Chevrolet Equinox EV LT

Below is a U.S.-market recommendation list as of September 1, 2026, weighted toward EVs people are actually buying, not just critic favorites. The latest broad model-sales data I found is Q2 / first-half 2026; full-year 2026 data obviously is not complete yet.

Best electric cars to actually consider

My short “buy-this” list

If you don’t want to overthink it:

1. Tesla Model Y Long Range — best all-around EV and the one Americans buy most.
2. Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL / Limited AWD — best non-Tesla EV.
3. Tesla Model 3 Long Range — best electric sedan.
4. Chevrolet Equinox EV LT / RS — best value play if discounted.
5. Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium Extended Range — best non-Tesla crossover alternative.
6. Rivian R1S — best premium three-row EV.
7. Kia EV9 GT-Line — best mainstream three-row family EV.
8. Ford F-150 Lightning — best electric truck for traditional truck buyers.

I’d start with Model Y vs. Ioniq 5 vs. Equinox EV for most SUV shoppers; Model 3 vs. Ioniq 6 for sedan shoppers; and R1S vs. EV9 for families needing three rows.

If you want the best electric cars that people actually buy, the safest short list is the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Chevrolet Equinox EV.

A practical way to think about “best” here is to combine sales popularity with expert reviews:

If you want the single best buy for most people, the Tesla Model Y is the strongest answer because it is the best-selling EV in the U.S. and globally, while also appearing at or near the top of broad “best EV” lists.

If you want non-Tesla models people actually buy, the best picks are the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Kia EV9.

If you want, I can narrow this to:

• best EVs under $40k
• best EV SUVs
• best luxury EVs
• best long-range EVs

Here are the electric cars people actually buy right now, with exact model names, based on real sales and popularity.

Best Overall / Most Popular

• Tesla Model Y — The best-selling electric car in the world. If you want one, the Model Y Long Range AWD is the sweet spot.
• Tesla Model 3 — The best-selling EV sedan. The Model 3 Long Range RWD is the one most people choose.

Best Value / Affordable

• Chevrolet Equinox EV — The Equinox EV LT with FWD is one of the best-priced EVs with 300+ miles of range (and it gets a $7,500 tax credit).
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 — The Ioniq 5 SE RWD Standard Range is the value pick, but the Long Range AWD is the one most buyers spring for.
• Kia EV6 — Similar to the Ioniq 5. The EV6 Light Long Range RWD is the popular model.

Best for Families / SUVs

• Hyundai Ioniq 9 (new) but until it's widely available, the Kia EV9 is the real 3-row SUV people buy: the EV9 Land AWD is the top-selling trim.
• Ford Mustang Mach-E — The Mach-E Premium with Extended Range battery is the most popular version.
• Tesla Model X — For those who want Tesla’s big SUV, the Model X Long Range is the model people actually order (not the Plaid).

Best Electric Trucks

• Ford F-150 Lightning — The Lariat trim is the best-seller among real truck buyers.
• Rivian R1T — The Dual Motor Large Pack is the most-purchased version.

Best Luxury / Premium

• BMW i4 — The i4 eDrive40 is the model most people buy. (The M50 is fun, but the eDrive40 is the volume seller.)
• Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV — The EQE 350 4MATIC SUV is the popular entry.
• Porsche Taycan — The Taycan 4S is the version most Porsche buyers actually pick.

Long-Range / Road-Trip King

• Lucid Air — The Air Pure is the one people actually buy (not the crazy Grand Touring). It delivers ~420 miles for under $80k.

If You Want Cheap And Used

• Nissan Leaf — The Leaf SV Plus is the used-market bargain king. People buy it because it’s cheap, not because it’s fancy.

Discontinued but Still Bought New/Used

• Chevrolet Bolt EV / Bolt EUV — GM discontinued these, but they still fly off used lots. If you can find one, the Bolt EUV Premier is the one to get.

Bottom line: If you just want “the best” and don’t care about brand politics, the Tesla Model Y Long Range is the default answer because it’s what most people actually buy. But if you want comfort, value, or a truck, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Kia EV9 are the models real buyers choose in those categories.

The top electric cars by actual sales volume (primarily battery-electric vehicles, or BEVs) in 2026 are led by Tesla models globally and in major Western markets, with a surge of affordable Chinese-market options dominating volume worldwide.

These reflect what buyers are choosing in high numbers, based on recent registration and sales data through mid-to-late 2026. “Best” here prioritizes popularity and real-world purchases over subjective reviews, though many of these also score well for range, practicality, and value. Sales leaders vary by region due to pricing, incentives, infrastructure, and preferences (e.g., small affordable cars in China vs. crossovers in the US/Europe).

Global Top Sellers (BEVs)

Data from sources like CleanTechnica (tracking registrations) and others show these models leading year-to-date or in recent months (figures are approximate and fluctuate; Tesla Model Y often has a massive lead):

• Tesla Model Y — The consistent global #1 BEV (and often the world’s best-selling passenger vehicle overall). It outsells the next models by a wide margin (e.g., roughly double the runner-up in some YTD periods) thanks to its crossover practicality, range, performance, Supercharger network, and updates. Strong in the US, Europe, Japan, and elsewhere.
• Tesla Model 3 — Frequently #2 or #3 globally and a top seller in the US. Updated versions offer strong range (up to ~360+ miles in top trims), efficiency, and value as a sedan.
• BYD Song (including Song Plus/Seal U variants) — Often #2 globally in recent periods; a midsize crossover/SUV popular for its mix of features, range, and pricing (BEV and PHEV versions contribute to volume).
• Geely Xingyuan (also called EX2 or Galaxy Xingyuan in some markets) — A fast-rising small/affordable EV, frequently top 3–5; appeals in China and via exports.
• BYD Seagull (also Dolphin Mini or Dolphin Surf) — Popular small, budget-friendly hatch; high-volume seller in China.
• BYD Yuan Up (Atto 2 in some export markets) and BYD Dolphin — Compact, affordable crossovers/hatchbacks driving small-EV demand.
• Other notables in top 10 lists: Li Auto i6, Xiaomi YU7 (or SU7), MG 4, and NIO ES8/EL8.

Chinese brands (especially BYD and Geely) dominate the broader top 10–20 with multiple affordable models, reflecting strong domestic demand and export growth.

US Top Sellers (H1 2026 estimates)

US data (e.g., from Cox Automotive/Cox estimates) emphasizes larger vehicles:

• Tesla Model Y — Dominant #1 (e.g., ~163k units, up slightly YoY).
• Tesla Model 3 — Clear #2 (~67k units).
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 — Leading non-Tesla (~21k units); praised for design, tech, ride, and warranty.
• Toyota bZ (updated bZ4X) — Strong growth (~18k units).
• Chevrolet Equinox EV — Competitive compact crossover.
• Others: Rivian R1S, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Honda Prologue, Lexus RZ, Cadillac Lyriq.

Other Notable Mentions

• In Europe and markets like Australia/New Zealand: Tesla Model Y remains prominent, alongside models like Škoda Elroq, BYD Atto 3/Atto variants, MG 4, and Kia/Hyundai options.
• Premium or niche high-sellers: Rivian R1S/R1T, various Kia/Hyundai (e.g., EV9, Ioniq 5/6), and emerging options like the Cadillac Lyriq.

Recommendations depend on your needs: The Tesla Model Y is the safest broad pick for most buyers due to its unmatched sales success, ecosystem, and versatility. For affordability and city use, consider BYD Seagull/Dolphin or Geely Xingyuan (availability varies by market). For a stylish non-Tesla alternative in the US/Europe, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out. Check local incentives, charging access, exact specs (range, pricing), and test drives, as availability and trims differ. Sales data evolves quickly with new launches and market shifts.