It’s finally time. You’ve decided to make the switch and join the zero-emission club. Buying your first electric car comes with a whole new experience. Once you feel the instant torque, upgraded technology, and smoother drive, you will never go back. Now the question becomes how do you choose which electric car to buy? Here are a few factors to consider.
How to choose your first electric car
Like with any major purchase, it’s good to know your options and what to look for. You wouldn’t blindly buy a house without knowing how the inside looks or feels. The same holds true when purchasing an electric car.
Americans are buying electric vehicles (EVs) at a record pace as new electric models appear in showrooms. According to Cox Automotive, electric cars accounted for 5.6% of the total auto market this past quarter, more than doubling from 2.7% in 2021.
Tesla remains the dominant brand, yet most major automakers at this point have introduced their own electric models and are beginning to scale production.
With more options than ever, where do you start? It’s not as complicated as it may seem for first-time buyers. However, there are a few things you should consider before choosing the right EV for you. Here are a few tips and considerations for selecting your first electric car.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Source: Hyundai
Price and incentives
Yes, there are incentives to buy electric cars. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August, extends the up to $7,500 tax credit for new electric car purchases and provides a $4,000 credit for used ones.
For an EV to be eligible, though, it must meet strict battery sourcing and assembly requirements. You can find a list of electric cars eligible for the tax credit here.
Several popular EV models make the list, including:
Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV
Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Nissan Leaf
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model Y
The average price for an electric vehicle in September 2022 is just over $65,000. However, that doesn’t mean that all EVs cost that much. For example, here are a few of the most affordable electric cars on the market and their starting prices:
Starting price
2023 Chevy Bolt EV
$25,600
2023 Chevy Bolt EUV
$27,200
2023 Nissan Leaf
$28,040
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric
$33,550
2023 Volkswagen ID.4
$37,495
Most affordable electric cars list
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Source: Chevrolet
Driving range
Another huge consideration when buying your first electric car is how far it will travel on a full charge. The range is one of the most critical factors for drivers. Do you mostly commute to work? How often do you travel long distances? Do you live in a house or an apartment?
These are a few questions you may want to ask before deciding which EV is right for you. Here are the electric cars with the highest range and their starting prices to make it easy for you.
Range (est.)
Starting Price
Lucid Air Dream Edition
520
$169,000
Tesla Model S
375
$109,490
Tesla Model 3 Long Range
358
$62,990
Mercedes Benz EQS
350
$102,310
Tesla Model X
333
$120,990
Tesla Model Y
330
$67,990
EVs with the longest range in 2022
Tesla Model S Source: Tesla
Vehicle type
Why not choose a car you love driving? Electric cars offer a driving experience that’s superior to their gas-powered counterparts. With instant torque, you can feel the power behind the wheel. Furthermore, because they have no internal combustion engine and fewer moving parts, EVs are quieter and offer a smoother ride.
At the same time, you don’t have to give up your favorite type of vehicle by switching to electric cars. Automakers have introduced an EV in every category to fit all driver styles. Below are a few examples in each category.
Electric car model
Sedan
Tesla Model 3
Crossover/ compact
Kia EV6 Tesla Model Y Hyundai Kona EV Chevy Bolt EV Chevy Bolt EUV Ford Mustang Mach-E Polestar 2 Volvo C40
SUV
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Volkswagen ID.4 Rivian R1S Jaguar I-Pace Chevrolet Blazer EV Audi e-tron Kia Niro EV Mercedes EQS
Truck
Ford F-150 Lightning GMC Hummer EV Rivian R1T
Luxury
Tesla Model X Lucid Air
Types of electric cars
Kia Niro EV Source: KIA
Charging considerations
Last and certainly not least is charging availability. If you own a home, it’s ideal to have a charging option at home. This way, every morning you wake up, you will have a fully charged electric car ready to take on the day. It’s common for about 80% of charging to be done at home.
