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What to Know Before Purchasing an Electric Vehicle: A Buying Guide

202410 ev buying guide scaled jpg Cars.com illustration by Paul Dolan

So, you’ve decided it’s time to buy an electric vehicle. There are more electric cars than ever, with nearly 100 2024 or 2025 models expected to be on sale by the end of 2024 and more on the way. Compared with a gas-powered car, you’ll have to consider how far you can travel before needing to recharge (range), as well as how to “refuel” an EV, including possible home improvements to support EV charging, how long it takes to charge and where to charge publicly. Not all EVs are created equal in their charging capabilities.

Related: More EV News and Testing

Electric cars can be expensive, too, as many come from luxury automakers, and those that don’t often command premium prices, though incentives can help if the car and buyer qualify. The purpose of this buying guide is to supply you with the information to help find the best EV for you, but we lead off with our top picks derived from owning, driving and reviewing EVs.

Cars.com Top EV Picks
How Much Range Do You Need?
Home and On-the-Road Charging Differences
How EVs Drive
Electric Car Pricing
How Do You Buy an EV?
What About the Federal Tax Credit?
What’s Next for EVs?

Cars.com Top EV Picks

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 took home our Best Electric Vehicle of 2024, its second consecutive win. While that award is based on the Ioniq 5’s overall performance, there are so many EVs for sale that we felt it important to highlight our top picks for several specific types of vehicle, including two- and three-row SUVs, cars and luxury vehicles. We also chose a top pick for value, focusing on more than just the cheapest (though that is very important and something we track elsewhere). You can check out our Top EV Picks below.

Top Pick: 2-Row Electric SUV — 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5

202410 2 row hyundai 5 scaled jpg 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Cars.com photo by Conner Golden; illustration by Paul Dolan

One of the Ioniq 5’s main appeals is that anyone can sit in the driver’s seat and immediately feel comfortable behind the wheel with its good natural visibility, easy-to-use controls and comfortable front seat. What makes the Hyundai Ioniq 5 a Top Pick is that it also offers roomy cabin and cargo space, a comfortable ride and, via its 800-volt charging system, on-the-road DC fast-charging speed that packs a punch compared to every other EV in its price range.

Elevating the Ioniq 5 even more is that the 2025 updates include changes we and owners have been clamoring for, including a rear window wiper that previously wasn’t offered, as well as physical buttons for the heated seats, a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats that replace controls buried in a digital on-screen menu.

The 2025 Ioniq 5 is also the first Hyundai to use the Tesla-style North American Charging Standard port, which doubles the number of fast chargers Ioniq 5 owners can use on the road by unlocking Tesla’s massive DC fast-charging network of Superchargers.

The small but significant changes for 2025 ensure the Ioniq 5 is a Top Pick for those wanting the normalized usability and drivability of a small SUV with the efficiency, smoothness and performance that comes with an EV.

Shop the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 near you

New
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE
$43,350 MSRP $52,850
Hyundai Certified
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE
16,901 mi.
$33,000 $795 price drop

Top Pick: 3-Row Electric SUV — 2025 Kia EV9

202410 3 row kia ev9 scaled jpg 2025 Kia EV9 | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry; illustration by Paul Dolan

Given the pool of EVs with three rows of seating is so small at this point, it might seem like the Kia EV9 is our winner simply by default. Currently, there are only a handful of luxury-brand competitors (such as the Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV and Rivian R1S) and no mainstream-brand EV9 rivals, though more are on the way soon — Volkswagen’s 2025 ID. Buzz van is just around the corner, and Hyundai is slated to unveil a three-row Ioniq SUV based on its Seven concept later this year, to name a couple.

Even though it’s essentially in a class of one for now, the EV9 stands out. It’s simply a fine three-row SUV in addition to being an excellent three-row EV. We purchased an EV9 in early 2024 as a long-term test vehicle, and it has impressed us in a variety of tests, including cargo room, car-seat fitment and third-row usability. We even put it up against a Rivian R1S in a head-to-head comparison test, and it came out on top despite costing nearly $30,000 less, as tested. Our first EV9 towing test was less dazzling, but the EV9 can nevertheless tow up to 5,000 pounds provided the vehicle and trailer are properly equipped.

