The automotive marketplace is brimming with electric vehicles for virtually every consumer need. This BESt program list presents the most well-known and established manufacturers of battery-powered and hybrid gasoline-electric cars and small trucks.
Consumers supporting the spirit of the Carbon Laws* take the time to research the best electric vehicles before purchasing. Under the BESt program, the BES is committed to guiding consumers toward good choices based on efficiency, total cost of ownership, and general impact on the environment. The BES does not test or rate individual models at this time. Types of vehicles include battery (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and hybrid gasoline-electric (HEV). BEVs run on electricity only, while hybrids use a combination of batteries and a conventional internal combustion engine.
Here is an alphabetical list of the best leading manufacturers of electric passenger cars and small trucks. The descriptions include information on where individual models can be purchased.
The electric vehicle market is volatile. Before making any purchase, please research and compare features, prices, and financial terms.
Audi
Home country — Germany
Website — https://www.audi.com
Main EV models — Q4 e‑tron; Q6 e‑tron; Q8 e‑tron; e‑tron GT; RS e‑tron GT.
Countries where consumers can purchase — Broad official retail availability across Europe, United States, Canada, China, selected Middle East markets, and Australia.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Many smaller emerging markets lack official Audi EV retail; buyers there typically rely on imports or parallel channels.
Audi traces its roots to August Horch’s engineering ventures of the early 20th century. The four-ring logo of the company recalls the first days of the company, when each ring stood for one of its brands. Audi evolved into a leader of precision engineering, lightweight construction, and a pioneering all-wheel-drive technology. By the second quarter of the 21st century, its electric lineup reflected a flexible strategy balancing EV growth with continued internal combustion offerings. Audi electric models are sold across major markets, including the United States, Europe and China.
Sources: Audi MediaCenter, InsideEVs
BMW
Home country — Germany
Website — https://www.bmw.com
Main EV models — i4; i5; i7; iX1; iX; iX3 (depending on the market).
Countries where consumers can purchase — Europe, United States, Canada, China, Australia, and many other markets via BMW dealer networks.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Some low‑volume countries do not receive BMW i models or receive only limited model selections.
BMW began in 1916 as an aircraft engine manufacturer before shifting to motorcycles and automobiles. The company built a reputation for performance engineering and rear‑wheel‑drive dynamics. Its modern EV push focuses on the expanding i sub‑brand, including models such as the i4, i5, i7, and iX. BMW’s electric vehicles are widely available in major global markets, with strong sales presence in Europe and the United States. BMW is a growing competitor in China, supported by the country’s exploding demand for electric vehicles and investments in battery technology.
Sources: CarBuzz, BMW
BYD
Home country — China
Website — https://www.byd.com
Main EV models — Atto 3 (Atto); Dolphin; Seal; Han; Tang; Yuan (names vary by market).
Countries where consumers can purchase — China, expanding retail presence in Europe, Australia, parts of Latin America, and selected North American regions.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Not yet widely sold through official BYD retail networks in many established Western markets; rollouts remain country‑by‑country.
BYD began in 1995 as a rechargeable‑battery manufacturer before expanding into automobiles in the 2000s. It soon became a dominant force in alternate-energy vehicles. Its combined in‑house battery production, vertical integration, and a broad lineup of affordable EVs and plug‑in hybrids. BYD has overtaken Tesla as the top selling manufacturer in more than 20 countries, with strong momentum in Europe, Australia, Mexico, Thailand, and other emerging EV markets.
Sources: Business Standard, roic.ai
Chevrolet (General Motors)
Home country — United States
Website — https://www.chevrolet.com
Main EV models — Bolt EV/Bolt EUV; Equinox EV; Silverado EV.
Countries where consumers can purchase — United States, Canada, Mexico, and select Latin American markets.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Chevrolet EVs are generally not sold in many European and some Asian markets under the Chevrolet brand.
Founded in 1908, General Motors is one of the world’s largest automakers, with Chevrolet emerging as its most globally recognized brand. Chevrolet’s EV lineage stretches from the pioneering EV1 of the 1990s to modern models, such as the Bolt EV and the Ultium‑based lineup. Over time, GM has broadened its electric portfolio, offering vehicles under the nameplates Bolt EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV. In the global EV market, Chevrolet’s electric models are primarily available in North America, with growing visibility in international markets as GM invests heavily in an all‑electric future.
