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
I can’t believe there is a better used vehicle out there then the Model S I just purchased. For what I paid. I simply don’t deserve this much car. Maybe these experts are right. A new Kia is better than a new Tesla but I doubt it.
I was a former doubter. Then I drove a Model 3. I liked it, but it was a little awkward for my 6’2″, 250lb frame (mostly in getting in and out). I wasn’t sold. Then, while traveling i was given a Model Y. Truth be told, I was not happy about the vehicle, but I relented and thought I’d give it a try. After 1 week and nearly 750 miles driven, I was converted, and bought a Model Y Long Range Model a few weeks ago.
I have zero regrets.
I’ll save you time. Just buy a model y.
The BMW iX is a much better vehicle than the Audi, having had both (still have my iX). More reliable and I get over 400 miles range. Most I ever got with the Audi is 255.
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.
Polestar?
Thanks for reading, Mark. Polestar vehicles have many good qualities and features, and our editorial team considered every model that met our criteria. However, no Polestar made the top ten this year. Perhaps next year…
That Audi Q8 etron must be nice because I can’t imagine a better vehicle than my Cadillac Lyriq. I absolutely love my Lyriq.
Disappointing. No new OEMs made your list. No Lucid, No Rivian, No Tesla. Just promoting your advertisers tarnishes the value of Autotrader’s opinions.
I’m sorry you’re disappointed, Larry, but thanks for reading. I assure you that an automaker’s advertising status is not part of our vehicle evaluation and does not sway our reviewers’ opinions. While our editorial team considered every Lucid, Tesla, and Rivian model that met our criteria, none made our top ten this year. Maybe next year. By the way, Autotrader’s parent company, Cox Automotive, is a minority investor in Rivian.
How did the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV rate in your lineup?
I own a BMW I4 and it’s been a wonderful car so far.
2024 Tesla Model 3 best entry level EV , Most bang for your buck. Most standard features including ventilated seats and rear screen.
Don’t get how none of this was considered in your selections.
Can you name what it was missing that these cars have?
Thanks for reading, Josh. I’m happy you enjoy the Model 3. Our editorial team considered every Tesla model that met our criteria and none made the top ten this year.
Quote “The editors contributed their opinions, expertise, and ratings.” Clearly your editors are biased against Tesla in their subjective opinions. And their expertise is lacking — try being fair and honest and non-political.
Thanks for reading, Dirk. Politics isn’t part of our vehicle evaluation. While our editorial team considered every Tesla model that met our criteria, none made the top ten this year.
Tesla Hater? I have to wonder Y..Is Model Y best selling?
Tesla Model Y becomes world’s best-selling vehicle
The midsize SUV secured top position in the global ranking as the first ever pure electric vehicle to lead the global market.Jun 13, 2024
Glad to see Tesla off this list. I owned a Tesla Model X… two of them. Both times, I sued Tesla under the Lemon Law and Tesla bought back both Model X cars. I had a 2023 Model X for 5 months before the complete buy back and I had a 2024 Model X (I love the car and was willing to give Tesla a second chance) for 4 months and Tesla did a complete buy back on this car, too. Tesla is a great and fun car to drive, however, the poor quality control, lack of human assistance, lack of customer service, lack of anything for that matter makes Tesla one of the worst owned vehicles.
Thanks for reading, Daniel. Sorry to hear about your negative experience. Tesla vehicles have many positive qualities. While our editorial team considered every Tesla model that met our criteria, none made the top ten this year.
You’re someone impossible to please. Get an Uber. I’ve owned three Tesla’s and expect the FSD to be complete within 12 months. Free software updates eliminate recalls & trips to service centers.
Just here for the annoying comments from Tesla owners— The Tesla owners whose cars have dropped in quality and value. It is 2024 and there is a much bigger and better market for EVs. Have fun in your cheap Twitter mobiles.
Not really sure what to say about the F-150 lightning as 3rd overall best electric vehicle…..? Maybe recalls don’t count as part of the criteria.
They are all no fun, and depreciate like rocks, but they are ugly🤠
In my opinion, it’s not the Tesla. Does anyone read about the fines levied against Tesla for polluting the environment, particularly the $22 million fine from the EPA or the fines from Alameda County. But people keep buying the Tesla because they think they are helping the environment. It’s not even a good-looking car, in my opinion. Technology, perhaps if you buy a top of the line model.
Not having any Tesla in the top 10 proves this article is total BS !
