Since their inception, hybrid and electric vehicles have had something of a bad reputation amongst the more traditional car enthusiasts. A common misconception amongst most gearheads is that hybrid/electric vehicles are underpowered, boring machines that lack the character of true automobiles. However, this could not be further from the truth.
Sure, the Toyota Prius may be the staple of uber drivers and eco-activists everywhere. But with governments around the world pushing for a ban on fossil fuel-powered vehicles, even manufacturers like Porsche have seen the value of going hybrid.
Modern hybrid/electric vehicles have all the grunt of a petrol-powered vehicle with significantly better mileage. Also, they’re quiet and produce fewer emissions, thus satisfying your need for speed whilst still staying green.
2021 Audi e-tron
Starting Price: $65,900
The 2021 Audi e-tron combines the practicality of an SUV with the power of a high-end super sedan in a fully electric package.
Contrary to what you would expect from an electric vehicle, the 2021 Audi e-tron will take you from zero to 60 in just 5.5 seconds. With a little over 400 horsepower on tap courtesy of its twin electric motors this sedan is no slouch.
The interior of the e-tron is a pleasant place to be with seats for five and a spacious cargo area. Audi’s digital cluster, known as the Virtual Cockpit, displays information clearly thanks to its high-resolution screens.
In-car entertainment is provided by the e-tron’s infotainment system that runs through dual touchscreens. Measuring 10.1 inches, the upper display supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Moreover, the Bang and Olufsen audio system provides crisp, clear sound.
Spec Sheet
Propulsion: Full Electric
Power Plant: Front and Rear Twin-Electric Motor
Transmission: All-Wheel Drive
Range: 222 Miles
Mileage: 78 MPGe (City) / 77 MPGe (Highway) / 78 MPGe (Combined)
Safety Features: Airbags, forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Starting Price: $36,500
Light and nippy are two words that aptly describe the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Powered by a 200-horsepower electric motor, the Bolt EV has no trouble going from zero to 60 in under seven seconds.
Designed to be an economical commuter, the Bolt EV has an operational range of 259 miles on a full charge. Travel in comfort with the standard bucket seats that provide you with excellent lumbar support and hold you in place while you take those tight corners.
Stay entertained with the Chevrolet Infotainment System that comes with a 10.2-inch color touch and support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Spec Sheet
Propulsion: Full Electric
Power Plant: Front Electric Motor
Transmission: Front-Wheel Drive
Range: 259 Miles
Mileage: 127 MPGe (City) / 108 MPGe (Highway) / 118 MPGe (Combined)
Safety Features: Airbags, forward collision alert, lane departure alert, parking assist, teen driver system, and front pedestrian braking.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Starting Price: $42,895
A combination of classic pony car and crossover, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E may appear sacrilegious to some. However, you got to admit that the Mustang Mach-E is pretty interesting.
The base trim option for the Mustang Mach-E is the Select that comes in at a respectable 266 horsepower with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. In its rear-wheel drive form, the Mustang Mach-E can cover a total of 305 miles, which is fairly respectable given its size.
In-car entertainment is handled by a 15.5-inch touchscreen with Ford’s own SYNC 4A system, which includes voice recognition and connected navigation. Enjoy surround sound with six speakers featuring speed-compensated volume to help you stay focused.
On an interesting note, the Mustang Mach-E also comes with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 driver-assist package. This package enables hands-free driving on selected highways.
Spec Sheet
Propulsion: Full Electric
Power Plant: Front and Rear/Rear Only Electric Motor
Transmission: Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive
Range: 305 Miles
Mileage: 100 MPGe (City) / 86 MPGe (Highway) / 93 MPGe (Combined)
Safety Features: Airbags, Ford advanced security pack, adjustable head restraints, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and SOS post-crash alert system.
2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
Starting Price: $26,700
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is the literal everyman’s hybrid. With a 1.6L petrol engine and an electric motor, the Ioniq brings together the best of both worlds in a single package.
With its 139-horsepower petrol engine, the Ioniq won’t be breaking any records anytime soon. However, you’ll get to enjoy the perks of driving an electric vehicle with the convenience and reliability of a petrol car. With its regenerative braking technology, the Ioniq is also able to recharge its battery while on the move.
The inside of the Ioniq is practical and utilitarian with features like a 10.25-inch display screen that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Furthermore, the base model SE comes with a myriad of safety features like forward collision avoidance and pedestrian detection as a standard.
Spec Sheet
Propulsion: Hybrid
Power Plant: 1.6L Petrol and Electric Motor
Transmission: Front-Wheel Drive
Range: 29 Miles (Electric Motor)
Mileage: 119 MPGe (Combined)
Safety Features: Airbags, forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, highway driving assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot detection.
Tesla Model S
Starting Price: $78,490
It is safe to say that Tesla is the company that made electric cars sexy and desirable. The Tesla Model S holds the distinction of being the fastest production sedan in the world with peak power of more than 1000 horsepower and a zero to 60 time of fewer than two seconds.
Besides being an absolute beast performance-wise, the Model S’s in-car entertainment system is no different. With up to 10 teraflops of raw processing power and a 17-inch cinematic display, you can game, stream movies, and listen to music in absolute comfort.
Tesla’s 22-speaker, 960-watt audio system with active noise canceling turns the interior of the Model S into a lounge unlike any other. Additionally, the Model S features full self-driving capabilities that allow your car to park, drive, and even come to you by itself.
Spec Sheet
Propulsion: Full Electric
Power Plant: Dual/Tri Electric Motor
Transmission: All-Wheel Drive
Range: 412 Miles
Mileage: 114 MPGe (City) / 106 MPGe (Highway) / 110 MPGe (Combined)
Safety Features: Airbags, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera.
