Fuel prices have not yet leveled out, and everyone’s feeling the pinch. Drivers across the country are spending close to $100 to top off their tanks, if not more.
How big is your daily driver? The size of your ride has a significant impact on fuel economy. Tap or click here to check out the top 10 most expensive vehicles at the pump.
Electric cars have been around in some form for more than 100 years, but they didn’t catch on until this century. And now, you may find yourself on a long waitlist to get an EV. Interested in getting one? Check out the top five bestselling EVs for the first quarter of 2022.
EVs are growing among Americans
Americans bought nearly twice as many electric cars in the first quarter of 2022 as they did in the first quarter of 2021, according to a report from Kelley Blue Book.
Some states offer tax credits that can be stacked on top of federal tax credits, saving you money after buying an alternative fuel vehicle. Go to afdc.energy.gov/laws/search and plug in your location to find out how much you could get back
1. Tesla Model Y
With three vehicles in the top five, Tesla is the current EV leader. The Model Y crossover is based on the Model 3 platform, adding greater ground clearance, more storage space and an optional third row of seating.
The Model Y starts at $67,990 for the Long Range model, which gets an estimated 318 miles of range and uses a dual-motor with an all-wheel-drive powertrain.
You’ve got to be careful when browsing prices on Tesla’s website. For example, go to the Model Y page and you’ll see it going for just $57,990. What gives? Ah, Tesla is factoring in incentives and estimated six-year gas savings. Sneaky! The price you’ll pay to take one home is $10,000 higher.
RELATED: What you should know before buying an electric vehicle
2. Tesla Model 3
Noticing a pattern here? Tesla scores a 1-2 finish on this list with the Model 3. The compact sedan used to be more of an entry-level EV at about $35,000, but that price didn’t last long. The cheapest Model 3 now goes for $48,490 and comes in rear-wheel drive with a 267-mile range.
Tesla has yet to offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for any of its automobiles, despite pressure from would-be Tesla owners and loyal customers. Hopefully, the carmaker will change its mind by the time the revamped CarPlay launches with iOS 16.
3. Ford Mustang Mach-E
Mustang purists were not happy about the storied pony car’s name being applied to an electric SUV of all things, but the folks at Ford hit on something here. The Ford Mustang Mach-E takes styling cues from its classic namesake, and enough people are buying these cars to give it a top-three finish.
Ford’s website states that you can no longer order a new 2022 model due to high demand. You can, however, search the current inventory of what’s already out there on dealer lots. Or wait for the 2023 models to arrive.
The base rear-wheel-drive Mach-E Select starts at $43,895 and gets 247 miles of range. Remember that, unlike dealing with Tesla, you’ll find varying prices depending on your dealership and haggling skills.
RELATED: Is the Ford F-150 Lightning truck worth the money?
4. Tesla Model S
The Model S sedan wasn’t Tesla’s first EV (that honor goes to the first-generation Roadster), but this is the car that propelled the company and CEO Elon Musk into the mainstream.
We’re well into luxury car territory regarding the Model S, which starts at $109,490 for the “base model.” You get dual motors, all-wheel drive, and 375 miles of range for that price.
Oh, you better enjoy driving with a yoke. The Model S no longer offers a traditional steering wheel.
5. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 is the first vehicle to come out of Hyundai’s new Ioniq sub-brand and was the 2022 World Car Awards Electric Vehicle of the Year. Though it just launched last year, this electric compact SUV is already playing hard to get. If you want one, you may have to wait until next year’s model drops.
The Ioniq 5 starts at $39,950 for the rear-wheel-drive SE Standard Range model. You’ll get a single motor powering the rear wheels and 220 miles of range. Add about $5,000 to that price and you’ll get an additional motor, all-wheel drive and 303 miles of range.
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