Sources: electriccarwiki.com, Stock Dividend Screener, EV Magazine
Ford
Home country — United States
Website — https://www.ford.com
Main EV models — Mustang Mach‑E; F‑150 Lightning; E‑Transit (commercial).
Countries where consumers can purchase — United States, Canada, Europe (select models), China (through joint ventures), Australia, and other Ford markets.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Specific models (for example, F‑150 Lightning) are primarily North America‑focused and not offered everywhere.
Ford, founded in 1903, helped industrialize global car production and pioneered electric‑vehicle experimentation, including work on electric Model T concepts. Its modern EV tradition began with models such as the Focus Electric. The effort accelerated with the Mustang Mach‑E and F‑150 Lightning, which redefined Ford’s electrification strategy. Ford’s EVs are sold in major global markets, with the United States remaining its strongest base.
Sources: electriccarwiki.com, Stock Dividend Screener
Hyundai
Home country — South Korea
Website — https://www.hyundai.com
Main EV models — IONIQ 5; IONIQ 6; Kona Electric; IONIQ 9.
Countries where consumers can purchase — Europe, United States, Canada, South Korea, Australia, and many other global markets.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Some performance or limited variants are region‑restricted at launch.
Hyundai grew from its 1967 founding in South Korea into a major global automaker with a strong focus on electrification. Its EV journey began with early prototypes in the 1990s and now includes models such as the Kona Electric, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and the Ioniq 9. Hyundai plans to deliver two million EVs globally by 2030 and aims for full electrification in Europe by 2035. Its electric vehicles are sold across all major global markets, including North America, Europe, and Asia, supported by a broad international retail and charging ecosystem.
Sources: Hyundai, carwikihub.com, Allen Turner Hyundai
Jaguar
Home country — United Kingdom
Website — https://www.jaguar.com
Main EV models — I‑PACE; additional Jaguar EVs planned under the brand’s electrification strategy.
Countries where consumers can purchase — Europe, United States, Canada, China, and other markets with Jaguar retail operations.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Not sold in smaller countries without Jaguar dealer presence; availability varies by model.
Jaguar originated in 1933 as the Swallow Sidecar Company before evolving into a luxury and performance‑focused British marque, later becoming part of Jaguar Land Rover. Its modern electric strategy centers on the I‑PACE, the brand’s first battery‑electric model, developed alongside its Formula E racing program to transfer track‑derived technology to road cars. Jaguar is undergoing a full transformation toward an all‑electric lineup under JLR’s Reimagine strategy. Its vehicles are sold worldwide, supported by a global network of dealerships and partners spanning Europe, North America, and key international markets.
Sources: Wikipedia, Jaguar.com
Lucid Motors
Home country — United States
Website — https://www.lucidmotors.com
Main EV models — Lucid Air; Gravity (planned SUV).
Countries where consumers can purchase — Primarily United States; expanding into Canada and selected international markets.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Not widely available through official Lucid channels in most of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Lucid began in 2007 under the name Atieva, founded by Bernard Tse, Sam Weng, and Sheaupyng Lin. Initially focusing on advanced batteries and electric power trains, the company shifted to full vehicle development. Led for several years by former Tesla engineer, Peter Rawlinson, the company evolved into a luxury EV manufacturer known for high‑efficiency drive trains and long‑range performance. Its lineup centers on the Lucid Air sedan, with the Gravity SUV expanding its portfolio. Lucid serves North America, Europe, and select Middle Eastern markets, supported by a growing network of retail “Studios” and service centers.
Sources: Electrek, Wikipedia
Mercedes-Benz
Home country — Germany
Website — https://www.mercedes-benz.com
Main EV models — EQS; EQE; EQS SUV; EQB; EQA; VLE; other Mercedes‑EQ family models.
Countries where consumers can purchase — Extensive global availability: Europe, United States, Canada, China, Australia, Middle East, and many others.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Few major markets lack Mercedes‑Benz EVs; availability is model‑dependent and some niche models may be region‑restricted.
