Which Electric Vehicle is Best, the Fiat 500e or Chevy Spark EV?
As you read this comparison of the best electric cars, you’ll learn:
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- If you were impressed by the electric cars 2020 had to offer, you’ll be even more delighted by your options in 2021.
- As the EV industry becomes more developed, it’s becoming easier to find an affordable electric car.
- If you know where to buy an electric car in Phoenix, you might be surprised by the types of deals you can get.
Best Electric Cars
The future is looking greener every year, and that’s as evident in the automotive industry as it is anywhere. As you consider this comparison of the best electric cars for 2021, you’ll find that you have a lot more options than you would have even a few years ago. Going electric is more affordable than ever before, and the cars are more impressive, too.
Some of the most affordable electric vehicles in the United States include the following:
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- 2021 Chevy Bolt EV
- 2021 Hyundai Kona EV
- 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
- 2021 Nissan LEAF
Each one of these modern, environmentally friendly cars has something to offer. Best of all, they’re more attainable than many of the first electric vehicles that came out several years ago. It can be hard to choose the best electric car even after you narrow down your options a little bit, so take a look at some head-to-head comparisons and decide which one is right for you.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Vs. Chevy Bolt EV
Many people in the automotive community got excited when they heard that Ford was making an electric Mustang, but that was before we realized that this electric SUV doesn’t actually have much in common with the popular sports car. Still, there is a certain amount of athletic style about this electric crossover. The front end features a body-color grille that gets mixed reviews. Some people think it looks modern and elegant, while others find it to be a bit strange.
The entry trim level, the Select, has an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. That’s not spectacular, but the 5.2 seconds, zero to 60 time might help make up for it if you’re only using this vehicle for short commutes. If you’re willing to shell out over $50,000 for the Mustang Mach-E California Route 1, you can increase the range to an estimated 305 miles, but you lose some acceleration. Unfortunately, even the lowest trim level of the 2021 Mustang Mach-E starts at $42,895, which is significantly higher than options like the Chevy Bolt.
The biggest advantages the new Bolt EV has in this comparison is price and practicality. It has an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles, about 13% higher than the range for the base model of the Ford EV. This is partially because the Chevy EV is a compact car instead of a crossover SUV, so the small size helps with efficiency as well as maneuverability. The Bolt EV is also less expensive, with a starting price of only $36,600. If you want to spend less to go further, the 2021 Bolt EV is a clear winner.
Chevy Bolt EV Vs. Nissan LEAF
The Nissan LEAF aspires to be a low-budget version of the electric car, and it certainly succeeds. The starting price of only $31,670 makes it the cheapest EV on this list. Unfortunately, there are a few ways in which the LEAF falls short of its competition. The biggest issue for most drivers is space. This vehicle only offers 30 cubic feet of cargo space even with the rear seat folded down, which doesn’t give you a lot of room to work with if you’re doing anything more demanding than picking up groceries for the week.
The Chevy Bolt EV nearly doubles the room for gear with a maximum cargo space of 56.6 cubic feet. That’s a big deal when you’re running errands, moving gear around, or picking up larger items for your home. The space is also used more thoughtfully thanks to touches like the available false cargo floor. The Bolt EV is a bit more expensive than the LEAF, but you’ll definitely be able to see where that money is going. It’s worth upgrading to the Bolt if you want more space, better acceleration, and more responsive handling.
Kia Niro EV Vs. Chevy Bolt EV
The 2021 Kia Niro EV starts at $39,090. This makes it more expensive than the Bolt EV, but still more affordable than the Mustang Mach-E. If you’re interested in a crossover style, this is probably a better option than the Mustang Mach-E. Many drivers of electric vehicles might want something smaller, though, which is why the hatchback design is so popular in this segment.Â
The best thing about the Niro EV is that it can get an 80% battery charge in roughly an hour and 15 minutes with compatible 50 kW DC fast chargers. The biggest downsides are the cramped backseat and the occasionally unpleasant experience of its one-pedal driving. Like the Mustang Mach-E, this one gets mixed reviews on its body-colored front grille. Also like the Mustang Mach-E, this vehicle costs more than the Bolt EV and still has a smaller range.
Hyundai Kona EV Vs. Chevy Bolt EV
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is competitive with the Bolt EV in many ways. With an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles, it falls just one mile short of the Chevy EV. The Kona is also somewhat competitive on price, though it does still start at a price just a bit higher than the one you can pay for a Bolt. Add the Kona’s competent handling, and it’s probably the one vehicle on this list that can give the Bolt EV the biggest run for its money. There is one big thing that’s scaring people away from the 2021 Kona EV, though, and that’s that the battery capacity seems to struggle in extreme temperatures.
Best Affordable Electric Car for 2021
As you weigh the pros and cons of today’s electric vehicles, you’ll find that the quality is leagues beyond what you could get even a few years back. Even though many brands are making good strides with their efforts to create environmentally-friendly vehicles, the 2021 Chevy Bolt EV still has a leg up on the competition for a few primary reasons:
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- The starting price is about as good as it gets if you still want to enjoy a spacious cabin, a good electric range, and responsive acceleration.
- The battery warranty is for eight years or 100,000 miles.
- It can get up to 100 miles of range in 30 minutes with available DC fast charging, which makes for extremely convenient charging on the go.
- The standard 120-volt portable charge cord allows you to charge anywhere.
Test Drive the 2021 Bolt EV in Phoenix
The best way to truly appreciate the advancements in electric vehicles is to see them for yourself. You can do exactly that by taking the 2021 Chevy Bolt EV for a spin. Visit your nearest Valley Chevy dealer location to explore all of the features and take your test drive today!
