If you’re trying to figure out what cars are electric today, it can feel like drinking from a firehose. Just a few years ago you mostly heard about Teslas and the Nissan LEAF. By 2025, nearly every mainstream brand, Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, and more, sells at least one fully electric model in the U.S., with dozens of nameplates across sedans, SUVs, pickups, and luxury cars.
Big picture
In 2025, there are well over 50 distinct battery‑electric passenger models either on sale or recently on sale in the U.S., plus many more plug‑in hybrids. This guide focuses on fully electric vehicles (BEVs) you’ll actually see, and realistically buy, on the U.S. market, especially as used vehicles.
What cars are electric in 2025? Quick overview
Electric car market snapshot, 2024–2025
To keep this useful, we’ll group electric cars by body style and use case, then call out specific models you’re most likely to encounter, especially if you’re shopping used through a marketplace like Recharged, where every EV comes with a battery health report and fair‑market pricing.
- Compact electric sedans and hatchbacks (e.g., Nissan LEAF, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai IONIQ 6)
- Electric SUVs and crossovers (e.g., Tesla Model Y, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, Chevy Equinox EV)
- Electric pickup trucks and vans (e.g., Ford F‑150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T)
- Luxury and performance EVs (e.g., BMW i4, Mercedes EQE SUV, Audi Q4 e‑tron, Cadillac Lyriq)
Used EV opportunity
New‑EV sales slowed in 2024–2025, but that’s creating a deep and rapidly growing used‑EV pool. If you’re flexible on color and exact trim, you can often find 2–4‑year‑old electric cars at substantial discounts versus original MSRP.
Electric sedans and hatchbacks
Sedans and hatchbacks were the first wave of modern EVs, and they’re still some of the most efficient choices if you don’t need SUV ride height. Here are key fully electric cars in this category you’ll see on the road and in the used market:
Popular electric sedans and hatchbacks
From budget‑friendly commuters to long‑range highway cruisers
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 remains one of the best‑known electric sedans. It offers strong range (roughly 270–350 miles depending on trim and year), access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, and over‑the‑air software updates. It also dominates used‑EV search volume, so you’ll see plenty of them on marketplaces.
Nissan LEAF (redesigned)
The Nissan LEAF helped start the modern EV era. Earlier models had modest range (often under 150 miles), but the redesigned 2026 LEAF, announced in August 2025, jumps to just over 300 miles of EPA range while keeping a sub‑$30,000 starting price. Older LEAFs can be very affordable used commuter cars if you understand their shorter range and battery chemistry.
Hyundai IONIQ 6 & Kia EV6
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 (a sleek sedan) and Kia EV6 (a low crossover) ride on Hyundai‑Kia’s fast‑charging E‑GMP platform. They’re known for efficiency, quick DC fast‑charging, and modern interiors. You’ll find increasing numbers of 2023–2025 models in the used market with 250–350 miles of range.
Other electric sedans and compacts to know
- BMW i4 – Sporty fastback with ~250–300 miles of range and BMW driving dynamics.
- Chevrolet Bolt EV / EUV – Discontinued new but widely available used; compact, efficient, and budget‑friendly.
- Volkswagen ID.4 (borderline SUV) – Technically a compact crossover, but many shoppers cross‑shop it with hatchbacks.
- Toyota bZ4X / Subaru Solterra – Compact EVs that straddle the line between hatchback and SUV.
If you mainly commute in the city or suburbs and don’t regularly haul big cargo, a sedan or hatchback EV can give you more range per dollar than a bulkier SUV. For used shoppers, older LEAFs, Bolts, and early Model 3s often represent the lowest entry price into EV ownership.
On Recharged, you can filter inventory by body style and range, then use the Recharged Score report to see how each car’s battery health compares to similar vehicles.
Electric SUVs and crossovers
Ask U.S. shoppers what cars are electric now, and most will picture SUVs. That’s not an accident, crossovers and SUVs are where mainstream brands are putting most of their EV effort, because that’s where American buyers are already shopping.
Mainstream electric SUVs and crossovers
The heart of the U.S. EV market
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is the best‑selling EV in the U.S., with 2024 sales north of 370,000 units. It’s a compact crossover with a hatchback, optional third‑row seats on some trims, and EPA range generally in the 260–330 mile ballpark. Because it’s so common, you’ll see a deep bench of used Model Ys in different trims and mileages.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 & Kia EV9 / EV5
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a compact, retro‑styled crossover with ultra‑fast charging and 250–300+ miles of range. Kia’s EV9 stretches the formula into a three‑row family SUV with around 300 miles of range, while the smaller EV5 (and EV3 in some markets) target compact‑SUV shoppers. These are becoming go‑to options for families who want an electric SUV that feels familiar.
