It’s no secret that electric cars are the most environmentally friendly choice when it comes to driving options. With every year the technology continues to improve, which means we’re seeing a big improvement in mileage ranges between charges. In addition, prices are becoming much more affordable. So, it’s hardly surprising that more and more people are now choosing to go electric. Adding to that is the fact that several countries around the world have planned on banning gas-powered cars from city centers, or even suggesting halting the new production of non-electric vehicles altogether.
This all points to just one thing: it’s time to come to grips with the electric car market and try out one of the latest EV models for yourself. Luckily, SIXT has a whole fleet of electric cars to choose from, making it easier than ever to go green on your next road trip. Read on for our guide to the best electric cars on the market right now.
The top 4 electric cars
What should you be looking out for when trying to decide which electric car to go for? How do you know which are the best currently on the market? We’ve taken a close look at the latest models you can drive now – all available for rent from SIXT branches* – and picked out the five top electric cars to take for a spin.
*This can change over time. Keep in mind that you can book the electric fleet, but we can’t guarantee a specific model. Just check out our electric car fleet to see all currently available models at your location.
BMW iX: One of the best all-electric cars for those looking for a luxury SUV
- Range of miles between charges: Depending on the model, it can manage up to 380 miles on a single charge.
- From 0 to 62: It can rev from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
- Additional features: You can also expect plenty of clever tech touches, including heated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
If you’re looking for a large, ultra-comfortable all-electric SUV, this offering from BMW is about as good as it gets. It marks the German manufacturer’s first all-electric car since 2013, and they’ve certainly come a long way since then. Everything about this car screams luxury, from the futuristic dashboard to the design to the plush interiors, which are covered in soft-touch fabrics.
BMW i4: One of the best electric cars on the market for serious speed
- Range of miles between charges: It has a particularly long range, going up to 307 miles on a single charge.
- From 0 to 60: This powerful BMW can go from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds.
- Horsepower: If you love to step on the gas and get up some serious speed, this is a great option, as even the entry-level model shells out an impressive 396 horsepower.
This comfortable, stylishly appointed sedan easily competes with similar gas-powered vehicles on the market. Known for being one of the top premium electric cars around, it’s won a slew of awards since its release thanks to its sophisticated build and excellent drivability. It has all the top features you’d expect from a luxury BMW, including all the latest on-board tech. Overall, this is just a brilliant all-rounder to rent for your next trip.
Volvo XC40 Recharge: One of the best electric cars for those after a smaller SUV
- Range of miles between charges: Operating with a single-motor powertrain, it has an impressive range of up to 293 miles
- From 0 to 60: This Volvo can go from 0 to 60 mph in just over 4.5 seconds – slower than some of the other EVs on this list, but still pretty fast, especially for a larger car
- A touch of luxury: It comes with a whole host of great features, including rear parking sensors, heated seats, cruise control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and a nine-inch touchscreen.
Those looking for a more compact – but still luxurious – all-electric SUV will be seriously impressed with the Volvo XC40 Recharge. It manages to be both practical and comfortable without skimping on style, and still maintains the look of a premium car.
All in all, it’s a great option for those looking for a smaller SUV for city driving or shorter road trips.
Nissan Leaf: One of the best electric cars on the market for staying local
- Range of miles between charges: It has a shorter driving range than many of the other EVs in the SIXT rental fleet, going up to 180 miles on a single charge, but it’s ideal if you only need it to complete short errands.
- From 0 to 62: A little slower than the rest of the options here, but still in a good time, can go from 0 to 60 in 7.9 seconds.
The Nissan Leaf is a great entry-level car for those looking to try out electric vehicles for the first time. While it may not have all of the flashy features of some of the more premium models on the market right now, this compact sedan is still a supremely comfortable drive, and its smaller size means it’s particularly well suited to inner city driving. It’s also one of the most affordable electric cars available right now.
Despite its smaller stature, it’s deceptively roomy inside, and is more than big enough to fit the entire family, with plenty of impressive on-board tech included, too.
We’ve rounded up the top five electric cars currently on the market – and available to rent from SIXT – but how do you know how to choose the right model for your needs? There are plenty of pros and cons to bear in mind when deciding to go for an electric vehicle rather than a gas-powered one.
Some of the main advantages include:
- The fact that EVs are much better for the environment.
- Charging your electric car is much cheaper than paying for gas.
- Maintaining them tends to be easier, as there are fewer moving parts and therefore less things to go wrong.
The disadvantages, meanwhile, include:
- The driving range, which can be fairly limited when driving a smaller or older EV, the time it takes to recharge (an EV needs around 4-6 hours to fully recharge).
- The fact that not every location you visit is going to have multiple charging points for you to use.
That being said, the electric vehicle market is growing and EVs are becoming increasingly popular as we understand the need to move to more sustainable and efficient modes of transport in the future – so why not give it a go on your next road trip?
Still have any questions we haven’t answered? Find the most important information about electric cars and all the answers to the most frequent asked questions.
