certain models emerge as well-suited for daily driving, thanks to their impressive range capabilities, high levels of comfort, and cutting-edge technological features. These EVs address the daily commuting requirements and present a greener alternative to gasoline cars, aligning with the growing eco-conscious philosophy becoming dominant among modern consumers. The electric cars featured on this list excel in facilitating daily commuting, while embodying the essence of modern, sustainable transportation.
These cars impress when looking at range, comfort, affordability, and technological innovation, providing a well-rounded view for day-to-day use. The current era of electrification offers better range and more advanced safety, convenience, and comfort features, making the choices for daily electrified commuting more appealing. These cars provide a glimpse into the current front-runners in the EV market that promise to transform daily driving into a more enjoyable practice, while contributing towards a larger narrative of environmental responsibility. Potential buyers can gain insights into the electric cars that stand out in the crowded market, offering a blend of practicality, innovation, and sustainability, essential for the modern-day commuter.
Specifications, data, and information relating to the cars on this list are sourced from various manufactures, fueleconomy.gov, MotorTrend, Road and Track, and other well-known publications and resources.
Nissan Leaf
Starting price: $36,040
The second-generation Nissan Leaf benefits from a solid reputation for its practicality and reliability. Although it is the most affordable model on this list, the Leaf does not compromise on essential features, making it a smart choice for many. One of its strong suits is its commendable electric range, stretching up to 149 miles on a single charge from its 40-kWh battery pack, which is substantial for covering daily commutes and errands. The SV Plus benefits from a larger 60 kWh pack and dual-motor all-wheel drive, giving it a combined 212 MPGe estimate.
Nissan Leaf S Performance Specifications
Horsepower
147 horsepower
Torque
236 pound-feet
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Driveline
Front-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
99 MPGe
0-60 MPH
6.8 seconds
Top Speed
136 MPH
The comfort levels within the Leaf are in line with what consumers can expect from the brand’s ICE products. The heated front seats are designed for supportive comfort while navigating some of the rougher urban roads, also thanks to a smooth ride quality. The noise insulation is effective, ensuring a serene cabin environment that's ideal for daily driving. The easy-to-use controls and the straightforward infotainment system add to the convenience, making daily commuting less of a chore and more of a pleasant experience. Through a blend of decent electric range, spacious interior, and commendable comfort levels, the Nissan Leaf emerges as a strong contender for those seeking an EV for daily driving without breaking the bank.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Starting price: $42,985
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 showcases a captivating blend of retro-futuristic design and modern-day functionality, making a statement in the expanding realm of electric crossovers. Its design intelligently combines aesthetics with a spacious interior to exemplify practicality. The Ioniq 5’s cabin offers ample room for passengers and cargo thanks to a clever use of interior space, ensuring a comfortable and airy environment, conducive for daily commuting and long drives alike. The base Ioniq 5 also stands tall with an impressive range of up to 220 miles on a single charge, while the 77.4-kWh single-motor option increases this to 303 miles.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range Performance Specifications
Horsepower
168 horsepower
Torque
258 pound-feet
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
110 MPGe
0-60 MPH
8.3 seconds
Top Speed
115 MPH
A smooth ride quality and a silent cabin enhance overall comfort levels, offering users a serene commuting environment. The advanced tech features within the cabin further elevate the driving experience, ensuring connectivity and entertainment on the go. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 also benefits from a diverse range of variants covering daily usability and uncompromising performance via the N division.
Tesla Model Y
Starting price: $43,990
Tesla continues to be a trailblazer in the electric vehicle realm, and the Model Y stands as a testament to its innovation and performance. Looking past ongoing quality niggles, this compact crossover is a package of stellar performance, superb efficiency, and high utility. The base rear-wheel-drive benefits from an impressive 260-mile range estimate while the dual-motor Long Range and Performance trims cover 330 miles and 303 miles, respectively. The interior space is generous, accommodating passengers and cargo with ease. The trunk offers a spacious 30.2 cubic-feet area, demonstrating a thoughtful blend of comfort and practicality.
Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive Performance Specifications
Horsepower
347 horsepower
Torque
497 pound-feet
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
129 MPGe
0-60 MPH
6.6 seconds
Top Speed
135 MPH
The autopilot system gives the Model Y a layer of safety and contributes to a stress-free driving experience. The highlight of the cabin experience is the advanced portrait touchscreen infotainment system, which offers an intuitive interface that ensures passengers stay entertained and connected on the go. The Tesla Model Y makes a compelling case for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable daily driver in the electric vehicle market through its exceptional electric range, expansive interior space, and high comfort levels.
Kia EV6
Starting price: $44,000
The Kia EV6 emerges as a notable contender in the realm of compact electric SUVs with its sleek design that doesn't compromise on practicality. The EV6 surprises with a spacious and well-organized interior, providing ample room for passengers and their belongings. Comfortable seats complement the ergonomic cabin layout, ensuring a comfortable ride whether commuting to work or embarking on longer journeys. A key highlight is its robust electric range of up to 232 miles from a 58 kWh battery, which provides a sense of freedom and alleviates the common range anxiety associated with electric vehicles.
Kia EV6 Light Performance Specifications
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Horsepower
167 horsepower
Torque
258 pound-feet
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
117 MPGe
0-60 MPH
8.3 seconds
Top Speed
115 MPH
The combination of generous 22.4 cubic-feet of cargo space, extensive electric range, and superior comfort levels, augmented by the fast charging feature, makes the Kia EV6 a well-rounded and practical choice for daily commuting and beyond. The brand also offers a series of dual-motor all-wheel drive options with larger batteries for those wanting better performance or range.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Starting price: $42,995
Ford's foray into the electric SUV arena with the Mustang Mach-E is a blend of exhilarating performance and practical design. The sporty Mustang-inspired esthetics of the Mach-E joins a spacious interior that comfortably accommodates passengers and 29.7 cubic-feet of cargo, making it a suitable choice for daily drives and longer journeys alike. The seats provide good support and the overall cabin ambiance is plush, ensuring a comfortable ride across multiple terrains. The Mach-E stands as a strong contender in the EV market, with its electric range of 250 miles. This provides ample distance coverage for daily commuting and reduces the frequency of charging sessions.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Select RWD Performance Specifications
Horsepower
266 horsepower
Torque
317 pound-feet
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
103 MPGe
0-60 MPH
6.3 seconds
Top Speed
114 MPH
The Mustang Mach-E encapsulates the sporty and adventurous spirit of the Mustang lineage and addresses the practical aspects of daily driving with its generous interior space, commendable electric range, and high comfort levels, making it a compelling choice for those looking to make a switch to electric without compromising on style or comfort. California Route 1, Premium, and GT trims cater to consumers wanting better performance and range from the model.
Honda Prologue
Starting price: $48,000
The Honda Prologue is stirring interest as an all-electric SUV that endeavors to marry performance with efficiency via the power of GM’s Ultium platform. Full details are still confidential, but early snippets suggest it will offer competitive electric range capabilities. The hinted tech amenities promise to keep the ride engaging and cater to the functional needs of daily drivers. Interior space expectations are high given Honda's reputation for crafting spacious interiors.
Honda Prologue AWD Performance Specifications
Horsepower
288 horsepower
Torque
333 pound-feet
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Driveline
All-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
TBA
0-60 MPH
4.0 seconds
Top Speed
130 MPH
Comfort is another aspect where the Prologue is likely to shine, with Honda's known emphasis on providing supportive seating and smooth ride quality. The anticipation surrounding the Prologue suggests a well-rounded electric SUV that could offer a harmonious blend of interior spaciousness, commendable electric range, and superior comfort levels, making daily driving practical and enjoyable.
Polestar 2
Starting price: $49,900
The Polestar 2 stands as a testament to luxury meeting practicality in the electric vehicle sector. This Swedish electric car offers a uniquely meticulous design that exudes a premium feel while offering a decent electric range of up to 320 miles from the single-motor rear-wheel drive option. This easily caters to daily commuting needs. The interior is a blend of contemporary high-quality materials and smart design, creating a spacious, comfortable environment for all users. The intelligent layout of the interior maximizes space, providing ample room for passengers while hosting a modest 14.3 cubic-feet of cargo space.
Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor Performance Specifications
Horsepower
299 horsepower
Torque
361 pound-feet
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
107 MPGe
0-60 MPH
5.9 seconds
Top Speed
127 MPH
The technology infused in the Polestar 2 is top-notch, adding to the ease and enjoyment of the driving experience. It may be a premium car, but the Polestar 2 does not shy away from providing a practical solution for daily driving. It balances a commendable electric range, generous interior space, and superior comfort levels, in a sophisticated design, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxurious and practical electric family car.
Audi Q4 e-Tron
Starting price: $50,995
The Audi Q4 e-Tron represents a new era of the German brand’s luxurious and functional products encased in a compact electric SUV or coupe crossover design. The plush interior exudes a high-end and technological feel while providing ample passenger and cargo space, making it a perfect daily driver for small families. Supportive and plush front and rear seating coupled with a well-sprung suspension setup translate to comfortable journeys. The electric range of around 265 miles from the 77 kWh is more than respectable, and should provide substantial driving before requiring a recharge.
Audi Q4 e-Tron Performance Specifications
Horsepower
295 horsepower
Torque
339 pound-feet
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
103 MPGe
0-60 MPH
5.8 seconds
Top Speed
113 MPH
The superior cabin perceived quality is one of the Q4 e-Tron’s strongest traits as it ensures a quiet and rattle-free ride. Tech features like the augmented reality head-up display add a futuristic touch and enhance the driving experience by providing essential information directly in the driver's line of sight. The Audi Q4 e-Tron, with its substantial interior space, satisfying electric range, and high comfort levels, emerges as a luxurious yet practical choice for those seeking an upscale yet functional electric vehicle for daily usage.
BMW i4
Starting price: $53,195
The BMW i4 is a striking blend of sportiness and efficiency, presenting a dynamic driving experience that maintains the brand’s core design principles. Its sporty Gran Coupe aesthetic complements a robust 276-mile electric range from the base eDrive35 on 18-inch wheels, making it a highly practical choice for daily commuting and weekend getaways alike. The interior space is thoughtfully designed, offering ample room for passengers to sit comfortably, but cargo space is admittedly limited at 10 cubic-feet. The i4 range caters to multiple consumers thanks to a versatile range covering single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive options. There’s even an M Performance model with near M3-level capabilities.
BMW i4 eDrive35 Performance Specifications
Horsepower
281 horsepower
Torque
295 pound-feet
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
120 MPGe
0-60 MPH
5.8 seconds
Top Speed
118 MPH
Ride quality from all trims is smooth, without compromising its athletic capabilities. The i4 is also outfitted with cutting-edge tech features that entertain and aid in making daily commutes more enjoyable and less stressful. The intuitive iDrive 8.0 infotainment system and driver-assist features contribute to a seamless driving experience. The BMW i4, with its substantial electric range, luxurious interior, and superior comfort levels, showcases how a sporty electric vehicle can also cater to the practical needs of daily driving.
Chevrolet Blazer EV
Starting price: $56,715
The anticipation surrounding the Chevy Blazer EV is profound, as it promises to bring a fusion of modern design and cutting-edge features to the electric vehicle market. Full specifications for the non-SS range remain secretive, but the buzz suggests a competitive electric range which will be crucial for daily commuting and road-tripping needs. Generous interior packaging is expected, falling in line with Chevy's tradition of providing roomy and comfortable cabins. The seats and ride quality will offer high comfort levels, making short and long drives enjoyable via the Ultium platform.
Chevrolet Blazer EV SS Performance Specifications
Horsepower
557 horsepower
Torque
648 pound-feet
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Driveline
All-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
TBA
0-60 MPH
4.0 seconds
Top Speed
130 MPH
The tech-savvy features hinted at are set to enhance and simplify the driving experience. The modern design incorporates futuristic esthetics without detracting from a user-friendly layout and innovative features. The Chevrolet Blazer EV should offer a competitive range from a 150 kWh battery, ample interior space, and promising comfort levels, is gearing up to be a significant entrant in the EV market, potentially offering a well-rounded choice for daily drivers seeking a blend of style, comfort, and efficiency in an electric vehicle.