When you can’t get your hands on a Model 3
Ioniq, Bolt, Leaf give electric-vehicle buyers options
The Tesla Model 3 has captured the interest of both mainstream car buyers and electric-vehicle enthusiasts alike. Its combination of sleek styling, long range and semiautonomous driving features gives the Model 3 an “it” factor that’s hard to resist. But with a base price of $35,000, limited availability, and many of its most desirable features on the options list, the Model 3 isn’t for everybody.
For buyers who are interested in an electric vehicle but don’t want to wait around for the Model 3, several great alternatives are available now at a similar price. Some have shorter ranges while others lack the latest driver-assistance features, but if you’re interested in an electric car that won’t take as long to arrive, these EVs are worth a look.
2018 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf was a gamechanger when it debuted in 2011, so hopes are high for the redesigned 2018 model. The Leaf still doesn’t have the long-range abilities of the Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt, but its low base price gives it a level of attainability that most competitors can’t match. In addition to its new look, the 2018 Leaf boasts a larger battery pack that increases maximum range from 172 kilometres to an estimated 241 kilometres. A more powerful electric motor bumps output from 107 to 147 horsepower for improved performance.
Two new features set the Leaf apart from its rivals. The first is called e-Pedal. It allows drivers to bring the Leaf to a complete stop merely by lifting off the accelerator. It makes for a one-pedal driving experience that eases fatigue in heavy traffic.
The second feature, ProPilot Assist, combines several driver aids to provide a semiautonomous driving experience. Available on SV and SL models, ProPilot Assist maintains a set distance between the Leaf and the car in front, keeps the Leaf centred in its lane and steers through corners. Nissan notes it’s ProPilot “assist,” so drivers need to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. Range: 241 kilometres Recharge time: Eight hours on a 240-volt charger
2017 Chevrolet Bolt
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is the Model 3’s closest rival. Not only can it travel 383 kilometres on a single charge — besting the standard Model 3’s estimated range by 29 kilometres — it’s also one of the quickest EVs on this list, needing just 6.8 seconds to hit 96 km/h from a dead stop. It’s priced similarly to the Model 3, but the Bolt EV has a solid list of features for that price and is widely available at Chevrolet dealers nationwide. Range: 383 kilometres Recharge time: Nine hours on a 240-volt charger
2017 Hyundai Ioniq
Like the Leaf, the Hyundai Ioniq EV offers solid range at a low starting price. It also has upscale cabin materials, which feel more substantial and durable than what others in the class use. The interior also has a practical design, a bonus for buyers who want an EV that feels like a conventional car. Range: 200 kilometres Recharge time: Four hours on a 240-volt charger
2017 Volkswagen e-Golf
The Volkswagen e-Golf takes the Golf’s impressive handling and solid construction and adds an EV powertrain. Numerous improvements for the 2017 model year include an updated battery pack with increased range, a more powerful motor, a higher top speed, exterior styling changes, and a midpack Limited Edition trim. Range: 200 kilometres Recharge time: 5.3 hours on a 240-volt charger
2017 BMW i3
BMW’s i3 stands out in more ways than one. Its funky styling hides a frame made of carbon-fibrereinforced plastic, making it tough yet lightweight. Inside, the cabin is decked out with natural materials, including real eucalyptus wood trim and leather treated with olive tree leaf extract. The i3 is sold with a choice of two battery sizes: the base 60-amp-hour version with 130 kilometres of range or the 94-Ah version with 183 kilometres of range. The 94-Ah model is also available with a small gasoline engine to further extend the i3’s range when the battery runs out.