34 Best Global EV Brands (Asian, American, European)
Car buyers are increasingly leaning towards electric vehicles as battery technologies become mainstream and prices continue to lower, making them more affordable to the masses.
Some EV brands on this list focus solely on electric cars, while others are established players transitioning from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric ones.
Top EV Companies In the World
Although the Asian EV brands (including the Chinese EV manufacturers) currently dominate with a greater number of models released, the best electric vehicle makes include those from the USA and Europe, makers of luxurious, high-performing electric cars.
Korean Electric Car Brands
#1 Hyundai
Founder: Chung Ju-yung
Founded: 1967
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea.
This automaker is a relative newcomer in the American market, famous for feature-rich and affordably-priced cars.
However, Hyundai’s image has improved over recent years, expanding its reputation for making value-for-money cars to designing aesthetically striking and higher-end vehicles – they still offer the industry’s longest warranties.
Hyundai’s push toward the electric car future is evident through its recent EVs’ engineering and economic success.
The Korean make’s notable EV models include:
- Hyundai Kona Electric.
- Hyundai Ioniq Electric.
- Hyundai IONIQ 5 & the IONIQ range of EVs.
#2 Kia
Founder: Kim Cheol-ho
Founded: 1944
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea.
Kia is Hyundai’s sister company, so their shared platform for electric vehicles isn’t surprising.
Like Hyundai, Kia vehicles’ warranty coverage is the best in the industry, so they are popular with budget-conscious buyers and those who desire the most band for their money.
Kia started as a producer of economy cars, but their recent models feature impressive luxuries and cutting-edge technologies for the price.
This car brand’s competitive all-electric models are:
- Kia Niro EV.
- Kia EV6.
Kia EV6 is a noteworthy electric car that made the best-looking EV list.
Japanese Electric Car Brands
#3 Toyota
Founder: Kiichiro Toyoda
Founded: 1937
Headquarters: Aichi, Japan.
Toyota is one of the largest automotive manufacturers globally.
Toyota vehicles typically carry above-average price tags, but the premium is worth the investment given the superior reliability and solid build quality.
While the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, and Toyota RAV4 are famous nameplates that have endured for decades, the marque’s electric cars are relatively less well-known.
Toyota is the king of hybrid car brands, producing the Prius and Prius Prime hatchbacks, but their EV entry is less impressive with the comparatively underwhelming Toyota bZ4X.
Still, Toyota is one of the most trusted brands in the automotive world, so expect their future electric cars to move up the ranks to occupy the leading positions familiar to their gas-powered stablemates.
#4 Lexus
Founder: Eiji Toyoda
Founded: 1989
Headquarters: Aichi, Japan.
Lexus is Toyota’s luxury arm, and the brand is renowned for its vehicles’ rock-solid durability and plush ride in quiet, well-crafted cabins.
The marque has consistently topped Consumer Reports’ annual reliability ranking, proving that technologically-advanced luxury vehicles can go the distance with fewer breakdowns.
Plus, Lexus cars are less expensive to own than their German counterparts like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
It has been a leading brand for luxury hybrid vehicles, and the RZ 450e compact electric SUV marks Lexus’s bold launch into the EV world, characterized by sleek lines and premium interior appointments.
#5 Honda
Founder: Soichiro Honda
Founded: 1948
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan.
The industry consistently ranks Honda on par with Toyota in durability and build quality.
Plus, Honda vehicles command a premium, and for good reasons.
They have a reputation for sporty handling, better-than-average fuel economy, and ample interior space in the various car segments.
The brand’s all-electric foray, like Toyota, is later than expected, with the Honda Prologue electric SUV making its debut in 2024.
That said, Honda experimented with electric cars briefly with the Clarity sedan, but the automaker unsurprisingly retired the model after 2019 – the range was a disappointing sub-100 miles.
Still, brand loyalists look forward to a brighter, electrified future with Honda.
#6 Nissan
Founder: Yoshisuke Aikawa
Founded: 1933
Headquarters: Kanagawa, Japan.
Although Nissan cars do not have Toyota or Honda’s reputation for reliability, their build quality is above-average, packed with features with affordable price tags.
Nissan was the first automaker from the land of the rising sun to introduce a mass-produced electric car.
The entry-level, front-wheel-drive Nissan Leaf debuted in 2011, long before the other Asian EV makers.
While the sub-150 miles of range is meager by today’s standards, the Leaf offers used EV buyers an opportunity to own a cheap electric car for short commutes.
The early adoption of the technology also paved the way for a much-improved subsequent-generation Leaf hatchback and Nissan Ariya, the automaker’s first all-electric crossover SUV.
