2021 Is Here: Here Are the Top 10 Electric Car Companies
We update this list regularly because the market is changing so quickly. The new models we’ve driven have caused us to rethink the Top 10. We’ll try to keep this up-to-date as the EV market continues to evolve.
Picking the Top 10 electric car makers now involves making some choices as the number of vehicles available increases. Plug-ins are trending in key markets around the country, although much of the action remains focused in California and other West Coast states. This is a good point (October 2021) to take stock as it’s the traditional time of the start of a new model year with several introductions already made. The hard numbers for the Top 10 EV sellers for the first eight months of 2021 are as follows:
- Tesla Model Y 105,445
- Tesla Model 3 80,681
- Chevrolet Bolt 22,799
- Ford Mustang Mach-E 15,938
- Volkswagen ID4 10,685
- Nissan Leaf 10,238
- Hyundai Kona 7,349
- Porsche Taycan 6,822
- Tesla Model S 6,212
- Audi E-tron 5,612
Reflecting back just a few years, this list is amazing. It’s a robust list of a variety of models–the majority of which are focused on the hot crossover segment–with total sales of more than 250,000 from six major automaker groups. The list also reflects the continuing dominance of Tesla in the market, something we acknowledge in our rankings.
This list is subjective and weighted toward functionality with an emphasis on fun, but also factors in sales numbers. Enjoy! Let us know what you think.
Tesla – the 4,800-pound Gorilla
Leading for a Decade, Now Profitably
Tesla is described as disruptive technology, but in reality the company has done what auto companies have done for a little more than a century—build great cars and match them up with owners who appreciate them. The Model S is the best-selling plug-in car in the U.S. for 2016, followed by the Model X. Almost two-thirds of the battery electric cars sold in the U.S. had Tesla badges on them. We recently spent some time in a brand-new ludicrously loaded Model X P100D as well as the newer Model Y and Model 3 and can verify the appeal of the cars.
The roomy Model S luxury sedan now starts at about $90,000 with a 100 kWh battery pack and all-wheel drive, offering 405 miles of range. The only upgrade is the Plaid version that features even faster acceleration from three motors, producing sub-two second 0-60 runs. Production of the Roadster, the company’s initial product, ended after deliveries totaling 2,500, but a new version of the Roadster is due at some point.
Tesla helped former shareholder Toyota to bring back the Toyota RAV4 EV, an electric SUV and also aided its other OEM shareholder, Daimler (which also has since divested its Tesla shares), with the Smart ED and B-Class Electric.
The Model 3 its affordable ($35,000 as it was originally advertised, though most have sold for more), smaller model changed everything. Tesla found the volume (after some initial stumbles) that has moved the company toward fiscal stability. Bolstered by production in China for that key market, soon to be augmented by new plants in Austin, Texas, and Germany, Tesla does not appear to be looking back, but if it did would continue to see other automakers in its rearview mirror. On the horizon is the segment-busting Cybertruck, the new Roadster, a Semi truck and maybe a true entry-level $25,000 model. Technology upgrades like Full Self Driving remain available to buy, but are not delivered via an over-the-air update. Autopilot remains somewhat controversial. First Drive: 2017 Tesla Model X P100D; Tesla Continues to Get Mixed Marks; Flash Drive: Tesla Model 3.
2. The German Juggernaut — the Volkswagen ID4, Audi E-tron(s) & Porsche Taycan
VW and its Affiliate Brands Aim for your Garage
The German automakers may not have fully grasped the electric wave that was coming, but when Teslas started cruising the Autobahn a high rates of speed, some attitudes started shifting. Volkswagen Group (which includes VW, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini and Bentley in the U.S.) has fully embraced EVs and, after years of teasing with snazzy concepts, the real hardware is for sale–and is selling well.
The volume lead is the new Volkswagen ID4, which we’ve spent enough time in to truly appreciate, but pricey models from Porsche and Audi are selling solidly as well. In fact, the latest sales figures show the Porsche Taycan outselling not only the venerable 911, but also the Panamera. Audi has already spun off one additional E-tron model, the fastback GT, but others are due shortly. Over at VW, everyone seems to be waiting for the IDBuzz, the reborn microbus, to hit, but we’ve been told we’ll just have to wait. In its cavalcade of concepts, VW also recently showed an entry-level model that appeared to be an electric reincarnation of the Beetle, but without its iconic shape.
