10 Best Electric Cars to Buy in 2018

2018 marks another high point for electric vehicles (EVs), with an update to the best-selling Nissan LEAF and debuts from Hyundai, Kia, and Honda. Every year that passes brings new alternatives to vehicles powered by the internal combustion engine, and the 2019 model year will ratchet it up a notch with the introduction of the Jaguar I-PACE and Kia Niro EV. And, there are SUVs available this year as well, including the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. 

But as we narrow in are the passenger vehicles of 2018, here are what we consider to be 10 of the most desirable electric cars for 2018.

The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is new for 2018, but it's currently only offered in California. Two models are available, with pricing starting at $29,500 for the base model. The Ioniq Electric’s single electric motor produces 118 horsepower, and its range is EPA-rated at 124 miles. The 28.0-kWh Lithium-ion polymer battery charges in four hours, 25 minutes via a 240-volt charger, while a DC Fast Charger delivers an 80 percent charge in 23 minutes.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in all models, along with heated seats. A full suite of advanced safety technology is standard equipment on the Ioniq Electric Limited, along with Dynamic Bending Light headlamps, leather upholstery, and an Infinity premium audio system. Peace of mind is provided by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and a lifetime electric battery warranty.

The Volkswagen e-Golf made its debut in the 2015 model year and was upgraded in 2017 with tweaks to the electric motor and battery pack. The 2018 e-Golf is offered in two trim levels, with a starting MSRP of $30,495. A full suite of advanced safety technologies is optional in the SEL Premium model.

The single electric motor produces 134 horsepower while the 35.8 kWh lithium-ion battery provides an EPA-estimated 125 miles of driving range. VW estimates the 0-60 mph time at 9.6 seconds. A full charge on a 240-volt charger takes eight hours. DC Fast Charging takes the battery pack to 80 percent in an hour or so; it’s standard on the SEL Premium and optional on the base model.

The Nissan LEAF is the world’s best-selling electric car, with over 300,000 units sold globally since 2011. The 2018 model year marks the Leaf’s second generation. This new model is offered in three trim levels (S, SV, and SL), with a starting MSRP of $29,990. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in the SV and SL, Nissan’s ProPilot safety technology is optional in both models.

The EPA range of 151 miles is a significant improvement over the first generation, with power delivered by a single electric motor producing 148 horsepower. The Leaf’s 40-kWh lithium-ion battery charges in 7.5 hours via a 240-volt charger. A 480-volt CHAdeMO DC Quick Charger adds 90 miles of range in 30 minutes, with an 80 percent charge in 40 minutes. The Leaf is built in Smyrna, Tennessee.

The compact Chevrolet Bolt changed the game with a gigantic 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack providing a generous 238-mile range. Those extra miles come with a price tag. The 2018 Bolt is offered in two trim levels, with the base LT model starting at $37,495. This little critter is wicked fun to drive and is surely one of the best electric cars to buy in 2018. The 200-horsepower motor delivers a 0-60 mph time under seven seconds and it zips through the corners like a slot car.

The Bolt is fully charged in 9.3 hours via a 240-volt charger. A DC Fast Charger provides up to 90 miles of charge in 30 minutes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on both trim levels. You’ll need to opt for the Bolt Premier and add the Driver Confidence II option package to add the full suite of advanced safety technology.

The 2018 BMW i3 is quick and quirky, in a very good way, with a truly unique design both inside and out. Carbon fiber construction and unusual interior materials set it apart from the crowd. Two trim levels are offered, each with an available gasoline-powered range-extender. The EPA estimates the pure EV range at 113 miles, with range extender-equipped vehicles stretching out to 180 miles.

The base i3’s electric motor delivers 170 horsepower, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds. The i3s model turns up the wick with 183 hp and a 6.8-second 0-60 time. Charging the 33.2 kWh battery pack takes 4.5 hours on a 240-volt charger. An 80 percent charge on a DC Fast Charger takes about 40 minutes. Prices start at $44,450.

The 2018 Kia Soul EV is capable, roomy, and stealthy, with a starting price of $33,950. It stands out from the EV crowd by not standing out. The 30-kWh lithium-ion battery provides 111 miles of range and is fully charged in under five hours on a 240-volt charger. 480v DC Fast CHAdeMO charging fills the battery to 90% in 46 minutes.

The Soul EV's 109-horsepower motor delivers a 0-60 mph time in slightly under 10 seconds. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in both trim levels. The roomy back seat makes it a great choice for families with larger children. The Soul EV is covered by 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and EV system warranties (including the EV battery).

The 2018 Honda Clarity EV is an intriguing proposition. Although limited to an 89-mile range, the Clarity EV offers a spacious upscale interior and Honda Sensing safety technology as standard equipment. The electric motor delivers 161 horsepower, with a 0-60 mph time of slightly under nine seconds. Charging the 25.5 kWh battery takes a bit over three hours on a 240V charger. DC Fast Charging provides an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.

The Clarity EV is currently only offered as a 36-month lease, at $199 per month with $1,499 due at signing. While availability is restricted to California and Oregon as of this writing, the Clarity's plug-in hybrid variant is available nationwide. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 is sleek, fast, and insanely popular, with over half a million initial reservations placed. The base sedan starts at $35,000 for the standard battery model which is EPA-rated at 220 miles of range. A 240-volt Tesla home charger provides approximately 30 miles of range for every hour of charging time. Charging via Tesla's proprietary Supercharger (paying per use) adds 130 miles of range per hour. The long-range battery option ($9,000) bumps driving range up to 310 miles while dropping the 0-60 mph time from 5.6 seconds to 5.1. The long-range option speeds up charging time as well.

Tesla has had a tough time ramping up production, however. If you make a new reservation, you may have to wait as long as a year or more to take delivery.

While the Fiat 500e isn’t tire-smoking fast, it’s plenty fun to drive and ideally suited for city use. With a 0-60 mph time of approximately 8.5 seconds, the 500e darts through the twisty bits with glee. A starting price of $32,995 buys a 24-kWh battery pack that provides 84 miles of range, an adorable face, and a stylish but cozy interior. Electric or not, the "Cinquecento" was not built for big families.

Alas, the 500e never found a big audience and 2017 models are still lurking on dealer lots. If you’re looking for a deal on a leftover EV, your local Fiat dealer might oblige, as long as you live in California or Oregon. (It’s not sold elsewhere.)

The Model S 100D is Tesla’s blisteringly fast top-of-the-line all-wheel drive sedan. It boasts a 2.5-second 0-60 mph time, a generous 335-mile range, and free unlimited Supercharging via the Tesla network.

With a starting price of $135,000, it’s not for the aspirational. (However, unlike the more affordable and highly popular Model 3, Tesla can deliver a new Model S in a matter of weeks.) The Model S is equipped with a distracting 17-inch center touchscreen that dominates the interior. If you love huge flatscreen displays, that’s awesome. But if you hanker for the tactile touch of conventional knobs and buttons, you’re out of luck.