The makes and models mentioned in this article are not placed in any particular order, nor intended to be viewed as a ranked list. KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles.
With summer’s smoky air and winter’s inevitable inversion, switching from traditional vehicles with combustion engines to cleaner modes of transportation in Utah is more attractive than ever before. The future of cars is electric.
There are upwards of 100 different electric vehicles currently listed on Consumer Reports from both domestic and international manufacturers. Chevy. Hyundai. Nissan. Audi. The list goes on and on. General Motors even announced plans to roll out 30 new GM electric vehicles by 2025, as well as make its lineup entirely electric by 2035.
The initial cost of EVs is typically higher than comparable gas- or diesel-powered models. The amount of money you save over the lifetime of the vehicle on fuel, maintenance and taxes usually offsets the initial price tag, however. Buying a new EV entitles you to a federal electric vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500; the exact amount is based on the kilowatt-hour capacity of the battery. And Rocky Mountain Power offers incentives for Utah customers who install EV charging stations at home. You can rack up more savings by using smartphone apps to program charge times during non-peak hours to receive discounted rates.
One question remains: Which EV is best? It depends on what your budget is, where you’re going and who you’re taking with you.
Family favorite: Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium
Sleek and sporty, this luxury electric SUV has the giddyup and go (read: speed and agility) you’d expect from the iconic sports car of the same breed. But with more cargo room. And seating for five. Whether you have a couple of tall teens sitting in tandem or an infant in a rear-facing car seat, the cabin is spacious, comfortable and family friendly. (Even furry family members love this ride!) A drain in the front trunk makes it easy to hose out the gunk left behind from cleats, camping gear, landscaping materials or anything else. Though five trim levels are available, the most popular is Premium AWD. It has a range estimate of 211 miles with a standard battery or 270 miles with an extended-range battery. Find a Mustang Mach-E for your fam on KSL Cars.
Road trip treasure: Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD
Despite being the least expensive Tesla on the market, the Model 3 still leads its class in performance, handling and acceleration. Each of 2021’s three trim levels offers increased range and improved efficiency. The range estimate for the base trim, Standard Range Plus, is 263 miles. But northern Utah drivers should look to the Long Range AWD trim which boasts a range of 353 miles — enough to get you from Salt Lake City to St. George on a full battery. It also has heated rear seats and improved traction as you’re fleeing the snow. Head for the red hills in a Model 3 or check out the other Teslas listed on KSL Cars.
Commuter choice: Kia Niro EV EX
This zippy, compact hatchback easily merges in small traffic gaps. But that’s not the only feature that makes the Kia Niro EV EX a top pick as a daily driver. Lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking make it ideal for stop-and-go traffic on I-15 or Mountain View Corridor. Ventilated front seats — a rarity on electric vehicles in this price range — keep you cool during those sweltering summer commutes. Carpoolers appreciate the dual-zone climate control as well as ample rear legroom. Adjustable cup holders easily transition from the small cups that keep you cheerfully caffeinated during the morning rush to the oversize water bottles that keep you happily hydrated on the drive home. If you find the Niro EV in short supply, consider the Chevy Bolt EV. It is also popular with budget-minded commuters.
Motorhead must-have: Porsche Taycan 4S
With an MSRP $80,000 lower than its sibling with Turbo S trim, The Porsche Taycan 4S almost seems like a bargain. Yes, it is still a splurge. No, not everyone can afford one. But if you are fortunate enough to have the funds, this is the top-ranked luxury EV. It exudes speed in every way possible, from its rapid acceleration (0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds) to its aerodynamic body and its fast-charging battery. The standard battery has an estimated range of 199 miles; upgrading to the Performance Battery Plus buys you an additional 28 miles on a full charge. Take a look at these Porsche Taycan listings to see what else makes this sports car so special.
These are just some of the best electric vehicles on the market. Browse all electric vehicles for sale on KSL Cars and find your own favorite.