Models from Bentley and Lamborghini will come, too, but in the small, expensive numbers in which those brands routinely trade. The VW Group is all-in, so expect to see more news and road tests appearing soon. Flash Drive: Volkswagen 2021 ID4 AWD; Road Trip: Volkswagen ID4; Audi Adds Q4 E-tron Sportback; Audi Lays Out Plans for 20 EVS.
3. Ford Mustang Mach-E (& F-150 Lightning & E-Transit)
A Strong Strategy That’s Already Winning Customers
Ford has had little to show in the EV market some some time. A disappointing compliance car, the Ford Focus EV, languished while plug-in hybrid versions of the midsize Fusion and small crossover C-Max sold relatively well, until Ford came up with a real plan. The plan was nothing short of market dominance (something a few other automakers also think they have a handle on). First volley–a recasting of the iconic Ford Mustang as an electric crossover–the Mach-E. So far, so good, as market acceptance has been strong. Take the Mach-E battery pack and drop it into the best-selling Ford Transit commercial vehicle and the E-Transit enters the last-mile delivery market. Finally, take the company and the country’s best-selling vehicle–the Ford F-150–and recast it as an affordable, capable all-electric work vehicle with higher-end consumer versions also available. It’s not here yet, but we’ve ridden in it (as well as the E-Transit) and think Ford’s strategy is solid. Road Test: Ford Mustang Mach-E; News: Ford Introduces the E-Transit.
4. Chevrolet Bolt/Bolt EUV – Waiting for more GM EVs
Holding the Line While Reinforcements Start to Roll Off the Line
General Motors has done something remarkable, enough so that we were tempted to jump them up to the top of this chart until they stumbled recently. They have done two major things to deserve the attention they’re getting. First was to introduce the second generation Chevrolet Volt range-extended electric car (which gets tossed in with plug-in hybrids even though its system really takes a different approach). It followed the new Volt with the all-electric 238-mile range Bolt before the Volt was unceremoniously dropped as the company shifted to full-electrics only with the introduction of the Ultium battery platform that will underpin the next generation of vehicles, led by the GMC Hummer EV pickup and Cadillac Lyric crossover.
Beating Tesla to the market with the Bolt was quite a coup, particularly with a car as well-executed as this EV is, but GM has been slow with its follow up. We’ve spent quite a bit of time in this car and think it’s a keeper, but the real story will be in the next generation of GM EVs. Flash Drive: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV; News: GMC Hummer EV First Edition Sells Out; Cadillac Lyric First Look.
5. Nissan Leaf – the Standard Bearer
Now Languishing; Waiting for Reinforcements
Nissan has been the sales leader of affordable pure electric cars and is staying the course in its commitment to this technology. After a decade with only one EV in the North American market, Nissan is about to launch its follow-up–the Ariya crossover.
The company’s flagship car is the Leaf, a five-door, five-seat hatchback that is the right size and range for many who drive around 100+ miles daily. The Leaf has increased its range, looks and functionality since its introduction and remains a key affordable EV choice while used Leafs offer a low-cost EV alternative. Road Trip: 2020 Nissan Leaf; News: The Nissan Ariya Crossover.
6. Kia/Hyundai/Genesis – Coming on Strong
Don’t forget the Korean plug-ins
Kia had its Soul EV on the market and made its presence known, then added the Niro EV (and PHEV & Hybrid), but now is adding the EV6 crossover. We’ve had a chance to test the Soul and were impressed, as we were with the next EV, the Kia Niro EV. Kia’s parent company Hyundai, Kia is scheduled to launch the Ioniq 5 crossover (joining the Ioniq EV sedan and Kona EV in its lineup). In addition, the ambitious company already has launched the upscale Genesis brand’s first EV, the GV60 crossover. Finally, Hyundai has a unique offering, its Nexo fuel cell electric vehicle , which is available in California. News: Two EV Introduction Paths from Kia/Hyundai; Road Test: 2020 Kona EV; Flash Drive: 2020 Hyundai Nexo FCEV; News: Genesis Intros the GV60 EV.
