Turned off Tesla by Elon Musk? Here are 4 great electric alternatives to its sedans and SUVs.
- Some Tesla owners and buyers tiring of Elon Musk's Twitter antics, according to various reports.
- Although Tesla sells some great cars, it's not the only one making appealing, zero-emission rides.
Since buying Twitter for $44 billion in October, Elon Musk has become an increasingly erratic and polarizing presence on the web. He's attacked Dr. Anthony Fauci, suspended journalists' Twitter accounts without explanation, and laid off thousands of employees.
The Tesla and Twitter CEO's ceaseless antics are repelling some Tesla owners and potential buyers from the electric-car company, which historically had some of the best brand loyalty in the business.
But there's good news for dejected Tesla fans: Although Tesla is by far the most popular maker of electric vehicles in the US, nowadays there are plenty of other appealing EVs to choose from.
Instead of a Model S, consider:
Tesla's Model S sedan has historically been the electric car against which all new EVs are measured. It remains a technological leader a decade after its launch, offering a whopping 405 miles of range and supercar-like acceleration.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is one excellent alternative. An electric take on the German brand's flagship S Class, the EQS offers up 350 miles of range, a buttery smooth ride, and — for tech-obsessed buyers — an optional 56-inch array of screens. Pricing starts at around $102,000, and a souped-up AMG version is available for $147,500.
Instead of a Model 3, consider:
At $46,990, the sporty Model 3 sedan is Tesla's cheapest car and the model that launched the brand into the mainstream.
You could instead consider the Polestar 2, the first all-electric car from Volvo's luxury-EV subsidiary. It handles nicely, delivers up to 270 miles of range, has hatchback practicality, and features a minimalist, uncluttered interior just like a Tesla. Plus, its Google-based software looks great and is exceptionally easy to use.
And, much like Musk's company, Polestar sells its cars online without the fuss of dealership markups.
Instead of a Model X, consider:
Big, three-row SUVs have been a bit of a weak spot in the industry's shift to EVs. But more options are coming online to challenge the $120,990 Model X.
The new Rivian R1S is a mind-blowingly good family-hauler that's equally competent at school drop-offs and off-road adventures. The second consumer model from California startup Rivian, the R1S has seven seats, tons of cargo space, and a powerful four-wheel-drive system that makes light work out of treacherous trails.
Great news for fans of Tesla's Apple-store aesthetic: Rivian's vehicles have big touchscreens, lots of cool tech, and a spartan, button-free style.
Rivian SUVs are backordered into oblivion as the company ramps up production, but they are available lightly used.
Instead of a Model Y, consider:
There's a swarm of small electric SUVs on offer from Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo, and more. And it makes sense: SUVs are America's favorite vehicles.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out. The SUV-hatchback-thing turns heads with its bold, retro futuristic looks — complete with hard creases and lights comprised of teeny-tiny pixels. Inside, it feels remarkably spacious and relaxing, thanks to a modern aesthetic, a totally flat floor, and a center console that can slide fore and aft to make room.
The 2023 model starts at $41,450. But you'll need to pony up at least $45,500 to snag the SUV's 303-mile max range.
Are you a Tesla owner, potential buyer, or employee with a story to share? Reconsidering your relationship to the brand? Contact this reporter at tlevin@insider.com