Ford Mustang Mach‑E & Chevy Equinox EV
Ford’s Mustang Mach‑E and Chevrolet’s Equinox EV give you mainstream American brands in EV form. The Mach‑E leans sporty; the Equinox EV targets value‑conscious SUV buyers with GM’s Ultium battery tech and competitive range. Both are showing up in greater numbers on used lots as 2023–2025 models come off lease.
Watch for trim‑level differences
The same SUV nameplate can have very different real‑world range and charging speeds depending on battery size, motor count, and wheel choice. When you shop used, compare specific trims and EPA ratings, not just the model name.
Example electric SUVs by size
Representative EV SUVs you’re likely to see on U.S. roads and in the used market by late 2025.
| Size class | Examples | Typical EPA range (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | Tesla Model Y; Hyundai IONIQ 5; Kia EV6; VW ID.4 | 240–330 mi | Core of today’s EV market; strong used inventory |
| Midsize | Ford Mustang Mach‑E; Nissan Ariya; Toyota bZ4X; Subaru Solterra | 220–300 mi | Good mix of space and price |
| Three‑row / Large | Kia EV9; Cadillac Lyriq; Tesla Model X; Mercedes EQS SUV (limited) | 260–330+ mi | Great for families; higher price and weight |
This is not a complete list, but it highlights common EV SUVs across size classes.
Electric pickup trucks and vans
Pickup trucks and vans are the newest frontier for EVs. Volumes are smaller than SUVs today, but if you tow, haul, or run a small business, this is where the technology is headed.
Key electric trucks and vans
Work, play, and commercial use
Ford F‑150 Lightning
The Ford F‑150 Lightning brings the best‑selling truck nameplate into the electric age. Expect roughly 230–320 miles of range depending on battery and trim, strong towing capability, and features like Pro Power Onboard that can power tools or a home during outages.
Tesla Cybertruck & Rivian R1T
The Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T target lifestyle and adventure buyers. They deliver eye‑catching design, very quick acceleration, and off‑road‑friendly features. Range is typically 250–340 miles depending on configuration and year. They’re still relatively rare but growing in numbers, especially in EV‑heavy markets.
Rivian EDV, BrightDrop & more
On the commercial side, Rivian’s EDV electric delivery vans, GM’s BrightDrop vans, and emerging electric cargo vans from Ford and others are turning last‑mile delivery electric. These are mostly fleet‑focused, but some eventually filter into the used market, especially for small businesses.
Range and towing
If you’re cross‑shopping electric trucks with gas or diesel models, understand that towing and heavy loads can dramatically cut EV range. Plan your charging stops conservatively, and look closely at owner‑reported towing range, not just headline EPA numbers, before deciding an electric truck fits your use case.
Luxury and performance electric cars
EVs aren’t just eco‑commuters. Many of the quickest and most luxurious vehicles on sale today are fully electric, and the list continues to grow for 2025.
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Notable luxury and performance EVs
High speed, high tech, and high comfort
Tesla Model S & Model X
Longtime flagships of Tesla’s lineup, the Model S and Model X deliver blistering acceleration and strong range. They’re pricey new but increasingly common used, often with high mileage. Check battery health and charging behavior carefully when shopping older examples.
Mercedes EQE / EQS, BMW iX, Audi e‑tron family
European luxury brands now offer multiple EVs: Mercedes EQE and EQS sedans/SUVs, the BMW iX and i5/i4, and Audi’s Q4 / Q8 e‑tron models. Mercedes has paused some U.S. EQ orders in 2025 due to market shifts, but these vehicles are active in the used market and abroad.
Cadillac Lyriq & Escalade IQ
GM is leaning into luxury EVs with the Cadillac Lyriq midsize SUV and the upcoming all‑electric Escalade IQ. The Lyriq pairs sharp styling with Ultium‑battery range around 300 miles, while the Escalade IQ targets long‑range full‑size SUV buyers.
“Electric drivetrains make it possible for family SUVs to accelerate like sports cars while delivering quiet, refined daily driving. The question isn’t whether luxury goes electric, it’s how quickly buyers follow.”
Most popular electric cars on U.S. roads
Knowing what cars are electric is helpful. Knowing which EVs are common is even more useful, because common models usually mean better parts availability, more owner knowledge online, and deeper used‑car inventory.
