If you’re not interested in giving up your internal combustion engine car and switching to an EV, that’s understandable. Even some gung-ho EV makers are toning things down in response to slowing consumer demand and are focusing more on hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
That’s not to say EVs aren’t big news. In 2023, EV sales in the U.S. topped 1 million for the first time. According to Edmunds, the sales tally was 1,077,138. That’s up from 713,145 in 2022, 389,410 in 2021, and 233,330 in 2020.
EVs Still a Fraction of the Vehicles on the Road
Insuranceopedia, meanwhile, says there are 2,531,206 electric vehicles—full EVs and plug-in hybrids—on the country’s roads this year. Of the approximately 286 million cars on the road last year, a mere 9.3% were EVs.
Is an EV in Your Future?
While you might not be ready to turn in your gas-engined vehicle for an EV, no one says you have to. In other words, it doesn’t have to be either. It can be both. If you stop to think about it, you might find that an EV can make a good second or third car.
If you have an internal combustion engine car and add an EV to your collection, you might not fret as much about range. You can use an EV as a second or third car and avoid range anxiety and long stops at EV charging stations.
Here are 14 EVs that you should consider adding as a backup vehicle to your daily driver.
Nissan Leaf
While the Nissan Leaf doesn’t have a range worthy of long road trips, that won’t necessarily matter if your EV is a backup vehicle. You can choose from two generations in North America, specifically 2011-2017 and 2018-2025. Car and Driver says a 2025 Nissan Leaf S offers a range of 149 miles, and the SV Plus model goes up to 212 miles. But you’ll have to settle for even less with earlier model years. That said, they’re pretty reliable if you want a second car to run errands and do stuff around town.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 was manufactured for the North American market for the 2014-2021 model years. Reviewing the 2014 model year, Edmunds says the four-person cabin is roomy, the vehicle accelerates quickly, the handling is nimble, and the cargo space is versatile as far as EVs go.
Another interesting benefit is the option for a gas-powered range extender. Meanwhile, Edmunds adds that the BMW i3 is more expensive than most entry-level EVs and has a range of about 81 miles.
Mini Cooper SE
Do you like the Mini brand? The 2020 Mini Cooper SE’s electric motor generates 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, and it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds.
Motor Trend says the vehicle has a 32.6-kWh lithium-ion battery and can get 110 miles between charges. While that’s nothing to write home about, it might be more than enough if you need a second or third vehicle.
It might be worth considering if you like the Mini’s unique looks, want an EV, and don’t need it to go for hundreds of miles.
Fiat 500e
Car and Driver says the 2024 Fiat 500e has a limited driving range, a stiff ride, and rear seats that are only comfortable for little kids. However, it adds that it achieves its goal of being a cost-effective city EV. If you live in a city or suburb and want a ride to get around town, the 140—to 150-mile claimed range between charges might be okay.
Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 debuted in the U.S. for the 2021 model year. Edmunds reports it offers an electric range of 250 miles, an RWD drivetrain, and an electric motor with 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. While you can find EVs with more range, the ID.4 can be a capable electric SUV for your family, depending on the use case.
Mazda MX-30
The compact crossover was launched in 2020 as Mazda’s first full-production electric car. Despite its small dimensions, the MX-30 packs a lot of character. While its battery pack is only good for a claimed 100 miles, that should be good enough for running errands close to home—and for bigger trips, Mazda has introduced hybrid powertrains that can extend the range to 423 miles on a European cycle.
Kia Soul EV
Kia debuted its Soul EV in the U.S. market in the 2015 model year. To say that the range leaves plenty to be desired is an understatement, with a scant 93 miles of claimed range. In its defense, with a meager 109 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, a 0 to 60 time of 11.2 seconds and a top speed of 90 mph, it won’t get to the bottom of its ‘tank’ quickly, and it can be a great EV if you have a short commute.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric debuted in the U.S. for the 2019 model year. Equipped with a 64 kWh battery pack and a range of around 258 miles, it offers more than enough driving range for most drivers.
You may never have to worry about public charging stations if you only need the Kona for errands, short trips, and weekend excursions. You can also choose between FWD and AWD; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard.
Chevrolet Spark EV
A Chevrolet Spark EV makes a great grocery getter and for other shorter-range trips on your agenda. The 2014 model year offers 82 miles of range, and the last model year was 2016.
Audi Q4 e-tron
The Audi Q4 e-tron is a compact, luxury vehicle that can make a suitable second car for families that need more than one car on the driveway.
Introduced in the U.S. for the 2022 model year, the Audi Q4 e-tron is a compact electric SUV available in RWD and AWD configurations. You can get it with a range of between 258 and 288 miles, depending on the model.
Genesis GV60
Genesis released its first all-electric car, the Genesis GV60, for the 2023 model year. The two primary trims include Advanced AWD, which has a dual motor with 314 hp and a range of around 248 miles, and Performance AWD, which has 429 hp and a range of around 235 miles. A RWD option that is good for 294 miles can also be specified.
The 2025 model year features, among other things, a charging time of as little as 18 minutes to get from 10% to 80%.
Subaru Solterra
According to Car and Driver, the 2023 model year combines a 160-kW motor, a 72.8 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, and a direct-drive tranny. It achieves a range of between 222 and 228 miles and has 215 hp and 249 lb-ft. It’s a good option if you want to do outdoorsy things you can’t easily do in your daily driver.
Jaguar I-PACE
You can get a Jaguar I-PACE from the 2019 to the 2024 model years. If you want a second car that’s sporty, stylish, and luxurious, the Jaguar I-PACE EV might be worthy of your shortlist.
Car and Driver says the 2019 model has AWD, 394 hp, 512 lb-foot of torque, a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds, and a driving range of 234 miles. The publication adds you can charge up to 80% in as few as 40 minutes with a DC fast charger.
Mercedes-Benz EQB
The Mercedes-Benz EQB arrived in the U.S. for the 2022 model year. It’s a compact SUV with the option of three rows of seating. If you get the EQB 300 4MATIC, you’ll receive AWD with dual motors that generate 225 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, if you get the EQB 350 4MATIC trim, the motors produce 288 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque.
An EV Can Make the Perfect Backup Vehicle
If you want a second or third vehicle, adding some EVs to your shortlist of candidates might make sense. You won’t have to worry as much about range since you can be selective about how you use it.
More From Driver’s Drift
13 Phrases Mechanics Use to Up Your Repair Bill
13 SUVs Owners Say They Wish They Never Bought
15 Vehicles With Blind Spots So Bad You’ll Wonder Why They Even Have Windows
15 Easy-to-Miss Signs of Unmarked Cop Vehicles You Should Know About
