Best Electric SUVs
#1 in Electric SUVs
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 54.7
Expert Rating
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a high point in electric vehicles because it excels in several areas.
Home
EV Guide
A Comprehensive EV Guide: The Pros and Cons of Electric Cars
Everything you need to know about EVs: costs, charging, range, safety, and more.
Research
The experts at KBB.com give you everything you need to research and compare Electric Vehicles (EVs) to help you make an informed decision. We’re your guide for “everything electric,” whether you’re just browsing, actively looking, or ready to buy your first – or next – electric car.
Pros And Cons
Overall, electric cars are a good option if you want to save money on gas and help the environment. However, they do have some limitations. It's important to weigh both the pros and cons before deciding if an electric car is right for you.
Pro: Save Money on Gas
Electric cars save money on gas because they run on electricity, so you’re not spending any money filling up at the pump.
Pro: Good for the Environment
Electric cars produce less pollution than traditional cars because they don’t emit exhaust gases, keeping the air cleaner and healthier.
Pro: Quiet
Electric cars are extremely quiet because they have fewer moving parts. This means there’s no loud engine noise while driving.
Pro: Less Maintenance Required
Electric cars require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts. You don’t have to worry about changing oil, replacing filters, or other typical maintenance tasks.
Con: Expensive Battery Replacement
An electric car battery is expensive to replace if it fails. This means you could end up spending a lot of money replacing it.
Con: Limited Driving Range
Electric cars can only go a certain distance before they need to be recharged, meaning you can’t drive as far on a single charge as you could with a gas-powered car.
Con: Limited Charging Infrastructure
There aren’t as many charging stations as there are gas stations, so you might have difficulty finding a place to charge if driving a long distance.
Con: Higher Upfront Cost
Electric cars are generally more expensive to buy than traditional cars. Bottom line? You’ll probably spend more money upfront.
Car Advice
What to Look for When Buying an Electric Car in 2025
Electric vehicles come in many types, and there is not a one size fits all for everybody. Our guide tells you what to consider when EV shopping.
Nick Kurczewski January 23, 2025
Advertisement
Busting EV Myths and Fears
All Electric Cars Feel the Same
On the contrary, different automakers go to great lengths to give their specific electric cars a distinct experience. Just like in gasoline-powered cars, manufacturers try to capture the character, look, and feel of their respective brands overall.
Performance Cars Need a Rumbling Gas Engine
Electric vehicles drive as quickly or even quicker than gas-powered cars, even when it comes to high-dollar performance cars. Drive an EV and you’ll see that gas-powered cars can be viewed as crude, noisy, and unrefined.
All Electric Cars Look Ugly
At one point this was true, but not anymore. Today’s EVs are not only fun to drive but their looks are sharp, stylish, and luxurious. Automakers can make dramatic design choices because they no longer need to design around a large gas tank.
Electric Cars Cost Too Much
While it’s true that some EVs are expensive, we’re already seeing some easing in pricing. And don’t forget federal tax credits, state and local rebates, electricity discounts, and even discounted or free home chargers from certain automakers.
There’s No Place to Charge Electric Cars
Research shows that 80% of EVs are charged at home. Still, drivers need more charging stations. To that end, the federal government has earmarked $5 billion over five years to grow the U.S. network of chargers to 500,000, some five times that of today.
Electric Cars Are Unreliable
Evidence shows that electric vehicles are just as reliable as gas-powered cars. Plus, EVs typically offer more extensive warranties on the battery and drive components. For example, one automaker covers its EVs for 10 years or 150,000 miles.
1 of 6
Browse and Compare EVs
Find the best electric car, SUV or truck for you from the following list provided by the KBB.com editors. Our experts drove each one and ranked them on performance, range, features, value, safety, and more.
Best Electric Cars
#1 in Electric Cars
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 64.6
Expert Rating
The all-electric 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan is brimming with charisma as well as capability.