To state the obvious, it’s best to place the charger where you typically park. However, not all EV models will have the charging point in the same location (some are near the back, while others can be in the grille).
The next thing you will want to factor in is the charging speed. Most new EVs will come with a level 1 charger, the slowest equipment using the standard 120-volt connection. Level 1 can take ten or more hours to charge your EV.
You can upgrade to a level 2 charger, but it will require a 240-volt power source. Meanwhile, Level 2 charging units can fully charge an electric car in around 3 to 8 hours.
For those who don’t own a home, it’s okay. There are charging options for you, too. You can always talk to your apartment manager to see if EV charging installation is viable (it makes a good investment)
If that’s not an option, plenty of public options are available. Automakers like Tesla are building their own Supercharging network, allowing drivers the freedom to go anywhere. Meanwhile, federal funding is contributing to the rollout of a national EV charging network.
Other companies, such as ChargePoint and EVgo, provide chargers to private businesses and for public use, expanding access further.
Most electric vehicles use the latest in connected technology, letting you know when and where to charge so you know exactly how far you can travel.
Which electric car will you choose first?
Your ideal first electric car will depend on several factors, including your budget, travel habits, and lifestyle. To get you started, here are a few of my top electric vehicle choices for first-time buyers:
Top electric cars for first-time buyers
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Review: The ST3 Pro e-scooter brings serious suspension alongside smart controls and more as Navee’s latest flagship
As a long-time rider of Segway electric scooters, my expectations are quite high for new brands looking to climb their way up to the standard that the household-name has set in stone at this point. Only within the last few months did Navee come onto my radar, with the brand offering me the chance to test out its latest flagship model, the ST3 Pro Electric Scooter, which has been quite the surprise, to say the least. At first, it seemed like it was full of gimmicks that were destined to fail, but after riding around for several weeks now, I can happily say that Segway may just have found a new challenger. Head below to get my hands-on impressions of this high-end e-scooter that still retains accessible pricing for the stunning list of features.
To get our full hands-on impression of this new flagship e-scooter, be sure to check out our review here.
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Lectric launches upgraded XP Trike2 750 long-range eTrike for preorder with a $493 bundle at $1,799, more
As part of Lectric’s ongoing Labor Day Sale, the brand has officially launched its new XP Trike2 750 Long-Range eTrike with a $493 bundle for preorder at $1,799 shipped, while the standard XP Trike2 is seeing its biggest bundle yet of $242 in free gear at $1,499 shipped. The standard model only hit the market last month during the brand’s Prime Day sale with a $227 bundle, which is now increased to a $242 value, whereas the new long-range variant is starting with over double the value of bundled free gear. This new model will be getting steel-encased front and rear cargo baskets, a support seat with a backrest, an Elite headlight, a suspension seat post, a pair of mirrors, and an accordion-style bike lock. Head below to learn more about these two models or check out the brand’s full lineup of Labor Day deals here.
Lectric’s eTrikes have been among the most popular on the market, and this new generation takes everything fans have loved and goes even further with the upgrades (not to mention the wide array of colorway options). Starting with the variances, the standard XP Trike2 sports a Stealth M24 500W rear hub motor (peaking at 1,092W) and a 624Wh battery combo, while Lectric’s newer XP Trike2 750, as the name implies, comes with a more powerful 750W motor upgrade and a larger 840Wh battery. While both max out at 14 MPH top speeds, the standard can give you five levels of pedal-assisted support for up to 50 miles, while the 750 model extends that range up to 70 miles of travel. They both offer a power-limiting preset feature too, letting you take things slow and get to know your new ride before ramping up to its fastest settings.
From there, the only difference is Lectric’s standard model has a cadence sensor vs. the XP Trike2 750’s torque sensor upgrade, with them otherwise sharing the other stock features, including a Cloud 50 suspension fork for less strain on older riders’ joints. There’s also the puncture-resistant tires with fenders to go over all three, hydraulic disc brakes, headlighting/tail lighting that brings amber side lighting, turn signals, brake lighting into the mix, as well as an IPX5 water-resistance construction, parking brakes, a rear cargo rack, a TFT LCD screen, keyless riding functionality, and more.
