We live in a world that is currently changing, yet I have owned two electric automobiles and have another one on order that will be added to this list. All changes are difficult, but this one is particularly problematic since the ecosystem wasn't and still isn't prepared for this change.
Audi reportedly postponed its shift to electric vehicles until 2030. Jaguar is fighting to survive until it can begin its anticipated changeover in the upcoming year. It seems that Ford and GM are reducing their electric efforts, while other automakers are discussing closing their dealerships in an attempt to stem their financial losses, which are mostly attributed to the low demand for electric vehicles.
There is no doubt in my opinion that this will all be settled by the end of the decade, but we’ll likely have a whole new list of carmakers, and many of those that already exist may be bought or shut down owing to this shift.
Let's discuss the top five electric vehicles now on the market, some of which aren't offered in the United States.
The greatest electric car charger available is my first Product of the Week for 2024, and it will bring us to a close.
The New Tesla Model 3
Tesla recently released a new Model 3. It isn't as innovative as the Tesla Cybertruck, but it is still far more affordable, more useful, and far nicer-looking than its bigger, more sophisticated sister.
The updates to the Tesla lines will be worthwhile to wait for. At present, the most reasonably priced updated model is the Model 3, which also sets the standard for reasonably priced, completely designed electric cars. It offers respectable performance and can be adjusted for 333 miles of range, which is more than my minimum range bar.
Although early Model 3s were sometimes delivered incomplete, Tesla's fit and finish have recently improved, and it is still among the best options available.
Given that a number of electric car firms have previously failed, Tesla is the vendor with the best chance of being in business for the next five years out of all those that sell just electric cars. Even while the fully configured price starts at $30,000, they are actually closer to $45,000, which is still a good deal.
Lucid Air Sapphire
I would purchase the Lucid Air Sapphire if I were wealthy. This beast is at the top of the supercar performance scale with up to 1,234 horsepower (1.89 seconds 0-60 time). It is priced and sized similarly to the Tesla Model X, thus it is not inexpensive—when fully equipped, it can cost over $250,000. But here's the one if you're looking for a no-compromise electric vehicle in the US.
Being among the first vehicles to use 900V charging systems (hard luck finding a 900V charger today), the Lucid Air Sapphire is in some ways future-proof. Its maximum range configuration is 427 miles.
This car was used in a recent Gumball Rally, and the fact that it was unable to break the record was due to the fact that Tesla chargers were not yet available, underscoring the value of that network of charging stations once more. This is an additional top-down design that demonstrates what could be accomplished if cost were essentially irrelevant.
Fisker Ocean Extreme
It has a starting price of $38,000 and is much more accessible at closer to $65,000. It also has a ground-up design, and its customizable range of about 364 miles readily satisfies my basic requirements.
In addition to having a respectable appearance, this Fisker has a number of interesting features, such as a driver-facing fold-down table that resembles one on an airplane. I usually eat burgers while driving, so having a table to place my food on would be quite practical. It comes in useful when you need to sign a charge sheet as well.
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Rivian R1S/R1T
One of the first electric vehicles with a four-motor option is the Rivian R1S SUV or R1T pickup (two possible configurations). With a range of up to 410 miles for the pickup and up to 390 miles for the SUV, this vehicle should perform significantly better off-road and on snow or ice than two-motor electric vehicles because it allows you to infinitely vary the power to each wheel separately.
One of the most sophisticated electric vehicles available, Rivian boasts four motors and other intriguing, one-of-a-kind features, such as an RV-style tray that slides out from beneath the back truck bed. Depending on the setup, this car might cost up to $80,000, but the four motors make the expense worthwhile.
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Zeekr 001
I'll end my list with a Chinese vehicle that isn't available for purchase here. Among the most beautiful electric automobiles available is this one. For instance, you might confuse it for a Porsche Taycan from a distance.
This is one of the finest deals on the market right now, with a huge range of approximately 640 miles, an amazing interior, and prices lowered to under $40,000 (the comparable Porsche starts at about $90,000 and may go up to $160,000). Although the Zeekr 001 isn't available for purchase in the United States, it is anticipated to resemble the Polestar 4, a gorgeous car that will go on sale here this year and start at about $60,000.
This is somewhat less expensive than the BYD Denza N7, and I believe it looks nicer and predicts a car that will be accessible here, which is why I chose it over the latter. (Note: BYD is currently ranked higher than Tesla as the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturer.)
The market barriers now preventing certain very competitive electric vehicles from entering the United States won't endure forever. These vehicles are coming to market in China.
Concluding
As mentioned, the Fisker Ocean was the electric vehicle that best suited my requirements. Because they still enter this market with cars that are derivatives of their ICE vehicles, none of the established American automakers have any automobiles that I consider competitive. Because of this strategy, they are both more costly and less efficient than the vehicles produced by more concentrated electric vehicle manufacturers.
Ironically, I sat down with Ford's then-CEO about ten years ago and warned him that Ford would fail and he would lose his job if he didn't further shift to the Tesla model. He did lose his job, and let alone the Chinese automakers, Ford just can't compete with Tesla.
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