7. BMW – the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine?
BMW charged into the electric car space with two strong, if quirky, contenders—the hot-selling i3 and the i8 plug-in hybrid supercar. We’ve driven both and are impressed by both, as are many others. But now BMW is shifting to EVs that emulate its traditional vehicles–and aim to replace them, including the hot-blooded M-Series. The first models are just tricking out and BMW also has heavily invested in plug-in hybrid models, so the next page of this story is just unfolding, but expect it to be as road-worthy as any of the traditional Bavarian models. BMW Takes Middle Path to Electrification; Road Test: 2014 BMW i3. Road Test: 2019 BMW i8 Roadster.
8. Daimler Begins an Electric Onslaught
In America Starting with the Big Guns
Daimler is the automotive giant that owns Mercedes-Benz and Smart and also was a Tesla stockholder. While it has had two pure EVs on the market for a while, then added plug-in hybrids—the C350We, GLE 550e and S550 Plug-in–as a placeholder until this year, and after a hiccup where an electric SUV was introduced, but never brought to the U.S. market. We just got out of an extensive two-day drive of the Mercedes EQS (report coming soon) that is clearly positioned as the successor to the ICE S-Class. Sneak preview: There’s no reason why it can’t do almost everything an S-Class owner would expect–quieter and with more power. It’s the first of a line of EVs that will initially sell alongside their gas and diesel siblings, then eventually replace them. There’s no reason to believe Mercedes won’t make the shift to an EV lineup quickly and with little disruption of its solid market, based on our initial experience. In fact, there may be a good chance it will be able to expand its slice of the market if the vehicles come out quickly and are as impressive as the EQS. News: Mercedes EQC Introduced; First Drive: 2016 Mercedes-Benz B250e; Smart Fortwo ED;
9. Toyota – Big in Hybrids; Betting on Fuel Cells & Electrics
Toyota, blasting past 10 million hybrid sales worldwide, has dabbled in both plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars, but is focused on fuel cell electric cars, which use hydrogen to produce electricity on board and power the electric motors. The company also continues to promise volume EVs for consumers, but appears to plan to do that on its own timetable, which may be based on the development of a new generation of batteris.
Toyota’s Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrids are distinguished from the standard Prius and RAV4 and seem to have found a sales niche. Toyota offered a limited model RAV4 full-EV in California: the RAV4 EV, with an advertised 150-mile electric range (produced with some help from Tesla, in which Toyota was a shareholder at the time) and earlier did a limited EV run of its minicar, the iQ. Now on the market is the second generation Mirai, a fuel-cell sedan with a 350-mile range and a $57,000 price tag. Toyota offers 12 hybrid models (Toyota & Lexus) with similar electric motors and advanced battery packs. We’ve tested most of those. First Drive: 2013 RAV4 EV. Road Test: 2021 RAV4 Prime PHEV; Flash Drive: 2021 Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle.
Stellantis (Jeep/Fiat/Chrysler) – Slow, But Picking Up Steam
Even thought Stellantis, the megacompany formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA of France, appeared to be slow on the shift to EVs, they’ve been playing a good game of catch-up. Since the merger, Jeep has shown two new production plug-in models, one of which is already on the market. An updated version of the cute Fiat 500e is due soon and more EV models are promised. Given the heft of the company and its track record with EVs, as well as the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid platform among others, we expect to see more from this new alliance. The 500e remains one of our favorite city cars as it manages to carry through the Italian charm and personality found in the company’s gas models. The major drawback, which could be an advantage in an urban location, is the small size of the vehicle. As a two-door with a small back seat, its capability of carrying four adults is limited. Road Test: Fiat 500e.
The Rest
That’s the Top 10, but the good news is there are even more models on the market and some have come and gone already. Coda Automotive, with its warmed-over Chinese sedan, has departed, but Fisker (now Karma) Automotive has revived its high-end plug-in hybrid under new Chinese ownership. Henrik Fisker has vowed to return with his own California-themed model under his own name.
Honda sold a limited number of its Fit EVs; it appeared to be focusing on the Clarity fuel cell electrics as its main EV strategy going forward, but since has pivoted with a GM deal that promises unique Honda and Acura EVs based on the GM Ultium battery platform.