Thanks for reading, Jo. While our editorial team considered every Tesla model that met our criteria, none made the top ten this year. Perhaps next year…
Ten best EVs and not a Tesla on the list? Surely, you must be joking. Or you’re just unfamiliar with the actual definition of “Best”.
Thanks for reading, Raj. It’s not a joke; our editorial team considered every Tesla model that met our criteria and none made the top ten this year. Next year might be different.
Excellent point. Lucid makes very nice electrics; better than many on this list. Autotrader has lost credibility
These are absolute nonsense reviews. For a Tesla to not make this list is crazy. They are the benchmark for all EV’s. They are the safest cars on the planet with the only charging infrastructure.
Thanks for reading, Steve. Our editorial team considered every Tesla model that met our criteria, none made the top ten this year.
Tesla was left off the list because the democrats wouldn’t have liked it.
Thanks for reading, H Ford. Political affiliation isn’t a category for our automobile evaluations. The editorial team considered every Tesla model that met our criteria, and none made the top ten.
This is ridiculous. There is one clear leader. Best price. Safest. Most American made. Best technology. It doesn’t even need to be said, but it’s Tesla. I can only guess you have a political bias. You do your readers a dis-service.
Thanks for reading, Mike. Guess again; politics doesn’t enter into it. The editorial team considered every Tesla model that met our criteria, and none made the top ten.
Why the Tesla snub? The model Y is the best selling car in the world right now. Do you have total cost of ownership, reliability stats to back up your recommendations.
Thanks for reading, Joseph. Best-selling doesn’t necessarily mean best for 2024. Our editorial team considered every Tesla model that met our criteria and none made the top ten this year. Perhaps next year.
Just say ‘you dislike Tesla’
Thanks for reading, Gene. It’s not a simple matter of liking or disliking Tesla. The editorial team considered every Tesla model that met our criteria, and none made the top ten.
Why didn’t you test the best, a Lucid?
Year of More? More like Year of the Same? Half these EVs were on last year’s list.
Why not the Ioniq 6 that car and driver listed #1?
What a joke
With zero Teslas on this report is a JOKE!
No Porsche Taycan? I just got one and I can’t imagine all 10 of these cars are better than it is.
try again..number 9 is the taycan…that or the rivian r1t would be the only two ev’s on the market right now i would consider
The story title should be changed to “10 Best Electric Vehicles of 2022” since there are cars, SUV’s and two trucks in the list. I don’t agree with all the vehicles on the list, it is good. Where is the Tesla Y?
The bolt is a flop and you put it in first place. The article lost credibility from the start.
The Bolt came first in the list because it is in alphabetical order.
Are some Tesla lovers also not readers? The Model 3 is there. Your covered…but only 1 model. And…this list is a top 10, not best of 1-10!
What a Joke, I am a Ford guy, but without Tesla in the top spot this list is a joke. It is a list of a bunch of non proven vehicles. Tell us you voted for Biden without telling us!
The list is alphabetical by brand. Thanks for your comment.
BAM! Poor Mark is obsessed with politics. He can’t live without tribal hate. Too bad for him.
Ditto, and you wonder why this world is so messed up
Yep. You don’t have to be an electric car apologist to admit that these are really good cars no matter what powers them.
You have got to be kidding. Shill much? Tesla not even on the list isn’t just insultingly obvious, but ridiculous. A master-level shill would have had Tesla cars start at about #4.
Umm its alphabetical!
So Tesla is on the list, and also the list is alphabetical by brand, not in order of preference. Do try reading better.
So, wait… not a single Tesla… and 4 of these are not even pure electric cars? LOL… pathetic.
Tesla is in #8 position. How can you say there are no Tesla’s on the list? Tesla is o.k. But I don’t like having to use the IPad type interface for everything. I want some buttons and switch’s for everyday common things. I don’t want to hunt the screen or drill down menus while I’m driving just to change a common setting.
No Tesla’s on the list?? Big fan and customer of Autotrader, but I’m starting to see the bias that they have against Tesla. Shame on you Autotrader. You don’t have your customers in mind when you publish articles like this.
It is on the list, 8 in alphabetical order.
How can any respected auto journalists think that Tesla does not have a model that would be in the Top 10? What a joke publication and waist of time… In an infinite number of side by side comparisons made by a large number of journalists and other publications Tesla has shown to be better than most of your top 10. You are pandering to the dealerships that buy add space to list their cars in your publication!!
