Selecting and purchasing a car might seem like a massive undertaking when you have a family. To avoid being stranded on the side of the road with a wailing infant, your automobile must be dependable, easy to drive, spacious enough to accommodate all of your children's demands, and, dare we say it, a touch fashionable. Best Electric Car For Family-friendly Models That's a lot to think about!
These days, some parents are beginning to think about buying a hybrid or all-electric automobile for their next vehicle in order to reduce emissions and save money at the petrol pump. Which ones, however, are ideal for expanding families? I've written about electric cars for the past ten years, and I also own one.
Top 10 Electric Car For Family-friendly Models
How we selected the top family-friendly EVs
According to a July BabyCenter study of almost 500 parents, EVs and hybrids are still in their infancy. Only 3% of the parents interviewed said they drive EVs, while 8% said they drive hybrids.
But when more people who wouldn't normally be the first to adopt a new technology begin to realize the advantages of electric driving and witness their neighbors purchasing EVs, many experts predict that enthusiasm will increase. But as a parent, which EVs should you take into account?
We chose the top EVs for expanding families using the following criteria, in addition to my personal automotive knowledge and the assistance of Moody's and Thomas:
- Safety features: Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition is one of the common modern safety and accident-avoidance systems found in these cars. Some also incorporate more sophisticated parent-focused technology, such as rear seat belt reminders and rear occupant alarms, to prevent children from being unintentionally left in cars.
- Range: Every EV we selected can go at least 220 miles on a single battery charge; any less would induce range anxiety and additional charging stops, which would be problematic for families.
- Convenience: We looked at things like sliding doors or folding seats that would make a parent's life a bit simpler, as well as how simple it is to get children in and out of their car seats.
- appearance: EVs can have more varied and intriguing designs than a typical gas-burning vehicle because automakers want them to convey the sleek, futuristic appearance that consumers associate with new technology. We selected EVs that are entertaining and fashionable in addition to being useful for families.
- Price: Since EVs are typically pricey, at least when considering the initial outlay for purchasing one, we made sure these offer the best value.
- Cargo space: These provide enough room for a growing family's belongings, including strollers, diaper bags, luggage, and toys, which is essential for a family EV.
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1. Model Y Tesla
The two-row, five-seat crossover is the most popular type of EV available, and according to Thomas, the Tesla Model Y is the greatest option for families.
Because of its results in crash testing and collision avoidance tests, the Model Y has been named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for 2024.
Standard safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition and forward collision warning. According to her, "it received the highest score in our emergency handling test," which evaluates a vehicle's ability to safely swerve around an unforeseen obstruction and return to its lane.
2. The plug-in hybrid Chrysler Pacifica
In the United States, there isn't currently an electric minivan on the market. (When the Volkswagen ID Buzz hits the market, this will shortly change.) Therefore, the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV is the greatest plug-in for minivan enthusiasts.
With the Pacifica's 32-mile electric battery range, owners can use it for short commutes and supermarket errands while still having a conventional engine that can start when necessary.
All of this adds up to 84 miles per gallon, according to Moody's, and the "Are We There Yet" function on the backseat TVs is revolutionary for road trips. Small children in the back can see your predicted arrival time, eliminating the need to ask when you'll arrive.
3. The Kia EV9
Kia has produced a great electric SUV if you've been waiting for one that's spacious, roomy, and has three rows to accommodate a large family.
he EV9 is a luxurious EV with a range of at least 230 miles. Its initial price of $57,000 is high for many consumers, but it's far lower than that of many three-row competitors.
4. The Hyundai Ioniq 6
You should consider the Ioniq 6, a unique and excellent EV, if you're searching for a vintage, lower-riding sedan and you have a smaller family.
To increase its range on a single charge, the Ioniq 6 features a long, sleek, aerodynamic top and rides low to the ground.
The Ioniq 6 SE model, which costs almost $5,000 more, has a range of 361 miles, significantly reducing the number of charging stops on a road trip compared to the less expensive, standard range model's 240 miles.
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5. The Kia Niro Level EV
The Niro is a fantastic option for parents who don't want a huge SUV that's hard to park but yet want a crossover so they can sit up high and load kids and car seats more easily.
