The 5 best electric vehicles to buy in 2020

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By CARLOS LAGO of Edmunds
The Associated Press

Your options for a new electric vehicle in 2020 are more diverse than ever. There will be an EV for nearly every vehicle type. But increased choice also makes it harder to choose. Edmunds has selected five top EVs that you’ll want to consider.

These vehicles have a range of at least 200 miles — which Edmunds’ experts have found to be easily sufficient for EV driving — and are on sale now or will be soon. We’ve arranged them in ascending order of price. All prices include destination charges and do not include any federal tax credits or state incentives.


The 2019 Kia Niro EV is an all-electric compact with plenty of interior space and 239 miles of range. (Kia Motors America via AP)

2019 Kia Niro EV

EPA estimated range: 239 miles

Starting price: $39,545

While also available as a hybrid, the Niro EV is Edmunds’ preference for its smoother, quieter and more pleasant driving experience. It comes fully stocked with excellent phone integration and safety technology. You can also get upscale features such as ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The Niro EV is also surprisingly sporty. It accelerates quickly and is stable and nimble when driving around turns. You’ll have a lot more fun driving the Niro EV than a traditional fuel-efficient car. On the downside, the Niro doesn’t offer a whole lot of cargo space. Also, although Kia has marketed the Niro as a crossover SUV, all-wheel drive is not available.

The Tesla Model 3 is the most affordable and fun-to-drive Tesla that you can buy right now. In many ways the Model 3 also betters established luxury sedans such as the BMW 3 Series. (James Lipman/Tesla Motors via AP)

2020 Tesla Model 3

EPA estimated range: 250–322 miles

Starting price: $41,190

While Tesla says its new Model Y SUV is coming for 2020, you also have to remember that the company has a poor track record for hitting its deadlines. That leaves the Model 3 as the most affordable and fun-to-drive Tesla that you can buy right now. In many ways the Model 3 also betters established luxury sedans such as the BMW 3 Series.

Another big advantage to buying the Model 3, at least compared to other EVs, is the greater ease of long-distance driving thanks to Tesla’s extensive network of fast chargers. But owning a Model 3 can be frustrating at times because of its touchscreen-control interface and lack of smartphone integration. Edmunds has also found that Tesla’s range figures tend to be optimistic compared to what you’ll get in real-world driving.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is a sleekly styled all-electric SUV. The SUV’s lineup ranges from a commuter-friendly long-distance configuration to a performance GT model with 459 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive is available. (Ford Motor Co. via AP)

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s estimated range: 210–300 miles

Starting price: $44,995

The Mustang Mach-E is likely going to be the most popular new EV to debut in 2020. This sleekly styled SUV’s lineup ranges from a commuter-friendly, long-distance configuration to a performance GT model with 459 horsepower and a 0–60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive is available.

Take a seat inside and you’ll find a large vertical central touchscreen and digital display ahead of the steering wheel. Those screens will debut Ford’s latest iteration of its Sync infotainment system. In terms of size, the Mach-E slots between Ford’s Escape and Edge SUVs, which means there’s plenty of space for people and cargo. This is a proper family SUV. Look for the Mach-E deliveries to start in the fall of 2020.

The 2019 Audi e-tron is a midsize electric SUV with two rows of seating and an estimated range of about 204 miles. (Audi via AP)

2019 Audi e-tron

EPA estimated range: 204 miles

Starting price: $75,795

You might be dismayed that the e-tron’s EPA-estimate range barely crests 200 miles. But this is still enough for most drivers’ needs. It’s also pretty easy to overlook considering the e-tron’s other attributes. Driving comfort is superb thanks to the supportive front seats, smooth ride and quiet interior. The e-tron also provides effortless acceleration when you need it.

Being an Audi, the e-tron is packed with technology and luxury features. The infotainment system can seem overly complex at times, but in return you get crisp-looking screens, a great sound system and plenty of functionality.

The Taycan is Porsche’s first EV, and it’s a multitalented one. You can use it just like a regular luxury sedan thanks to its four doors and two trunks, or you can drive it like a sports car and enjoy its rapid acceleration and hunkered-down handling. (Porsche Cars North America via AP)

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2020 Porsche Taycan

Range: 201 miles

Starting price: $105,150

The Taycan is Porsche’s first EV, and it’s a multitalented one. You can use it just like a regular luxury sedan thanks to its four doors and two trunks, or you can drive it like a sports car and enjoy its rapid acceleration and hunkered-down handling. It’s so good that Edmunds has come away thinking that it’s a better buy than the brand’s iconic 911.

Porsche is offering a few Taycan trim levels. The most powerful is the 750-horsepower Turbo S. Yet the base 4S trim level is so thoroughly satisfying that we question the need to spend more. All Taycans have a modern yet familiar interior design and offer enough room in back for 6-foot passengers. Other enhancements, such as a charge port on each fender, make the Taycan compelling from an electric vehicle standpoint as well.

CARLOS LAGO of Edmunds

https://www.seattletimes.com/explore/shop-northwest/the-5-best-electric-vehicles-to-buy-in-2020/

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