Most Popular Electric Cars Comparison 2020

Even though the number of electric vehicle sales stays smaller than the sales of the conventional fossil-fuel alternatives, the selection of new EV models is growing fast, the price is going down and the charging time is becoming shorter.

The petrol and diesel cars are soon going to be banned; that is why many drivers feel the pressure to switch to sustainable pure-electric vehicles, so it is essential to know what is the best EV available now on the car market?

In this article, we present and compare the most popular electric cars these days, so that you can choose your favorite. 

Renault Zoe

This French electric vehicle passed Tesla Model 3 and became the best-selling EV in Europe in the first half of 2020. Zoe is very quiet and has a low running cost, although some say the performance and quality are rather average with poor brake feel.

• Fully charged it can travel up to 400 km around the town and about 240 km at high speed, which is an outstanding result for an electric vehicle priced lower than 30,000 euros.
• Renault Zoe is an affordable EV option with the price starting at about 28,000 euros.

Tesla Model 3

In August Tesla has taken the top spot again in terms of sales and now its most affordable Model 3 dominates the market. Tesla has the potential for autonomous driving; it is a piece of quality futuristic tech.

• This EV is pretty quick and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds. It can go up to 400 km on a single charge.
• The price range is from 42,000 to 52,000 euros, which makes it quite expensive compared to other EV available.

Volkswagen e-Golf

E-Golf was the first-ever VW Golf to go fully electric. The electric version of Golf is as dependable, solid and fun to drive as the Volkswagen’s petrol or diesel version, although the top speed is lower. This model is practical, comfortable to drive and handle.

• For driving in cold countries, you need to get the optional heat pump. Otherwise, you may see the range to be as low as 100 km instead of 240 km on a full charge.
• The price starts at 30,000 euros. 

Peugeot e-208

This new all-electric model of Peugeot is decent to drive and looks great on the outside and inside. Peugeot e-208 is not designed to stand out from fuel-powered cars; it is designed to be just like Peugeot 208 with a big battery. It accelerates faster than Renault Zoe but is less quick compared to Kia e-Niro.

• The Peugeot e-208's battery can support charging at up to 100kW unlike the Renault Zoe, which is limited to speeds of 50kW. 
• Its driving range is up to 349 km on a single charge.
• The price starts at about 30,000 euros.

Nissan Leaf

Nissan Leaf was the first mass-market electric vehicle model in the world when it was launched 10 years ago. This model is relatively cheap to own and provides a quiet and smooth drive. Nissan Leaf features the e-Pedal, which lets you drive with just one foot. The car is spacious, although some say the driving position is awkward.

• It was improved and now can provide a driving range of 380 km from a single charge.
• It takes only about one hour on a 50kW fast charger to charge it to 80%.
• The price ranges from 30,000 euros to 39,000 euros.

Kia e-Niro

The ride on this car is smooth and easy, even though handling is not as good as its petrol or diesel version due to the heavy battery. 

• The Kia e-Niro’s official driving range on a full charge is 450 km, although in real-life conditions it goes up to 400 km, still an impressive result.
• This model is cheaper than its rivals; the price starts at about 37,000 euros.

BMW i3

This model is the best small premium electric car you can buy. It has a futuristic look and accelerates to 100km/h in just 7.3 seconds (the top speed would be about 150 km/h). 

• BMW i3 provides about 246 km range on a single charge.
• The price range is from 39,000 euros to 41,700 euros, and this car is quite expensive to service and insure. 

Audi E-Tron

This model is a mid-size luxury EV and Audi's first electric mass-production car. Audi e-Tron is full of tech, great quality, but it is super expensive and heavy.

• It can go up to 350 km on a full charge and comes with a 'range mode' allowing to travel further by reducing electricity consumption by taking power from the AC.
• The price range starts at 78,800 euros.

Hyundai Ioniq

This car provides a smooth feel and ride in a city, but can feel much bumpier on rough roads. It offers a lot of space and packed with features (wireless charging mat for smartphone, 7.0-inch digital driver’s display, heated height-adjustable front seats etc.)

• It is possible to charge Ioniq to 80% in just a bit less than 1 hour from a 50kW charger.
• The maximum range is somewhat modest ­– about 312 km.
• The price starts at about 30,000-32,000 euros. 

Honda e

Honda e is the first fully electric model of Honda. Honda e is a comfortable four-seater. It provides a fun urban car experience and easy to park.

• Honda e can be topped up to 80% in just half an hour.
• It is nothing impressive in terms of driving range, 218 km from a 36kWh battery charge.
• The price starts around 27,000-28,000 euros. It is not cheap if you take into consideration the price of its rivals (offering a better range). 

Electric cars become more viable for more people as the technology develops, the network of EV charging points expands, and there appear more rapid chargers at homes, workplaces, and in public spaces.

Nowadays there is a much wider choice of electric vehicles than ever before: mini-sized electric cars (Peugeot e-208, Honda e, Renault Zoe), crossovers (Kia e-Niro), SUVs (Audi E-Tron), sedan (Tesla Model 3). When choosing your potential EV, you need to consider not only its looks and comfort but also the additional costs, driving range, battery capacity, and so on.