Bluetti’s latest sale drops the Handsfree backpack power stations to best prices starting from $199, more
Bluetti has an ongoing Emergency Power Sale that seems to be taking the place of any officially named Labor Day Sale, and which is taking up to 46% off the brand’s power stations. Among the lineup, we also spotted a particularly notable 48-hour flash sale that is offering the Handsfree 1 and Handsfree 2 Backpack Power Stations for $199 shipped and $299 shipped. These two highly portable power solutions normally go for $429 and $599 at full price, which have mostly dropped down to $299 and $399 during sales, save for the occasional flash events where we’ve seen these low rates pop up. You’re getting another chance to score either at the best prices we have tracked, giving you $230 or $300 in savings, and beating out Amazon prices of $349 for the Handsfree 1 and $449 for the Handsfree 2. Head below for more on these and some of the other offers during this sale.
Celebrate National Dog Day with these Rad Power pet-focused add-on accessory deals starting from $21.75
As part of its ongoing Labor Day Sale running through September 3, Rad Power Bikes is celebrating National Dog Day with four pet-focused add-on gear units – some of which are already discounted – getting 25% in additional savings and starting from $21.75 shipped. These add-on accessories range from basket-dwelling carriers to full-on hitch-ready trailer carriers – and if your cart totals $150 or more, you’ll be getting free shipping too! Just keep in mind that the extra savings will be added in your cart. Head below to see what you can expect from this gear and be sure to also give your puppers a little head scratch for me. Woof!
Tackle storm cleanup and fall/winter firewood needs with EGO’s 56V 16-inch cordless chainsaw kit at $220
Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 16-inch Cordless Chainsaw with 2.5Ah battery at $219.99 shipped. This particular kit usually goes for $279 at full price, which we saw enter 2025 at $249 and falling as low as $219 for a two-month period before jumping back up in price at the start of June. While we’ve seen it go lower in the past, you’re looking at the second-best rate of the year which cuts $59 off the tag and lands it just $1 shy of the lowest price we have tracked in 2025.
Fremo’s X300 portable power station is an 8-pound solution for personal devices at its $180 low (Today only)
As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Fremo X300 Portable Power Station at $179.99 shipped, while it’s currently out of stock on Amazon. This unit would normally fetch $330 at full price, which we’ve regularly seen dropping between $200 and $190 over 2025 in these one-day-only sales, with Amazon having seen it go as low as $180. That low price is available here through the rest of the day, saving you $150 off the tag price and giving you a more compact power solution for your personal devices.
Navee GT3 Max Smart Electric Scooter (code SCHOOL15): $561 (Reg. $750)
Best new Green Deals landing this week
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
The IONIQ 9, Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV, is off to a stronger start than most predicted. At a time when many automakers are blaming slow EV demand, Hyundai’s big electric family hauler seems to be bucking the trend.
Hyundai’s three-row electric SUV is off to a strong start
After opening IONIQ 9 pre-orders in its home market in February, Hyundai was already calling the larger SUV a game-changer.
A few months later, in March, the first models rolled off the production line at Hyundai’s new Metaplant America in Georgia.
The IONIQ 9 has only been on the market for a few months, but it’s already winning over buyers. Since launching the three-row electric SUV in February, Hyundai has sold 14,391 units globally. Of them, 4,745 were sold in Korea and 9,646 were sold overseas.
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In the US, Hyundai has sold 2,086 IONIQ 9 models since it went on sale in May. Although it may not seem like much, considering it’s a higher-priced electric SUV in an increasingly crowded segment, local analysts believe it is beating expectations.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 (Source: Hyundai)
In the US, most brands are seeing an influx of EV buyers ahead of the federal tax credit expiration at the end of September.