Like any good three-row vehicle, the EV9 excels at everyday people hauling. It’s about the same size as Kia’s gas-engine Telluride three-row SUV, with a traditional boxy shape that translates to generous room for people and cargo. Thoughtful convenience features and small-items storage spots abound, and the control layout is refreshingly conventional overall — especially compared to some EVs that favor gee-whiz design over ergonomics. The EV9’s driving range is competitive, and it’s quick in terms of both acceleration and time to charge. In optimal conditions, Kia’s 800-volt charging architecture enables DC fast-charging speeds of less than 25 minutes to go from a 10% charge to 80%, and with all-wheel drive, the EV9 boasts 379 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of five seconds flat.

The EV9 claims our Top Pick honor for three-row EVs because it’s a compelling and well-executed EV, and it does nearly everything a good three-row SUV should.

Shop the 2024 Kia EV9 near you

Used
2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line
10,561 mi.
$57,989
No photo available
Used
2024 Kia EV9 Wind
3,222 mi.
$48,500 $1,200 price drop

Top Pick: Electric Car — 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6

202410 electric hyundi 6 scaled jpg 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Manufacturer image; Cars.com illustration by Paul Dolan

The Hyundai Ioniq 6’s streamlined exterior and minimalist interior give it a look that’s different from most other cars on the road today — electric or otherwise. But while the Ioniq 6 looks different, its driving experience and user controls are relatively normal, lowering the learning curve for those interested in making the jump from gas to electric power.

And if you’re interested in an EV because of the impressive efficiency they offer, look no further than the Ioniq 6. With estimated efficiency as high as 135 mpg-equivalent combined, according to the EPA, the Ioniq 6 is one of the most efficient new EVs you can buy. That means you get more miles of range from its standard 53-kilowatt-hour or optional 77.4-kWh battery pack, with the latter battery offering up to 342 miles on a full charge. And with its standard 800-volt architecture, Hyundai says the Ioniq 6 can DC fast-charge in as little as 18 minutes under ideal conditions.

Backseat headroom is a bit limited, but the Ioniq 6’s cabin is comfortable and roomy otherwise, and most controls are familiar enough that you won’t need to go looking for the owner’s manual. The Ioniq 6 is also affordable — the long-range SE trim level is our reigning Best Value Electric Vehicle — which is yet one more reason it’s our Top Pick Electric Car of 2025.

Shop the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 near you

Top Pick: Luxury EV — 2025 Lucid Air

202410 luxury lucid air scaled jpg 2025 Lucid Air | Manufacturer image; Cars.com illustration by Paul Dolan

To change a paradigm, you sometimes need a fresh perspective on making a car that can only come from a company that’s never made one before. That’s why our Top Pick Luxury EV is the Lucid Air. It’s a little different, a technological marvel of miniaturization, optimization and efficiency wrapped in sexy spaceship sheet metal. The Air is graced with a cabin that’s posh, comfortable, sophisticated and simple to use. Its sheer engineering cleverness shames the Mercedes-EQ EQS flagship, its luxurious appointments embarrass a Tesla Model S, and its new lower base price means you can get one for nearly the same price as a Genesis Electrified G80.

It starts with the engineering. The energy-dense motors are tiny and light (they can fit in a rollaboard suitcase), yet they pack incredible power. Three versions are available: a single-motor rear-wheel-drive version; a dual-motor AWD model; and a blisteringly high-performance tri-motor version with two motors out back and one up front. And because Lucid emphasizes efficiency, the battery can be smaller and lighter, as well. It ranges in capacity from 88-118 kWh, and range can be as high as 512 miles, depending on trim level (that’s the longest range EV you can buy, incidentally).

Its electronic suspension provides an incredible ride-and-handling balance, and its steering feel and feedback are exceptional, but it’s the sophistication of the Lucid Air that is truly astonishing — it has a massive cargo capacity and the passenger space of a much larger car thanks to its innovative packaging, and everything from its onboard electronics to its materials quality and assembly is top-notch. With its new lower-priced Pure trim, the new Air becomes more accessible to more people, and it’s convinced us that this extraordinary luxury sedan is worthy of the title of Top Pick: Luxury EV.