#7 Mazda
Founder: Jujiro Matsudo
Founded: 1920
Headquarters: Hiroshima, Japan.
It may be small among Japanese automakers, but Mazda is famous for crafting fun-to-drive machines that thrill without an exorbitant price tag.
Mazda cabins are typically above-average for the money, with premium-quality materials and upscale interior design.
Although it wasn’t one of the earlier brands with an EV, the MX-30 small electric SUV, which Mazda released in 2022, retains much of the exhilarating driving dynamics that brand loyalists have come to expect.
Like all the automaker’s gas vehicles, Mazda electric cars have sporty handling and high-quality interiors, perfect for those who value automobiles as more than A-to-B transportation.
Mazda’s new models are among the most reliable in the market.
#8 Subaru
Founder: Kenji Kita
Founded: 1953
Headquarters: Hiroshima, Japan.
The Subaru nameplate is synonymous with practical, all-wheel-drive vehicles at affordable pricing.
This wet-weather capability offering continues with the automaker’s journey into the EV sphere, ensuring shopper familiarity with the brand.
The Solterra compact electric SUV marks Subaru’s first move in joining its Japanese and Korean rivals.
Subaru manufactures solidly reliable and some of the safest vehicles.
Indian Electric Car Brands
#9 Tata Motors
Founder: Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata
Founded: 1945
Headquarters: Mumbai, India.
Formerly Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO), Tata Motors is the largest Indian car manufacturer.
Its product line covers the full spectrum of passenger cars, vans, trucks, buses, luxury vehicles, sports cars, and commercial vehicles.
It launched the world’s most affordable car back in 2008, the Tata Nano.
Some of the Indian EV brand’s electric vehicles include:
- Tata Nexon EV Max.
- Tata Nexon EV Prime.
- Tata Tigor EV.
#10 Mahindra Electric
Founder: Chetan Maini
Founded: 1994
Headquarters: Bangalore, India.
Relatively new in the industry, this automaker designs and manufactures compact electric vehicles.
It launched its first EV, the REVA electric car with lithium-ion batteries, in 2001 and an electric hatchback, the e20, in 2013.
Today, Mahindra Electric has expanded its product line, and it includes:
- Mahindra eVerito – electric sedan.
- Mahindra e20Plus – electric hatchback.
- Mahindra eSupro – electric cargo and passenger van.
- Mahindra Treo – electric three-wheeler.
- Mahindra e-Alfa Mini – electric three-wheeler.
Australian Electric Car Brands
#11 Holden
Founder: James Alexander Holden
Founded: 1856
Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia.
Holden was an Australian car manufacturer and General Motors (GM) subsidiary.
It imported and exported cars under its brand but ceased operations in 2020, bringing to a close over one hundred years of producing important Holden models like the Commodore, Caprice, and Ute.
It was unfortunate as Holden, Australia’s largest car company, could have been the country’s top EV brand as it had experimented with concept electric cars like the Volt in 2011 and the Super Ute and EV-H01 supercars before that.
Still, Australia is a major supplier of lithium and nickel for Tesla cars, so an Australian-owned EV brand is possible with the right push.
American Electric Car Brands
#12 Chevrolet
Founder: Louis Chevrolet
Founded: 1911
Headquarters: Detroit, USA.
Chevrolet is an American car and EV brand that manufactures a broad range of vehicles, from subcompacts to larger family vehicles and sports cars.
Its memorable models include the Tahoe and Suburban SUVs, Silverado pickup truck, the Camaro (featured in the Transformer movies), and Corvette sports cars.
Crucially, the Chevy Bolt EV is the company’s pioneering electric car, an extra-small hatchback and one of the earliest of its kind on the scene, debuting in 2017.
It is an inexpensive electric car and provides budget buyers with a spacious subcompact capable of over 250 miles on a charge.
#13 Ford
Founder: Henry Ford
Founded: 1903
Headquarters: Michigan, USA.
As America’s largest automobile manufacturer, the Ford badge needs no further introduction.
While it has graced the market with notable models like the Ford F-150 full-size truck, off-road capable Ford Bronco SUV, and Ford Mustang muscle car
#14 Lucid
Founder: Bernard Tse Sam Weng Sheaupyng Lin
Founded: 2007
Headquarters: California, USA.
The increasing number of startups venturing into the EV fray saw the rise of a promising American electric car brand in Lucid Motors.
It began as a battery tech developer, supplying the Formula E racing series (a support series to Formula 1).
