As of 2022, it's safe to say that EVs are mainstream. With all major mass-market automakers offering multiple EVs in their portfolio, it is confusing to choose one. EVs, with their convenience and refinement, make for great family runabouts if the range isn't a major concern, but, with a whole range of EVs to choose from, the decision-making process is getting increasingly difficult. So, here is a list of 10 EVs that we think should be on your list if you are on the lookout for an electric family car.

Nissan Leaf - $27,400

The Nissan Leaf is a well-established player, with its very first generation dating back to 2010. The Leaf is a real pioneer in the mass market EV space and it still holds to its original ethos. For starters, the headline figure for the Nissan Leaf continues to be its price tag, which at $27,400 for the entry-level 40 kWh battery model powered by a 110 kW motor, continues to be one of the cheapest EVs currently on sale in the United States, especially if you include the $7,500 federal tax credit which brings the effective price down to just $19,900 plus destination. 

 

But, don't let the low price fool you. Not only does the Nissan Leaf offer all the basic features one would want from a family car, but the 40kWh battery pack also delivers a usable range of 151 miles which is commendable. The electric motor with 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet feels quick courtesy of all the electric torque and is more than adequate for everyday commutes. If the regular Leaf does not cut it for you, then there's the Leaf e+ that packs a bigger 62 kWh battery pack and a 160 kW motor (215 horsepower) that helps bump the range up to 226 miles, and the price for all this extra oomph is just a $5,000 premium over the standard Leaf. 

Nissan Leaf

Hyundai Ioniq 5 - $39,950

 

In 2021, Hyundai unveiled its first big step towards an electric future when it released the Ioniq 5 EV. Launched a little ahead of the Kia EV6, both these cars are based on the E-GMP platform that will underpin the new Genesis GV60 as well. The Ioniq 5 introduces us to a somewhat new and unorthodox form factor that aims to bridge the gap between an SUV and a crossover which brings in a lot of space and practicality. In the design department too, Hyundai did a great job bringing the 45 EV concept to life that brings a unique neo-retro design to an otherwise mundane segment, just to make things interesting. The interior also features a similar design that makes the best use of cabin storage and manages to provide more space than other similarly sized ICE vehicles. 

 

With a base price of just $39,950 for the entry-level SE variant, the Ioniq 5 is pretty affordable considering the sheer amount of space and features it has to offer. Even the base trim comes with all the goodies including 12-inch infotainment and 12-inch digital driver display that, in conjunction, offer one of the best in-car infotainment experiences in the business. The mid-spec SEL version comes with more equipment and is also available with a bigger battery which costs $47,125. The dual-motor AWD version is priced at $50,625.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Ford F-150 Lightning - $39,974

 

Ford's F-150 lineup is a legend that holds a special place in American automotive folklore. Not only is the F-series the most popular vehicle that Ford makes, but for the past 45 years, it's been the best-selling truck in the world. The Lightning is a well-thought-out spin on the classic F-150 formula, which is why we think it makes for an excellent family hauler. 

This latest F-series in its EV guise is available in multiple flavors, but let's start with the basics first. The entry-level commercial-grade F-150 Lightning starts at $39,974 while the range-topping version can be specced north of $90,000. Available only in Crew Cab guise with a 5.5-feet bed, this full-size pickup comes with a dual motor AWD setup as standard. The entry-level version makes 446 horsepower and comes with a 98-kWh battery pack, and manages to deliver an EPA-claimed range of 230 miles. 

 

The higher trims offer a bigger 131-kWh battery pack and produce 572 horsepower. It offers a range of 320 miles, but the top-of-the-line Platinum trim, with all its additional accessories, sees a drop in the range down to 300 miles. With plenty of space, tech, and all the storage you could ever ask for, the F-150 lightning is an excellent family EV.

Ford F-150 Lightning

Kia EV6 - $40,900

 

The second part of Hyundai motor group's all-new E-GMP EV platform comes to us in the form of the brilliant and striking Kia EV6. Offered in three trim levels - Light, Wind, and GT - the Kia EV6 is a cleverly positioned car that aims to offer compact SUV levels of space and comfort in an extended hatchback form. The base "Light" EV6 packs a 58.0 kWh battery, sending power to the rear wheels, and carries a sticker price of $40,900. But, with the federal tax rebate, it can be yours for as low as $33,400. 

