As the EV market overall grows at a staggering rate, more and more EV consumers are looking beyond Tesla’s offerings. Leading industry experts have compiled a list of the most deserving contenders, pointing out models that truly excel in areas of performance, pricing and available features. Among these contenders is the Lucid Air, praised by automotive journalist Jason Cammisa as “the best-handling sedan ever made in the history of the world.” With a starting price of $69,900, the Lucid Air positions itself as a formidable rival to the Tesla Model S.
The bottom line is this—the Lucid Air does more than lofty promises. Including the optional Wunderbox battery fast charger you can add 200 miles of charge in under 12 minutes! This express charge feature boosts its attractiveness among electric vehicle aficionados. Cammisa, along with fellow auto analysts Patrick George and Jared Rosenholtz, concurs that the Lucid Air stands out as a top competitor to Tesla’s flagship sedan.
Unlike its luxury competitors, the Lucid Air is offered in four different trims, targeting different types of consumers. Cammisa apparently considered the Lucid Gravity—an $79,900 SUV—the highlight of the trip. He highly recommends it for photographers who need to be versatile and adaptable but don’t want to compromise on quality and performance.
“The Lucid Gravity is even better — if you want a minivan looking SUV. Dynamically that thing is unbelievable and the packaging is unbelievable. I send people to Lucids all the time.” – Jason Cammisa
The Porsche Taycan, beginning at $100,300, is a major electric competitor. Cammisa mentions that it’s very much like a sports car, with blistering fast charging speeds. Its performance and luxurious features make it a strong candidate for buyers who prioritize driving dynamics.
For anyone interested in other options besides a Tesla Model 3, Cammisa points out some big contenders. Likewise, Hyundai’s new Ioniq 5, at $42,400, presents a compelling mix of aesthetics and punchy performance. Considering the $42,900 starting price of the Kia EV6, it’s an even more appealing and competitive choice. Those stylish looks and performance numbers aside, it’s an attractive alternative.
George has likewise praised the Model 3, crediting it for having the most value across an entire segment of the market. He refers to it as “the best consumer product in the world.” This simple statement goes a long way in making it an attractive option to buyers looking for reliable electric transportation.
“It’s the best car in the world, period, full stop, not up for discussion.” – Jason Cammisa
The Model 3’s long-range dual-motor variant delivers an impressive 489 horsepower and 620 lb.-ft. of torque, making it a top choice for those seeking power alongside efficiency. As the market fills with options, many Tesla owners are admitting they want to switch gears to other brands.
George noted a shift in consumer sentiment: “They’re done with Tesla because of Elon.” And, unsurprisingly, this attitude mirrors a larger exodus from Tesla, as former Tesla owners try out other EV options. Increasingly, the Rivian R1S SUV has become the darling vehicle for many departing Tesla owners. With a sticker price of $75,900, it’s receiving a great deal of attention for its performance as well as its striking design.
George’s poster child was a Polestar 3, starting at $67,500. This marvelous model features bold styling, sporty performance, and cutting-edge technology, offered in all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive configurations. Cammisa had high praise for the Hyundai products, noting they scored “all the marks right.” He emphasized how their improved user experience and packaging brings in new consumers of all demographics.
“The consumer experience is the real differentiator now.” – Jason Cammisa
Electric vehicles are advancing quickly and making major inroads into today’s market. As a result, consumers have more choices today than ever before. Our diverse marketplace means that the competitive landscape offers models that appeal to all riders and all riding budgets.
Included in these more palatable options are manufacturers like Volvo. Putting aside the cuteness factor, Rosenholtz has other reasons to focus on the EX30, which he hails as “the quickest Volvo ever produced.” He described its 10-minute charging time and incredible performance as other important factors of its sale.
Cammisa’s assertion that the Macan EV is “the complete package” is hardly surprising. It’s yet another sign of just how much the competition is raising their game to compete with Tesla’s market leadership.