Top Pick: Value EV — 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6

202410 top pick value hyundai 6 scaled jpg 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Manufacturer image; Cars.com illustration by Paul Dolan

Shoppers looking for an EV might be in for some sticker shock, with many starting above $50,000 … but not all of them. The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 starts much less and has a lot to offer. With a base price of $38,900 including destination but excluding any applicable tax credits, the Ioniq 6 is great value. In fact, the 2024 model was named our Best Value EV pick in Cars.com’s 2024 Affordability Report.

On the outside, the Ioniq 6’s swoopy, futuristic styling helps it stand out; inside, it’s loaded with standard features ranging from driver-assist tech such as adaptive cruise control to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a heated, power-adjustable driver’s seat — even on the base model. The sedan rides on state-of-the-art 800-volt battery architecture and is EPA-rated to drive between 240 and 342 miles on a charge, depending on equipment. Hyundai claims it can go from a 10% to 80% state of charge in just 18 minutes on a 350-kW charger.

To get the lowest possible price, opt for the base SE Standard Range trim with single-motor RWD, which has a 240-mile range. For the longest range of 342 miles, opt for the SE Long Range with single-motor RWD and 18-inch wheels. Aside from the SE Standard Range, each trim offers dual-motor AWD as an option for an extra $3,500, though adding that sacrifices range (but increases power and acceleration).

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 packs a lot of range and features for the price, which is why we’re recommending it as a Top Pick for value.

Shop the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 near you

How Much Range Do You Need?

lucid air 2022 28 infotainment system interior menu sedan scaled jpg 2022 Lucid Air | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry

It’s difficult to say just how much range you need. You might not need as much as you think, or you might need more range than you think. Ideally, your home becomes the “gas” station, so every night you plug in and recharge the car to start the day with range replenished. Recent data suggest the average driver travels approximately 40 miles per day, so you’d be in good shape without much variation in daily driving habits, especially as more and more EVs offer at least 300 miles of EPA-estimated total range.

The 2024 EV with the lowest EPA-rated driving range is the Mini Cooper SE Hardtop with 114 miles (priced from $31,895, including destination), and the EV with the longest range is the Lucid Air Grand Touring with 516 miles of range (that version is currently priced at $111,400). Most EVs in the $35,000-$60,000 range have between 200-300 miles of range, but to get more than 350 miles of range may cost significantly more.

There are several reasons you might need more range than you think. One is that automakers recommend you only charge the battery to 80% or 90% on a regular basis — and try not to drop below 10% if you can avoid it — to extend its life, saving a full 100% charge for long trips. That means you’re immediately cutting the EPA-estimated, manufacturer-advertised range by up to 30% for daily use if you want maximum longevity.

Being able to charge daily (without which you should reconsider EV ownership) also doesn’t account for worst-case scenarios like being away from home when range is falling fast. According to a study from AAA, EVs can lose about 40% of their range when the temperature drops from 75 degrees to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, attributed to battery capacity loss at colder temperatures and the need for heating the cabin, which robs range. Based on a 40% decrease, an EV with a rated range of 250 miles could have only 150 miles of range when it’s 20 degrees outside, if only temporarily. In addition, some reports show EV batteries lose 5%-10% of overall capacity over the span of five years, so, worst-case scenario, that 250-mile range might get you only 125 miles in cold weather after five years of ownership. There’s a reason why EVs have been so popular in warm-weather states like California. Our experience with our former long-term Tesla Model Y during subzero temperatures in January 2024 and later during a cold-weather range test provide some insight into how cold weather can affect the EV ownership experience.

How much range you need depends on how far you drive, in what conditions, and your access to public and home charging. It also depends on how you drive: EVs are less efficient at highway speeds and more efficient at lower speeds, and the EPA gives a glimpse with usage-specific mpg-e ratings: The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6, in its long-range, RWD configuration with 18-inch wheels, is rated at 153 mpg-e in the city and 390 miles of range, 127 mpg-e on the highway and 325 miles of range, and 140 mpg-e combined with 361 miles of range.

If all conditions are favorable, you might not need as much range as you think, but if you have a deficiency in any of the above, it may make sense to pad your range with a higher-range model or version. Sometimes range diminishes on higher-cost versions because they often include AWD or performance upgrades with the same battery but higher-output motors, which use more power and lower overall range; because of that, sometimes the standard range is also the longest range, but it varies from car to car.