 

The Wind and GT trims pack a 77.4 kWh battery pack along with extra power, and both are available with AWD as an option with the bigger battery pack. As for the range, the RWD versions are capable of achieving 310 miles on a single charge. The "Wind" trim comes with 34-percent more power than the base variant which is why it can get from 0-60 mph in just 7.2 seconds as opposed to the eight seconds needed for the "Light" trim. The GT is, of course, the range-topping version, which is why it's capable of hitting 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.5 seconds. The RWD GT costs $51,200, whereas the AWD is priced at $55,900. This puts it deep into Tesla Model 3 territory. 

The charging times are also pretty impressive as the EV6 supports DC fast charging. The EV can recuperate from 10- to 80-percent in just 18 minutes. The car can even use its batteries to export power to other devices using the baked-in vehicle-to-load feature that can be used to feed power to your entire house in case of a power outage. In addition, if you choose to use your EV for those weekend camping trips, the EV6 with all that instantaneous torque, can tow up to 2,300 pounds. 

Kia EV6

Ford Mustang Mach-E - $43,895

 

Putting a spin on Ford's iconic Mustang badge, the new Mustang Mach-E is a practical and compact family crossover that promises to be the perfect family car to take on the popular Tesla Model 3 and even the Model Y. In a bid to take on the future-ready competition with full force, Ford has pulled all the stops to make the Mach-E a well-thought-out family car. For starters, the Mach-E carries a base price of $43,895, which is nearly $20,000 cheaper than an entry-level Model Y. The Mach-E is very well designed and in many ways is well suited to family car duties. For starters, it comes with a big boot that measures 14.2 cubic feet, which is not the best in the segment but it's ample for short family getaways. The frunk is a nicely partitioned space measuring 4.8 cubic feet and even comes with a drain plug to use as a drinks cooler. 

 

Offered in both RWD and AWD guises, the Mach-E is available with either a single-motor or dual-motor setup, the Mustang Mach-E will be available in four distinct trim levels, which include Select, California Route 1 Edition, Premium, and performance-oriented GT, each model offering different power and equipment levels. The entry-level car features a 68 kWh battery pack powering a rear-mounted motor that makes 266 horsepower. A bigger battery is also available across the board that also increases the power output to 290 horsepower. Going for the AWD version with the bigger 88.1 kWh battery pack brings you more power - 346 horsepower. However, the top-spec Mach-E GT is the fastest trim. It packs a dual-motor setup that obviously powers all four wheels, churning out 480 horsepower and clocking 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Tesla Model 3 - $46,990

 

In a discussion of practical family EVs, the Tesla Model 3 has to be the most easily recommendable vehicle on sale today. Unveiled to the public back in 2017, the Tesla Model 3 is already one of the most popular EVs in the world and the highest-selling car in Tesla's portfolio with over half a million units sold in 2021 alone. The Model 3's lineup consists of the base RWD car, the AWD Long Range, and finally, the AWD Performance, which, as the name suggests, is the most powerful setup of the bunch. 

 

With a starting price of $46,990 for the base RWD variant, the entry-level Model 3 offers an EPA-rated 272 miles of range, while the range-topping performance variant comes in at $62,990. The impressive stats to accompany its "performance" badge include a 0-60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 162 mph. The base variant is no slouch either, taking 5.8 seconds to 60 mph from rest and a top speed of 140 mph. Apart from the practicality and space offered by the traditional three-box design, nothing else about Tesla is conventional. It can seat four people in absolute comfort and even five in a pinch, and comes loaded with one of the best in-car infotainment systems that, for some reason, still doesn't support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The bottom line is if you need a family EV for around $50,000, the Model 3 should be on your wishlist.  

