The statistics on electric vehicle (EV) sales in the United States can be confounding. According to the analysts at Cox Automotive (Autotrader’s parent company), EV sales growth has slowed this year. That fact seems to point toward a downturn – but a slowdown in growth is still growth. EVs have grown from a novelty niche market to a recognizable chunk of sales. Cox Automotive Director of Industry Insights Stephanie Valdez Streaty says, “We are calling 2024 ‘the Year of More.’ More new products, more incentives, more leasing, and more infrastructure will drive EV sales higher this year.” Our list of the best EVs of 2024 reflects this abundance. Five of the 10 entries are repeats from last year, while five are new additions. Like all modern vehicles, EVs are evolving, and we’re beginning to see second-generation versions of some popular EVs. 2024 is the Year of More Better.
The Autotrader editorial team has driven and lived with the 2024 model-year electric cars. We’ve explored the interiors, exteriors, powertrains, ride and handling, features, comfort, and prices.
The editors contributed their opinions, expertise, and ratings. The 10 vehicles on our list received the most endorsements from our team. We only considered pure EVs — no hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. All electric cars, SUVs, and trucks on this list must be generally available to the public in at least 15 states at publication. They must have a base manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) below $100,000.
[Editor’s Note: You’ll notice a conspicuous absence of Tesla models on our list. The brand has been the dominant bestseller in the category for several years and has the largest charging network. We’re fans of Tesla and its cars on many levels, but the collective ownership experience has not been without well-documented challenges and inconveniences. While Tesla famously iterates its models throughout the year, the vehicles still have some catching up to do in several areas, including build quality and ownership experience. None of the current Tesla models received enough editor endorsements to make our top ten list. We know Tesla owners can be passionate advocates for the brand, and we expect to hear from them in our comments section. We welcome your feedback and opinions about this list, pro and con.]
Here are Autotrader’s picks for the 10 best electric vehicles of 2024, listed alphabetically by brand.
1. 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron combines what we love about Audi vehicles and electric vehicles in a package that’s as familiar as it is forward-thinking. Acclaimed driving feel and interior perfection are joined by the silent operation and brutal acceleration of electric power. With the lineup topping out at up to 300 miles of range on a single charge, the Q8 e-tron coddles its passengers in Audi’s unique brand of luxury, a sharply tailored vision of automotive excellence. “Driving the Audi Q8 e-tron is like driving an Audi,” Principal Editor Jason Allan says. “It looks familiar, it feels familiar, and electric power suits it perfectly. Audi hits the sweet spot once again.” See 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron models for sale
2. 2024 Cadillac Lyriq
When was the last time a Cadillac could be considered a bargain? Enter the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq, with pricing that starts at $58,590. The Lyriq is the only luxury SUV offering over 300 miles of range (314, actually) with a sub-$60,000 price tag. Beyond range, the Lyriq’s virtues are many, including a 33-inch infotainment display, an available 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system, a choice of a single-motor (340 horsepower) or dual-motor (500 hp) setup, and more, including Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free highway driving system. “The Cadillac Lyriq is an impressive first EV effort from America’s luxury brand,” Senior Editor Eric Brandt says. “Its daring design, pleasant ride, and outstanding interior quality make it appealing to both tech-savvy EV enthusiasts and luxury car drivers on the fence about going electric.” See 2024 Cadillac Lyriq models for sale
3. 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
The Ford F-Series of full-size trucks has been at the top of the U.S. sales charts for four decades, so the electrified F-150 Lightning had big shoes to fill. Senior Editor Matt Degen recognizes the truck’s impact. “If one ever needed proof that the coming electric vehicle revolution is not only exciting but will be relevant to a wide swath of car buyers, look no further than the Ford F-150 Lightning,” Degen says. “Electrifying America’s most popular vehicle is a brilliant way to show everyday truck buyers that an EV can not only do everything a combustion vehicle can but in some aspects can do them better.” See 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning models for sale
4. 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E
If the F-150 Lightning had big shoes to fill, imagine the size of the hooves facing the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The original 1964-1/2 Mustang carved a niche as the original pony car, eventually morphing into a muscle car and performance icon. The Mustang Mach-E is traveling a similar path. “The Ford Mustang Mach-E is kind of like the anti-Tesla but is clearly a direct competitor,” says Executive Editor Brian Moody. “It’s an electric car, but it’s somehow different. Ford is trying to get people to think of it as a performance electric car, which is why it has the Mustang name and a lot of the Mustang imagery. The Mach-E is a great electric car because the interior feels completely modern and high-tech. Everything feels like Ford 3.0.” Moody believes the EV lives up to its namesake. “The Mach E shines because they gave it a lot of little details that make it feel special,” he says. “And that is exactly what I would expect from any Mustang, no matter how it’s powered.” See 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E models for sale