This piece seems more like a joke, except it isn’t. Caveat inclusion not withstanding, not including any of the Tesla product, is well, laughable if not completely unfair! Though there’re plenty of really good vehicles here, excluding Tesla makes this writeup essentially worthless and blatantly biased for me. Many will agree with you and your accretions, but I’ll gladly pass.
Is there an all electric SUV with 300 miles range?
Where are the Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y!
What a JOKE!
TESLA. MODEL 3. MODEL Y. ?. WTF?
Fail.
Why include hybrids in a list of electric cars at all? If that’s the article you wrote, title it Hybrid and Electric Cars We Like.
Pertinent facts should be grouped together in a consistent fashion so a reader can scan and actually compare without taking notes and figuring out how to compare them ourselves.
Where are the prices? Does the author assume everyone is as rich as they are and can buy anything without hesitation or worry?
Awful writing.
BIASED…ZERO mention of Tesla. You all did yourselves a disservice in credibility LOL. RIP Credibility of Autotrader.
How biased can a website be?? 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️ No mention of Tesla??? 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎
No Tesla? Come on man. Most of these cars haven’t even hit the road yet. Shame on you.
Ugh – every single one of them are effectively modern day station wagons.
So confused. Best Electric cars, but most are Hybrids and no Tesla’s. I mean come on, not a single tesla worth even a mention? Was this article written by NADA?
Three out of ten is NOT most!
As for Tesla, no I’d agree that their unreliability ratings rule them out.
Unreliability ratings? So… you would rather buy a car that is not even for sale yet over a proven Tesla?
Why are you saying the “unreliability ratings of Tesla rule them out”? I have owned my 2018 Model S for 2 and a half years and 22,000 miles and have never had a problem worth mentioning.
Haven’t had a problem with my 2019 Model 3 with 36,000 miles. So far, it has been the best most fun to drive car I have ever owned.
Same here, 2019 Model 3 with 20,000 miles. No problem or maintenance so far. Towed a trailer for the first time today, no sweat! Best car we have ever had.
My dad past 45,000 miles and just had his first routine service a few weeks ago. He got new washer fluid and new air filters, that was it after 45,000 miles!
“unreliability ratings” site a source.
Agreed, everyone seems to love to hate Tesla. “Here comes the Tesla killer……” It kind of gets old. Yet Tesla has more electric cars on the road than any other car maker. I own a 2018 Model S and have a 2021 Model S on order. Love the car and love the fact that they are a US car maker.
Baahahahahahaha! You accidentally titled this “Best Electric Cars for 2021” instead of “We are owned by the auto dealers lobby”
Beautifully said.
Why are you listing hybrids as electric cars?
Why are you leaving out the only really good EV, Tesla?
Aside from the laughable obvious bias, did you forget the reason of this article?
It should help people finding a good EV.
Since Tesla is unequivocally the best EV, you are not only asking to be ridiculed, but also you drive away your intended audience by misleading them. Shameful
You must be joking – Best “Electric” cars and you have hybrids on the list but no Teslas???? You lost all credibility with this ridiculous list.
Whaaaaat? Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y each outsell all of these cars combined—and for very good reason. I’ve driven half of the cars on this list, and none of them are remotely close by any real-world metric. Is this sponsored content? Seriously, Autotrader what is actually going on here?
I guess Tesla has to wait for you to compile “The best American EV’s”. Because the Ford is made in Mexico, The Chevy Bolt is Korean, and the rest that sound American are actually gas cars that need oil changes, air filters, spark plugs, starter motors, catalytic converters, etc.
Too bad the Tesla’s cannot compete with this all-star lineup, I would have liked to see an all-American company do better. I guess America can’t make the best cars, even in the age of EV’s.
/sarcasm
Seems anti-American manufacturing to me. No wonder all the good jobs have fled the country.
Let me get this straight, you guys have a top electric cars of 2021 list and there isn’t a single Tesla mentioned here? Yea, right; zero credibility.
Not a single Tesla? Is Autotrader in bed with the National Automobile Dealers Association?
I think you forgot something
LOL, Tesla not even on the list even though any Tesla completely blows these cars out of the water. Maybe don’t make your bias *this* obvious?
Uhhh… Have you never heard of Tesla? You’d rather put gas-burning PHEVs on the list than include Tesla at all?
“Of the 10 cars on our list, six are all-electric and four are plug-in hybrids.” All ten could’ve been electric if you just included Tesla – You know, the brand with the undisputed best charging network in the US, and the most experience building electric cars.