Not a Tesla in sight

At this level, anybody following the EV industry is effectively conscious that numerous Tesla homeowners are bailing out. They’re upset about Elon Musk‘s politics and voting with their wallets (if they’ll) by promoting their vehicles and selecting one other model. Some individuals are skipping over Tesla solely, as evidenced by falling gross sales in key markets. In April 2025, the corporate’s European gross sales had been down 49% year-over-year, although the area’s total battery EV gross sales had been up 34.1%, as CNBC stories.

When you’re trying to keep away from Tesla, the number of choices on the market is usually a little intimidating at first. The excellent news is that the EV business is advancing quickly, so there are many worthwhile fashions to select from — this record simply has a few of the greatest contenders. In a couple of years, Tesla might change into an also-ran within the business it helped kickstart.

1

Chevrolet Equinox EV

Vary for the greenback

Chevrolet

I’ve by no means been an enormous fan of Chevy autos. I do not like most vans and (full-size) SUVs, and the one rental automobile worse extra disappointing than the Spark I drove was a Chrysler PT Cruiser. It is exhausting to disregard the worth proposition of the Equinox EV, nevertheless — for $33,600 earlier than charges, you get an SUV with 319 miles (513 kilometers) of vary. That is surprisingly near Tesla’s Mannequin 3 and Mannequin Y whereas costing hundreds of {dollars} much less. You additionally get an Android-based 17.7-inch touchscreen interface with preloaded apps like Spotify and Google Maps, plus entry to extra software program by way of the Play Retailer.

Certainly, there are no critical drawbacks to the Equinox except you insist on utilizing CarPlay or Android Auto, each of that are unsupported. You may additionally have to spend additional in case you reside someplace with freezing winters — within the base trim, there is no heating for the steering wheel or entrance seats.

Associated

I’m eagerly awaiting the death of the sedan

Deep into the twenty first century, it is a format that does not actually make sense anymore.

2

Rivian R1T

The very best electrical pickup

Rivian

Lots of the folks switching away from Tesla have opted for a Rivian, which is smart, notably in the event that they purchased (or had been contemplating) a Cybertruck. The R1T is arguably the perfect electrical pickup truck available on the market, with ample passenger and cargo area, together with a singular “gear tunnel” in case you want greater than the flatbed can present. It is loaded with Tesla-style tech options too, together with a 15.6-inch touchscreen interface constructed off Android. Improve choices embody bigger batteries and tri- and even quad-motor configurations, the latter of which supplies 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque. With the suitable trim, the truck can carry 1,764 kilos, or tow 11,000 — simply bear in mind that the heavier you go, the decrease your vary might be.

There are a couple of different drawbacks to the truck. First, whereas the most cost effective trim (Journey) might be the perfect for most individuals, even that prices $71,700 whereas solely offering 258 miles (415 kilometers) of vary. You may have to decide on a $7,000 battery improve to get to 330 miles (531 kilometers), or an much more costly pack to succeed in 420 miles (676 kilometers). A totally-equipped Quad-Motor Premium R1T goes to set you again $111,700, at which level you have to be contemplating whether or not it is actually price dipping into your kid’s school training.

Some folks may even resent the absence of CarPlay or Android Auto, although Rivian’s software program could also be adequate to compensate. Do not feel too pressured into signing up for a Join+ subscription — this primarily provides mobile web with an built-in hotspot. You may tether to your cellphone in case you’ve bought sufficient knowledge in your plan.

Associated

I hope the Rivian R3 will be the vehicle to topple Tesla

Tesla will not shrink and vanish in a day, naturally.

3

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Glorious vary in case you’re keen to pay

Hyundai

I am on document for disliking sedans. If that is your bag, although, the Ioniq 6 is price contemplating, particularly its SE Lengthy Vary trim. That may attain as much as 342 miles (550 kilometers), which compares very effectively with the 363 miles (584 kilometers) of the longest-range Mannequin 3, at a barely decrease $43,995 price ticket (earlier than any tax incentives). It is typically well-equipped on the tech degree, too — as an example, supporting each CarPlay and Android Auto — so no ego on Hyundai’s half right here. If you wish to lower your expenses, you may get the $39,045 SE Customary Vary, though you will be sacrificing each vary and horsepower.

There’s really not an excessive amount of else to say in regards to the Ioniq 6. That is an excellent factor, because it does what you’d anticipate — it is quiet, drives effectively, and consists of all of the driver-assist options you would need wanting true self-driving. The one issues I would name out are that, as a sedan, there’s not a lot cargo area, and even its rear seats do not have a lot headroom.

Associated

5 tricks I use to extend my EV’s battery range

These battery-saving ideas will remove vary nervousness in your subsequent street journey.

4

Kia EV9

For big households

Electrify America

The Tesla Mannequin X was an enormous deal when it first arrived, being the one three-row electrical SUV on the time. Since then, nevertheless, choices have expanded, and it is exhausting to high the Kia EV9 if you wish to be environment friendly. The principle attraction is the value — $56,535 will get you a 230-mile (370-kilometer) trim, and in case you improve to Mild Lengthy Vary ($61,395), you will get 304 miles (489 kilometers). These ranges do fall under the Mannequin X, however even the most cost effective X configuration begins at $86,630. I would slightly save $20,000 if all I have to do is haul household and groceries round city.

In any other case, the story is far the identical because the Ioniq 6, within the sense that it is spectacularly unspectacular — it does all the pieces you’d hope for with out a lot fuss. It is a snug automobile with loads of cargo area. You may choose between six- and seven-seat configurations, the distinction being whether or not the center row has a bench or two captain’s chairs.

Every row has two fast-charging USB ports. And sure, drivers do get assist for CarPlay or Android Auto, which challenge on a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Associated

Everything you need to know about PEVs, or personal electric vehicles

You should utilize PEVs like e-bikes and scooters to discover, run errands, or pace up your commute.