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Top Electric Vehicles Of 2020

From Tesla’s soaring sales and stock to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that the state will phase out the sale of new gasoline-fueled cars by 2035, there’s never been a better time to start the search for your first (or next) electric vehicle. Detroit-based automaker GM also shook up the auto industry this year with the release of its classic Cadillac brand’s first-ever EV, Lyriq, along with the news that it would be converting its Detroit-Hamtramck plant into an all-EV manufacturing facility. 

GM is not the only automaker that boosted its electric selection in 2020. Many automakers have unveiled new EVs or updated pre existing models in the past year. The Business Download is here to help you explore some of the best battery-powered vehicles that 2020 has to offer–many of which are made right here in the U.S.A.! Your next trip to the dealership could be to pick up one of these sweet, eco-friendly rides.

Nissan LEAF

With all LEAF hatchback models coming in at under $45,000, Nissan offers a great deal on its 2020 EV selection, saving you money and sustaining the environment for years to come. Nissan’s sole, five-seat EV lineup received the 2020 J.D. Power Award for Best In Class Vehicle Dependability Among All Compact Cars. 

  • All models come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display and Nissan even offers an app that allows drivers to control certain vehicle functions like door locking, climate control, and vehicle charging. 
  • There are five LEAF versions available for purchase: S ($31,600), SV ($34,190), S Plus ($38,200), SV Plus ($39,750) and SL Plus ($43,900). Model prices vary depending on features and range.
  • The S and SV models can last up to 149 miles per charge, S Plus can go 226 miles, and SV Plus and SL Plus up to 215 miles. The latter two feature a string of additional features like navigation, Apple CarPlay, and the SL Plus comes equipped with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist safety feature. 
  • Nissan operates four manufacturing plants in the U.S., including ones in Tennessee and Mississippi. Nissan says that its 884-acre Smyrna, Tennessee, plant, where LEAF is manufactured, is the “highest-volume vehicle assembly plant in North America.” This facility alone employs more than 7,000 people, according to Nissan.
Photos from Nissan Press Kit

Tesla Model 3

Chances are you’ve seen one or two Tesla Model 3s driving around–it’s been the top-selling EV so far this year. After scanning the details, it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular. With a starting price of $37,990, Model 3 is Tesla’s least expensive vehicle option–but don’t let that fool you. 

  • Model 3 can last up to 322 miles on a single charge, reaches 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and, as Tesla describes, its interior is “built around the driver.” 
  • The five-seat sedan’s interior features a stunning 15-inch touchscreen display with all driver controls and a front-to-back glass roof. Owners can even use their smartphone as the key to their vehicle. 
  • Model 3 is incredibly safe and was awarded a 5-star overall rating by NHTSA. 
  • Three versions of the vehicle are currently available: Standard Range Plus–a rear-wheel-drive option that starts at $37,990, and Long Range and Performance–dual-motor all-wheel drive options that go for $46,990 and $54,990, respectively. 
  • One of the most notable differences between the three is that 0-60 mph speed and top speed increase with price. The Long Range model has the most range with 322 miles per charge compared to the Standard Range model which lasts up to 250 miles and Performance at 299 miles.
Photo from Tesla Press Kit

Kia Niro EV

The 2020 Kia Niro EV is a stylish, small crossover SUV that offers up to 239 miles of range per charge and comes with many standard features. 

  • These include an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, a rearview camera, heated front seats, and a front sound-absorbing windshield. 
  • Niro comes in two models: EX, which starts at $39,090, and EX Premium, starting at $44,590. 
  • Buyers who choose the premium version will have upgraded features like a 10.25-inch customizable touch screen with a navigation system, a wireless phone charger, adjustable interior mood lighting, and a power sunroof. 
  • Kia’s West Point, Georgia plant is “the only Kia manufacturing plant in the United States, and the only automaker in Georgia,” according to the company website.  This massive 2,200-acre plant opened in 2006 and employs 3,000 people. The company said in 2019 that the plant has created more than 15,000 local jobs.
Photos from Kia Media

Jaguar I-PACE

Luxury and efficiency were mixed to make the Jaguar I-PACE crossover SUV, and with a range of up to 234 miles per charge, you’ll be able to enjoy it for long periods before needing to recharge. 

