If you are in the market for a new car, you might want to consider going electric. The range and performance of electric vehicles have improved dramatically in recent years, and the need to protect the environment has never been greater. If you are considering purchasing a new car, here is everything you need to know in your search for the best electric car of 2021.
Why Should You Consider an Electric Vehicle?
With greenhouse gases and climate change threatening the sustainability of the planet, everyone needs to do their part in reducing carbon emissions. Replacing a traditional internal-combustion engine vehicle with an electric vehicle is a good start. Electric cars don’t emit the air toxins and greenhouse gases that their traditional counterparts do. Additionally, they don’t rely on the petroleum and gasoline industries for their fuel.
Many electric vehicles are also cost-effective. While the average sticker price for an electric car might be higher than the cost of its traditional counterpart, EVs are more energy-efficient and utilize a cheaper form of fuel. There are also state and federal incentives that can often help offset the price.
What Are the Top Electric Cars for 2021?
When it comes to electric cars, no list would be complete without including a couple of Tesla vehicles. Tesla is well-known for its pioneering work on both battery-powered cars and self-driving technology, and they have already set up an extensive network of charging stations across the country.
Tesla’s latest model is the Model Y, and it’s easy to understand why this EV is one of the top picks for 2021. Classified as an SUV, the Model Y offers families the storage and seating they need. There are both five-seat and seven-seat versions available. Both versions provide a comfortable ride, a beautiful panoramic glass roof, and a high-tech look that features a large tablet rather than a traditional dashboard. You can even enhance the way your dashboard looks with these model Y accessories. The vehicle also delivers protection with eight external cameras and safety technology aimed at helping you avoid an accident.
Another top pick for 2021 is the Tesla Model 3. Boasting many of the same great features as the Model Y, this EV is smaller and appeals to drivers who don’t need to transport a large family or a lot of cargo. It still has excellent safety ratings, a beautiful high-tech interior, and the same cameras and technology that the Model Y offers. It is also the cheapest option in the Tesla family, providing an excellent choice for shoppers on a budget.
Another budget-friendly EV is the Hyundai Kona Electric. This small, spunky SUV features many high-tech safety features and an impressive battery range, and driving in the Kona Electric has been described as quick and entertaining.
Similarly, the Chevy Bolt EV offers an affordable price tag with a fast, fun driving experience. With seating for four and 56 cubic feet of storage, this EV is a good choice for families on a budget. It also provides an impressive battery range (over 250 miles) and fast-charging capability, making it practical for anyone on the go.
If you’re looking for a luxury EV, consider the Porsche Taycan 4S. The Taycan is Porsche’s first offering in the EV space, and it provides everything one would expect from this luxury car brand. With a sleek exterior and dual motors powering all four wheels, this car is fun to drive, providing the comfort, handling, and speed one expects from a Porsche.
What Are Best Financing Options for Your New EV?
Once you’ve found the car of your dreams, it’s time to figure out your best financing option. People can choose to pay in cash, take out a car loan, or lease the vehicle rather than buying it. If you have the financial means to pay in cash, congratulations! However, this is simply not the reality facing most U.S. consumers, so most shoppers will need to decide between leasing the vehicle or taking out a car loan.
With a car loan, you receive a lump sum of money from a financial institution that you pay back over a set period of time. You are also charged interest, but the amount can vary based on your credit rating and the length and size of the loan.
When you lease, you are actually paying to use the car rather than own it. You usually incur some charges upfront, including a possible downpayment, financing fees, and sales tax. Your monthly payments may be less than a loan, but you have nothing to show for the money at the end of the lease. You gain no equity and must return the car to the dealership. Some companies allow you to buy at the end of your term, but this is generally more expensive than if you had just purchased the car in the first place.
There has never been a better time to purchase a new electric vehicle, and with the sector growing every year, there are many options to choose from. By starting your search for an electric car today, you can save money on fuel while helping sustain the planet.