This is a curated comparison of EVs, with the assistance of ChatGPT-4
Electric Vehicles (EVs) have come a long way and have a lot to offer. Here are some key features to consider when buying an EV:
Battery Range: The range of an electric car can vary greatly. This depends on the size and efficiency of the battery pack, as well as the efficiency of the electric motor and the car’s overall design. It’s important to consider your daily commute and driving habits to decide on the range you need.
Charging Time and Infrastructure: Look at how long it takes to charge the vehicle and the availability of charging stations in your area or along your regular routes. Also consider the possibility of installing a home charger. Some EVs can use fast-charging networks that significantly reduce charging time, but these may be more expensive.
Performance: Some people think that because EVs are eco-friendly, they can’t be fast or fun to drive. That’s not true. Many EVs provide rapid acceleration due to the instant torque electric motors provide. Always test drive before buying to get a feel for the vehicle.
Battery Life and Warranty: Check the battery’s lifespan and the warranty terms. Most EV manufacturers offer warranties that cover the battery for a significant period.
Cost: While the upfront cost of EVs can be higher than traditional gas vehicles, remember to factor in the lower operating costs. EVs often have lower fueling and maintenance costs.
Regenerative Braking: Most EVs have a regenerative braking system that helps to recharge the battery and increase the driving range. Some vehicles allow you to adjust the level of regenerative braking.
Interior and Technology: As with any car, the comfort and quality of the interior are important. Many EVs have advanced technology features like large touchscreens, connectivity options, and advanced driver-assistance systems.
Incentives: Many governments around the world offer incentives to buy electric cars. These can significantly reduce the cost of buying an EV.
Environmental Impact: One of the main reasons people choose an electric vehicle is to reduce their environmental footprint. While environmental costs are associated with manufacturing EVs and their batteries, over their lifecycle, they are generally significantly better for the environment than conventional vehicles, especially if electricity from renewable sources is charged.
Resale Value: Check out the resale value of electric cars. Some EV models hold their value better than others.
Remember to do your homework before deciding which EV is right for you. Test drive several models and speak with other EV owners about their experiences.
Key Manufacturers of EVs and general reviews
Tesla: Tesla is often the first name that comes to mind when considering electric vehicles. They have a range of models, including the Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y. Tesla, known for its long-range EVs, autopilot capabilities, and high performance.
Nissan: The Nissan Leaf is one of the world’s best-selling electric cars. Nissan has been in the EV game for a long time and is a major player.
General Motors: GM produces the Chevrolet Bolt EV and has committed to launching 30 new global electric vehicles by 2025.
BMW: BMW has several electric models, including the i3 and i8, and also offers plug-in hybrid versions of many of their conventional models.
Audi: Audi has made significant strides in electric vehicles with models like the Audi e-Tron.
Volkswagen: Volkswagen’s ID.3 and ID.4 are key models in their electric lineup, and the company has committed to an extensive range of electric vehicles in the coming years.
Hyundai: Hyundai’s Kona Electric and Ioniq Electric are popular choices for those seeking EVs.
Mercedes-Benz: The EQC is Mercedes’ first fully electric vehicle, and they have plans to release several more models under the EQ brand.
Porsche: Known for high-performance cars, Porsche’s Taycan is an all-electric vehicle that competes with Tesla’s Model S for performance and luxury.
Rivian: An American electric vehicle automaker and automotive technology company that gained attention for its all-electric pickup, the R1T, and SUV, the R1S.
General opinions above the top EV brands
Tesla: Tesla’s vehicles, particularly the Model S and Model 3, have often received high praise for their long range, impressive acceleration, and high-tech features such as Autopilot. However, some reviews note potential issues with build quality and customer service.
Porsche: The Porsche Taycan has been widely lauded for its impressive performance and high-quality interior, maintaining Porsche’s sports car pedigree even in an electric vehicle. However, it’s high price and lower range compared to some competitors have been noted as downsides.
Nissan: The Nissan Leaf is generally praised as a practical and affordable electric vehicle with a comfortable ride and spacious interior. However, it has a lower range than many competitors, and its acceleration and handling are less impressive than other EVs.
Volkswagen: The Volkswagen ID.4 has received positive reviews for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and user-friendly technology. However, its acceleration and handling are less sporty than some competitors, and its range is somewhat lower than leading competitors like Tesla.
