Range Isn’t Everything
Every time a new electric vehicle is introduced, the statistic that most people focus on is range: how far will this car go on a full charge? In some ways, that’s understandable, because it takes longer to charge an electric car, even on the fastest Level 3 DC fast charger, than to fill up a gasoline car.
But in some ways, judging an EV based just on its range doesn’t make sense: we don’t judge gasoline cars solely based on how far they can go on a tank of gas, do we? Plus, EVs have the further advantage of being able to charge at home: you can go to work or play, run some errands, and then simply plug in your vehicle when you get home, always leaving with a full “tank” of electrons in the morning.
Once we stop fixating on range, the number of options available for zero-emissions commuting gets wider. You can have the latest EV and driver assist technology in less-expensive EVs without having to pay through the nose for range you might realistically never use.
Plus, evidence shows the way most people use their vehicles daily doesn’t require very much range at all. While we may be thinking about that twice-a-year road trip situation and having to stop for coffee or lunch while our car charges up, most of us only drive 30 miles or so in a day. And many, who live in tightly packed urban areas, might drive even less. Dense urban spaces are where EVs make the most sense, as their ability to run emissions-free when sitting in traffic has an even greater positive effect on greenhouse gases than out in the country.
What Are the Best Electric Cars for Commuting?
So, if you’re looking for an EV commuter car, your choices are greater than you may think. Look beyond the range statistic, and you’ll discover plenty of practical, fun-to-drive choices that can help save the environment, and fit into your lifestyle, without paying an arm and a leg. Here are our favorites that we found using the GreenCars Buyer's Guide. All ranges are based on EPA estimates.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
The Chevrolet Equinox EV has quickly become one of our favorite electric cars, as it has a great feature set and is one of the most affordable EV crossovers you can buy. It takes over from where the popular compact Bolt left off, and combines good driving dynamics, good range, and a great price.
Affordability and value are the Equinox EV’s greatest strengths. The base FWD 2LT comes nicely loaded, and a standard EPA-estimated range of 319 miles makes it one of the most affordable longer-range EVs in North America. The base 2RS adds some sportier exterior and interior features, and the top 3LT or 3RS add premium features like ventilated driver and front passenger seats, dual zone climate control, plus LED headlamps and tail lamps.
The Equinox EV is an incredible value that’s difficult to beat, especially if you stick to the lower trim levels. In many ways, it’s a bigger and better Bolt.
- EPA-Estimated Range: 319 miles
- Starting MSRP: $41,900
Kia Niro EV
A close relative of the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Kia Niro EV hatchback is a well-priced, high-value battery electric car. The Niro is available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric variants, with the EV having a starting MSRP of $39,600, It shares the same 64.8-kWh battery pack and 201-horsepower motor used in the Kona Electric, but the Niro has a larger backseat.
Want to understand how EV charging works? Read our EV Charging 101 guide.
This is a great family car as well as a commuter car. Inside the spacious interior, A 10.25-inch touchscreen allows access to music and voice-command navigation at the same time and standard driver assist features include forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning.
- EPA-Estimated Range: 239 miles
- Starting MSRP: $39,600
Mini Cooper Countryman SE
The Countryman is the best-selling Mini in North America, a crossover that gives three-door Mini owners something to upgrade to as they start families, with all-wheel drive for drivers in northern climes. While the new electric Countryman is the biggest Mini ever, it’s also still compact and maneuverable in the city making it a great commuter car. And now it also offers the choice of an all-electric drivetrain.
We love the Countryman’s interior, which has a roomy rear seat, large cargo area, power tailgate, and the ability to fold the rear seats flat with the pull of a couple of levers. We also like the way it drives. Despite being bigger than the Minis we associate with go-kart handling, the Countryman is still entertaining, a vehicle that can haul the family in comfort as well as one that can be fun for the driver alone.
With an EPA estimate of 212 miles, the Mini Countryman SE is not a range champion. But given Mini’s market positioning, this is a great-driving runabout for urban families, and it does an excellent job at fulfilling its intended functional purpose.
- EPA-Estimated Range: 212 miles
- Starting MSRP: $45,200
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is truly an original, the first mass-produced full-electric vehicle to be available in America. Now in its second generation, it still feels futuristic, with tons of torque, eye-opening acceleration, and zero sound. For many drivers, it changed their world and turned them on to electric driving.
The latest Leaf comes with a roomy, comfortable interior, simple-to-use infotainment, and other features. It is one of the lowest-priced new electric vehicles you can currently buy. It has some disadvantages, including a CHAdeMO charging port that renders it incompatible with many fast chargers – but If you don’t do much long-distance driving, and are able to charge up at home, the Leaf is a great choice for a commuter car.
Range is a not-great 150 miles from its 40-kWh battery, more than enough for daily commuting with some buffer, before you plug in overnight. If you need more, a Leaf+ is now available as well, with 212 miles of range.
- EPA-Estimated Range: 150 miles
- Starting MSRP: $28,140
EV Charging 101
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