Best Luxury Electric SUVs
#1 in Luxury Electric SUVs
2025 Audi Q4 e-tron4.5
Expert Rating
The 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron is a compact luxury electric SUV with an attractive starting price, excellent driving manners, and a roomy cabin.
Best Luxury Electric Cars
#1 in Luxury Electric Cars
2025 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG EQE4.5
Expert Rating
The all-electric 2025 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4Matic sedan enjoys many typical Mercedes-Benz qualities, while deploying voltage for velocity. Maximum range is 220 miles.
Longest Range Electric SUVs
#1 in Longest Range Electric SUVs
2025 Rivian R1Sundefined Miles
Estimated Electric Range
The 2025 Rivian R1S is an all-electric, premium 3-row SUV with an impressive maximum range of 410 miles and plenty of other talents.
Longest Range Electric Cars
#1 in Longest Range Electric Cars
2025 Lucid Airundefined Miles
Estimated Electric Range
The 2025 Lucid Air is a large, all-electric luxury sedan with a maximum range of 512 miles, better than anything else at this time.
Best Electric Trucks
#1 in Electric Trucks
2024 Ford F150 Lightning4.8
Expert Rating
The Ford F-150 Lightning is our defending Best Buy Award champion in electric trucks for successfully electrifying the excellence of the F-150.
Compare Best EVs
new 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 | new 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N | new 2025 Kia EV9 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $43,975 | $67,675 | $56,395 | |
| KBB.com Rating | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | |
| Consumer Rating | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | |
| Fuel Economy | City 131/Hwy 100/Comb 115 MPGe | City 84/Hwy 72/Comb 78 MPGe | City 99/Hwy 77/Comb 88 MPGe | |
| Estimated EV Range | 245 Miles | 221 Miles | 230 Miles | |
| Safety Rating | 'N/A' | 'N/A' | 'N/A' | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 7 | |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years or 60000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | |
| 0-60 | N/A | 3.3 Seconds | 7.7 Seconds | |
| Horsepower | 168 HP | 641 HP | 215 HP | |
| Engine | Electric Motor | Dual Electric Motors | AC Electric Motor | |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | RWD |
Read the Latest EV Comparisons
Got several EVs in mind but can’t decide which one to choose? Let our expert Editorial staff help you make a more informed choice.
Comparison
2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV vs. 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Comparison
Compare the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV to the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E and decide which midsize electric SUV is right for you and your family.
Nick Kurczewski March 07, 2025
Comparison
2025 Kia EV9 vs. 2025 Kia Telluride Comparison
Kia makes two mid-size 3-row SUVs: the V6-powered Telluride and the fully electric new EV9. Let’s see how they compare.
Sean Tucker March 07, 2025
Comparison
2024 Tesla Model Y vs. 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Comparison
The 2024 Tesla Model Y and 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge are premium electric SUVs with a lot to offer. Let’s compare them.
Michael Strong March 10, 2025
Incentives
If you’re looking to buy an EV, you’ll need to know what incentives exist that can help you defray costs. Many states offer rebates and tax deductions to make the transition to electric vehicles more attractive, like electricity discounts or bill credits.
Car Advice
How Do Electric Car Tax Credits Work in 2025?
Buying an electric car requires some homework. Here’s how electric car tax credits work and how to best take advantage of the incentives.
Renee Valdes April 07, 2025
Car Advice
Electric Car Rebates and Incentives: What to Know by State
If you own an electric car or want to purchase one soon, you’ll need to know what EV incentives exist to…
Chantel Wakefield August 16, 2024
Car Advice
Buy a New Electric Car Now or Wait?
If you’re deciding whether to buy an electric car now or wait, we’ll tell you what to know so you can make the best purchase decision.
Russ Heaps January 31, 2025
Charging and Range
How much does it cost to charge an EV? What are the three types of chargers for electric cars? How far can I go on a full charge? All reasonable questions potential electric car buyers ask. Check out the articles below and let the experts at KBB.com help answer your EV questions.
Car Advice
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
Learn how to calculate the cost of charging EVs at home and at charging stations, the charge levels to choose from and how to find the right plug for your EV.
Nick Kurczewski March 26, 2025
Car Advice
5 Fastest-Charging Electric Cars
Quick Facts About Fast-Charging Electric Cars Get to know the fastest-charging electric cars. Electric vehicles (EVs) are fast becoming mainstream,…
Sean Tucker March 04, 2025
Car Advice
Electric Car Range: Everything You Need to Know
A desire to do something to help save the planet, along with the potential for saving money on fuel and…
Chris Hardesty March 22, 2024
Car Advice
EV Charging Stations: Everything You Need To Know
Quick Facts About Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Download the apps for charging stations you’ll use locally and for travel. Smaller…
Andrew Ganz August 08, 2023
Car Advice
Everything That Drains Your Electric Car Battery
Quick Facts on EV Battery Drain EV range drops significantly in freezing temperatures. Steady highway driving drains the battery faster…
Chantel Wakefield March 07, 2025
How to Charge an Electric Vehicle
Charging an electric car can feel daunting but it's really quite simple. Lyn Woodward is here to run you through the basics of how to charge an EV, how long it might take, and proper charging etiquette.
0 seconds of 6 minutes, 1 secondVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard Shortcuts
Shortcuts Open/Close/ or ?
Play/PauseSPACE
Increase Volume↑
Decrease Volume↓
Seek Forward→
Seek Backward←
Captions On/Offc
Fullscreen/Exit Fullscreenf
Mute/Unmutem
Decrease Caption Size-
Increase Caption Size+ or =
Seek %0-9
Electric Cars for Sale Near You
More EV Advice
- EV tax credits
- Cost of charging your EV
- EV charging times
- EV charging stations
- Fasted charging electric cars
- EV car companeis
- Buying a used EV
- PHEV advice
- Hybrid EV battery warranties
- Reasons to buy a PHEV
- EV rebates by state
- EV payloads and towing capacities
- Charging the Kia EV6
- Charging the Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Charging an EV without a cord
- Charging the Chevy Bolt EV
- Charging a Tesla in winter
- EV charging apps
- Lucid EV advice
- EV charger cable theft
- EV myths
- How to jump start an EV battery
- Charging an electric car for free
- EVs you can convert
- Choosing an EV charger
- Buying a used Chevy Volt
- Buying a new EV today
- Charging a Rivian
- EV inspections
- Charging EVs for free
- EV tires
- Hyundai Kona - electric vs hybrid vs gas engines
- EV charger buying guide
- EV battery drain - what you need to know
Electric Car FAQs
Why are electric cars bad?
Electric cars offer numerous benefits. However, some reasons electric cars may be perceived negatively are: limited driving range, limited charging infrastructure, longer refueling time, initial cost, battery production and disposal, and limited model options.
Electric cars vs. gas cars?
The choice between an electric car and a gas car depends on individual needs, preferences, driving habits, and the availability of charging infrastructure. It’s important to consider factors like environmental impact, operating costs, range requirements, and charging availability when making a decision.
What’s the future of electric cars?
The future of electric cars is promising. Technological advancements, increased adoption, and improved infrastructure are poised to reshape how we drive and contribute to a more sustainable transportation future.
How many electric cars are in the US?
Reports vary, but in mid-2023, it’s safe to say there are approximately 2 million electric cars on the road out of a total of roughly 285 million vehicles.
Why are electric cars better?
Electric cars are considered better than gas-powered cars for several reasons: environmental benefits, lower operating costs, quieter operation, performance, and energy independence. However, the choice between an electric and a gas car depends on individual needs, preferences, driving habits, and the availability of charging infrastructure.
Are electric cars better than gas cars?
There are pros and cons to each. It ultimately depends on your individual needs, preferences, driving habits, and the availability of charging infrastructure where you live. That said, ongoing advancements and increasing adoption of electric cars make them a promising alternative to traditional gas vehicles.
Advertisement