Home and On-the-Road Charging Differences

ev home charger install 17 charging station juice box scaled jpg The JuiceBox 48 in use | Cars.com photo by Jennifer Geiger

When shopping for a traditional gas car, you don’t have to consider how quickly the gasoline flows out of your local gas station’s pump or how quickly your car can accept gasoline. But with an electric car, comparable limitations do exist, and owning one that can replenish its battery quickly enough for your lifestyle is the difference between a good and bad EV experience. How much time it takes to charge an EV (and how many miles of range it represents) depends on a number of factors, including the battery size, the vehicle’s overall efficiency, its onboard charger, and the capacity of both the external charger (technically the electric vehicle service, or supply, equipment, which is what hangs on the wall and plugs into the car) and the electrical circuit that feeds it.

The three charging levels that loosely bracket how fast an EV can charge are Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging, which we detail in our explainer. Your home is filled with electrical outlets, but most are 120 volts; they’re just not practical to charge a modern long-range EV’s huge battery because they can only replenish its range at speeds of 3-5 miles of range per hour, meaning an empty EV with 250 miles of range would take 50 hours(!) in the best-case scenario. Granted, charging from empty to full is rare and (again) not recommended for battery-health best practices. Replenishing after shorter trips (say, 40 miles) could take between eight and 13 hours.

For modern EVs, we recommend 240-volt Level 2 home charging, which can add 5.5-60 miles of range per hour depending on the car, charger and home charging circuit. Charging power for Level 2 spans 3-19.2 kW, which is the measure of charging-speed potential; Level 1 circuits commonly max at a scant 1.8 kW.

More power (in kilowatts) doesn’t always mean one EV will charge faster than another because of differences in the vehicles themselves. Some simply accept more power, as explained in the first of five things that could slow your EV’s home charging speeds.

Then there’s efficiency. Charge times can vary based on ambient temperature, battery temperature, charge percentage, grid usage, battery age and health, and more. You may be asking why we’re not mentioning battery size, measured in kilowatt-hours; that’s because it’s really not the end spec on which you should be focused. Battery size is equivalent to the gas tank size on a conventional car, which can’t be separated from the car’s efficiency; higher efficiency means more miles of range on the same battery. For charging times, a smaller battery on one EV could actually charge more slowly than a larger battery on another.

ford mobile charger with pigtails  charging cable jpg Ford Mustang Mach-E's supplied charger with interchangeable 120- and 240-volt plugs | Cars.com photo by Joe Wiesenfelder

While most EVs include a charging cord that facilitates Level 1 charging, some include or sell a Level 2-capable “mobile charger” with the vehicle, including Tesla, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and the Chevrolet Equinox EV. These standard apparatuses are a good starting point if there’s a lower-amperage 240-volt circuit from an appliance like an electric clothes dryer available, but they aren’t as fully featured as available hard-wired, wall-mounted units that cost hundreds of dollars and are often required for the faster charge time. Mobile chargers of this type are typically limited to 32 amperes, providing around 7-ish kW to the car.

ev home charger install 11 chargepoint charging station scaled jpg Finished installation | Cars.com photo by Joe Wiesenfelder

The more expensive hard-wired installations (required for 48-80 amps) are worth the cost if you’re driving more miles per day because they can charge faster as long as the vehicle can support it. In 2022, we had six home chargers installed in the Chicago area at an average of around $3,800 per home on a mix of townhomes and houses, which you can read more about in our story detailing what it cost us to outfit six homes with EV chargers. A 2024 installation at another editor’s home in the Chicago area cost approximately $2,400, which brings our average cost down slightly to just over $3,600.

DC charging is the fastest way to charge but isn’t feasible for homes due to the cost and power levels required, so it’s available only at public or commercial charging stations. While enticing, DC charging is expensive when not included as a limited incentive with a new car purchase, and it’s not recommended for frequent use in order to preserve maximum battery life, so it’s best for longer trips where stations are commonly placed along popular highways or in emergencies. DC fast-charging speeds vary even greater than for Level 2, from 24-350 kW, though even at its most powerful isn’t close to as fast as you can pump gasoline into a traditional car.