Volvo and its sister company Polestar has just started selling its EVs. The former just introduced the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, while the latter has a limited edition Polestar 1 PHEV and the more affordable Polestar 2 that we’ve tested and came away very impressed. Volvo and Polestar have indicated more plug-in models will follow.
Rivian and Lucid are two start-ups that are well-funded and have started production and delivery of their first models to customers. We’ll be keeping an eye on them to see whether they become the next Tesla or fade away like so many others.
Mitsubishi finally brought the a plug-in hybrid version of its Outlander SUV to the U.S. and has had some success. A refreshed version is due this year.
More EV start-ups continue to show prototypes and raise funds, so there is a constant promise of more diverse vehicles that may make it to market. We’ve seen enough of these companies come and go during the past decade to decline to put them on this list until they produce vehicles and establish their presence in the marketplace.
California and seven other states reaffirmed their goal to have 3.3 million electric cars (including plug-in hybrids and fuel cells) on the road by 2025. The numbers are basically accounted for in the ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mandate that the states have in place, but rely on a steep ramp up of sales after 2020. Based on sales reports, more than 500,000 plug-in vehicles have been sold in the U.S. since the Tesla roadster was introduced in 2008. More than half of them were in California.
There is a lot of innovation from around the world that did not make this Top 10 List, which focuses on the current U.S. market. Please bookmark this Top 10 List and check back as we update. Exciting new electric cars are being driven on the U.S. streets and freeways. Nissan is an early mover with battery-electric cars, now eclipsed by Tesla, but competition is heating up and new models due during the next year or two could dramatically alter the field. The winner will be the customer.
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How Long Will It Take To Convert The U.S. Fleet To Electric?
Flash Drive: Tesla Model 3
Flash Drive: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT & Performance GT
Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class. We also feature those that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
There’s a new electric car manufacturer in the U.S. thats been designing and now building fully electric,DOT approved, highway speed,200 plus miles on a single charge vehicles…and it’s called EMC. The “family” of vehicles includes a 5 or 7 pass. wagon, a 1/4 ton p/u, and a cargo van. They are real…I have driven one, and it is the new class of electrics.
I DON’T WANT A PLUG-IN !. . . I DON’T WANT A HYBRID! , , , I’M NOT ABOUT TO SUBSTITUTE DEPENDENCE ON OIL FOR DEPENDENCE ON THE GRID! . . . HELLO!!!!!! . . .I WANT A TOTALLY BATTERY POWERED, SOLAR CHARGED VEHICLE THAT GIVES ME ABOUT 100 MILES PER CHARGE. . .AND AS IT SITS IN THE PARKING LOT FOR 8 HOURS A DAY, I WANT SOLAR CELLS TO BRING THE CHARGE BACK UP BY ABOUT 20% OF TOTAL. . . .THIS WILL GET ME THROUGH THE WEEK! . . .AND AS THE CAR SITS IN THE SUN OVER THE WEEKEND, IT WILL FULLY CHARGE! . . .GRATZEL CELLS, THAT WILL WORK EVEN OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT, PLEASE! . . .THE TECHNOLOGY IS AVAILABLE! . . .I’M NOT PAYING $40K OR MORE FOR YOUR IDEA OF AN “ELECTRIC CAR” . . .YOU GOT A CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT! . . .STOP SCREWING AROUND!
All talk talk talk about electric cars and no action. We had the technology years ago. I’m disgusted with all the auto makers. Where are the promised EV’s that were going to be on the market in 2010? Are they waiting for the last minute.
I have no interest in hybrids either. They still consume gas. There doesn’t seem to much of a choice for 100% electric. I’ll probably build my own before something reasonable is available. The only one I saw that may be affordable and available is the “Think”. I’ll have to read more about it.
Why the heck are the companies that receive funding to build electric cars like tesla only making great cars that are unaffordable! … HELLO, we need a sedan with a 200 mile range, 0-60 in 6-7 seconds, that looks decent with midgrade amenities all for $28 – $38k.