The fact that Kia sells the Niro in a variety of models is one of Moody's favorite features. A plug-in hybrid with a range of 33 miles, a regular hybrid with a highway fuel economy of up to 54 mpg, and a fully electric vehicle are all available.
You may choose one based on your budget and the kind of electric car you desire if you think the Niro's size and appearance are appealing.
6. The Ford F-150 Lightning
A pickup truck is the family vehicle of choice for millions of Americans, especially those living in rural regions. The Ford F-150 Lightning, a fully electric version of the country's best-selling car, is currently the greatest option if you're thinking about buying a truck. The level of detail is astounding.
They thought of everything, even the little things,Moody added. The electric F-150's capacity to use its battery's energy for a variety of purposes beyond driving is one revolutionary feature.
For example, if you have your water table set up for your child in the driveaway and want to turn up the music, the truck's exterior is lined with power plugs that allow you to use a portion of the battery.
7. The Hyundai Ioniq 5
Because hatchbacks are so practical—the rear door lifts upward to provide a ton of storage room in the back of the car—parents have driven them for generations.
Despite having a form similar to the hatchback your parents drove, the Ioniq 5 is tall enough to be classified as a crossover, which gives you extra space to fit children in their car seats.
With 27.2 cubic feet in the back and 59.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down, this EV has remarkable cargo room, according to Moody's.
8. The SUV Mercedes-Benz EQS
Families that desire an electric vehicle but still wish to travel in ultimate comfort, Few other electric cars do what the Mercedes-Benz EQS does, according to Moody's And that is that, regardless of the engine powering it, it feels just like a Mercedes-Benz and is entirely on brand.
This seems to have been designed to be a Mercedes-Benz from the start, and it shows. The EQS is the electric choice for large families that can afford to spend more money on a vehicle because it has three rows of seats and starts at six figures. Although it is opulent and sumptuous, it is just as practical as a minivan.
9. The Toyota RAV4 Prime
Toyota is the dominant force in the suburbs, and parents like the gas-powered and hybrid RAV4 models. After all, it is the best-selling SUV in the country. With its 42 miles of electric-only driving range, the RAV4 Prime is largely identical to its best-selling relatives.
This is a respectable amount of mileage for a plug-in hybrid electric car. Being a tall SUV, the RAV4 Prime makes it simple to handle infant car seats and get your family in and out.
With its impressive 94 miles per gallon and some electric power, it should make your time at the petrol pump less painful when prices rise.
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10. The Rivian R1S
Since most EV charging stations are located far from highways, EVs might be challenging for families that like camping and visiting national parks.
These individuals are the focus of the EV-only Rivian's vehicle design. Rivians can handle hills, mountains, and other wild obstacles due to their height.
You may travel out of the interstate and into the country with less concern about your battery dying because they also provide long-range batteries that have a range of more than 300 (or even 400) miles.
FAQ's: Best Electric Car For Family-friendly Models
What is the best electric car for a large family?
At the 2024 Parkers New Car Awards, the Kia EV6 won another important automotive accolade, this time for "Best Large Family Car. The judges gave Kia's flagship electric crossover high marks for its overall consumer appeal and capacity to give families a stress-free EV experience.
Which EV has highest mileage?
With a stated range of 453 kilometers on a single charge, the Tata Nexon EV is one of India's longest-range electric vehicles.It has a 40.5 kWh battery that can be charged using a fast charger to 80% capacity in 56 minutes. This SUV is feature-rich, large, comfy, and green.
Is EV better than petrol?
In contrast to gasoline or diesel cars, electric vehicles have a far reduced pollution effect. Compared to gasoline or diesel automobiles, which can only transfer 17%–21% of the energy stored in the fuel to the wheels, electric vehicles can convert about 60% of the electrical energy from the grid to power the wheels.
Is EV car good for long drive?
I paid about Rs 2000 (Rs 2.2/km) for my first EV excursion, which covered over 900 km. Even when driving on hills, the experience was fantastic and there was little to no weariness. The rented automobile ended up costing almost $5,000 per day. Even though the car had around 12,000 kilometers on the odo, it was in generally good condition.