With a number of new EVs hitting the dealers’ lots this Spring, I began test driving several of those in the $30K-$45K range. Compared to three years ago when I leased my Lexus RZ ($63K with a $15K rebate) these models offer greater range and quicker charging. The major improvement is that 300 miles on a charge has become the norm. Most now work with a Tesla charger, although not all charge as fast as a Tesla.
The table below summarizes what’s in this price range.
Surprisingly, for a company that has poo-pooed EVs, Toyota has released more than a half dozen models. With just 3% U.S. market share, they’ve made a big committment to EVs.
Two of their models are based on older designs that have significantly improved, the Toyota BZ and Subaru Solterra, and two are smaller cars, the Toyota C-HR and Subaru Uncharted. (Subaru’s EVs all come from Toyota). Along with the Lexus, all of these cars are built on a similar platform. They have similar ranges and charging speeds, and use many of the same interior hardware such as displays, stalks, controls, etc. The major differences are in their size, extra ammenities, and trim. They can be ordered in a higher trim level for about $5K more that adds an electronic rear view mirror, self-parking, 360 camera view, 4-wheel drive, and nicer interiors.
Toyota C-HR
Toyota BZ
Toyota’s EVs represent a conservative design approach with fewer advanced EV features and fewer technology capabilities. None offer the ability to automatically route you to a charger on a long trip or automatically precondition your battery before charging. Their displays are more conventional and don’t show as much detail about the state of battery. Yet as Toyotas, they offer good reliability and a strong service network.
If you’re looking for a car with the most high tech features on the most advanced EV platform, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are standouts, especially for their low prices. Now in their fourth year, they charge in just a few minutes and they offer plenty of range.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Their interiors have sweeping LCD displays across the dash and they have all of the latest advanced features that really sset them apart. They can route you to a charger on a long trip, knowing when you will be running low. They display your blind spot on the display, when you change lanes, they back out of a parking space on their own, and they use quality materials inside.
But they do have one issue, a defect that has stranded owners when the car simply stops. The problem relates to their ICCU unit that even after all this time continues to plague the company. (The ICCU — Integrated Charging Control Unit — bundles all the charging controllers, current converters, and power components into a single unit). Hyundai has been replacing the unit for several years now, but the problem still persists. While it effects a small number of owners (2%-10%), those affected have had to wait for weeks for parts. Consumers Reports rates reliability an issue for these cars.
GM has a good lineup of low cost EVs including the Bolt, brought back for a “limited run.” In fact, the Bolt would be a great choice for many because of its 300 mile range and under $30K starting price. Along with many others, I’ve ruled out all new GM cars because they have removed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating access to most of your phone apps. Instead they require you to subscribe and use their apps. It’s a terrible decision and It will likely impact its sales.
Chevy Bolt
Ford offers the Mustang Mach-E, which is an excellent car that is fun to drive, although it’s an older design.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Last but not least, Teslas are actually still very competitive and represent almost half of all EVs being sold today. in the U.S. It’s off my radar for obvious reasons, but not for it being an excellent car. A friend has one and regurlay drives nearly hands free between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
