As we enter 2024, Electric Cars face challenges. Audi recently switched to Electric Cars by 2030. Jaguar is struggling to survive until it makes its expected move next year. Ford and GM appear to be scaling back their electric car efforts, and other automakers are talking about closing their dealerships to stem their financial losses. Which are primarily to blame for the weak demand for electric cars.
I have two electric cars and another one on the order that is on this list, but we are living in a transitional world right now. While all transitions are ugly, this is especially true because the ecosystem is not yet ready or prepared for this turn.
I do not doubt that things will be sorted out by the end of the decade, but most likely, we will have a whole new slate of automakers, and many existing ones may be bought or closed due to this change.
Let’s talk about the five best electric cars in the world, some of which are unavailable in the US.
Let’s end with my first product of the week for 2024 – the best EV charger on the market.
Understanding the Practicality of Electric Cars
When choosing a “best of” list, understand how a reviewer sets the bar for “best.” As I mentioned, I have two all-electric cars, and I still have a plug-in hybrid, which makes more sense for most people today than fully electric cars because you don’t have to rely on the existing charging infrastructure to drive. Long distances.
Most electric cars on the market combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electrical technologies, often at odds with each other. Developers did not develop these two types of technology simultaneously and may not have originated in the same century. Electric cars are supposed to be pretty reliable, but often, they aren’t since outdated technology is mixed with new technology, and they don’t seem to get along with each other.
So, in the best-case scenario, I’ll pick from the list of land-based electric cars that lack this dated technology and have a range of at least 300 miles, which is enough for most to count on at home. Main charge.
If your round trip commute is more than 200 miles, you may want to increase the minimum range; Cars with mileage over 600 miles arrive. Given this necessary range. I suggest sticking with an ICE or plug-in hybrid car until 2026, when EVs with longer ranges and better batteries become available.
Although only Tesla has it now, I prefer NACS (Tesla North American Charging Standard) vehicles over non-Tesla J1772 ports, if possible. Since the industry seems to be moving to the NACS standard. It will also likely increase the car’s resale value when you’re done with it. Below, I’ve selected the five best Electric Cars.
New Tesla Model 3
Tesla just updated its Model 3. While it’s not as cutting-edge as the Tesla Cybertruck. It’s more practical, cheaper, and much better looking than its larger, more advanced sibling.
While Tesla’s lineups have been updated, the improvements are worth the wait. The Model 3 is currently the most excellent, affordable, updated contribution and sets the bar for affordable Electric Cars designed from the ground up. It can be configured to have a range of 333 miles, which exceeds my minimum range target, and has decent performance.
Tesla’s fit and finish have improved recently (early Model 3s were often lackluster) and remain among the market’s best.
Tesla is also in decent financial health, so among EV-only suppliers. This is the most likely in five years, which is always something to consider since we’ve had several EV companies fail. While the worth starts at $30,000 fully configured, it’s closer to $45,000, which is still a decent value.
Lucid Air Sapphire
If I were rich, I would get the Plain Air Sapphire. With up to 1,234 horsepower, this machine is at the pinnacle of supercar performance (1.89 seconds 0-60). In terms of size and price, it’s part of Tesla’s Model X lineup. Which means it’s not cheap: a fully customized model costs up to $250,000. But this is it if you want a no-compromise electric cars in the US.
The Lucid Air Sapphire was one of the first cars to use a 900V charging system (good luck discovering a 900V charger today). Making it quite future-proof. It can be configured to have a range of up to 427 miles.
This car recently competed in the Gumball Rally, and the only reason it failed to break the record was because it couldn’t use Tesla chargers yet, further highlighting the benefits of this charging network. This clever design shows what you can do if the price is almost no object.
Fisker Ocean Extreme
Not being rich, I recently ordered the Fisker Ocean Extreme. Which is more affordable at around $65,000 (prices start at a more economical $38,000). It’s also smartly designed and has a customizable range of about 364 miles, which meets my minimum.
This Fisker looks decent and has some unique features, such as an airplane-style fold-down driver’s seat. I usually eat hamburgers when I travel in the car and would benefit from having a table to put my food on. This is convenient when you need to sign a payment receipt.
As one of the best electric cars on the road. I’d invest in Ocean Extreme even though the company is in shaky financial shape.
Rivian R1S/R1T
The Rivian R1S SUV or R1T surprise (there are two potential shapes), with a series of up to 410 miles for the pickup and up to 390 miles for the SUV. Is one of the first electric cars with a four-motor option. Which should be even better than the dual-motor electric drive in off-road. Snow or ice, as you can continuously adjust the power to all four wheels individually.
The ability to install four motors makes the Rivian one of the most progressive electric cars on the market. And it has some motivating. Exceptional features, such as an RV-style slide-out tray under the rear bed of the truck. This car costs around $80,000, depending on the configuration, but these four engines are worth it. I’ve seen this truck battle a Ford Raptor while pulling a trailer. It’s a fantastic car, cheaper and more practical than a Tesla pickup.
Zikr 001
I’ll end my list with one of the Chinese cars we can’t buy here. This car is one of the best electric cars on the market. For example, you might mistake it for a Porsche Taycan from a distance.
With a long range (about 640 miles), an impressive interior. And discounted prices starting at $40,000 (similar Porsches begin at $90,000 and can top $160,000). It’s one of the best deals on the market. While you won’t be able to buy the Zeekr 001 in the US, it’s expected to be similar to the Polestar 4. Which will be available here this year, opening at around $60,000. It is also a perfect car.
I prefer it to the BYD Denza N7 because it is slightly cheaper and I think it is better and it suggests that the car can be used here. (Note: BYD may overtake Tesla as the world’s leading electric cars company.)
Some very competitive electric cars are coming to market in China. And market protections are keeping them out of the US. It won’t last forever.
Conclusion
As mentioned. I chose the Fisker Ocean as the electric Cars that best suited my needs—none of the old US car companies. I have cars that I consider cmpetitive. Especially as they continue to enter this market with vehicles based on their ICE cars. This approach makes them more expensive and less efficient than the vehicles from more specialized electric cars companies on the market.
Ironically, about ten years ago. I talked to the then-CEO of Ford and told him that if he didn’t move away from the Tesla model. He would lose his job, and Ford would fail. He lost his job, and Ford couldn’t compete with Tesla, let alone the Chinese car companies.
