Main points
- In 2023, electric vehicles will account for 7.6% of U.S. car sales, with Tesla Model Y leading the world.
- Interest rates may affect the adoption of high-end electric vehicles, but automakers aim to develop more affordable models.
- Popular electric cars in 2024 include Tesla Model 3, BMW i4, Ford F-150 Lightning, Porsche Taycan and BMW iX.
Mass adoption of electric vehicles will definitely take some time, but we’re getting there. KellyBlue Book estimates that 7.6% of all new car sales in the United States in 2023 will be electric vehicles, up from 5.9% the previous year. Add to this the fact that the Tesla Model Y is the best-selling car in the world in 2023, and you start to feel the tide is turning. While rising auto loan rates may slow the adoption of electric vehicles at the high end of the market, competition for affordable models with mass appeal is as fierce as ever as major automakers try to catch up with the current market leaders.
Electric vehicles of the future: Battery-powered cars coming soon
These are the electric cars confirmed to be launched in 2024 and in the near future.
If you’re considering making the switch but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve rounded up some of the electric models we think will be the best for most buyers. These are the best electric cars on the US market in 2024.
Tesla Model 3
A reliable family sedan that takes you near and far
Source: Tesla
We believe the Tesla Model 3 remains the most complete electric sedan on the road today. The second-generation Model 3 represents a leap forward in build quality, reduced cabin noise and features in a car that competes in the same category as the BMW 3 Series sedan. Starting at $38,990 (before federal tax credits or state incentives), the Model 3 is firmly positioned as a midsize luxury car that’s relatively affordable when new.
The entry-level model has a range of 272 miles and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The newly facelifted Model 3 features ventilated front seats, an 8-inch display between the front seats for rear passengers, and a cabin that’s louder than the first thanks to 360-degree soundproof glass and increased use of soundproofing materials. The previous model was much quieter.
rear wheel drive/long range all wheel drive
- Suggested retail price: $38,990/$47,740
- scope:272 miles/341 miles
- 0-60 mph:5.8 seconds/4.2 seconds
As with every Tesla, Tesla’s vast Supercharging network comes standard on Model 3, making road trips a breeze and fast charging never too far away. While nearly all major electric vehicles will come standard with NACS charging ports, originally exclusive to Tesla vehicles, there’s no firm timeline for when those vehicles will be able to access the entire Supercharging network. Currently, access to non-Tesla vehicles is being gradually rolled out.
How Tesla’s NACS plug became the de facto EV charging standard
Why this is a good thing for the automotive industry.
You won’t find more intuitive software, more advanced driver assistance features or a more complete Supercharger network than Tesla. If you’re willing to give up a little in these areas in exchange for build quality from an automaker with nearly a century of experience, read on.
BMW i4
Sports sedan’s build quality matches its speed
Source: BMW
BMW prides itself on its cars being the “ultimate driving machines,” and thankfully, the i4 is no exception. It’s important to remember that the i4 isn’t BMW’s first electric car. BMW first released the all-electric i3 in 2013 and spent the next few years working on battery technology and electric drivetrains. When BMW releases the i4 in 2021, they already have a clear idea of how to create an electric sports sedan that’s both satisfying to drive and fast. What the i4 lacks in clunky software and user interface, it more than makes up for in sheer mechanical performance. The i4 feels like it’s on a track to drive, with the range-topping M50 model accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 3.7 seconds.
BMW i4 M50 review: Exciting in almost every sense of the word
Taking the traditional electrification route, the BMW i4 offers BMW drivers everything they expect – the same exciting driving experience as the M50 version.
i4 eDrive35/i4 eDrive40/i4 xDrive40/i4 M50
Suggested retail price: USD 52,200 / USD 57,300 / USD 61,600 / USD 69,700
scope: 276 miles / 301 miles / 307 miles / 269 miles
0-60 mph:5.8 seconds/5.4 seconds/4.9 seconds/3.7 seconds
The i4 is based on the 4 Series Gran Coupe frame and is a mid-size sedan between the 3 Series and 5 Series. The interior of the vehicle feels and operates very similarly to the ICE 4 Series, making the transition from gas-powered to electric an easy one. The more powerful i4 M50 is also BMW’s first electric car to borrow the “M” badge, although the first official M series electric car is not expected to be launched until 2027.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The battery-powered pickup truck that gets the job done
Source: Ford
Perhaps what America’s roads and skeptical potential adopters crave most is an all-electric pickup truck from a trusted brand. The Ford F-150 Lightning will arrive in 2022 and fill this gap. The all-electric pickup promises to seamlessly transition drivers from the gas-powered pickups they’ve known and loved for generations to the battery-powered workhorse Ford F-150 Lightning. One undeniable difference between electric cars and internal combustion engine cars is the massive torque generated by electric motors for instant acceleration. For owners who care about towing and hauling, they’ll be happy to know that the F-150 Lightning has the highest torque of any F-150 pickup truck.
PRO / XLT / Lariat / Platinum
- Suggested retail price: USD 49,995 / USD 54,995 / USD 69,995 / USD 91,995
- scope: 240 miles/320 miles/320 miles/300 miles
- 0-60 mph: 4.1s / 4.0s or less / 4.0s or less / 4.0s or less
A big win for the F-150 Lightning is that Ford struck a deal that ensures every model has access to nearly the entire Tesla Supercharger network. Owners can order adapters from Ford to charge at all included locations. Drivers can find the location and control charging through the Tesla app.
Porsche Taycan
Luxury electric sports car
If you’re in the market for a true luxury car and your budget is much higher, look no further than the all-electric Porsche Taycan. What needs to be said about electric Porsches? This is the best luxury electric sports car on the road today. First launched in 2020, Porsche took a few years to iron out some issues with the original model. While the Taycan doesn’t excel in terms of range or fancy driver-assistance features, it exists to deliver the pure Porsche driving experience that only a Porsche can offer.
Taycan / Taycan 4S / Taycan Turbo / Taycan Turbo S
- Suggested retail price: USD 99,400 / USD 118,500 / USD 173,600 / USD 209,000
- scope:208 miles/206 miles/238 miles/222 miles
- 0-60 mph:5.1 seconds/3.8 seconds/3.0 seconds/2.6 seconds
Mediocre cargo space will come as no surprise to anyone who has driven a Porsche sedan, but again, that’s not really why you buy a Porsche. Depending on the configuration, you could easily drive away a car that’s a quarter of a million dollars lighter than when you walked in, but suffice it to say this is a luxurious driving experience unparalleled in an electric car.
BMW iX
Luxury battery-powered SUV
Source: BMW
BMW is entering the luxury SUV electric vehicle category with the BMW iX. Completely different in style from the current range of gas-powered X-Series SUVs such as the X5 or X7, the iX stands out in its class. Unlike the more affordable i4 electric sedan, this SUV is firmly entrenched in the luxury segment and is priced to compete with high-end cars in its class. The iX’s interior takes an aesthetic risk with its futuristic carbon fiber grille and diamond-like menu navigator.
iX xDrive50/iX M60
- Suggested retail price: USD 87,100 / USD 111,500
- scope: 305-311 miles/296 miles
- 0-60 mph:4.4 seconds/3.6 seconds
While the iX’s specs are certainly impressive, it’s clear after actually driving that this ultimate driving machine seems more focused on the comfort and luxury of the driving experience than any sporty aspects of its build. It’s a well-equipped beast, weighing more than two and a half tons and feeling like a tank with a fine leather interior. But don’t let the weight fool you, this pedal still packs an incredible amount of power whenever you need it.