Tesla Superchargers commonly span 72-kW, 150-kW and 250-kW speeds, and every new Tesla can charge at each one. Tesla made its proprietary NACS plug available to all automakers, and numerous manufacturers have announced that future EVs will have a NACS plug and access to the Supercharger network; in the meantime, existing EVs from those automakers are gradually gaining access and can use the network via an adapter. How owners acquire the adapter varies from automaker to automaker and even by time of purchase. DC fast-charging options are available from networks like Electrify America and EV Go, which have chargers that span 24-350 kW. Not all cars can take advantage of the higher-power units, however, and the 350-kW chargers are mostly along popular highway corridors. EVs that can take advantage of the 350-kW chargers include the Audi RS E-Tron, GMC Hummer EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, Kia EV6 and EV9, Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, and Rivian R1S and R1T, but not all EVs can match the charger’s potential. A Lucid Air is limited to 300 kW, a Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 max at 240 kW, Rivians are currently limited to “over” 200 kW but there are plans to offer 300-plus kW in the future, and the GMC Hummer EVs are claimed to charge at just under 350 kW (346 kW).

Fast-charging capability of 150 kW and greater is found on current EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. Earlier EVs, such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV, rarely exceed 50-90 kW.

In our experience, the claims of being able to charge from “this percentage to that percentage in 16 minutes” are often not consistently repeatable because weather, battery or other conditions prevent maximum charge speeds. On the faster end in our testing have been Hyundai, Kia and Genesis EVs with 800-volt charging capability that in warmer weather replenished batteries from 18%-80% in as little as 18 minutes, which added 162 miles of predicted range on a Kia EV6 and 152 miles of range on a Hyundai Ioniq 5. Charging a Genesis Electrified G80 from 16%-80% took 20 minutes to add 187 miles of range.

How EVs Drive

tesla model y 2022 01 dynamic exterior profile sedan white scaled jpg 2022 Tesla Model Y Performance | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry

One of the most exciting experiences of driving an EV is being thrust into your seat after pressing the accelerator, which is experienced even in most lower-powered EVs. An electric motor makes its maximum torque at low speeds, so hitting the accelerator provides instant acceleration. There’s no traditional step-gear transmission, so there’s no waiting for downshifting or the engine’s speed to climb to get more power like a gasoline-powered car.

Unlike a traditional gas-powered car — which can only employ a single, more powerful engine to get more power — an EV can have two or more motors. Traditional AWD mechanically links the front and rear wheels with a driveshaft, but EVs accomplish the same with one or two motors at each axle. You’re essentially getting two engines when you choose an AWD EV, so that version will almost always be quicker than the two-wheel-drive version. And fast is right: Two of the five quickest cars we’ve ever tested have been EVs, with the 2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo S’ 0-60 mph time the quickest ever at 2.9 seconds and the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N needing just 3.29 seconds to get there.

The downside is that range is often diminished with an extra motor (or a more powerful one) when used with the same battery.

The least expensive new 2024 AWD EV is currently the $45,000 Nissan Ariya Engage with 205 miles of range, so if you live in wintry climates and want an EV, be prepared to pay up. Along with the bZ4X, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are just some of the mass-market EVs that offer AWD, and the number is growing.

With an extra motor, additional regenerative braking can recuperate energy and soften the hit. Regenerative braking, which recycles energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration, is a characteristic that will vary by EV and is a staple of all-electric driving. It’s often used to maximize efficiency through a one-pedal driving mode where the accelerator pedal is used to accelerate and brake — as you ease up on the accelerator, the car engages its regenerative braking to aggressively slow the car without requiring use of the brake pedal in normal driving. (You still have to use the brake pedal for heavier/emergency braking.)

Unique to EVs is the return of the RWD standard configuration. Many EVs have standard RWD with optional AWD (ID.4, Mustang Mach-E, Ioniq 5, EV6, etc.) versus the common front-wheel-drive layout of most mass-market cars and light- to medium-duty SUVs. FWD cars tend to behave more predictably in slippery conditions, though we only have limited experience with rear-drive EVs in wintry conditions. EVs are heavy because the large batteries by themselves can weigh a thousand pounds or more, so a compact electric SUV like the Ioniq 5 at its lightest 4,000-pound curb weight can weigh nearly the same as a three-row SUV like Hyundai’s Palisade, which is at minimum 4,171 pounds. Because of this extra weight, traction might prove better than in a traditional RWD gasoline-powered car.