It has since progressed to release Lucid Air, an ultra-luxury electric sedan and an entirely in-house development.
While the Air’s overall build quality has room for improvement, it has supercar-like acceleration and excellent range, and the EV marks a solid start for the American brand.
#15 Rivian
Founder: R.J. Scaringe
Founded: 2009
Headquarters: California, USA.
Rivian is an exciting American EV brand, and the company focuses on automotive technology developments.
As a well-funded startup, it has managed to quietly go about developing quality products for the most discerning buyers.
The fruit of their labor is the Rivian R1T, the first ever all-electric premium pickup truck with considerable off-road and towing capabilities and an over 300-mile range in a spacious, comfortable, and quiet cabin.
While many EV startups try to enter the market with promising plans, Rivian has turned its potential into reality, with more models expected in the near future.
#16 Tesla
Founder: Elon Musk, Martin Eberhard, Marc Tarpenning.
Founded: 2003
Headquarters: Austin, USA.
Tesla is the earliest USA-headquartered EV brand to mass-produce electric cars and the most famous manufacturer in the field.
It solely develops and manufactures electric vehicles that go the distance and are enjoyable to drive.
The marque’s first EV was the Tesla Roadster (2008-2011), capable of 250 miles, an impressive achievement when most models from rival automakers struggled to achieve 100 miles.
Tesla now has several models that are among the top performers in their respective segments:
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model Y
British Electric Car Brands
#17 MINI
Founder: John Cooper
Founded: 1959
Headquarters: United Kingdom.
Although BMW owns MINI, the famous marque has British roots (British Motor Corporation was the original owner) and is the maker of the diminutive star, the Mini Cooper.
MINI has many models – Mini Cooper, Mini Clubman, Mini Countryman, and countless trims in between – and they carry the unmistakable, endearing look that has stayed consistent for decades.
Still, the MINI Cooper SE, a two-door hardtop, is the British brand’s first electric car.
While the underwhelming range is nothing to write home about, the Cooper SE offers brand loyalists an opportunity to own an electrified Mini.
#18 Jaguar
Founder: Bill Lyons, William Walmsley.
Founded: 1922
Headquarters: Whitley, England.
Since its founding, Jaguar ownership has changed hands several times, but the marque’s vehicles have retained the unmistakable English refinement – Tata Motors is the latest owner.
The make is famous for its luxury and sports vehicles, and although it has a tumulous past, recent developments point to a brighter future for the British brand.
Jaguar I-Pace is the brand’s notable current EV model; it made its 2019 debut in the American market.
It is an all-wheel-drive electric SUV that delivers satisfying performance and is enjoyable to drive with sporty handling.
At around 250 miles of range on a full charge, Jag owners will be content as they look forward to more EV models from the distinguished marque.
#19 Vauxhall
Founder: Alexander Willson
Founded: 1857
Headquarters: Bedfordshire, England.
Vauxhall began as a pump and marine engine manufacturer and did not start producing cars until 1903.
General Motors (GM) acquired the British brand in 1925 and turned it into a mid-market automobile manufacturer.
Today, these models count among Vauxhall’s expanding fleet of electric cars:
- Vauxhall Corsa
- Vauxhall Mokka
- Vauxhall Vivaro-e Life
- Vauxhall Combo-e Life
UK buyers will be familiar with the Corsa, Mokka, and Astra – the latter has a hybrid version.
German Electric Car Brands
#20 Audi
Founder: August Horch
Founded: 1909
Headquarters: Ingolstadt, Germany.
Audi has been producing luxury cars and SUVs from its German manufacturing base for over a century.
Volkswagen acquired the brand in 1964, but the Audi qualities have remained unchanged to this day: accomplished ride and handling in a finely crafted cabin.
Like its German peers and Asian competitors, Audi is steadily launching an increasing number of high-performance electric cars called e-Tron.
Among them are:
- Audi e-tron midsize electric SUV.
- Audi e-tron GT electric sedan.
- Audi RS e-tron GT (high-performance version of the regular e-tron GT).
#21 BMW
Founder: Camillo Castiglioni, Franz Josef Popp, Karl Rapp.
Founded: 1916
Headquarters: Munich, Germany.
BMW – short for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG – is a leading manufacturer renowned for crafting luxury vehicles with superior driving engagement and powertrain refinement.
The company started as an aircraft engine manufacturer before producing luxury cars and motorcycles. It has a few auto brands under its umbrella, namely Alpina, MINI, and Rolls-Royce.
2022 marked the year that BMW released two of its first all-electric cars, and they are:
- BMW i4 M50 electric sports sedan.