Comparison of EVs based on the above criteria
Company
Battery Range
Charging Infrastructure
Performance
Battery Warranty
Cost
Regenerative Braking
Interior & Tech
Environmental Impact
Resale Value
Tesla
High
Supercharger Network
High
8 years
High
Yes
High
High
High
Nissan
Medium
CHAdeMO Network
Medium
8 years
Medium
Yes
Medium
Medium
Medium
General Motors
Medium
Various Networks
Medium
8 years
Medium
Yes
Medium
Medium
Medium
BMW
Medium
Various Networks
High
8 years
High
Yes
High
High
High
Audi
High
Various Networks
High
8 years
High
Yes
High
High
High
Volkswagen
Medium
Various Networks
Medium
8 years
Medium
Yes
Medium
High
Medium
Hyundai
Medium
Various Networks
Medium
8 years
Medium
Yes
Medium
Medium
Medium
Mercedes-Benz
High
Various Networks
High
8 years
High
Yes
High
High
High
Porsche
High
Various Networks
High
8 years
High
Yes
High
High
High
Rivian
High
Proposed Network
High
8 years
High
Yes
High
High
N/A
Comparison of Tesla Models
Model
Battery Range
Performance
Battery Warranty
Base Cost
Regenerative Braking
Interior & Tech
Model S
375-412 miles
0-60 mph in 1.99-3.1 sec
8 years or 120,000-150,000 miles
$79,990-$149,990
Yes
High (Includes features like Autopilot, Full Self-Driving Capability, etc.)
Model 3
262-353 miles
0-60 mph in 3.1-5.3 sec
8 years or 120,000-150,000 miles
$39,990-$56,990
Yes
High (Includes features like Autopilot, Full Self-Driving Capability, etc.)
Model X
340-360 miles
0-60 mph in 2.5-3.8 sec
8 years or 120,000-150,000 miles
$89,990-$119,990
Yes
High (Includes features like Autopilot, Full Self-Driving Capability, etc.)
Model Y
303-326 miles
0-60 mph in 3.5-5.3 sec
8 years or 120,000-150,000 miles
$49,990-$60,990
Yes
High (Includes features like Autopilot, Full Self-Driving Capability, etc.)
Comparison of key EV models
Company
Model
Battery Range
Performance
Battery Warranty
Base Cost
Tesla
Model 3 Standard Range Plus
263 miles
0-60 mph in 5.3 sec
8 years or 100,000 miles
$39,990
Nissan
Leaf
149 miles
0-60 mph in 7.4 sec
8 years or 100,000 miles
$27,400
General Motors
Chevrolet Bolt EV
259 miles
0-60 mph in 6.5 sec
8 years or 100,000 miles
$31,995
BMW
i3
153 miles
0-60 mph in 6.8 sec
8 years or 100,000 miles
$44,450
Audi
e-Tron
222 miles
0-60 mph in 5.5 sec
8 years or 100,000 miles
$65,900
Volkswagen
ID.4
250 miles
0-60 mph in 7.6 sec
8 years or 100,000 miles
$39,995
Hyundai
Kona Electric
258 miles
0-60 mph in 6.4 sec
8 years or 100,000 miles
$34,000
Mercedes-Benz
EQC
208 miles
0-60 mph in 4.8 sec
8 years or 100,000 miles
$67,900
Porsche
Taycan
227 miles
0-60 mph in 5.1 sec
8 years or 100,000 miles
$79,900
Rivian
R1T
314 miles
0-60 mph in 3.0 sec
8 years or 175,000 miles
$67,500
Worldwide availability of Tesla, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Porshe EVs
Brand
Model
Availability
Release Date
Tesla
Model S
Worldwide in most major markets
2012
Tesla
Model 3
Worldwide in most major markets
2017
Nissan
Leaf
Worldwide in most major markets
2010
Volkswagen
ID.4
Initially available in Europe and North America
2020
Porsche
Taycan
Worldwide in most major markets
2020
Websites providing information about EVs
Here are some reputable websites that regularly publish in-depth reviews, buying guides, news, and other information related to electric vehicles (EVs):
Edmunds (www.edmunds.com): A comprehensive source for automotive information, including a wealth of content related to electric vehicles.
Car and Driver (www.caranddriver.com): A leading source of information for car enthusiasts and car shoppers, they regularly review EVs.
InsideEVs (insideevs.com): A site dedicated to electric vehicle news and reviews, including guides and advice for prospective EV owners.
Green Car Reports (www.greencarreports.com): A site focused on eco-friendly vehicles, including EVs, hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles.
EV Database (ev-database.org): A comprehensive database of electric vehicles, including detailed specifications, reviews, and a useful comparison tool.
Electrek (electrek.co): A news site focused on electric transportation and sustainable energy.
Clean Technica (cleantechnica.com): Another site dedicated to renewable energy and electric vehicles.
Tesla Rati (www.teslarati.com): Although this site focuses primarily on Tesla, it also covers news and updates from other electric vehicle companies.
Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org): A trusted source for unbiased reviews and safety information, including electric and hybrid cars.
AutoExpress (www.autoexpress.co.uk): UK-based automotive news and reviews site, includes a section dedicated to electric vehicles.
Top 3 complaints and criticism of EVs by brand
Tesla:
Build Quality Issues: Some owners and reviewers have reported issues with the build quality of Tesla vehicles, such as inconsistent panel gaps or issues with the paint.
