The best EVs of 2026Ranked by what you actually get.
Eight electric cars you can buy in the US right now, ranked on range, price, real charging speed and how well each fits the job it is built for. Every range figure is the EPA rating, checked against fueleconomy.gov, and every charge time says whether it was tested or claimed.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
The most complete EV under $40,000. An 800-volt system that charges like cars twice its price, a native NACS port, a roomy flat floor and 318 miles in the Extended Range RWD. The Standard Range SE starts at $35,250 with 245 miles.
Tesla Model Y
The Supercharger network is still the easiest way to drive an EV across the country, and the Model Y Standard now starts under $40,000. Want more range? The Premium RWD is rated at 357 miles for $45,990.
Kia EV3
New to the US this year, and the range is the surprise: 321 miles from a compact SUV that fits anywhere. The Standard Range starts at $29,890 with 221 miles if you mostly drive around town.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Space and range for the money that nothing else here matches, and the 2027 model gets a native NACS port. The trade-off is charging: its 42-minute claim is the slowest in this ranking.
Hyundai IONIQ 9
Up to seven seats, a lounge-like cabin and real range: 335 miles in rear-drive form, 320 in the SE AWD. In independent testing it charged 10 to 80 percent in 23.3 minutes, quicker than many small cars.
BMW iX3 50 xDrive
BMW’s Neue Klasse reset the bar for range: 434 miles on the no-cost summer tires, 383 on all-seasons. It also charged 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes in independent testing, beating BMW’s own claim.
Rivian R2
Rivian’s smaller SUV brings the R1’s capability to a more realistic price. Only the Performance ships this year; the $48,490 Standard Long Range follows in early 2027. 307 miles on all-terrain tires.
Chevrolet Bolt
The cheapest new EV in America is also a quick charger: 25.9 minutes from 10 to 80 percent in testing, faster than a Model Y. A native NACS port is standard.
Chevrolet Bolt LT
From $27,600262 miles, and it charges faster than cars twice the price.
Nissan LEAF S+
From $29,990303 miles for under $30,000: $99 per mile of range, the best ratio we track.
Tesla Model 3
From $36,990321 miles in the Standard. The Premium RWD reaches 363 miles for $42,490.
Hyundai IONIQ 9
From $58,955Up to 335 miles, up to seven seats and a 23.3-minute tested charge.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
From $53,200Up to 493 miles on the Max Range Work Truck. The Ford F-150 Lightning is no longer built.
Lucid Air Grand Touring
From $114,900512 miles EPA on 19-inch wheels. Nothing else comes close.
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+
From $47,25021 minutes from 10 to 80 percent in independent testing, matching cars that cost far more.
BMW iX3 50 xDrive
From $61,500434 miles and a 21-minute tested charge, for a fraction of the price of the few luxury SUVs that go farther.
How we rank
We start from the data we keep every day: the EPA range of 178 cars in our Range Chart, real 10 to 80 percent charge times in our Charging Speed Chart, and starting prices in Cheapest EVs. We weigh range and price first, then charging, then how well the car does its particular job, whether that is hauling a family or crossing the country. We favor cars with a native NACS port, since they can use Tesla Superchargers without an adapter.
Tested charge times come from independent tests (Ever, State of Charge and Automobile Propre) and are marked in blue. Everything else is the automaker’s claim. Prices are starting MSRP before destination, which adds roughly $1,400 to $1,800.
Common questions
Is the federal EV tax credit still available?
No. The $7,500 federal credit for new EVs ended on September 30, 2025. Many automakers have offset it with lower prices or cash offers, and some states still run their own rebates, so check both before you buy.
Which EV has the longest range?
The Lucid Air Grand Touring, at 512 miles EPA. Under $70,000, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive leads at up to 434 miles. Under $50,000, the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD is rated at 363 miles. Our EV Range Chart ranks all 178 cars we track.
What is the best EV under $40,000?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE Extended Range ($37,750, 318 miles) for most people. The Kia EV3 Long Range ($34,990, 321 miles) and Chevrolet Equinox EV ($34,995, 319 miles) give you more range for less money if you can live with slower charging. See every option in Cheapest EVs.
Can these cars use Tesla Superchargers?
Yes. Every car in our top eight has a native NACS port, so it plugs straight into a Supercharger with no adapter. Check any other car in our Supercharger Tracker.
Should I wait for a new model?
Only if a specific car fits you better. The BMW iX3, Kia EV3 and Rivian R2 just arrived, and more is coming in 2027, including a cheaper R2 and Ford’s $30,000 pickup. Our Upcoming Electric Cars guide tracks every one with dates.
Know when the rankings change.
One short email when a new car earns a spot or a price moves. Always free.
Sources: EPA range from fueleconomy.gov (checked October 6, 2026); prices from automaker pricing and Edmunds, Electrek and GM Authority reporting, August to October 2026; tested charge times from Ever, State of Charge and Automobile Propre. Photos: manufacturers.