- BMW iX midsize electric SUV – one of the most futuristic-looking EVs.
#22 Mercedes
Founder: Emil Jellinek, Paul Daimler.
Founded: 1926
Headquarters: Stuttgart, Germany.
Mercedes-Benz is one of the three leading German car makers of luxury vehicles – the other two are Audi and BMW.
Its three-pointed star symbolizes the brand’s commitment to universal motorization, covering land, sea, and air.
Mercedes sedans and SUVs typically offer a plush ride, an impeccably refined cabin, and crisp handling.
Some of their best-performing models include the C, E, and S-Class sedans, plus the GLS and GLE sports utility vehicles.
The German marque’s earliest electric vehicles are:
- Mercedes-Benz EQE – midsize electric sedan based on the E-Class.
- Mercedes-Benz EQS – large electric sedan based on the S-Class.
- Mercedes-Benz EQB – small electric SUV with all-terrain capability.
#23 Porsche
Founder: Ferdinand Porsche
Founded: 1931
Headquarters: Stuttgart, Germany.
Porsche has traditionally focused on high-performance sports cars like the iconic Porsche 911.
However, its venture into designing family cars in the past couple of decades has seen the successful infusion of its sporty DNA in the Macan and Cayenne SUVs and the Panamera four-door sedan with a hatchback-like body.
All Porsches have razor-sharp handling, and its first EVs, the Taycan 4S and Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, introduced in 2020, are no different.
Porsche has been a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG since 2011.
#24 Volkswagen
Founder: German Labor Front
Founded: 1937
Headquarters: Wolfsburg, Germany.
Volkswagen dominates the European mainstream market; their vehicles typically offer a more premium driving experience and command a higher price.
Because the Volkswagen Group covers many brands, namely Audi, Bentley, Porsche, Lamborghini, Skoda, SEAT, CUPRA, and Ducati (motorcycle), there’s a high chance your European car has VW parentage.
The ID.4 is one of the first mass-produced electric compact SUVs and the first Volkswagen electric car built on an EV architecture.
It offered small families a budget-friendly EV with many standard features, a roomy cabin, and a commendable 280 miles of range.
#25 Skoda
Founder: Vaclav Laurin, Vaclav Klement.
Founded: 1925
Headquarters: Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic.
After its founding in the Czech Republic, Skoda became a partial subsidiary of the German Volkswagen Group in 1994 before the VW Group acquired full ownership in 2000.
Skoda cars are available in many countries, except for North America.
The European make’s first electric vehicles are the Enyaq iV and the Enyaq Coupe iV electric SUVs.
#26 Opel
Founder: Adam Opel
Founded: 1862
Headquarters: Hesse, Germany.
Opel is a German automobile company once owned by the American automaker General Motors (1929-2017).
Its vehicles are sold in the UK as Vauxhall and as Buick, Saturn, and Cadillac in various other markets.
Opel’s electric cars include the Mokka-E electric SUV and Corsa-E electric supermini.
French Electric Car Brands
#27 Citroen
Founder: Andre Citroen.
Founded: 1919.
Headquarters: Poissy, France.
Stellantis, a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation, owns Citroen.
It is a French car-turned-EV brand with unique-looking models:
- Citroen Ami – two-passenger electric quadricycle.
- Citroen E-C4 Electric SUV.
- Citroen E-Spacetourer Electric passenger van.
- Citroen E-Berlingo Electric multi-purpose vehicle.
#28 Peugeot
Founder: Armand Peugeot
Founded: 1810.
Headquarters: Sochaux, France.
Like Citroen, Peugeot is under the ownership of Stellantis.
Although it does not sell in North America presently, the Peugeot brand has received many international awards for its vehicles, including six European Car of the Year (ECOTY) awards.
Peugeot EV models include a city car, SUV, and large passenger vehicles:
- Peugeot e-208
- Peugeot e-2008
- Peugeot e-Rifter
- Peugeot e-Traveller
#29 Renault
Founder: Louis Renault and the Renault brothers.
Founded: 1899
Headquarters: Boulogne, France.
The Renault Group is a French multinational car manufacturer that has recently moved into the electric-vehicle space.
Renault has a three-way alliance in a cross-shareholding relationship with Nissan and Mitsubishi; combined, they are one of the world’s biggest sellers of light vehicles.
Electric vehicles in Renault’s EV stable are:
- Renault Megane e-Tech Electric.
- Renault Zoe e-Tech Electric.
- Renault Kangoo e-Tech.
- Renault Master e-Tech Electric.
