Gone are the days of getting around on horseback, as our ancestors once did. Today, due to the widespread geographic layout of many rural and also urban cities, we are more than ever reliant on different modes of transportation.

Unfortunately, most methods of transportation are responsible for air pollution and contributing to global warming, which is why researchers and scientists are continuously developing alternate vehicle technologies, like plug-in electric vehicles.

Not so long ago, electric vehicles were unappealing due to their short range and long charge times. However, recent development in technologies (such as batteries and the increasing availability of charging stations) have helped minimize these concerns and increased demand for EVs.

For those who have been considering investing in an electric car, or are simply interested in the options available today, we’ve outlined below our 4 favorite electric cars (in no particular order) and why.

  1. Chevy Bolt– This was the first relatively affordable plug-in vehicle to offer a range of more than 200 miles. With a starting price of $35,620 (with most buyers qualifying for a federal electric tax credit), its range is an outstanding EPA-estimated 238 miles. This car has a great performance and spacious interior, despite its small stature.
  2. Nissan Leaf– This is also an affordable option for most people, with prices starting at $30,000 (most buyers will also be able to take advantage of the federal EV tax credit bringing the price down to $22,500.) The Leaf has an above average estimated range (EPA-estimated 151 miles on a single charge) and earns efficiency ratings of 125 PMGe in the city and 100 MPGe on the highway.
  3. BM i3– Available in pure electric or plug-in range extender forms (starting at $44,500), this is one of the best electric cars on the market and has an exceptional mpg-e compared to its other pure electric car competitors. It has a range of around 114-miles but this can be extended to 180 with the range extender accessory.
  4. 2018 Tesla Model S– On the higher price range (with models beginning at $74,500), as it is in fact a luxury vehicle, the Tesla Model S is great option for the driving enthusiast. Not only does it offer exceptional range and interior comfort, but it also features world-class acceleration.

The above list is of course, subjective, and the best option for you will vary depending on what specifically it is that you’re looking for in an EV.  Check out this site and answer a short quiz to find out which plug-in vehicles are best for your lifestyle and needs – https://content.sierraclub.org/evguide/.

Reducing your environmental impact is important for the health of our planet.  If you’re like us and are constantly looking for the environmentally conscious way of doing things, but swapping your car out for an EV is not an option, don’t worry! There are many other transportation alternatives that are more eco-friendly than driving alone. These include biking or walking (weather permitting of course), taking public transportation, and carpooling.

Other ways that you can reduce your eco-footprint include supporting renewable energy and reducing your energy consumption. You can help support renewable energy by switching to an energy provider that offers environmentally conscious solutions, like Spring Power & Gas. We will offset your energy consumption with 100% green-e certified wind renewable energy certificates (RECs) sourced from national wind. Get in touch with us to learn more about our products, and be sure to check out the Energy Saving Tips portion on our website to help reduce your household use.

When we think of the future of transportation, our mind may immediately go to the Jetsons and flying cars. However, the future of transportation is not all flying cars – at least not in the immediate future. Realistically, we’re looking at the adoption of autonomous and electric vehicles. Swapping out your current vehicle for an electric one, or simply opting for other environmentally friendly modes of transportation, are both great ways to reduce your footprint on our planet and to help create a more sustainable future.