Characteristics of the Best Electric Family Vehicles
Most of us already know what we are looking for in a family car, but EVs have some unique qualities that they also need to focus on if they want to be considered one of the best electric vehicles for a family.
- They need to be spacious enough for up to five passengers and cargo
- They must be safe, not just in a crash but also in the technology they use
- They should have enough range that they can run errands around town all day one a single charge
- They are expensive, but they also need to be affordable for people already paying to keep their families comfortable
What to Consider When Buying Electric Family Cars
Buyers have been skeptical about EVs for years, but the writing is on the wall and they will soon make up the majority of new vehicle lineups. Until such time, these are some things to consider when choosing an electric family vehicle rather than a gas or diesel one.
Pros
- Good performance, even from economy brands
- Very high standard feature specs
- Spacious cabins and trunks are becoming more common
- Comfortable and quiet ride experience
- As batteries get more advanced, driving distances are improving
- Many qualify for tax rebates or come with charging vouchers
Cons
- They are still a lot pricier than similar gas models
- It can take a long time to charge one on a regular outlet
- If you run out of charge on the road, you can’t just get a can of gas to see you to the next station
- The technology has not yet established itself as 100% reliable
FAQs
What is the best electric car for a family of 5 or 6?
As with gasoline cars, SUVs are going to be very popular, and more affordable names like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are arguably the best family EV models right now. But if you need room for even more, the only models currently offering a third row are the Tesla Model X and Y, and Mercedes-Benz EQS. These are not nearly as cheap.
What size and configuration are the best electric family cars?
If you only have one or two small children, a hatchback or sedan may be good enough, but if your kids are entering their teens or you are you’re thinking of adding a few new family members, a larger SUV is a must. Station wagons are a good alternative, too.
How much do the best electric cars for families cost?
The price of electric cars is naturally a little higher than similarly outfitted gasoline ones, but that doesn’t mean they have to be expensive. Most people buying for a family will be looking at SUVs, and some cheap options include the Chevrolet Bolt EUV at around $30,000 or the Kia Niro EV at $40k.
How reliable are the best family EVs?
There has been a great deal of focus on electric cars in recent years, and the technology has come a long way. Most brands have developed their tech to the point where they are as dependable as established gas-powered cars, and with federally-regulated warranty cover, your components will be taken care of for at least eight years or 100,000 miles.