Electric Vehicle Options

BMW i3

Introduced in 2014, the i3 battery electric vehicle is the first of BMW’s new “i” brand. It is the first volume mass-produced car to use carbon fiber for the body instead of aluminum or steel to enhance strength and reduce weight. The i3 recharges in 3 to 4 hours with a dedicated 240V charging station and in about 20 hours with a 120V outlet. The i3 is fast-charging capable. It can also be ordered with a small range-extender gasoline engine; this model is the i3 REx. 

EPA electric range (i3): 81 miles 

EPA electric range (i3 REx): 72 miles 

EPA total range (gas + electric REx): 150 miles

Cadillac ELR

Introduced in 2014, the ELR is a luxury coupe plug-in hybrid that GM calls an extended-range electric vehicle. The ELR delivers a driving experience that is both sporty and environmentally friendly; it drives on electricity using the battery alone for the first 37 miles when fully charged. The rangeextender engine uses gasoline to create electricity to power the electric drive system. The ELR recharges in about 5 hours using a dedicated 240V charging station and in about 12.5 to 18 hours using a 120V outlet. 

EPA electric range: 37 miles 

EPA total range (gas + electric): 340 miles

Chevrolet Volt

The Volt is a type of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that GM calls an extended-range electric vehicle. It drives on electricity solely using the battery for the first 38 miles when fully charged. The range-extender engine uses gasoline to create electricity to power the electric drive system. The Volt recharges in about 4 hours using a dedicated 240V charging station and in about 10 to 16 hours with a 120V outlet. 

EPA electric range: 38 miles 

EPA total range (gas + electric): 380 miles

Ford C-MAX Energi

The C-MAX Energi is a plug-in hybrid version of the C-MAX hybrid. It relies on its battery alone for the first 20 miles or so of driving and features an EV Now button, which allows the driver to control the car’s operation among three electric-drive modes. The C-MAX Energi recharges in about 2.5 hours using a dedicated 240V charging station and in about 7 hours using a 120V outlet. 

EPA electric range: 21 miles 

EPA total range (gas + electric): 620 miles

Ford Focus Electric

The Focus Electric is a battery electric version of the Focus powered by a liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery. It features technology to maximize regenerative braking and an “eco-conscious interior.” The Focus recharges in about 3 to 4 hours using a dedicated 240V charging station and in about 20 hours using a 120V outlet. 

EPA electric range: 76 miles

Ford Fusion Energi

The Fusion Energi is a plug-in hybrid version of the Fusion midsize and hybrid sedans. It operates much like the C-MAX Energi, with an EV Now button, which allows the driver to control the car’s operation among three electricdrive modes. The Fusion Energi recharges in about 2.5 hours using a dedicated 240V charging station and in about 7 hours using a 120V outlet. 

EPA electric range: 21 miles 

EPA total range (gas + electric): 620 miles

Mercedes-Benz-B Class Electric Drive

Introduced in limited markets in July 2014, the B-Class Electric Drive is a battery electric version of the B-Class hatchback sold overseas. Nationwide availability is to be announced in 2015. Options include a range-extending charging function. The B-Class Electric Drive recharges in about 3.5 hours using a dedicated 240V charging station and in about 30 hours using a 120V outlet. 

EPA electric range: 87 miles

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

The i-MiEV is a battery electric city car that was introduced in the United States in 2012. The 2014 model features a price reduction and several interior and exterior enhancements, and is fast-charging capable. The i-MiEV recharges in about 6 hours using a 240V charging station and in 14 to 22 hours using a 120V charging cord with switchable power levels. 

EPA electric range: 62 miles

Nissan Leaf

The LEAF was the first battery electric vehicle to enter the U.S. market in 2010. The updated LEAF comes in three trim levels and features driver-controlled regenerative braking modes. Depending on trim level, the LEAF recharges in 4 to 8 hours using a 240V charging station and in about 20 hours using a 120V outlet. The LEAF SL is fast-charging capable. 

EPA electric range: 84 miles

Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

The Panamera S E-Hybrid is a performance plug-in hybrid version of the Panamera. As a parallel plug-in hybrid, it can operate on electricity alone at speeds of up to 83 mph, or on a combination of electricity and gasoline at higher speeds or when the battery is depleted. The Panamera S E-Hybrid recharges in about 2.5 hours using a dedicated 240V charging station and in about 8 hours using a 120V outlet. 

EPA electric range: 16 miles 

EPA total range (gas + electric): 540 miles

Toyota Prius Plug-In

The Prius Plug-in is a plug-in hybrid version of the popular Prius hybrid. The Prius Plug-in uses primarily battery power at low speeds and relies on its hybrid system and efficient gasoline engine at higher speeds. The Prius Plug-in recharges in about 1.5 hours using a dedicated 240V charging station and in about 3 hours using a 120V outlet. 

EPA electric range: 11 miles 

EPA total range (gas + electric): 540 miles

Tesla Model S

The Model S is a full-size, five-door high-performance battery electric sedan. It comes in two trim levels, with different battery sizes, a universal charging connector to allow 110V and 240V charging from a Tesla charging station, fast-charging capability, and adapters to enable charging from non-Tesla stations. 

EPA electric range: 265 miles with 85 kWh battery 

EPA electric range: 208 miles with 60 kWh battery