  • This stunning, five-seat SUV comes with a ton of features, including multiple touchscreens, a space-maximizing floating center console, deployable door handles, acoustic laminated glass for a quiet drive, and a cabin preconditioning system that preheats or pre-cools the vehicle from Jaguar’s mobile app before entry. 
  • Customers even have the option to add Jaguar’s Head-Up display which projects important information like navigation directions and speed on the windshield. 
  • The 2020 I-Pace comes in three variations: S, SE, and HSE. The I-PACE S model starts at $69,850, SE starts at $76,250, and the HSE at $80,900. 
  • Range and acceleration speed are consistent across the models, but the latter two vehicle types feature several upgraded features like leather sport seats, daytime headlights, and larger wheels.
Photos from Jaguar I-PACE Press Kit 1 & Press Kit 2

Tesla Model S

There’s a lot to love about the Tesla Model S sedan. With a range of up to 400 miles per charge and 28 cubic feet of storage (best in class), it’s tough competition and perfect for a road trip. 

  • According to Tesla, Model S has “the quickest acceleration on earth—from zero to 60 mph in as little as 2.3 seconds,” not to mention a long list of futuristic tech features.
  • These include Tesla’s signature 17-inch touchscreen display and 360-degree cameras for optimal visibility. 
  • According to Tesla, Model S is “the most aerodynamic car in its class with the lowest drag coefficient on earth” (0.23). 
  • Tesla currently offers two variations of the five-seat Model S: Its Long Range Plus version (around 402-mile range) for $74,990 and the Performance model (around 348-mile range) listed at $94,990. 
  • The Long Range goes from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and reaches top speeds of 155 mph while the Performance model’s 0-60 mph time is just 2.3 seconds and a 163 mph top speed. 
  • Tesla also recently announced its Plaid Model S. Plaid will boast 520-plus miles of range per charge, up to 200 mph top speed, and a less-than-2 second 0-60 mph, which Tesla says is the “Quickest 0-60 mph and quarter-mile acceleration of any production car ever.” Plaid is available for preorder for $139,990 with deliveries slated for late next year.
Photo from Tesla Press Kit

Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X SUV is not your average SUV. Its Falcon Wing Doors will leave your friends and neighbors in awe. It’ll also make opening the door a breeze in even the tightest of parking spots. 

  • In addition to its jaw-dropping design, Model X also boasts impeccable safety features and received a 5-star NHTSA rating. 
  • Model X seats 7 and has 88 cubic feet of “best in class” storage. 
  • In addition to featuring Tesla’s 17-inch touchscreen display, Model X also includes “the largest all-glass panoramic windshield in production, with optimized solar tinting,” according to the automaker, and 12 ultrasonic sensors that “detect nearby cars, prevent potential collisions and assist with parking.” 
  • The vehicle comes in two versions: Long Range Plus and Performance. 
  • The Long Range Plus model is capable of up to 351 miles of range per charge, reaches top speeds of 155 mph, and starts at $79,990. The Performance model, which starts at $99,990, can reach 305 miles of range, has a top speed of 163 mph, and comes with Tesla’s Ludicrous Mode and Enhanced Interior Styling. 
  • Tesla’s Model X, Model S, and Model 3 are made at the automaker’s 370-acre Fremont, California manufacturing facility. The plant employs over 10,000 people, according to Tesla.
Photo from Tesla Press Kit

Porsche Taycan

For those looking for luxury and a car that will help keep the air clean, look no further than the classic yet modern Porsche Taycan. Porsche says the Taycan takes Porsche’s “DNA into a new automotive era,” and that the car still embodies the automaker’s three token attributes: “puristic, expressive, timeless.” 

  • Taycan seats four and comes equipped with stunning four-point LED headlights, an impressive 16.8 curved display and automatically extending door handles, among other exciting features. 
  • Taycan comes in three models, all with around 200 miles of range: Taycan 4S ($103,800), Taycan Turbo ($150,900), and Taycan Turbo S. 
  • The 4S reaches 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, Turbo in 3 seconds, and Turbo S in around 2.6 seconds. Each model reaches top speeds of around 160 mph.
Photos from Porsche newsroom

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