The GM EV1, the Toyota Rav 4EV, and the Honda EV Plus were designed and rolling on the streets with a 60+ range in the mid 90’s. The movie “Who Killed the Electric Car” covers the testing. The technology has been around for 14 years. Tesla Motors has a life of 240 miles per charge for the consumer that wants a sports coupe. Where is the publics average priced vehicle with the same range with a faster charge? Still raping the American citizens, the ones who pay for the grant money from the government to design and sell these vehicles. It’s disgusting. No wonder so many millions of Americans are sitting at the house on unemployment living off the government. It is hard to dream with shackles on your neck, wrists, and ankles.
electric only last so long it has to have fuel back up or alot of people would be on the side of the road needing an outlet to charge, until they get charging stations atleast , but still even then how long will it take to charge a car , right now its hours so….
Leaf works for me–I’m on the list. As a 3 car family we will swap one of them for the Leaf and use it extensively for in town to work run about. Gas strictly for weekend warrior shopping, family, etc. Hopefully we will cut our gas use by 90%. I expect we will buy some solar power panels to charge the LEAF directly from solar power and bypass our home grid (direct from solar to Leaf). That will make it very cheap in the long run for a city runabout even if it takes a full 14 hours to charge that is fine with us.
Wowlfer, now you’re talking! Solar pv installed on the home and a new electric car. for about $45,000 you can buy a new car, and a solar system, never pay for energy again, except maybe a rare long haul car trip!
Boy these cars are expensive. I wish I can or most general public can afford these cars.
Suman, yes electric cars are currently expensive. In the next few years we hope to see declining prices with volume manufacturing and lowering costs of lithium battery packs. It’s good that Nissan and Chevy offer $350 per month leases, and that Enterprise, Zipcar, and others will offer electric cars by the day and even as low as $8 per hour.
Why are the Volt And Prius even in this article, they are hybrids!! isn’t this article on full electric cars? the only full electric cars comming in 2011 are the Leaf and Coda (In the U.S. that is!). The Coda from what i understand is only being launched in Hawaii in 2011 in limited production and the leaf is comming out in limited production with only 20,000 units … I saw on another sight that over 100,000 people have signed up for a Leaf… How does that math work? their are many companies doing awsome conversions, maybe thats the best way to force the change over to electric.
Ryan, we appreciate your enthusiasm for pure battery-electric cars which use zero petroleum and have a lower carbon footprint than plug-in hybrids, also discussed, which use an engine to extend the range of pure battery-electrics. In 2011, I hope to get delivery of the Nisssan LEAF (they have my $99). In 2011, other battery-electrics that will probably be available include the Mitsubishi i_MiEV, the Ford Transit Connect, the Ford Focus Electric, and a couple of surprises.
I vote for the Tesla! The 0-6- time is amazing. and so is the range
Try buying a Volt from any dealer in California……can’t get anyone to sell me one at MSRP…..one dealership had the nads to tell me the base cost is $51K due to a $10K ‘market adjustment’. Well, here’s where the US bailed out bankrupt dealership can stick his market adjustment….come on guys, $41K is bad enough, but do they really think anyone is dumb enough to pay an extra $10K for the ‘priviledge’ to be the first model year gunea pig?
I have a full 5KW panel system on my house so effectively could be paying next to zero to power the Volt (or any other EV), and the money to pay the extra $10K, but does anyone think the greater fool theory is that pervasive? Maybe in L.A.?
Guess I hold off until Ford comes out with a PHEV Escape (I own one of these hybrids right now and it’s fabulous – best SUV on the planet). Screw off GM – been a Volt follower for years, but bad taste in mouth from your ‘dealers’.
Merit, thanks for sharing the behavior of Chevy dealers. This is valuable info for all readers. I’d welcome an article or email to me about your experince as a PHEV Escape driver and your future plans. I believe that Ford will offer a Focus pure-electric in 2011, a Focus PHEV in 2012, and that it will be a longer wait for a Ford Escape PHEV (as opposed to conversions). Thanks for the input.
Why can’t someone make an affordable car that uses a small gasoline engine that only generates electricity for the electric drive train and batteries? This would use the existing infrastucture and be a good interim vehicle until the manufacturing costs come down on true electrics with the performance and range that we want. Volt is an expensive version of this, but the technology has been around for a long time (submarines, aircracraft carriers, diesel locamotives, etc.) and sould be affordable to produce.