The 2026 IONIQ 9 starts at $60,655 in the US, offering a driving range of 335 miles. However, with generous discounts, Hyundai is offering leases as low as $299 per month. The offer is for a 36-month lease with $4,999 due at signing.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 interior (Source: Hyundai)
Hyundai’s three-row electric SUV isn’t the brand’s only EV that’s seeing relatively strong demand. The new and improved 2025 IONIQ 5 is coming off its best sales month in the US in July and remains one of the top-selling EVs in the US.
The IONIQ 5 is also surprisingly affordable. Hyundai is offering 2025 IONIQ 5 leases starting at $129 per month. However, the best offers are mainly in California and other ZEV states.
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 at a Tesla Supercharger (Source: Hyundai)
In other states, the 2025 IONIQ 5 is still one of the most affordable EVs with leases starting at just $179 per month.
Both the IONIQ 9 and IONIQ 5 are built at Hyundai’s plant in Georgia, enabling them to qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit. Hyundai’s current Getaway sales promotions end on September 3, ahead of the tax credit expiration at the end of the month.
Looking to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9 in your area.
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Yet another big name in auto is pulling back on its EV plans, blaming slower than expected demand for electric vehicles.
Porsche drops in-house EV battery plans
Volkswagen’s luxury sports car brand, Porsche, announced this week that it no longer plans to build EV batteries in-house.
Cellforce, Porsche’s high-performance EV battery company, will shrink and only focus on research and development, rather than production.
In a statement, Porsche blamed “the slower ramp-up” of EVs and “challenging market conditions” in its biggest markets, the US and China, for the changes.
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CEO Oliver Blume, confirmed the news, saying “For volume reasons and a lack of economies of scale, Porsche is no longer pursuing its own production of battery cells.” The staff reductions, will be handled in “a socially responsible matter,” Porsche said. Volkswagen’s battery unit, PowerCo, will take on several former employees.
Porsche Cayenne EV towing a 3-ton trailer and classic car (Source: Porsche)
Porsche plans to continue to continue offering internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid, and all-electric options across every segment “well into the 2030s.”
Following the Taycan and Macan Electric, Porsche is still planning to launch the all-electric Cayenne and 718 models. The German automaker promises future models will still “bring trend-setting technologies in electromobility into series production.”
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package (Source: Porsche AG)
A separate report from German magazine WirtschaftsWoche claimed on Wednesday that Porsche is on the hunt for a new CEO to replace Oliver Blume.
German automaker Opel drops EV commitment plans
Porsche isn’t the only German automaker adjusting EV plans. Opel is one of the many brands under the Stellantis Group, alongside Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, and several others.
Although it was one of the many automakers to commit to offering an all-electric lineup, it’s now backing off its promise.
Opel Corsa Electric (Source: Stellantis)
During Stellantis’ EV Day in 2021, Opel announced its intention to transition to all-electric vehicles by 2028, accompanied by a slate of new models. Former CEO Michael Lohscheller, now chief executive at Polestar, said, “As of 2028, Opel will only offer electric cars in our core market Europe.”
On Monday, the German auto giant abandoned its plans for an all-EV lineup, saying it will continue to focus on its current “multi-energy” strategy.
Opel is the first German auto brand to offer a fully electrified model for every vehicle in its lineup, including electric (EVs), plug-in (PHEVs), and even internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
In response to media reports claiming it has changed its strategy, the company said in a statement, “This does not have to be limited to 2028 if the demand side requires otherwise.”
Although the company will continue to focus on EVs in specific regions, like the UK, France, and Germany, it will also offer other powertrain options based on demand.
Opel Corsa Electric (Source: Stellantis)
Opel, alongside British sister company Vauxhall, is one of the top-selling brands in Europe. In Germany and the UK, Opel and Vauxhall ranked first in the ever-expanding B-hatch segment through the first half of the year.
The German auto giant becomes the latest brand to scale back EV plans or shift to hybrids, following Volvo, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, and others.
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