The Top 2018 Electric Cars Ranked by Driving Range

In 2018, consumers can now choose from 10 all-electric vehicles that top 100 miles in range. Better still, four models on the U.S. market break 200 miles.

Just one year ago, the selection was much more limited. These days, the most affordable EVs work as second cars in any household.

Meanwhile, the latest plug-in hybrids and long-range models allow families to drop gas guzzlers entirely. If you’re considering going the pure electric route, these 10 EVs offer the longest driving range for the 2018 model year. Pricing and fuel economy figures are also included.

10. Kia Soul EV

2018 Kia Soul EV | Kia
  • Range: 111 miles

The Kia Soul EV debuted in 2014 with 93 miles of range, which was impressive at the time. None of the budget electric cars could boast more on a full charge.

Four years later, the Soul EV ($32,250) hasn’t improved much on that good start. For 2018, 111 miles is as far you can take it. Efficiency (108 MPGe) is solid.

Soon, it might be the end of the line for the Soul EV, so bargains should be available in Kia dealerships in the second half of 2018.

9. BMW i3

2018 BMW i3 94ah | BMW
  • Range: 114 miles

The funkiest BMW is the i3 electric car. For 2018, the standard model (94ah) features 114 miles on a full charge. Fuel economy is among the elite at a combined 118 MPGe.

In addition to the all-electric model ($44,450), BMW also offers the i3 REX ($48,300) with a small gasoline engine, bringing the total range to 180 miles.

8. Ford Focus Electric

Focus Electric in white gold, 2017 MY
2018 Ford Focus Electric | Ford
  • Range: 115 miles

If you wanted to argue Ford did the bare minimum with its Focus Electric, no one would give you a hard time. This EV existed merely to appease California clean-air regulators, and it did the job.

After starting strong early in the decade with 76 miles of range, Ford finally upgraded its lone EV to 115 miles for the 2017 model year. That’s where it continues to stand, and signs point it being the last year Focus Electric will be on the market.

To that end, the base price of $29,120 is a reasonable starting point, and better deals will come as 2018 starts coming to a close.

7. Hyundai Ioniq Electric

2017 Ioniq Electric Vehicle (EV)
2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric | Hyundai
  • Range: 124 miles

With a fuel economy of 136 MPGe, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is the most efficient vehicle on the U.S. market for 2018. At an MSRP of $29,500, it’s also one of the best values, mile for electric mile.

Unfortunately, Hyundai has limited Ioniq EV sales to California, so many consumers won’t be able to take advantage of this deal.

6. Volkswagen e-Golf

Volkswagen e-Golf | Volkswagen
  • Range: 125 miles

Like many other first-generation electric cars, the Volkswagen e-Golf ($30,495) saw only a small range bump in recent years. Otherwise, it’s remained largely the same.

Overall, it’s a solid value with 125 miles of range at 119 MPGe combined. This model sold in very low volumes in 2018 as Volkswagen prepped its new electric models.

5. Nissan Leaf

A red 2018 Nissan Leaf front three-quarter view
2018 Nissan Leaf | Nissan
  • Range: 151 miles

Nissan is the only automaker that put an affordable EV on the market in 2010 and continued upgrading it over the years. For 2018, we got a power boost and another range bump, pushing the latest Leaf range to 151 miles on a full charge. It gets that done at 112 MPGe.

At a base price of $29,990, the 2018 Leaf stands alone as the electric car that could conceivably be the single vehicle in the garage at a reasonable price. (After tax credits, it could get close to $20,000 net.)

Nissan isn’t done, either. Before the end of the year, the 2019 Leaf with over 200 miles of range and 200 horsepower will hit the U.S. market.

4. Chevrolet Bolt EV

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV | Eric Schaal/The Cheat Sheet
  • Range: 238 miles

It’s hard to overstate what an achievement the Chevrolet Bolt EV ($37,495) was when it hit the market in 2017. It was the only model that could top 200 miles of range below $40,000.

Guess what? After years of hearing about the “affordable Tesla,” Bolt EV is still the only electric car that qualifies as an everyman (i.e., reasonably priced) model. At 119 MPGe, it’s also one of the most economical.

3. Tesla Model X

Tesla Model X
Tesla Model X | Tesla
  • Range: 295 miles

As range counts head toward 300 miles, consumers start seeing much higher price tags. For Model X, Tesla’s performance crossover with falcon-wing doors, the bidding starts at $99,500 for the long-range model with all-wheel drive (100D).

Given this model’s poor reliability ratings and steep price tag, it’s not for everyone. However, it’s unlikely you’ll ever drive a quicker utility vehicle — let alone one that gets up to 85 MPGe.

2. Tesla Model 3

Screenshot of red Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 | Tesla
  • Range: 310 miles

You’ve probably heard about Tesla’s production struggles and major problems some early Model 3 owners faced. Setting all that aside, this EV (priced at $49,000 and up in 2018) features one of the longest driving ranges of any electric model — and is one of just two with offering at least 300 miles on a full charge.

Meanwhile, it’s one of the most efficient cars on the market at 130 MPGe. Hop into one before the end of 2018 to claim the full ($7,500) tax credit.

1. Tesla Model S

2016 Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S | Tesla
  • Range: 335 miles

Is the Tesla Model S the greatest car of the decade? That’s what the folks at Hagerty’s decided, and anyone who’s spent time behind the wheel of this luxury sedan tends to agree.

What’s not up for debate is this: The Model S P100D has the most range of any electric vehicle (335 miles) in 2018. Again, it’s an expensive proposition starting at $96,500, but you won’t get range anxiety driving around in this EV.

Somehow, it also manages 102 MPGe. Whatever Elon Musk does or doesn’t do in the future, they can never take that away from him.

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