I own a Tesla Roadster 2.5. The car is fantastic. It is fast, comfortable and has great styling. It is a beautifully engineerd car. Yes, it is expensive but lots of people drive expensive sports cars that are gas guzzlers. The cost averages out to about 2.5 cents per mile. It is not designed to be a family car but would work very well as a commuter car.
The Think City car is also coming to the US, will be built in Indiana. Think EV has sold more EV’s than any other pure electric in the world. I also hear a rumor that it will be totally re-designed for 2012. The Think City has my vote!
Here is my question. Why don’t they make a car that recharges itself as its rolling down the highway?
First off, the are generators being built with magnets that once they get a push start, continue to generate free energy. Install a small one on a electric car, and you wont need a plug, and the car can drive from one end of the country to the other.
Second, so you don’t trust the magnet idea, well each wheel on the car is constantly turning while the car is driving. This motion is generating energy, not only is the energy pulling the car to its destination, but there is kinetic energy that could be collected if belts or a extra gear system was attached to each of the wheels. These could work like 4 separate alternators, suggesting that while the car is in motion, there is a constant charge being added to the battery.
The magnet generator I have build a small test model and burn a tiny light for days off it,
the wheel alternators I have never tried, but I have had many dreams of…
So why is it, normal everyday people can think of things like this, yet the brilliant scientists that work for companies like GM and FORD, and so on and so forth can’t even come up with a half way decent electric car?
Come on already it’s almost 2011…….!!!!!
Its pathetic that our national safety is always at stake with terrorist threats and instability in our economy resulting from oil dependence…..yet we can’t loosen auto safety standards to get weight down for electric cars and let consumers make their own choices. And start mandating charging stations as much as handicap ramps. Gee…go figure how we have noise polluting Harleys on the roads, with exposed riders…but we can’t approve a less than US government safety standard car that is electric..
Same politics, different day. Thank you GM, Washington and Big Oil for your lobbying that continues to drag as backward. Oh and did I mention Harley Davidson?
I love Williams idea of a car that recharges itself as it is moving. I have also had dreams of this and dreams of incorporating magnets. This is brilliant ! why, like you said, have the scientists and engineers not worked on making cars from this angle ? !
This car companies will not give it ALL.. although the technology is available. If they release an EV this year let say top speed of 84kph they will introduced a more advanced EV next year with top speed of 120kph to gain more profit. just like smartphones we have iphone iphone3g iphone4g then what next iphone 5 iphone6…78910……
Remember the original costs of the flat screen TV? These costs will come down as well.
As far as using electricity (from utilities burning coal) it is still slightly more environmentally friendly than using gas directly and I expect charging it with solar, wind etc. will become increasingly more common.
As far as miles per charge go remember the average daily miles driven by US citizens in roughly 29-35 miles. Imagine if all two car families drove the electric for daily use and saved the big SUV for those rare long hauls. That alone would be a huge step in the right direction.
John,
Good article on EVs and PHEVs; driving will never be the same! Quick question: I produce green fairs for corporate employees to educate them as to what’s available in the green marketplace. I’ve been trying to get a Nissan Leaf and other EVs to come and exhibit at my events but the dealers have no show room models to demo as they are sold out for 2 years in advance! Any idea of how to contact EV car clubs or EV enthusiasts who may want to show off their EV? I’m in the San Francisco bay area. Thanks and keep feeding us the latest in EV/PHEV.
All the talk about 100% electric and solar cars. Those cars won’t have a big market. If you look at it from a car maker’s perspective, they have to build what will sell. A 100% electric car sounds great. I and lots of others would love one. But it’s not practical. Last year my power was out for days due to an ice storm. I was able to make it via car to local Target and buy emergency supplies. That wouldn’t have been possible if I’d been unlucky enough for my car not to be sufficiently charged. Or if my charge starts going out, esp. as the car gets older and the battery gets weaker…it’s not like I can pull in somewhere and fill-er-up in a few minutes. I have a serious problem if my charge goes out when I’m gadding about town. Going to visit my family out of state would be out of the question…no EV car to date can make it that far. Rent a car? Okay. Will the rental agency let me leave my car there, fully secured and protected, while I rent a car? Probably not. And solar…that will only work in a truly sunny area, and then only when you don’t rely on the car for must-do tasks, like going to work every day. Those would be good options for a second car. But for those of us who can only have one car, it has to be dependable, and you have to be able to fill-er-up in a few minutes. So the combo electric-gas seems to fit that need. That’s why those cars are being made sooner and more of them. If you were a car maker, that’s what you’d do, too. (Also, let’s not forget that the tax credits up to Dec. 2010 were for hybrids, not plug-ins. Tax credits for electric kick in this year, so that’s at least partly why electrics are coming into the market now, it seems.) I’m going to take a serious look at the new plug-ins and see if I can buy one. Hope they’re not out of my price range (with the tax credit).
