There are about a dozen best electric cars on the market for 2012. We are defining best as a car you will be able and purchase without taking out a second mortgage, drive home, plug in and enjoy.
This is a shake out period. Some cars are on sale, some have already been suspended, and some will be coming out in the coming months and years. These cars are well advertised, but not all are available.
Here is a list of the cars we consider to be the best:
Limited trial leases 2012
On sale in China
USA in 2012
2012 US, 2013 Europe
On sale in 2012
On sale select markets
Now worldwide
Now in some markets
Europe 2011, US 2012
Sometime in 2012
Production suspended
On sale now in USA
BWW is field testing a small fleet of EVs using the Active e concept. The Mini e test in 2011 went very well. BYD has scaled way back from a few years ago. The company has managed limited production on the e6 for sales in Shenzen China.
The Coda is up for sale in 2012 in the USA. The specs for this car look very good. Real world results await. Ford lists two electric cars for sale in 2012. The much awaited focus is to be followed by the C-Max Eneri.
The Mitsubishi iMiev has been well accepted in Europe, with some 17,000 sales and the French Government ordering that many more. Nissan has found success with the Leaf, selling over 20,000 units in 2011. The company plans a sport model soon. Reva will produce two NXR models in 2012. A lead acid and Li-Ion model for greater range.
2012 should witness the introduction of the Daimler Smart ED into North American markets. The Smart will be offered in a mini-pickup version at some point.
The Teslas S is around the corner and people are waiting. The car promises a record 160 mile electric only range. Cost is $50,000 for the privelege. Too bad, but the Think has stoppped production in 2011. There are rumors of restarting the car.
Wheego is still offering its NEV and commuter version of the Whip in select markets in the USA.
The Honda Fit looks like a great new EV for 2012, and the old RAV 4 EV is back as a new 2012 model.
Finally is Renault. The French company offers a lineup of EV concepts. We shall see how many make it to production in 2012.
Renault Kangoo electric car concept
Honda Fit EV - Great reviews. 2013 model up for limited lease in the summer of 2012
The much liked RAV 4 EV is coming back
The iMiev is being widely distributed
The Nissan Leaf - Still the standard of the modern EV industry in our view
BMW ActiveE - lease only some call it the "Best Electric Car"
Miles Coda electric car - about $40,000
seems great, waiting on owner reviews