Best‑selling EV models in the U.S. (recent years)
These models have led U.S. EV sales recently and dominate many used‑EV listings.
| Rank (approx.) | Model | Type | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model Y | Compact SUV | By far the most common EV; huge new and used presence |
| 2 | Tesla Model 3 | Sedan | Long‑running volume EV with strong charging support |
| 3–5 | Ford Mustang Mach‑E, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Tesla Cybertruck | SUVs & truck | High‑volume non‑Tesla options plus Tesla’s polarizing pickup |
| 6–10 | Ford F‑150 Lightning, Honda Prologue, Chevy Equinox EV, Cadillac Lyriq, Rivian R1S | SUVs & trucks | Show where mainstream brands and new entrants are pushing volume |
Sales figures vary by source and year, but the same names keep showing up at the top.
Why popularity helps used buyers
Sticking with proven, high‑volume EVs can make ownership easier: more shops know how to service them, parts are easier to source, and there’s better data on real‑world range and battery longevity. That’s a big reason Recharged focuses on late‑model, well‑documented EVs with transparent battery health diagnostics.
New vs used EVs: Which makes more sense now?
By late 2025, the U.S. EV market is in an odd spot: lots of models, cooling new‑car demand, and shifting incentives. That’s created pricing pressure on new EVs, and some very compelling deals on late‑model used ones.
Reasons to consider a new EV
- Latest tech and range – Newer EVs often add range, faster charging, and improved driver‑assist features.
- Full factory warranty – Especially on the battery and drive unit, which are expensive components.
- Potential incentives – Depending on state and utility programs, you may still qualify for rebates even as federal policy shifts.
Reasons to look hard at used EVs
- Depreciation is your friend – Many EVs drop sharply in value in the first 3–4 years, making used pricing attractive.
- Plenty of supply – Off‑lease Teslas, Bolts, IONIQs, Mach‑Es, and others are flowing into the market.
- Battery data – With tools like Recharged’s battery health diagnostics, you can see how a specific car has aged rather than guessing.
Battery health is the ballgame
With used EVs, the battery pack is the most important and expensive component. A structured battery health report, like the Recharged Score, helps you compare vehicles on more than just miles and model year, and avoid unpleasant surprises later.
How to choose the right electric car for you
Once you know what cars are electric, the next step is narrowing the list to what actually fits your life. Instead of starting with a model name, start with your daily reality: how far you drive, where you live, and how you’ll charge.
Practical checklist for picking an EV
1. Map your real range needs
Track your typical weekday and weekend driving for a couple of weeks. Most U.S. drivers cover well under 50 miles per day, which makes many EVs workable, even those with shorter ranges.
2. Decide how you’ll charge
Home charging (especially a Level 2 240‑volt setup) is a game‑changer. If you live in an apartment or rely on public chargers, favor EVs with faster DC charging and robust charging‑network support.
3. Choose body style and space
If you regularly haul kids, pets, or gear, a compact or midsize SUV like a Model Y, IONIQ 5, or EV9 may make sense. If you mostly commute solo, a sedan or hatchback can be cheaper and more efficient.
4. Set a realistic budget
Look at total cost of ownership: payment, insurance, electricity vs gas, and potential maintenance savings. A used EV with healthy battery life can undercut a comparable new gas car on monthly costs.
5. Research known issues by model
Every EV model has its quirks, early LEAF battery degradation, some charging‑port issues on certain models, software bugs, etc. Search owner forums and reliability data for the exact year and trim you’re considering.
6. Get independent battery and vehicle checks
For used EVs, ask for a <strong>battery health report</strong> and have the car inspected by an EV‑savvy technician. Recharged bakes both into the process, so you’re not guessing about the pack, brakes, or tires.
Don’t ignore charging access
Range numbers on a spec sheet are tempting, but if you can’t easily charge where you live or work, even a 300‑mile EV will be frustrating. Before you fall in love with a specific model, make sure you have a clear charging plan.
FAQ: What cars are electric and how to shop smart
Frequently asked questions about electric car models
Closing thoughts: Matching the EV to your life
So, what cars are electric If you start with your needs, range, space, charging access, and budget, then layer in model‑specific research, you can narrow dozens of options down to a short list that actually fits your life. From there, a transparent used‑EV marketplace like Recharged can help you compare individual cars, see verified battery health via the Recharged Score, line up financing and trade‑in options, and have your EV delivered to your driveway or picked up at the Richmond Experience Center. EVs aren’t niche products anymore, they’re simply another way to buy a car. The key is understanding which electric models are out there, which ones fit how you really drive, and which specific vehicles have the battery health and pricing to make sense. Get those pieces right, and going electric can be one of the easiest car decisions you’ll make.