Respected Sir,
If there is a possibility of charging an electric vehicle (Car) with Small Wind Turbines, Solar PV Cells fitted as additional parts to it, and it needs to be very economic for a common person to purchase then there shall be a great change in the transport system.
Thanks & Regards,
Sriram Srinivas Reddy,
Mobile : 0091 – 9492791089.
Wow!!! forward Tesla Model X Crossover SUV, with a cool model
For $10,000 I can install enough solar panels on my roof to meet my electricity needs and I can plug in my electric car using the power from the sun. This technology is here now and it is incredibly exciting! The solar panels will pay for themselves in about 2 1/2 years for me. Goodbye OIL!
@Richard
You’re on the right track. One of the first comments people ask when discussing plug-in cars is where the electricity comes from. Obviously, solar sourced electricity is the ideal. Good luck!
Sr. Editor Michael Coates
Hello! It seems as though we both have a interest
for the same thing. Your blog, “Best Electric Cars 2013, Leaf, Volt, C-MAX, 2013 Plugin Car | Clean Fleet Report” and
mine are very similar. Have you ever thought about writing a
guest article for a related blog? It will definitely help gain publicity to your website (my site recieves a lot of traffic).
If you happen to be interested, email me at: christinfraley@t-online.
de. Thanks for your time
The ideas of cross-posting sounds interesting. Could you send me a link to your blog so I can get a sense of how you’re approaching the subject?
@jimdo.com Can you tell me which photos you’re having trouble with? All look fine on this end.
John Addison,
Please write a story about the history of the Aptera, winner of the “X prize”. US car company that has been sold to China, who will be importing to the US shortly, company because US government would not help!
@Joe,
I’m afraid it would be a pretty sad history that would only show that unconventional products like the Aptera are unlikely to find a successful place in the market, even if they’re imported from China. But I do appreciate the suggestion and may yet revisit the list of recent failed EV makers (including those like Fisker who received government support).
–ed. [Michael Coates]
A list of pure electric car is on .My dream is to buy a Tesla Model S or to convert my Skoda Octavia to electric, but now it too expensive :(((
@acsa,
Great Euro-centric list. However, you should update your Top 5. Tesla Model 3 is not going to be in production at least two years. The Tesla Roadster and Coda are out of production (Coda is no longer producing its cars). –ed.
Did you know that Elon Musk announces a new version of Model S with dual-motor? P85D , it have 691 hp and now sprint from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.2 s , so exciting. I collected some pictures of Tesla Model S. You can see those images here .
@acsa,
The new Model S AWD is a great step forward and we’ll have this list updated soon, but keep in mind that’s not all the Tesla news this month. The Model X (from which the AWD system is derived has been delayed again until late 2015. The company’s financial situation remains a bit precarious as production has actually slowed and spending has increased faster than sales. It’s a great car, but this is a brutal business. –ed.
While specifics on the plan, such as which cities and regions it will target and what models of vehicle the charging points would be compatible with, are yet to be revealed, the disclosure on the amount of funding is the latest in a line of events to suggest that China is looking to make itself the major market for electric transport. On the public side, the government has already provided tax breaks to domestic EV manufacturers BYD and Kandi Technologies Group as part of its attempts to cut carbon emissions and boost environmental sustainability. Lets see where it goes.
@prkralex,
Your point is well-taken. Let’s see where China goes. As we know from the past, the actions and words have not always matched up–or sometimes not matched up for long enough to have a positive impact. –ed.