5. 2024 Genesis Electrified G80
The first of four cars on this list from the Hyundai Motor Group, the 2024 Genesis Electrified G80 is an elegant midsize luxury sedan that just happens to use battery power to ease on down the road. Based on the gas-powered G80, the Electrified G80 uses two electric motors and all-wheel drive to get from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds – quick by sedan standards – and can go up to 282 miles on a full charge. Genesis plays to its strengths with a plush interior with plenty of leather, a striking 14.5-inch infotainment screen, and a first-class fit and finish inside and out. The Electrified G80 might be the ultimate executive commuter car. See 2024 Genesis Electrified G80 models for sale
6. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai is on its way to building a vast lineup of EVs, and the 2024 Ioniq 5 stands at the core. “The Ioniq 5 is a great all-arounder with a wide range of available equipment and features, futuristic style, plenty of range for stress-free daily driving, and a familiar feel that makes the transition to EVs painless,” says Senior Editor Nelson Ireson. The Ioniq 5 hits our list for the third time in a row, sporting a futuristic and retro, fun and sophisticated vibe. See 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 models for sale
7. 2024 Kia EV6
Another three-peat entry on our list, the 2024 Kia EV6, brings a design-forward approach to the EV. “The Kia EV6 marries head-turning design, everyday practicality, and excellent technology in a mainstream electric SUV that looks anything but mainstream,” says Matt Degen. “Kia has a hit with the EV6, attracting everyday buyers and enthusiasts alike with its variety of powertrains, including the blistering EV6 GT that can outrun sports cars while carrying a whole load of cargo in its hatch.” See 2024 Kia EV6 models for sale
8. 2024 Kia EV9
Kia’s Telluride is one of the top mainstream 3-row crossover SUVs. Kia’s challenge was to duplicate that success in a 3-row crossover EV SUV – the result is the 2024 Kia EV9. Could the EV9 be a better choice for some families than its gasoline-powered stablemate? “The Kia EV9 is a terrific SUV for families,” says Senior Editor Allyson Harwood. “It’s spacious, with an upscale interior, and comes standard with a boatload of features. It also happens to be an EV with up to 304 miles of range.” Look out, Telluride. There’s a silent, efficient sibling ready to take your place. See 2024 Kia EV9 models for sale
9. 2024 Nissan Ariya
Nissan started its mainstream EV journey with the Leaf, an entry-level compact now in its second generation. The 2024 Nissan Ariya is now in its second year on the market and makes its second appearance on our list of Best EVs. The Ariya demonstrates that Nissan learned from the Leaf and applied its lessons to building a more appealing electric car. “Nissan’s Ariya packages style, tech, and creative design cues while providing an enjoyable experience behind the wheel,” says Senior Editor Rob Nestora. “It’s so good, the Ariya might make you sing.” See 2024 Nissan Ariya models for sale
10. 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge
We’re done debating the issue at Autotrader: Volvo is a luxury brand. Just climb into a 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge for proof. Volvo’s Scandinavian design lends an airy, earthy vibe to the interior, and available sustainable materials add to the XC40’s environmentally friendly credentials. The single-motor version can go up to 293 miles on a full charge, but I’d accept the tradeoff for the zippy performance you get with the twin-motor version, which runs out of charge at 254 miles. Factor in the great safety features (a Volvo hallmark), confident handling, and impressive available audio system, and you’ll be looking for reasons to drive to IKEA for some meatballs and lingonberry jam, singing ABBA songs as you bop along in your Swedish EV. See 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge models for sale
Autotrader’s Best Electric Vehicles of 2024
- 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron
- 2024 Cadillac Lyriq
- 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
- 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E
- 2024 Genesis Electrified G80
- 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
- 2024 Kia EV6
- 2024 Kia EV9
- 2024 Nissan Ariya
- 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Won’t even read your list since it doesn’t even have the best selling electric vehicle in the world which also happens to be the most American car company. You can say all you want but it’s blatantly obvious you have something against Tesla either for not advertising or some other asinine reason. Tesla is not some niche company that you can brush to the side. None of these cars on your list are better than a Tesla.
Hi Mark. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. Understand that best-selling doesn’t necessarily mean best for 2024, and we don’t simply brush Tesla aside. Our editorial team considered every Tesla model that met our criteria and none made the top ten this year. Perhaps next year. I assure you that an automaker’s advertising status is not part of our vehicle evaluation and does not sway our reviewers’ opinions. Thanks for reading.