Electric vehicle (EV) offerings are continuing to expand. Here are three exciting models eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which is no longer available for vehicles such as Teslas and the Chevy Bolt—those automakers exceeded the credit’s cutoff of 200,000 EVs sold. Without the credit, it is difficult to justify an EV’s higher price despite up to $700 to $900 in annual savings in fuel and maintenance costs.
The new Mustang Mach-E crossover (an SUV built on a car-based platform) offers Tesla Model Y-like performance including impressive driving dynamics, acceleration and versatility. Range is 210 to 300 miles depending on equipment and features. Price starts at $43,995, which drops to $36,495 after the credit.
Volvo’s new XC40 Recharge features an upscale interior with plenty of legroom for five, a voice-control infotainment system and Volvo quality and safety, but a relatively modest 208 miles of range. Cargo space also is modest —20.7 cubic feet, or 47.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down—but the famously boxy Volvo shape makes that space more functional than curvier vehicles. The XC40 Recharge is officially Volvo’s first plug-in EV, but its Polestar division has been producing EVs for a few years now. Price starts at $55,085—$47,585 post-credit.
If you’re looking for an affordable electric subcompact SUV, the Hyundai Kona EV beats the Chevy Bolt in every way—it’s more attractive, better equipped and more fun to drive, with 258 miles of range. It seats five—though as with most subcompact SUVs, rear-seat legroom is less than ideal for tall adults—and offers 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Price starts at $38,565—$31,065 post-credit.