Mercedes‑Benz started in the late 19th century with the pioneering work of Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, forming one of the world’s oldest and most influential luxury automakers. Its modern electric strategy is anchored in the EQ sub‑brand, which now includes more than ten fully electric models as part of the company’s plan for carbon-neutral mobility. The lineup spans vehicles such as the EQB, EQE, EQS, and multiple upcoming EVs, such as the new VLE, with as many as 15 new or updated electric models planned. Mercedes‑Benz maintains a strong global presence, with its most robust EV markets in Europe, China, and North America.
Sources: Mercedes-Benz Group, InsideEVs
Nissan
Home country — Japan
Website — https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/
Main EV models — LEAF; Ariya; other electrified models vary by market.
Countries where consumers can purchase — Europe, United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, China (through partnerships), and many other markets.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Model availability changes over time; some markets may not receive newer models.
Nissan grew from its 1930s origins into a major global automaker and became one of the earliest champions of modern electric mobility. Its EV heritage stretches back to postwar experiments such as the Tama and grew with the Nissan Leaf. The vehicle was launched in 2010 and became the world’s best‑selling highway‑capable EV. More than 200,000 units were sold by 2015. Nissan has expanded its electric lineup with models such as the Ariya crossover. The company maintains strong geographic presence in Japan, Europe, China, and North America, where its EVs remain core to its market strategy.
Sources: Wikipedia, Nissan Motor Corp.
Rivian
Home country — United States
Website — https://www.rivian.com
Main EV models — R1T (pickup); R1S (SUV); EDV (electric delivery vans); R2/R3 planned.
Countries where consumers can purchase — United States and Canada; phased expansion into other markets.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Not sold through Rivian’s official channels in most of Europe, China, Australia, and many other regions as of current rollout.
Rivian was founded in 2009 by engineer RJ Scaringe, originally under the name Mainstream Motors, before evolving into a dedicated electric‑vehicle manufacturer focused on adventure‑oriented trucks and SUVs. Its lineup centers on the R1T pickup, R1S SUV, and commercial EDV vans, with the upcoming R2 positioned as a more affordable, high‑volume model. Rivian operates primarily in North America, supported by dozens of service centers and a growing charging network, and its vehicles are manufactured in the United States. The company continues scaling production as it aims to expand its market reach and long‑term competitiveness.
Sources: Wikipedia, TechCrunch, Electrek
Stellantis (Jeep)
Home country — United States
Website — https://www.stellantis.com/en/
Main EV / electrified models (Jeep) — Wrangler 4xe (PHEV); Grand Cherokee 4xe (PHEV); Wagoneer S (all‑electric Wagoneer S launched as a BEV); future Jeep BEVs on Stellantis STLA platforms.
Countries where consumers can purchase — United States, Canada, many European markets (select electrified models), and other regions where Jeep sells PHEV/BEV variants.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Some markets lack official Jeep BEV/PHEV retail presence or receive only ICE variants; full BEV rollouts are phased and vary by region.
Stellantis was formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and France’s PSA Group, creating one of the world’s largest automakers with 14 brands. The company has rapidly expanded its electric portfolio, offering more than 22 EVs across marques such as Peugeot, Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia, with additional models such as the Fiat Grande Panda and Peugeot E‑5008 joining the lineup. Stellantis serves markets worldwide, with a particularly strong EV push in Europe and a growing focus on the U.S. through electric Jeeps, Dodges, and Ram trucks.
Sources: Motor1.com, Stellantis, Transportation and Logistics International
Tesla
Home country — United States
Website — https://www.tesla.com
Main EV models — Model 3; Model Y; Model S; Model X; Cybertruck (availability varies); Roadster.
Countries where consumers can purchase — United States, Canada, most of Europe, China, Australia, parts of Latin America, Middle East, and selected Asian markets.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Tesla does not sell directly in some countries due to regulatory or retail constraints; availability varies by country and model.
Tesla was founded in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, later propelled by Elon Musk’s leadership. The company quickly became the most influential force in modern electric vehicles. Its early breakthrough came with the Roadster, followed by mass‑market successes such as the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y, which helped redefine global expectations for EV performance and range. Tesla now operates at a global scale, ranking among the world’s most valuable automotive brands and maintaining strong sales across North America, Europe, and China, supported by its extensive charging network and expanding international manufacturing footprint.
