Most Americans are still skeptical about driving an electric vehicle. They are scared that their cars will lose charge with no charging stations in sight. The truth is that charging stations are cropping up everywhere and fast. Not only that but most manufacturers are churning out electric vehicles and competing with one another in terms of charge range. The great news for consumers is that these vehicles are more reliable than ever and the savings in gas are tremendous. Also, buyers are eligible for generous federal tax credits.  For those of us still wary of buying plug-in vehicles, there are some hybrids in this lineup that are great for a long commute too. Keep the electric car trend in mind when browsing your options and happy car shopping!
2017 BMWi3
The i3 is one of the most efficient battery-powered cars in the 2017 lineup. It’s so sleek it’s hard to call it a commuter car. This model is also one of the fastest off the line, and as BMW puts it, “Green still means go.†This car also boasts sustainability from the inside out, with 25% of the vehicle made from renewable and recycled materials. This vehicle can be fully recharged in 4.5 hours and has a 180 mile total range, with 114 miles per charge.
2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
One of the most affordable electric vehicles out there, with a range of more than 200 miles,  the Bolt (not to be confused with the Volt) won the 2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year award and the Green Car of the Year award from Green Car Journal. This car is definitely getting attention and with good reason. The Bolt EV gets 238 miles per charge, so you could go up to three or four days without needing to plug this vehicle in at all – even with a 40-mile round trip commute to work.
2017 Fiat 500e
Strangely, the 500e is only sold in California and Oregon and at select FIAT studios, but who wouldn’t cross state lines to buy one of these? They are probably the most fun electric vehicle to drive and they are affordable and stylish while having zero emissions and being wholly electric. The charger can recharge from empty to full in less than four hours and comes with a Level 1 (120 volt) charger. The technology on this Fiat is as thorough as the tiny car itself.
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid
If you’re looking for a mid-size sedan with great MPG, look no further. This plug-in can go almost 20 miles on electricity alone. That’s not the greatest output but you must consider the really low base price of $25,295 and an MPG City/Hwy of 43/41! Not only is this a green car, it’s a technologically savvy one too, with plenty of driver assists for parking and for pre-collision alerts. There’s a reason this car is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
This car is not only gas efficient but it’s incredibly affordable and yet stylish. Not that many people even know it exists so if you find one, you can probably get a great deal on this vehicle, which rivals the Ford Fusion in terms of pricing. The 100% electric car has zero emissions and has three different levels for charging. The included charger produces a full charge from empty in 14 hours. The other two options are much faster. In half an hour you can get an 80% charge with this car. Mitsubishi also boasts a battery with an eight-year warranty, which is very good for an electric vehicle.
2017 Nissan Leaf
This car is the best-selling electric car in the U.S. This trusted all-electric car boasts up to 107 miles per charge after charging overnight, making it the perfect commuter car. It also has the technology, called NissanConnect, to help you find public charging stations in instances where you are running low on charge. In fact, the technology in this car is just great in every way, inside and out. Another big draw in buying this car is how cheap it is to maintain and operate. It’s also a very quiet car because of the silent motor. If you’ve wondered what kind of power this little car has, then you should know that there’s no lag in its instant torque.
2017 Chevrolet Volt
One of the more affordable electric cars around, the Volt boasts a 53-mile range, which is ample mileage for most commuters. Don’t confuse this car with the Chevy Bolt, even though they are top contenders as some of the most affordable green cars out there. The Volt was built for those of who want a backup plan: When this electric vehicle’s battery runs out, it generates the gas-powered generator. You never have to worry about finding a charging station! If you are fully charged and have a full tank of gas, you can go up to 420 miles in this car.
2017 Toyota Prius Prime
Prius owners will notice that the design (interior included) of the new model is far superior. Most importantly, the Prius Prime has a 53-mile range and superior technology all around. This has been a very popular car since it came out but it’ll be even more popular with 2017’s improvements. It makes sense why Kelly Blue Book has awarded this hybrid the Best Buy Award.
2017 Volkswagen e-Golf
Finally, VW has come out with an all-electric vehicle! The good news is that people are noting how remarkable it is too, with a range of up to 124 miles. Volkswagen fans will be sad to hear, however, that it’s only available now in 10 states. The MSRP on this starts at approximately $29,000. This car has a 124-mile-charge range, and 115 hp. This car is also very connected, with features only previously seen in luxury cars.
2017 Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S remains the dream car of many Americans. It’s also the standard by which many vehicles, especially luxury ones, measure up as electric vehicles. This year’s model boasts a 300-mile range and can still accelerate faster than most cars out there. It’s also simply a gorgeous car. If you can afford one, there’s never been a better time to buy one. While it seems excessive to use a car like this for commuting purposes, these cars are built to last. And the person who has it all won’t mind putting a little wear and tear on this baby only to trade it in for a new model in 2018!
If you’re worried that insurance costs will hit the roof after buying a green car, don’t worry. Electric and hybrid vehicles don’t necessarily cost more to insure. You can choose any 2017 model and get an insurance quote before buying a car by contacting an Auto Insurance Specialist by phone (888)772-4247 or by clicking here.
Remember, it’s not worth finding out the hard way that you need to be insured, especially when you have a long commute, which leaves ample room for accidents or mishaps on the road. Speak with an agent about your needs and concerns and they will take care of everything for you so you can drive with peace of mind.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements, nor is it intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
