2013 Chevrolet Volt
How to Shop For an Electric Car
Choosing the right electric vehicle for your needs.
Web2Carz Senior Writer
Published: October 25th, 2012
W
hen shopping for an electric vehicle, there are a variety of factors to consider, such as range, price, replacement battery cost, and car size. There's a variety of offerings from the mainstream automotive manufacturers out there on the market, and we're taking a look at what's out there on the market, to help you decide what might fit your needs.
Electric vehicles are powered purely by an electric motor, while extended-range electric cars use a combination of a gasoline engine and a pure electric motor to get more range, with the electric motor being the main source of propulsion. In both cases, the batteries that power the electric motor are recharged by plugging into an electric outlet or a charging station. In the case of the extended-range cars, the vehicle can switch to the gasoline engine when the batteries that supply the electric motor are drained, thus offering more range.
 Mitsubishi i-MiEVMitsubishi i-MiEV: This all-electric hatchback looks a little like an oversized golf cart. It's tall and skinny, and it doesn't offer a lot of luxury frills. |
 2012 Nissan Leaf Nissan Leaf: The Leaf is the first modern electric car to be sold by a mainstream automaker (plenty of niche makers have sold or leased electric cars in small numbers). It offers many of the features found in gas-powered cars of the same size—the Leaf doesn't sacrifice much in the search for greater range. |
 2013 Chevrolet Volt Chevrolet Volt: This four-seat, four-door sedan became the first mass-produced extended-range electric vehicle when it was introduced. It's become a political lightning rod, and it's one of the most talked-about cars produced by General Motors in a long time. |
 Ford Focus Electric Ford Focus Electric: The electric version of Ford's solid-selling compact is Ford's first all-electric offering. |
 Tesla Model STesla Model S: This handsome electric sedan makes Tesla's second model—and the company's first design from scratch (the outgoing Roadster was based on a Lotus platform)—and while it's still expensive (it's a luxury car), it's not as expensive as the departed Roadster. It also offers a little more in the way of practicality. |
 Fisker Karma Fisker Karma: Like the Volt, the Karma is an extended-range electric vehicle. Unlike the Volt, the Karma isn't aimed at a mainstream audience. The Karma is a luxury sport sedan, aimed at well-heeled buyers. It has stunning styling and sporty performance. |
