100% ELECTRIC
Note: Before continuing any further, we suggest your take a look at our article that outlines how much fuel an electric car burns.
The i3 is a small hatchback ($48,150) with a range of 130 or 200 km, depending on the battery chosen. If you’re unsure that will be enough for your needs, you can add as an option a 2-cylinder gasoline engine which extends the range up to 270 and 330 km, respectively. For 2018, BMW is adding the sportier i3s, which increases output from 170 to 184 hp and torque from 184 to 199 lb-ft.
Chevrolet
Now relatively well-established on the market, the Bolt EV ($43,095) is one of the finest electric cars around – in fact it was named Auto123.com’s Green Vehicle of the Year for 2018. Its 383 km range, 266 lb-ft of torque and an interior that is innovative and versatile speak to its overall excellence.
Too often overlooked, the Focus Electric ($34,998) nonetheless represents a smart alternative in the electric-car market. Its range is 185 km on a full charge, and its average energy consumption is 2.0Le/100 km. A new generation of the Focus is in the works and should hit the market soon.
Hyundai
A twin of the IONIQ Hybrid and IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid, the IONIQ Electric ($35,649) sedan uses on average 1.7Le/100 km and offers a range of 200 km. Compensating for its modest 118-hp power output is the 218 lb-ft of torque it delivers.
The Soul EV ($35,895) delivers almost twice as much torque as it does power (210 lb-ft vs 109 hp), and its all-electric range is as high as 179 km, according to Kia. It’s easily distinguishable from other Soul models by its closed grille and contrasting roof.
Nissan
The LEAF ($35,998) is one of the stars of the electric-car domain around the world; in fact, it’s the segment’s top global seller. 2018 sees a new generation introduced, visually spruced up, more powerful (147 hp) and equipped with advanced technologies like the ProPILOT assistant that enables semi-autonomous highway driving. Maximum range has increased from 172 to 241 km, and Nissan is promising much more than that for 2019.
Did you know that the new 2018 smart fortwo is available only as an all-electric model in Canada and the United States? The coupe ($29,050) and the cabriolet ($32,050) each comes fitted with an 80-hp electric motor.
Tesla
The famed Model S (starting at $94,650) comes as either a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive car, and with a choice of two different batteries (75 and 100 kWh), with a range varying between 466-572 km. The fastest version (the P100D) can get to 100 km/h from a stop in only 2.7 seconds! The Model X 7-passenger SUV ($115,400), offered only with all-wheel drive, boasts the same battery options, though its range is slightly lower at 381-475 km. And then of course there’s the upcoming Model 3! It got its Canadian premiere in Toronto in February, but be warned Canadian pricing has not even been announced yet, and buyers may in any event have to wait a while before getting theirs delivered. Tesla also launched a new Roadster, a technological marvel that can streak from 0-100 km/h in 2.1 seconds and drive 1,000 km before needing to recharge!
Volkswagen
The next-generation Volkswagen e-Golf is available in Canada, starting at $36,355 for 2018. On a full charge, the VW compact car has a maximum range of 201 km. Its electric motor can generate 134 hp and 214 lb-ft of near-instant torque. But as with the Model 3 from Tesla, those reserving an e-Golf can expect to wait between 12-18 months to receive theirs.
Make sure to check out our Hybrid and Plug-in hybrid sections!
Interested in a hybrid car? Do not hesitate to consult our inventory of used hybrid vehicles.