Sources: Wikipedia, Statista
Toyota
Home country — Japan
Website — https://www.toyota.com
Main EV models — bZ4X and the broader bZ family (bZ3, bZ4X Touring and other bZ variants in different markets).
Countries where consumers can purchase — Japan, United States, Canada, many European countries, China (local joint ventures), Indonesia and other markets where Toyota has launched bZ models.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Some smaller or low‑volume markets and countries where Toyota has not yet launched the bZ family through official dealer networks; availability is model‑by‑model and rolling out regionally.
Toyota grew from its early 20th‑century origins into one of the world’s largest automakers and a pioneer in hybrid technology with the Prius. Although slower to embrace full battery‑electric vehicles, Toyota is now accelerating its EV strategy with major investments and plans for a significantly expanded lineup. The company aims to launch as many as 30 EVs by 2030, targeting global annual EV sales of 3.5 million units. Its upcoming electric models are slated for North America, Europe, Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, reflecting a broad international footprint.
Sources: electriccarwiki.com, Electrek, Toyota
Volkswagen
Home country — Germany
Website — https://www.vw.com
Main EV models — ID.3; ID.4; ID.5; ID. Buzz; other ID family models.
Countries where consumers can purchase — Europe broadly; United States (ID.4 and select models); China (local joint ventures); Canada; Australia (select models).
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Some ID models (for example ID.3) are Europe‑focused and not offered in every region.
Volkswagen, founded in 1937 in Germany, grew into one of the world’s largest automakers and has spent decades exploring electric mobility. Its early experiments, such as the 1972 Elektro‑Bus, created in response to fuel shortages, encouraged rising interest in alternative power trains. Today, Volkswagen’s lineup spans the ID family, including the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.6, ID.7, and ID. Buzz, reflecting a major strategic shift toward scalable, global EV platforms. The company maintains a broad international presence, with especially strong markets in Europe, China, and North America, where its electric models are widely sold.
Sources: Volkswagen, evsroad.com, vov.az
Volvo
Home country — Sweden
Website — https://www.volvocars.com
Main EV models — XC40 Recharge; C40 Recharge; EX40/EX30/EX90 (market names vary); upcoming EX series.
Countries where consumers can purchase — Europe, United States, Canada, China, Australia, and other Volvo markets.
Markets where vehicles are NOT available — Some smaller markets without Volvo retail presence do not receive all electric models.
Volvo, founded in 1927 in Sweden, has evolved into a global premium automaker known for safety and Scandinavian design. Its electrification strategy remains central, with five fully electric models already on the market and five more in development. The plan reinforces its long‑term goal of becoming a fully electric brand despite recent adjustments to its timeline. The current EV lineup includes models, such as the EX30, EX40, EC40, EX90, and EM90, supported by additional hybrids across segments. Volvo maintains a strong international presence, with dealerships and EV sales concentrated in Europe, North America, and China, its most important global markets.
Sources: Volvo, Volvo Cars Mission Viejo
Smaller Makers
A growing wave of smaller EV makers is beginning to complement the major brands familiar to North American and European drivers. Companies such as Canoo, Aptera, VinFast, NIO, Xpeng, and micro‑EV specialists like Eli Electric, Microlino, and Citroën Ami are pushing innovation in affordability, efficiency, and urban mobility. While many remain niche or early‑stage, they often introduce ideas, e.g., lightweight platforms, ultra‑compact designs, long‑range efficiency, that larger automakers later adopt. These emerging brands aren’t yet household names, but several are expanding into Western markets, making them worth watching as potential future players in the broader EV landscape.
*The Carbon Laws are laws passed by national governments after the ratification of the Port Vila Treaty. These statutes typically ban the use of fossil fuels for transportation, except in certain circumstances. For example, gasoline engines are allowed in some jurisdictions, as long as they are paired with an electric power plant, and used only as a backup power source when batteries are depleted and cannot be recharged immediately.
Top image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay, subject to its content license.
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