Car owners that have always driven a petrol or diesel vehicle may, understandably, be finding the decision to buy an EV a less straightforward process than updating to another traditional fuel model. While these new technology vehicles have been on the market for quite a while and the majority of manufacturers have at least one EV model in their line-up, for first time buyers, it may be difficult to determine which are the best electric cars for their purposes.
Drive’s motoring experts have been coming to the aid of buyers since 2006 with their Car of the Year Awards. An annual program which has experts assess new models across multiple categories to determine THE best model per category and as the overall Car of the Year. Providing possible direction for buyers confronted with an extensive new car market in Australia. For prospective EV buyers, there are several categories for EVs. The contenders or nominees have been announced, the finalists will be come later this year, and the ultimate winners in February 2025.
What are the Drive Awards for Car of the Year?
Most car buyers will be familiar with the Drive website as a resource for all things motoring. The business runs the awards each year, with their specialist motoring writers and other experts comprising the judging panel.
There are 19 categories overall which are assessed each year against market trends and categories dropped or added accordingly. They cover all types of vehicles including family cars, urban drives, luxury models, SUVs, cab chassis, and EVs. Within these larger segments, the individual categories are set according to price ranges. Providing a resourceful guide for buyers.
The rules include that the specific model must be new or have substantially changed from any earlier model. The current model must have been on the market, available to buyers, prior to the cut-off date late in the judging year.
Awards Nominees for Best Electric Cars 2025
The EV categories are set according to price and certain aspects and attributes. The budget category is for vehicles with a RRP below the $50K mark. The models in contention for this award are the MG4, the Seal Dynamic by BYD and the Omoda E5 from Chery.
The category for Family EVs is for models that come in for less than $100K with an attention to space and practical features – the aspects families are looking for in a new car. In contention for the top award are the 2024 winner, Kia EV9, plus Kia’s EV5, the EQB by Mercedes-Benz, the ID Buzz from VW, Skoda’s Enyaq, Ioniq 5 Hyundai, Polestar 4, Solterra by Subaru, and Toyota’s bA4X.
The Luxury segment is for vehicles with a below $150K price, with status and style and essentially epitomise pure luxury. The models vying for this aware are the iX by BMW, Cadillac’s Lyriq, Polestar’s 3 and 4, the Porsche Macan, Mercedes EQV and the Zeekr 009.
The Urban EV category is probably the most diverse as it covers models that cost less than $100k and include cutting edge features, style and versatility. The winner from last year, Tesla’s 3, is once again contending along with the two models by Smart – 1 and 3, Megane EA Tech by the Renault, Mercedes-Benz EQA, Volvo’s EX30, Zeekr X, Jeep Avenger, Audi’s e-tron, Abarth 500e, the Cooper and the Countryman by Mini and two BMW models – ix2 and i4eDrive35.
That’s the list of contenders in the EV categories for buyers to consider with finalists to be announced in the near future.
Comparing Finance on Best Electric Cars
Evaluating vehicles to purchase based on features and the assessment of expert judges is an important step to find the EV that suits the life and work style and driving purposes. But when the financing is required to make the purchase, comparing loans on the different vehicles is another very important stage.
EVs do typically have price tags above similar petrol models. Jade Finance assists buyers to more affordable purchase the best electric cars with competitive rates on personal and business vehicle loans. Loan repayment comparisons on different vehicles can be made using our current rates with our Car Finance Calculator to generate estimates. Rates are different for personal and business vehicle finance. Private buyers should use our current rate for Secured Car Loans and business buyers the rate for their choice of Lease, CHP, or Chattel Mortgage.
Our competitive rates may make the EV you are interested in affordable within your budget and the purchase a very realistic prospect.
For affordable financing on the best electric cars, contact Jade Finance to request a quote.
DISCLAIMER: NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED IF ERRORS OR MISREPRESENTATIONS ARE FOUND IN THIS ARTICLE. THE ARTICLE IS PREPARED AND PRESENTED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIVE PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE THE SOLE SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR MAKING FINANCIAL DECISIONS. THOSE REQUIRING GUIDANCE AND ADVICE SHOULD CONSULT A FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
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