Dear Sirs . I’m from IRAN , and this invention depends with all human’s safe life on the earth and all other planets and even in SPACE !?
I’m a self-starter by 72 years of old and have been busy my last 23 years on this matter,
during the days and nights ,so believe or not ;
That’s a serious question ,please reply or guide me to a right way. thank you.
Question,??
Despite of impossible matter if a person could do and prove a real free and clean Energy generating MOTOR!
what would Happen !!?? thank you,
Meanwhile; I have to say here: the only way to overcome to THE matter is to overcome to space or time !?
HOW it’s been HAPPENED ?? Please CONTACT.
Reza Moghaddam ,the Inventor.
@Reza Moghaddam,
I admire your spirit and drive, sir, and I’m sure if you can invent such a motor, the world’s engineers will beat a path to your door. Good luck. –ed.
This Meets All Your Propulsion Needs !?
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Dear Sirs . I’m from IRAN , and this invention depends with all
human ‘s safe life on the earth and all other planets and even in SPACE
!?
I’m a self-starter by 72 years of old and have been busy my last 23
years on this matter,
during the days and nights ,so believe or not ;
That’s a serious question ,please reply or guide me to a right way. thank you.
Question,??
Despite of impossible matter if a person could do and prove a real
free and clean Energy generating MOTOR!
what would Happen !!?? thank you,
Meanwhile; I have to say here: the only way to overcome to THE matter
have been to overcome space time in fact and , in act!?
HOW it’s been HAPPENED ?? Please CONTACT.fore more details , thank you .
Reza Moghaddam ,the Inventor.
@Reza Moghaddam,
Good luck with your invention. Hope your government is as supportive as our of new innovations. –ed.
I bet on my life !?……………….
Dear Michael Coates ,
Hello,
That will take more time if I wanna discuss on all the depending matters,BUT PLEASE NOTIFY what I’m Claiming Here ,or have claimed before ; as you see the title of this letter above (I bet on my life) !? it’s a serious Promise and my word of honour : and I’m ready every where ,to response anyone and prove the Claim by the Even Your existing physic lows ,So Sir if you are interested on the problem ,Please do your best to find a Trustful customer at the field .and I’m ready to derive with you the benefits .
Meanwhile ,I’d like to say here Our principle despite of your westerns is ,we first give the commodity then ask for The cost ! , but you if don’t have the money first, never give the things !?
Thank you&best regards,
Reza Moghddam,
This Meets All Your Propulsion Needs !?
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Dear Sirs .
This invention depends with all
human ‘s safe life on the earth and all other planets and even in SPACE !?
I’m a self-starter by 72 years of old and have been busy my last 23
Years on this matter,
During the days and nights ,so believe or not ;
That’s a serious question ,please reply or guide me to a right way. thank you.
Question,??
Despite of impossible matter if a person could do and prove a real
Free and clean Energy generating MOTOR!
What would Happen !!?? thank you,
Meanwhile; I have to say here: The only way to overcome to THE matter
Have been to overcome space time in fact and , in act!?
HOW it’s been HAPPENED ?? Please CONTACT.for more details .
Thank you .
Reza Moghaddam ,the Inventor.
@Reza Moghaddam,
Not sure how it works in Iran, but in the West you’ve got to show more than promises for an innovation to have any success in auto business (and nothing’s guaranteed even then). Can you give Clean Fleet Report’s readers a little more hint of what your invention does and how it works. –ed.
I’ll see if I can sort that out.
@nike air max sale,
We gather our info from manufacturer websites and direct information, our own tests and often check in with other automotive correspondents. It’s a mixture of objective and subjective information. Always also looking for feedback from the field from vehicle owners, since their experience says a lot. –ed
Hello this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get guidance from someone
with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Leta,
WordPress and other similar programs are designed to be used by folks who don’t code (but having a little HTML knowledge doesn’t hurt). –ed
There’s certainly a great deal to learn about this
topic. I love all the points you made.
We’re happy you’re happy. An updated version of this list will be posted soon, so hang in there. –ed.
It’s going to be ending of mine day, but before end I am reading this
impressive piece of writing to increase my knowledge.
We’re glad to be of service–an updated version will be coming soon! –ed.