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Shopping cars within 250 mi of your nearest EchoPark.
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Published January 17, 2022
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Electric cars are growing in popularity – and there’s no sign of that changing anytime soon.
In fact, EV car sales in the U.S rose by 95% between January and April in 2021. If you’re ready to make the change to electric but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve put together a list of the best new and used models on the market for 2022.
One of the key benefits of driving an electric car is reduced emissions. Naturally, without the need for gasoline, running costs are significantly cheaper, as charging costs a fraction of filling up at the pumps.
The maintenance costs of electric cars can be lower, as there are fewer components, so less chance of them breaking down.
Sleek aesthetics are the norm for electric vehicles, plus innovative design features, like digital tablets or displays in the place of traditional dashboards. You’ll also get a smooth, almost silent ride from an electric car.
Tesla is a name which has shaken up the automotive scene in recent years and made a huge impact in the electric car market.
The first Tesla model was produced in 2008 and there are currently four models available, with all four featuring in the top five electric cars sold in the United States in 2020. In the same year, Tesla sold more EVs in the U.S than any other EV manufacturer combined.
Tesla’s most famous model features gull-wing doors which swept the internet, and the Model S Plaid is renowned for being the fastest electric car on the market, pushing 0-60 in less than two seconds.
Despite this, Tesla isn’t the only electric car manufacturer to produce an impressive range of vehicles. Discover our top picks below.
The Chevy Bolt is a pocket rocket, offering responsive acceleration, torque and steering complimented by a smooth ride.
The Driver Confidence package will provide you with rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert, while standard technology includes a large central touchscreen and smart phone connectivity. You’ll also find a spacious cabin and cargo area.
A full charge will take roughly 10 hours. The fast-charging option will add about 100 miles of range to your battery per half an hour. You’ll have 259 miles of range in the 2021 model, which stands up well against other competitors.
Although the Model 3 is the base model for Tesla, it’s a great option for those who want the swish design and technology – without the top price tag. The performance of this EV is also highly rated, with the standard model having a range of 263 miles.
Satellite navigation, Bluetooth and USB connectivity are standard with the 2021 model, and a large touchscreen in the center of the dashboard controls everything from the air conditioning to the adjustable mirrors.
For shorter journeys and practical drivers, the Nissan LEAF is a great electric car – it’s also a popular choice for taxi drivers. The standard battery pack will last for 149 miles, while the upgraded Plus model will stretch to 226 miles. The cargo space is also among the best in its category.
The LEAF surged in popularity due to its lack of road noise and practicality, but the biggest draw for the 2022 model is the price. The new model will be the cheapest new electric on the market, opening up this innovative technology to more drivers.
The BMW i3 is a winner in the style and design category. It’s ideal for city driving and short highway trips, with an all-electric driving range of 153 miles and nippy acceleration. An optional gas-powered generator is also available for extending that range.
With a smaller car come bigger safety concerns, but the BMW i3 is backed up by available safety features such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning.
The rear side doors are hinged at the back for easy access and cargo-loading as well as rear-folding seats. All models have a BMW iDrive 6 infotainment interface as standard.
If you love a big, boxy SUV, this is the electric vehicle for you. The EV model has similar interior and exterior styling to the regular Kia Soul and offers impressive cargo space.
This model has a 201-bhp electric motor offering up to 243 miles of range. Standard features include a 10.3-inch infotainment display, navigation and six-speaker stereo system.
There’s a range of advanced safety features available plus a generous 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty, which covers the battery and powertrain.
Another SUV option for those who prefer big vehicles and want the Tesla badge parked on their driveway, the Model Y is roomier than the Model 3, but features the same chassis, interior and powertrain.
Range is among the best in its class, with up to 326 miles of electric driving per charge, if you upgrade to the Long Range model.
Under the tinted all-glass roof, you’ll find the classic Tesla touchscreen which manages climate control, music and driving modes.
You might mistake this EV for a golf cart when you first see it, but don’t underestimate the smart EQ fortwo as a sensible option. A 17kWh battery provides 81bhp and up to 70 miles of range which makes the car great for city driving. You’ll also spend less time hunting for parking spaces as this little wonder can be parked nose-to-curb.
All models come with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, DAB radio and Bluetooth. There’s also an app which lets you check the location of your car and how much battery you’ve got left. For extra peace of mind, the battery comes with an eight-year warranty under 62,000 miles and three years standard warranty.
If you think that an electric car might be the next option for you, we’ve got a range of electric vehicles at EchoPark. Most are under four years old and come with a free Carfax history report, for complete peace of mind.
