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Are Electric Vehicles the Future?

It's clear electric cars are becoming more popular as many of us try to move toward more planet-friendly ways of living — even if automakers such as Hyundai, Kia, or Subaru refuse to report their sales or BMW or Mercedes don't give the breakdowns of sales by model. We can tell you the 20 best-selling electric cars of 2019 anyway, whether they're plug-ins, hybrids, or fuel cell models, with help from sources such as InsideEVs. Reported numbers for hybrids are battery-only; you'll go much farther combining gas and electric.

Note: InsideEVs' methodology uses automakers' reported numbers except for relying on buyer estimates and inventory movement for Tesla, which gives no monthly sales by country; GM, which gives no monthly sales; and BMW and Mercedes, which share the total electric vehicles sold by month, but not by model.

Related: 20 Electric Cars Cheaper Than a Tesla

Tesla Model 3 by Guillaume Vachey (CC BY)

Tesla Model 3

Models sold in 2019: 158,925
Starting price: $35,000
Miles per gallon equivalent: 133 combined
Electric charge range: 240 miles
Though Tesla is often presented as only a luxury vehicle, the Model 3 offers efficiency and an enjoyable driving experience at a not totally unreasonable price. It doesn't offer the same seamless, perfectly primed handling as the top models, but the miles per gallon and electric charge range are impressive.

Toyota Prius Prime by Automotive Rhythms (CC BY)

Toyota Prius Prime

Models sold in 2019: 23,630
Starting price: $27,350
Miles per gallon equivalent: 133 combined
Electric charge range: 25 miles
This generation of Prius was introduced in 2016, with not much improvement since. But it's also the least expensive car on this list and a solid option for those on a budget looking for a comfortable, eco-friendly option. Just don't plan on bringing much with you — the cargo area is rather small.

Tesla Model X 75D by Pål-Kristian Hamre (CC BY-SA)

Tesla Model X

Models sold in 2019: 19,225
Starting price: $81,000 
Miles per gallon equivalent: 85 combined
Electric charge range: 289 miles
The Tesla Model X can go from zero to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds and has a range of 310 miles. But the interior is a bit cramped (especially the third row) and the price is higher than other electric vehicles.

Related: Surprising Things Tesla Makes That Aren't Electric Cars

Chevrolet Bolt EV by Gregory Varnum (CC BY-SA)

Chevrolet Bolt EV

Models sold in 2019: 16,418
Starting price: $36,620
Miles per gallon equivalent: 119 combined
Electric charge range: 238 miles
The Bolt's range is impressive and the cabin is spacious, but it seems to prioritize performance over experience — it doesn't look as sleek as some others and the front seats are a bit narrow. Also, it doesn't qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit for a new vehicle purchase.

Tesla Model S by Guillaume Vachey (CC BY)

Tesla Model S

Models sold in 2019: 14,100
Starting price:$75,000
Miles per gallon equivalent: 102 combined
Electric charge range: 335 miles
The Tesla model S jumped $10,000 in price in 2019, but it also got upgrades in handling and acceleration. The range is impressive, and there's roomy seating and storage. It is among the best reviewed electric vehicles out there.

Nissan LEAF by Vauxford (CC BY-SA)

Nissan LEAF

Models sold in 2019: 12,365
Starting price: $29,990
Miles per gallon equivalent: 112 combined
Electric charge range: 150 miles
The Nissan LEAF is the world's best-selling electric car, having been sold since 2011. Is it also simply the best? Well, no. But it is pretty good. It offers more range than most other electric vehicles at the same price point and a quiet, comfortable driving experience. That may make up for the lack of telescoping steering wheel and, thanks to the battery pack, back seats that can't be folded all the way.

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell auf der IAA 2017 by Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA)

Honda Clarity PHEV

Models sold in 2019: 10,728
Starting price: $33,400
Miles per gallon equivalent: 110 combined
Electric charge range: 48 miles
The 2019 Clarity is still the first generation for a car released in 2017. The Clarity Electric's driving range isn't all that impressive, but it's at least said to be a pleasant ride.

Ford Fusion Energi by Mariordo (CC BY-SA)

Ford Fusion Energi

Models sold in 2019: 7,524
Starting price: $36,595
Miles per gallon equivalent: 103 combined
Electric charge range: 26 miles
Reviews say the biggest drawback of the Ford Fusion Energi is its lack of differentiation from a Fusion S that costs about $15,000 less. Still, if you're looking for a comfortable, sleek hybrid with precise steering, it may be worth it.

