There comes a time in every driver’s life when they stare at the gas pump and sigh. As the totality of the very high number stares back at them, each driver will vow to never spend that much at the pump again.
Realistically, drivers now have the ability to walk away from the pump by purchasing one of the many electric vehicles (EVs) on the road today. They’re incredibly easy to find, after all. From Acura to Volvo, electrified vehicles can take the shape of sedans, pickup trucks, vans, SUVs, off-roaders, sports cars, and even supercars. Electric vehicles are towing heavy loads, navigating off-road terrain, and providing top-of-the-line luxe commutes.
How do you decide which option makes the most sense for you? Instead of listing a bunch of brands and what we like about them, we’ve decided to take a more creative approach. Take a look at some of the best EV brands on the market today, based on driver priorities.
I Need Something Easy to Use
The actual process of charging an EV is pretty simple. While the plug is a little heavier than your laptop or cellphone charger, you won’t have to crawl around under a desk to locate the connector. Remembering to charge your vehicle appropriately for your commute may take a little practice at first, but it’s not much different than learning a new commute. There are also quite a few EVs that take a lot of the questions out of EV ownership with straightforward features and options that make sense.
One such vehicle is the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6. The introductory SE Standard Range sedan offers rear-wheel drive and 240 miles of all-electric range. Its Rapid Charging feature can also replenish 10-80% of its charge in just 18 minutes, making the learning curve for remembering when to charge a little less steep.
The SE, SEL, and Limited trims round out the IONIQ 6 lineup, each with a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive models enjoy 225 hp, while the dual-motor all-wheel drive setup is good for 320 hp. Available features like Remote Smart Parking Assist, which parks with just a push of a button, and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation are part of the helpful and convenient spirit of the Hyundai IONIQ 6.
I Need a Vehicle I Can Love
Larger EVs are now a reality, whether you want to add more passengers or cargo to the mix. In the electric SUV market, the Kia EV6 has earned quite a reputation for high standards and reliability. With both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive models, the Kia EV6 has a maximum range of 319 miles, depending on the version. It can also charge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes with DC Fast Charging capability.
Some people doubt that an electric SUV could possibly be cool, but the 2025 Kia EV6 GT begs to differ. Kia has given this model a lower center of gravity, a sport-tuned suspension, and a fun Launch Mode, enabling drivers to access 641 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. More everyday Long-Range models with the 84 kWh battery still provide a quite usable 225 hp. More important to those craving space, the EV6 can tow up to 2,700 lbs and stow up to 46.7 cu.ft. of belongings with the rear seats folded.
The EV6 also hits high marks with driver comfort and convenience, with an admirable set of standard features, such as a massive 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Depending on which of the seven trim levels you choose, you can also enjoy heated and ventilated front and rear outboard seats, making it a truly luxurious EV experience.
I Need a Large Vehicle
Of the electric pickup trucks on the road in 2025, the Chevy Silverado EV has the highest maximum towing capacity at 12,500 lbs. To achieve that, you’ll want to specifically select the LT Extended Range model, which includes a two-motor electric system that produces up to 765 lb-ft of torque and 645 hp. The Silverado EV also has a five-foot, 11-inch bed with a Multi-Flex tailgate. The RST model adds the Multi-Flex midgate, which folds down the barrier between the cabin and the bed to accommodate cargo nearly 11 feet in length.
The GMC Hummer EV Pickup follows close behind, with a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 lbs. With the available 24-Module Battery Pack, drivers can harness a best-in-class 1,000 hp, 11,500 lb-ft of torque, and the ability to travel 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds. It also has CrabWalk capability, King Crab mode, and Extract Mode, which raises the suspension an additional six inches. Despite its workmanlike attitude, the Hummer EV Pickup is not without its charm, with features such as a standard heated steering wheel, along with heated front and rear outboard seats and tri-zone automatic climate control.
There’s also the Rivian R1T electric truck. With up to 11,000 lbs of towing capacity, it’s not one of the top athletes, but it does have a lot to offer besides standard all-wheel drive. The Dual Standard models provide 553 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque. The R1T Dual Performance models can offer 665 hp and 420 miles of range when outfitted with the Max Battery. The R1T Tri is so named for its tri-motor setup, which generates up to 850 hp and 371 miles of range. Similarly, the R1T Quad has a quad-motor drive system that supplies 1,025 hp. The Rivian R1T is truly in its element on the trail, helping drivers stay off-grid with four 120V power sources, six USB charging ports, a built-in flashlight, and an optional on-board air compressor, making it quite useful for trips into the wilderness.
I Want to Go Flat Out
The fastest EV available in the US today is the Rimac Nevera, a wicked-fast hypercar that provides each wheel with its own motor and a torque-vectoring system that evaluates wheel stability over 100 times per second. The result is a top speed of 258 mph and a 0-60 mile per hour acceleration time of 1.74 seconds. However, the $2.2 million introductory price tag makes this a model many of us will have to save for our wishlists.
Those looking to buy a more reasonably priced luxury vehicle may prefer the Lucid Air Sapphire. Though certainly not a bargain buy, this vehicle delivers on several very big promises. Not only does it have a maximum range of 427 miles, but its 1,234 hp enables it to make the journey from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 1.89 seconds. With a signature Surreal Sound audio system along with heated and ventilated massaging seats, you may not even miss the 0.15-second time delay.
Which EV Should I Buy?
As with any type of car, no one vehicle fits all drivers, and this is just a sampling of what is currently available. However, no more gasoline fill-ups, oil changes, new spark plugs, or weird noises from the exhaust system unite all electric vehicles and their drivers. Despite their uncertain future, it’s easy to see that automotive manufacturers are working to create electric vehicles for every potential driver’s needs. Given time, we’ll see longer ranges, greater towing capacity, and even more ease of use. Thanks to the new wave of electric vehicles, we can finally say goodbye to the gas station. The coffee and breakfast treats, however, are a different story.