Electric Car Pricing

EV prices span from under $30,000 to well over $100,000, and, as previously mentioned, are usually pricier than similar gas-powered vehicles. In September 2024, the average list price of all new EVs on Cars.com was $62,290, compared to the $49,154 overall new-car average. To view a list of all of the EVs for which we have estimated range (EPA or automaker estimates) and retail pricing, click here.

How Do You Buy an EV?

kia ev9 land 2024 78 exterior front angle scaled jpg 2024 Kia EV9 | Cars.com photo by Joe Bruzek

Innovation and EVs go hand in hand, and that extends to the buying process, as well. Non-legacy automakers like Tesla, Rivian, Lucid and Polestar all offer direct purchasing processes where interested buyers order their desired model and features, usually pay some sort of reservation fee or deposit, wait for their car to be built and then complete the purchase. When we bought our Tesla Model Y, Cars.com’s Editor-in-Chief Jenni Newman ordered the car and said, “Purchasing the Model Y couldn’t have been easier. It was frankly easier than ordering groceries online.” For consumers who need to finance, these newer companies often offer their own financing, as well.

For the majority of EVs, however, buyers will simply need to follow the traditional purchase process just like any gas-powered car. Consider the factors we’ve already mentioned about range and home charging, then add them to the advice in our other buying guide and you’ll be taking home your EV in no time.

What About the Federal Tax Credit?

rivian r1s 2024 02 exterior front angle scaled jpg 2024 Rivian R1S | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry

An additional complicating factor when purchasing an EV is the nonrefundable Federal EV Tax Credit — and we do mean complicating. If the Federal EV Tax Credit and its potential savings are important to you — and why wouldn’t they be? — you’ll most likely want to start with the IRS’ list of currently eligible vehicles and narrow your choices accordingly. There are additional factors to consider, as well, such as your household income and, potentially, where the EV and its batteries are assembled. As of this writing, many details are still being determined and, like lots of politically hot topics, it’s all subject to change.

The short version is that, as of this writing, a credit of up to $7,500 is available for purchasing qualifying EVs, assuming both vehicle price and household income requirements are also met. A credit of up to $4,000 is available when purchasing a used EV for up to $25,000, with additional terms and conditions. Perhaps the best version of the credit is available to those who lease a new EV, with $7,500 again available but with fewer restrictions than for a purchase.

Our current guide to the state of the federal tax credit is here, and we’ll help distill future updates or changes to make your shopping process as easy as possible.

What’s Next for EVs?

volkswagen id buzz 2025 01 exterior front angle scaled jpg 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz | Cars.com photo by Conner Golden

The good news for shoppers interested in EVs is that the depth and breadth of all-electric offerings continues to expand even as automakers revise or scale back future electrification plans. There are more EV pickups for sale in 2024 than there were in 2023, for example. The lucrative and family-friendly three-row SUV class is also growing; we at Cars.com got in early with our purchase of our long-term Kia EV9, and we look forward to pitting it against future competitors (it already shone in a comparison with the Rivian R1S). Our test of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N proves that EVs can be fun to drive in something other than a straight line, and enthusiast-oriented future offerings will look beyond speed and track performance to things like off-roading, as well. Nostalgia enthusiasts will also soon witness the return of the Volkswagen bus to North America with the VW ID.Buzz going on sale before the end of 2024, and iconic brand Scout also aims to resurrect itself with EVs under VW’s ownership.

Automakers also appear to be more cognizant of how important public charging infrastructure and home charging access are. More and more automakers are adding NACS charging capabilities to their EVs, opening up access to Tesla’s Supercharger Network — the most reliable public DC fast-charging network currently available. And Ford has announced a plan to give buyers and lessees of its EVs complimentary Level 2 home charging equipment and a free installation.

With more choices than ever before (and more on the way), EV shoppers have a lot to look forward to even if the road ahead isn’t perfectly smooth.

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

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