Tesla Model 3

Volvo C40 Recharge - $59,845

 

The second all-electric car in Volvo's lineup, the C40 Recharge is the coupe version of the XC40 Recharge and comes with the same drivetrain as the XC40. Power comes from a dual-motor setup, that, combined, can produce up to 408 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, which allows it to reach 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. This Volvo also packs a 78 kWh battery pack with 11 kW (Level 2) charging and 150 kW DC fast charge capabilities which come in handy considering the Volvo has a relatively small range of 226 miles. 

 

The C in this new model's name signifies that this is the coupe version of the XC 40 compact crossover, but a well-executed one at that, which is why it makes this list. For starters, the coupe roofline has next to no compromise on the rear headroom. As a result, this compact coupe crossover can seat four in relative comfort. The interior, in typical Volvo fashion, is simple and stunning. For a starting price of $59,845 before incentives, the Volvo C40 Recharge is a great family EV offered in the entry-level luxury segment.

Volvo C40 Recharge

Tesla Model Y - $62,990

 

Largely based on the Model 3 sedan, the Tesla Model Y is the brand's latest family crossover that ticks all the right boxes and makes a very compelling case as the perfect family EV. Taking the fight to the Mustang Mach-E and VW ID.4, the Model Y is not as polished or as well balanced as the Model 3, but that's mostly down to the fact that it's an affordably reengineered Model 3 platform. But, that is not entirely a bad thing because just like the Model 3, it does some things exceptionally. For starters, there's plenty of space for four, and the sleek and simple interiors are easy to clean. The added ground clearance means it can even take on dirt tracks and other minor obstacles, and the new boot more than doubles the trunk room with 36 cubic feet of storage on offer as opposed to the Model 3's 15 cubic feet.

 

Offered in two trim levels with AWD as standard, the Model Y range carries a starting price of $64,440 for the entry-level long-range trim with 330 miles of range and does 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The top-of-the-line "Performance" trim, on the other hand, costs $67,990 and offers 303 miles, and does the 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.6 seconds. The Standard Range model has been canceled for 2022. Backed by Tesla's reliable supercharger network and the desirability of an SUV form factor, the Tesla Model Y is a very sensible and practical family car. 

Tesla Model Y

Audi E-Tron - $65,900

 

The E-Tron marked a significant milestone in Audi's lineup by becoming the German automaker's first mainstream EV. For the 2023 model year, both the standard E-Tron and its coupe version the E-Tron Sportback, receive a midcycle update. For starters, the entry-level E-Tron GT starts at $65,900, while the range-topping "Prestige" trim comes in at $87,495 and brings in all the tech and optional extras that one could ask for. As far as the powertrain goes, the E-Tron range is exclusively offered with a dual-motor AWD guise with 355 horsepower (402 horsepower available momentarily) and an EPA-estimated range of 222 miles. 

 

For the price, the range is underwhelming and it’s a shame that Audi isn't bumping up its battery capacity or range because it has great fundamentals for a GT car. But, where the E-Tron truly impresses is in the aesthetics and quality department, with clean and typically Audi lines and a well-put-together interior that packs plenty of connectivity and features including gimmicks like cameras for side mirrors. The Audi E-Tron is an SUV that you and your entire family can love and enjoy. 

Audi E-Tron

Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo - $97,700

After starting with one of the most affordable EVs let's finish the list with one of the most expensive and sought-after EVs currently that just so happens to tick all the boxes to qualify as a well-rounded family car. Nobody's style speaks family car than a good ol' wagon and what could be sweeter than a Porsche wagon? Based on the very successful Taycan sedan, the shooting brake version, which is also available in a more rugged "Cross-Turismo" avatar, shares the majority of its components with the sedan, including its drivetrain. The entry-level AWD trim costs $97,700 that comes with 469 horsepower, while the range-topping Turbo S with 750 horsepower comes in at a whopping $190,000; that is before any options, for which you get an equally ridiculous 0-60 mph time of 2.4 seconds. 

 

But, it's not the manic acceleration or the Porsche badge that you pay for, the Porsche Taycan is without a doubt, one of the best driving EVs currently on sale that beautifully blends agile handling and reassuring braking with the manic acceleration and refined ride to create a driver-focused experience. And, with the shooting brake form factor, you get all the practicality of a big boot in a car that is perfectly suited for a family of four.

Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo