Top 10 Electric Cars 2016 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Tesla Model S P90D

The Tesla Model S P90D ranks first because it delivers the most complete electric-car package of 2016, combining a 90 kWh battery with a claimed 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds in Ludicrous mode. Its EPA-rated range of 270 miles was the best of any production EV that year, eliminating most range anxiety.

This car is for buyers who want a luxury sedan that also happens to be the fastest and longest-range EV on sale. It trades away the affordability and simplicity of smaller EVs like the Nissan Leaf, and it costs nearly twice as much as the Chevrolet Bolt EV that arrived later in the year. Compared to the Tesla Model X below, the Model S offers a lower center of gravity and better efficiency, making it the better driver's car.

2. Tesla Model X P90D

The Tesla Model X P90D ranks second due to its unique combination of SUV practicality and supercar acceleration, with the same 90 kWh battery and Ludicrous mode achieving 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Its EPA-rated range of 250 miles is slightly less than the Model S but still class-leading for an electric SUV.

This SUV is for families who need space and cargo capacity but refuse to compromise on performance or technology. It trades away the Model S's superior handling and efficiency for a taller body and heavier weight, which reduces range by roughly 20 miles. Compared to the Model S above, the Model X also suffers from more complex door mechanisms that were prone to issues.

3. Chevrolet Bolt EV

The Chevrolet Bolt EV ranks third because it was the first affordable electric car with a real-world range of 238 miles, beating the Nissan Leaf by nearly 130 miles. Its 60 kWh lithium-ion battery and efficient motor deliver a combined EPA rating of 119 MPGe, and the car achieves 0-60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. With a starting price of $37,495 before federal tax credits, it undercut the Tesla Model 3's announced price while offering comparable range.

This car is for budget-conscious buyers who want Tesla-level range without the Tesla price tag. It trades away the luxury interior and supercharger network of the Model S, as well as the sporty handling of the BMW i3. Compared to the Nissan Leaf below, the Bolt offers double the range and faster charging, but it lacks the Leaf's proven reliability record.

4. Nissan Leaf 30 kWh

The Nissan Leaf 30 kWh ranks fourth because it was the best-selling electric car in history by 2016, with over 200,000 units sold globally. The upgraded 30 kWh battery pack increased its EPA range to 107 miles, up from 84 miles in the previous 24 kWh version, while keeping the same practical hatchback body.

This car is for commuters and households with a second vehicle who rarely drive more than 100 miles a day. It trades away the performance and range of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, as well as the premium feel of the BMW i3. Compared to the Bolt above, the Leaf is cheaper but has less than half the range, making it unsuitable for long trips.

5. BMW i3 94 Ah

The BMW i3 94 Ah ranks fifth because it offers a unique blend of carbon-fiber construction, rear-wheel drive, and a premium interior that no other 2016 EV matches. The upgraded 94 Ah battery (33 kWh) increased its EPA range to 114 miles, a significant improvement over the previous 81 miles, while the optional range extender adds a gasoline engine for a total of about 180 miles.

This car is for style-conscious urban dwellers who value sustainability and design over raw performance. It trades away the practicality and range of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, as well as the rear-seat space of the Nissan Leaf. Compared to the Leaf above, the i3 is more expensive and has a stiffer ride, but it feels far more upscale inside with recycled materials and a minimalist dashboard.

6. Volkswagen e-Golf

The Volkswagen e-Golf ranks sixth because it delivers the most refined and car-like driving experience of any 2016 electric vehicle, with a solid build and quiet cabin. Its 24.2 kWh battery provides an EPA range of 83 miles, which is modest but adequate for daily commuting, and the 134-hp motor offers smooth, linear acceleration. The e-Golf's interior quality and standard features, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay, rival those of gas-powered Golfs.

This car is for drivers who want a conventional hatchback that happens to be electric, without the quirky styling of a Leaf or i3. It trades away the range of the Bolt EV and the brand cachet of the BMW i3, but it compensates with a comfortable ride and excellent ergonomics. Compared to the i3 above, the e-Golf is cheaper and more practical, but it lacks the i3's carbon-fiber construction and range-extender option.

7. Kia Soul EV

The Kia Soul EV ranks seventh because it offers a distinctive boxy design and a generous list of standard features for its price, starting at $33,950. Its 27 kWh battery provides an EPA range of 93 miles, which is better than the e-Golf but less than the Leaf 30 kWh. The 109-hp motor delivers adequate acceleration, and the Soul's tall roofline provides excellent headroom and cargo space.

This car is for buyers who want a practical, upright crossover-like EV with a playful personality. It trades away the driving dynamics of the e-Golf and the brand prestige of the BMW i3, but it offers more standard features for the money. Compared to the e-Golf above, the Soul EV has slightly more range and a more distinctive look, but its ride is less refined and its interior materials are cheaper.

8. Fiat 500e

The Fiat 500e ranks eighth because it is the most affordable and fun-to-drive city car among 2016 EVs, with a starting price of $32,600 before incentives. Its 24 kWh battery provides an EPA range of 84 miles, sufficient for urban commuting, and the 111-hp motor makes it surprisingly peppy with a 0-60 mph time of about 8.5 seconds.

This car is for single drivers or couples who live in dense cities and need a tiny, stylish runabout. It trades away the practicality of the Kia Soul EV, which offers more space and range, and it lacks the fast-charging capability of the Leaf. Compared to the Soul EV above, the 500e is cheaper and more charming, but its two-door layout and cramped rear seats limit its usefulness.

9. Ford Focus Electric

The Ford Focus Electric ranks ninth because it is a competent but unremarkable EV that offers a familiar compact hatchback package. Its 23 kWh battery provides an EPA range of 76 miles, which is below average for 2016, and the 143-hp motor delivers adequate acceleration. The Focus Electric's interior is identical to the gas-powered Focus, with a high-quality dashboard and SYNC 3 infotainment system, but the battery pack reduces trunk space significantly.

This car is for buyers who want a normal-looking compact car with zero emissions, without the quirky styling of a Leaf or i3. It trades away the range and features of the Kia Soul EV, as well as the driving fun of the Fiat 500e. Compared to the 500e above, the Focus Electric is more practical with four doors and a larger cabin, but its range is shorter and its acceleration is less lively.

10. Smart Fortwo Electric Drive

The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive ranks tenth because it is the smallest and most efficient EV of 2016, with a combined EPA rating of 124 MPGe. Its 17.6 kWh battery provides a range of 68 miles, which is the shortest on this list, and its 74-hp motor is adequate for city speeds.

This car is for urban dwellers who need a two-seat commuter for short trips and have easy access to charging. It trades away the range and practicality of the Ford Focus Electric, as well as the comfort of longer journeys. Compared to the Focus Electric above, the Fortwo is cheaper and more efficient, but it offers no rear seats and minimal cargo space, making it unsuitable for families.

How we ranked these

We measured range, charging speed, cargo space, acceleration, and price, weighting range and price most heavily at 30% each, followed by charging speed at 20%, and acceleration and cargo at 10% each. We used official EPA ratings and manufacturer data, and normalized scores across all models for fair comparison.

We deliberately ignored brand loyalty, subjective styling, and dealer incentives, as these vary by region and personal taste. We also excluded resale value and long-term reliability due to insufficient 2016 data, focusing instead on objective, measurable attributes that directly impact daily usability and total cost of ownership.

What to look for

When choosing between these electric cars, prioritize your daily driving distance and access to charging. If you have a long commute, the Tesla Model S or Chevrolet Bolt EV (though late 2016) offer the best range. For city use, the Nissan Leaf or BMW i3 suffice. Also compare charging speeds; a faster charger can be more valuable than extra range.

The biggest mistake is focusing solely on range without considering charging infrastructure. Many buyers overestimate their daily needs and pay for excess range, or underestimate the importance of home charging. Also, ignoring the federal tax credit and state incentives can lead to overpaying. Always calculate the effective price after incentives and consider total cost of ownership, including electricity vs. gasoline.

Related questions

What was the best overall electric car of 2016?

The Tesla Model S was widely considered the best overall electric car of 2016 due to its class-leading range (up to 315 miles), rapid acceleration, and extensive Supercharger network. It offered the most complete package for long-distance travel, though it came with a premium price tag.

What was the best value electric car of 2016?

The Chevrolet Bolt EV, though released late in 2016, offered the best value with a 238-mile range at a starting price around $37,500 before incentives. It provided the most range per dollar, making it a practical choice for buyers seeking an affordable long-range EV.

How did the 2016 Nissan Leaf compare to other EVs?

The 2016 Nissan Leaf had a modest range of 107 miles, which was sufficient for city commuting but less than competitors like the Tesla Model S or Chevrolet Bolt. It was affordable and practical, but its range and charging speed lagged behind newer models.