Customer Service: Some customers have criticized Tesla’s service network, mentioning difficulties in scheduling services and the availability of service centers.
Autopilot Misunderstanding: The “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” features have attracted controversy, with critics arguing that they can lead drivers to overestimate their abilities and fail to pay adequate attention to the road.
Porsche:
Price: Porsche’s EV, the Taycan, is a luxury vehicle with a price tag to match. Some critics have mentioned that it’s less accessible to the average consumer.
Range: Although the Taycan’s range is competitive, it’s still less than what Tesla’s comparable models offer, leading to some criticism.
Lack of Variants: As of September 2021, Porsche had fewer EV models available compared to some other manufacturers, which could be a downside for some customers.
Nissan:
Lower Range: Nissan’s primary EV, the Leaf, offers less range than many of its competitors.
Rapid Battery Degradation: Some Leaf owners have reported issues with battery degradation, which can further reduce the car’s range over time.
Less Performance: The Nissan Leaf is less sporty and powerful than some competitors.
Volkswagen:
Software Issues: Volkswagen has faced criticism for software issues in its ID series of electric vehicles.
Range: Like Nissan, Volkswagen’s EVs often offer less range than competitors, particularly those from Tesla.
Availability: As of September 2021, Volkswagen’s electric vehicles were not as widely available worldwide as those from some other manufacturers.
Top 3 praises for the EVs by Brand
Tesla:
Driving Range: Tesla’s electric vehicles are often lauded for their impressive driving ranges, some models having the longest ranges in the EV market.
Acceleration and Performance: Tesla vehicles have been widely praised for their rapid acceleration and overall performance, making them fun to drive.
Innovative Technology: Tesla’s vehicles are often seen as leading the industry in terms of technology, with features like Autopilot, over-the-air updates, and a minimalist, screen-focused interior.
Porsche:
Performance: The Porsche Taycan has been highly praised for its exceptional performance, bringing the traditional Porsche driving experience to an electric vehicle.
Quality: Porsche’s Taycan has been noted for its high-quality interior and overall build quality, living up to Porsche’s reputation as a luxury brand.
Charging Speed: The Taycan supports very high-speed charging, which can make long trips more convenient.
Nissan:
Affordability: The Nissan Leaf is one of the more affordable electric vehicles on the market, which has been appreciated by many customers.
Practicality: The Leaf is often praised for its practicality as a comfortable, easy-to-drive vehicle with sufficient space.
Reliability: The Nissan Leaf has generally been seen as a reliable vehicle with fewer maintenance requirements compared to traditional cars.
Volkswagen:
Comfort: Volkswagen’s ID.4 has been praised for its comfortable and spacious interior.
Ease of Use: Many have appreciated the ID.4 for its user-friendly features and intuitive controls.
Build Quality: Volkswagen’s ID series of electric vehicles have received positive remarks for their solid build quality and design.
Charging station and Charging experience
Tesla:
Tesla has its own proprietary Supercharger network, which as of 2021 is the most extensive fast-charging network in the U.S.
Tesla’s vehicles come with an adapter that allows them to charge at most non-Tesla charging stations as well.
The Supercharger network is generally praised for its convenience and speed, though it can get crowded in some areas.
Porsche:
Porsche uses the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard, which is compatible with most public charging networks in the U.S.
Porsche also partners with Electrify America, offering three years of complimentary charging for Taycan owners at Electrify America charging stations.
The Taycan supports high-speed charging up to 270 kW at compatible charging stations.
Nissan:
Nissan’s Leaf uses the CHAdeMO fast charging standard, which is not as widely adopted in the U.S. as the CCS standard.
Nevertheless, there are still a significant number of CHAdeMO chargers available in most urban and suburban areas.
Nissan has partnerships with several charging networks, including EVgo, and has offered charging promotions to Leaf owners in the past.
Volkswagen:
Volkswagen’s ID.4 also uses the CCS standard, compatible with most public charging networks.
Volkswagen has a significant investment in Electrify America, and ID.4 owners receive three years of unlimited charging at Electrify America stations.
Charging speed at fast chargers is up to 125 kW for the ID.4.
In general, while Tesla’s proprietary network provides a consistent and convenient charging experience, other brands benefit from the expanding universal charging infrastructure. Charging at home with a Level 2 charger (240-volt outlet) is also an option for all these brands and is often the most convenient and cost-effective way to charge for daily driving needs.
Charging Stations availability
Tesla:
Tesla’s Supercharger network had over 900 stations across the United States.
Electrify America:
Volkswagen’s investment in Electrify America (also available to Porsche Taycan owners) resulted in around 800 charging stations across the country by 2021.
EVgo:
As a partner to Nissan (and several other automakers), EVgo had over 800 fast charging locations in the U.S.