BMW Serie 5 G30 by Vauxford (CC BY-SA)

BMW 530e

Models sold in 2019: 5,862
Starting price: $54,000
Miles per gallon equivalent: 72 combined
Electric charge range: 16 miles
The BMW 530e is said to offer comfort, solid driving abilities, and some "cool parlor tricks" on the technology front, including Apple CarPlay being standard on all models. The backseat is said to be a bit crowded for tall adults, though, and the electric charge range is likely enough to get you to work and back, but not much more.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited (CC BY)

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Models sold in 2019: 5,723
Starting price: $40,245
Miles per gallon equivalent: 82 combined
Electric charge range: 32 miles
This Chrysler Pacifica minivan was introduced in 2017, with no significant upgrades since. It offers convenience and luxury across the board, but placement of the hybrid battery pack means second-row seats can't be folded into the floor. The driving is said to be better in battery mode than in gasoline mode.

Related: 50 Classic Family Cars of the Past 50 Years

Audi e-tron detroit by Thomas doerfer (CC BY)

Audi e-Tron

Models sold in 2019: 5,369
Starting price: $74,800
Miles per gallon equivalent: 74 combined
Electric charge range: 204 miles
Audi's new electric vehicle gets great marks online for comfort and pretty good marks for everything else. In 30 minutes, it can go from no charge to 80%. But the brakes aren't as strong as in other electric vehicles.

2012 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid by Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) (CC BY-SA)

Chevrolet Volt

Models sold in 2019: 4,910
Starting price: $33,520
Miles per gallon equivalent: 106 combined
Electric charge range: 53 miles
The Chevy Volt was launched by GM in 2010 to claims it was the "car of the future." Alas, not too long a future — it was discontinued in 2018. By 2023, GM says it will have launched at least 20 new electric and fuel-cell vehicles.

VOLKSWAGEN E GOLF by SAUD AL-OLAYAN (CC BY)

Volkswagen e-Golf

Models sold in 2019: 4,863
Starting price: $31,895
Miles per gallon equivalent: 119 combined
Electric charge range: 125 miles
For those who love a good Volkswagen, the 2019 E-Golf is said to drive much more like a typical car than most hybrids. Plus, thanks to its boxy shape, it offers quite a bit of utility. It's great for those who'd like a better-than-average electric vehicle that isn't too showy.

2018 BMW i3 facelift by Vauxford (CC BY-SA)

BMW i3 (BEV + REx)

Models sold in 2019: 4,854 (reported numbers for BEV)
Starting price: $44,450
Miles per gallon equivalent: 113 combined
Electric charge range: 153 miles
The 2019 i3 models all got a slight refresh from 2018, most notably with an upgraded battery. That said, several cars at around the same price point (including the Tesla Model 3) can drive much longer between charges.

Kia Niro by Vauxford (CC BY-SA)

Kia Niro PHEV

Models sold in 2019: 3,881
Starting price: $28,500
Miles per gallon equivalent: 105 combined
Electric charge range: 26 miles
Rather than a continuously variable automatic transmission like many hybrids, this compact hatchback uses a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, meaning it drives much more like conventional cars. But there is no all-wheel drive.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by Mitsubishi España (CC BY-NC)

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Models sold in 2019: 2,810
Starting price: $35,795
Miles per gallon equivalent: 74 combined
Electric charge range: 22 miles
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was one of the first plug-in hybrids to hit the market. The 2019 is spacious and offers a quieter, more comfortable interior than past models. That said, its electric charge range is on the lower side and it doesn't offer many perks given its hybrid status.

2019 Jaguar I-Pace by Dave Pinter (CC BY-NC)

Jaguar I-Pace

Models sold in 2019: 2,594
Starting price: $69,500
Miles per gallon equivalent: 76 combined
Electric charge range: 234 miles
The Jaguar I-Pace offers a comfortable ride, impressive acceleration, and a 234 mile electric charge range. And, while it's not the least expensive option, it's also not the most. If you're on the market for a luxury electric option, the Jaguar I-Pace could be an option.

Mercedes GLC 350e by Vauxford (CC BY-SA)

Mercedes GLC 350e

Models sold in 2019: 2,459
Starting price: $46,165
Miles per gallon equivalent: 56 combined
Electric charge range: 10 miles
The Mercedes GLC 350e gets solid reviews, but the consensus is that the plug-in hybrid version doesn't offer enough benefits to be worth it. For those who are seeking out a Mercedes, though, and just would prefer a slightly greener option, this may be a fit.

Mercedes C350e by SoulRider.222 (CC BY-ND)

Mercedes C350e

Models sold in 2019: 2,172
Starting price: $47,900
Miles per gallon equivalent: 112 combined
Electric charge range: 19 miles
Another "solid car, but not hybrid enough to be worth it" story. Whereas Audi and BMW have recently been updated, this Mercedes-Benz C-Class was last redesigned in 2015. Still, with a well-designed, tech-friendly interior and plenty of power for a luxury sedan, you could also argue it's not broken and therefore not in need of fixing.

Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid by Alexandre Prevot (CC BY-SA)

Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid

Models sold in 2019: 2,060
Starting price: $102,900
Miles per gallon equivalent: 51 combined
Electric charge range: 14 miles
Is it the greenest car in the world? No. Is it a Porsche? Yes. Think of it as a Porsche+, now with more green!