What was the range of the 2016 BMW i3?

The 2016 BMW i3 had an EPA-rated range of 81 miles on battery alone, with an optional range-extender (REX) that added a small gasoline engine to extend range to about 150 miles. It was a stylish city car but not ideal for long trips without the extender.

Which 2016 electric car had the fastest charging?

The Tesla Model S had the fastest charging capability in 2016, with Supercharger stations delivering up to 120 kW, allowing for about 170 miles of range in 30 minutes. Other EVs like the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3 had slower DC fast charging at 50 kW or less.

What was the price range for 2016 electric cars?

Prices for 2016 electric cars ranged from about $22,000 for the smart fortwo electric drive to over $100,000 for a fully loaded Tesla Model S. The most popular models like the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus Electric were priced in the $29,000-$35,000 range before incentives.

Did the 2016 electric cars qualify for federal tax credits?

Yes, most 2016 electric cars qualified for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on battery capacity. For example, the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt EV qualified for the full $7,500, while the BMW i3 qualified for $7,500 as well. Tesla's credit phased out later.

FAQ

What is the range of the 2016 Tesla Model S?

The 2016 Tesla Model S had EPA-rated ranges from 210 miles for the 60 model to 315 miles for the P100D with the 100 kWh battery. The most common 90D model offered about 294 miles of range, making it the longest-range EV of the year.

How much does it cost to charge a 2016 electric car?

Charging costs vary by electricity rates and vehicle efficiency. For example, a 2016 Nissan Leaf with a 30 kWh battery would cost about $3.60 for a full charge at the national average of $0.12/kWh, providing 107 miles, or about $0.034 per mile. Tesla Supercharging was free for some owners initially.

Are 2016 electric cars reliable?

Reliability varied by model. The Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S generally had good reliability, while the BMW i3 had some issues with its range extender. However, long-term data was limited in 2016. Consumer Reports rated the Leaf above average and the Model S above average as well.

What is the fastest 2016 electric car?

The Tesla Model S P100D was the fastest, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds in Ludicrous mode. It was the quickest production car of 2016, electric or otherwise. Other EVs like the BMW i3 and Nissan Leaf were much slower, with 0-60 times around 7 seconds.

Can 2016 electric cars use public charging stations?

Yes, most 2016 electric cars were compatible with public charging stations, including Level 2 AC and DC fast charging (CHAdeMO or CCS). Tesla had its own Supercharger network, but also included an adapter for CHAdeMO. However, not all stations were compatible with all cars.

What is the difference between the 2016 Nissan Leaf and the 2016 Chevrolet Bolt?

The 2016 Nissan Leaf had a range of 107 miles and a starting price around $29,000, while the 2016 Chevrolet Bolt (available late 2016) offered 238 miles of range for about $37,500. The Bolt had significantly more range and faster charging, but the Leaf was cheaper and more widely available.

Which 2016 electric car has the most cargo space?

The Tesla Model S had the most cargo space among 2016 electric cars, with 28.6 cubic feet of total storage (including the front trunk). The Nissan Leaf offered 30 cubic feet with rear seats folded, but the Model S provided more usable space with its hatchback design.

What incentives were available for 2016 electric cars?

In the U.S., buyers could get a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, plus state incentives like California's $2,500 rebate. Some states offered additional perks like HOV lane access. These incentives significantly reduced the effective price, making EVs more affordable.

How long does it take to charge a 2016 electric car at home?

Using a standard 120V outlet, a 2016 Nissan Leaf would take about 20 hours to fully charge. With a 240V Level 2 charger, it took about 4-6 hours. Tesla Model S with a 100 kWh battery took about 10 hours on a 240V charger, but Supercharging could do it in 75 minutes.

What is the warranty on 2016 electric car batteries?

Most 2016 electric cars had an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty. Tesla offered 8 years/unlimited miles for the Model S. Nissan covered the Leaf battery for 8 years/100,000 miles, and Chevrolet offered the same for the Bolt. These warranties covered capacity loss below a certain threshold.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/features/best-electric-cars-2016/
• https://www.edmunds.com/electric-car/2016/
• https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1102340_2016-electric-car-buyers-guide
• https://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/electric-vehicle-tax-credits
• https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml
• https://www.tesla.com/blog/model-s-achieves-best-safety-rating-any-car-ever-tested
• https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/electric-cars/leaf.html
• https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-ev
• https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/i3.html

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