Other car brands owned by Renault in the EV space include:
- Alpine – Alpine A110 sports EV in the pipeline.
- Dacia – Dacia Spring, one of Europe’s cheapest EVs.
Italian Electric Car Brands
#30 Alfa Romeo
Founder: Ugo Stella, Nicola Romeo.
Founded: 1910
Headquarters: Turin, Italy.
Alfa Romeo has a mixed history of glory and mediocrity, producing sporty and stylish cars decades ago and presently keeping a minimal presence in the American auto market with underwhelming models.
The Italian brand plans to release all-electric versions of its Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV in the near future.
#31 Fiat
Founder: Giovanni Agnelli
Founded: 1899
Headquarters: Turin, Italy.
The Italian car company had a glorious history for a good part of the twentieth century; sadly, its fortunes on American shores dwindled with poor-quality vehicles, leading to its exit from the US market in 1984.
The diminutive Fiat 500 has a brief presence in the States (2012-2019), and the 500X subcompact SUV is now the sole flag-bearer for the Italian brand in the US.
Still, the new, all-electric two-door Fiat 500 EV is a hit with the Europeans, with a punchy 118-hp powertrain and abundant headroom for an extra-small car.
Swedish Electric Car Brands
#32 Volvo
Founder: Assar Gabrielsson, Gustaf Larson.
Founded: 1927
Headquarters: Gothenburg, Sweden.
Few car makers are as renowned for safety as Volvo – albeit a little dull in design.
However, the brand’s recent offerings cover more stylish and high-performance models, improving its overall attractiveness, especially electric ones.
The XC40 Recharge, a compact electric SUV, marks Volvo’s foray into the EV market, with enjoyable handling and a comfortable, quiet cabin.
#33 Polestar
Founder: Flash/Polestar Racing
Founded: 1996
Headquarters: Gothenburg, Sweden.
Volvo acquired Polestar in 2015 and is the parent company’s sub-brand for electric and hybrid vehicles, making Polestar Sweden’s most notable EV brand.
Polestar made its American debut in 2020 with Polestar 1, a luxury plug-in-hybrid coupe, and later released the Polestar 2 all-electric SUV in 2021.
The Polestar 2’s sub-$50k starting price is attractive for a premium EV, with impressive handling and stylish interior rivaling Tesla Model 3 for less.
It is one of the best-looking EVs around.
Norwegian Electric Car Brands
#34 TH!NK
Founder: Jan Otto Ringdal & Jan-Olaf Willms
Founded: 1991
Headquarters: Baerum, Norway.
Although Ford owned Think Global, the TH!NK brand was essentially a Norwegian EV manufacturer.
It produced the two-seater Think City electric, capable of 53 miles of range and a top speed of 55 miles per hour with molten salt or lithium-ion battery (rpd).
The super-small EV had a few attempts at mass production in 2008, but the company ultimately folded in 2011 due to City’s failure to gain traction.
TH!NK’s other EV models include the TH!NK OX and TH!NK Open.
Most Expensive Electric Car Brand
Automakers typically make various trim levels available for a model, so the price window can range from a few thousand dollars to a six-figure difference between the cheapest and most expensive version.
Comparing the current EV models on sale, Porsche is the most expensive electric car brand. Its priciest model is the Taycan 4S, a technological masterpiece, and a four-door sporty luxury EV.
It has an impressive build quality and can complete a 0-60 mph dash in under 3 seconds with its 400-horsepower electric motor.
Most Reliable Electric Car Brand
As automakers release more electric cars to fill the roads, data will accumulate for reliability studies to see which models last longer.
Until then, the insufficient information makes judging EV reliability difficult and inaccurate compared to the gasoline models that have dominated the market for many decades.
Still, early movers like Tesla and other Asian car brands will likely be the most reliable EV brands, at least until the late boomers catch up.
Most Popular Electric Car Brand
Popularity does not necessarily equate to quality, but the extended presence in the market and on the roads would logically contribute to improved quality as subsequent iterations better those before them.
Being a frontrunner in EV technologies and one of the earliest movers in the space, Tesla is undoubtedly the most popular electric car brand in the world.
Even as more EV brands fill the market, Tesla will continue to be at the forefront of buyers’ minds for years to come, so long as the automaker doesn’t drop the ball in quality and durability.
References:
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/hybrid-electric
https://www.toyota.com/electrified/
https://www.chevrolet.com/electric
https://www.ford.com/electric/
https://www.audiusa.com/us/web/en/models/electric-models.html
https://www.bmwusa.com/all-electric.html
https://www.vw.com/en/electric-vehicles.html
