Breaking Down the Hottest EVs in Missouri

Dear reader, are you feeling the pull towards an electric vehicle (EV) lately? I get it. With more charging stations around Missouri, attractive purchase incentives, and exciting new models to ponder, there’s never been a better time to go electric.

EV fever is sweeping the nation, and Missouri is catching on quickly. The state saw a 967% explosion in EV registrations from 2018 to 2022.

Missouri EV Registration Growth

In 2021, EVs made up close to 3% of new car sales in Missouri, doubling their market share from the previous year. Experts forecast EVs could reach 15-20% of state car sales by 2025 if incentives and infrastructure continue expanding.

What’s behind this Missouri EV boom? For starters, federal and state incentives knock thousands off purchase prices. Public charging ports across the state have tripled in four years to over 1,300 plugs. That means range anxiety fades since stations are never far away. And intriguing new models from Ford, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Tesla and more offer the latest tech in an electric package.

Let’s explore prime picks Missouri drivers are plugging into today and make your next car full of torquey all-electric adventure. Here are the top six EVs surging in popularity right here in the Show Me State.

1. Tesla Model 3 Sells Over 5X More Than Any Other Missouri EV

Accounting for over 65% of EVs registered statewide in 2021, Tesla’s track-blazing Model 3 remains far and away Missouri’s preferred EV. What explains this runaway success? One drive in the future-forward Model 3 makes it obvious…

Tesla Model 3 Tech Rundown

• Battery Sizes
  • 50 kWh “Standard Range” – 272 mile range
  • 82 kWh “Long Range” – 358 mile range
• Motors
  • Single rear motor – 258 hp or 348 hp
  • Dual motor AWD – 462 hp combined
• Acceleration
  • RWD – 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds
  • AWD – 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds
• Charging
  • 120+ kW Supercharger (adds 180 miles in 15 minutes)
  • 11 kW onboard charger (full charge overnight at home)
• Driver Assistance
  • Standard Autopilot included (TACC + Autosteer)
  • Available Full Self Driving capability

Blending cutting-edge engineering, stylish minimalist design, and the biggest public charging network, Model 3 brings tomorrow’s electric performance to the streets today. Reviewers praise how Model 3 “delivers on the promise of an electric car that’s desirable and practical enough for mainstream buyers.” Over one million drivers worldwide agree!

For Missouri residents eyeing an EV leap, Model 3 sets the standard for seamlessly melding technology, sustainability and excitement into daily driving.

2. Chevy Bolt EV – The Lowest Price EV with 250+ Mile Range

Coming in second for Missouri EV popularity is the Chevy Bolt EV. Offered as the Bolt EV hatchback and newer Bolt EUV crossover, Bolt focuses on mainstream value and practicality. Combining a 66 kWh battery pack and front wheel drive electric motor, Bolt achieves an EPA-estimated 259 miles of range. That’s MPGe of 117 city and 104 highway driving. Pretty thrifty!

Chevy Bolt EV Key Specs

• Battery
  • 66 kWh lithium-ion
• Motors
  • Single front motor
  • 200 horsepower
  • 266 lb-ft torque
• Charging
  • 55 miles range per 30 minutes at DC fast charger
  • Charges fully overnight at 240V home outlet
• Price
  • Start around $26,500 after federal tax credit

For Missourians not needing bleeding-edge performance tech but wanting a robust EV at an attractive price, Chevy Bolt checks all the boxes. Reviewers praise its “smooth, quiet operation and affordable ‘refueling’ costs.” Combined with American brand familiarity, Bolt found its spot as number two Missouri EV.

3. Tesla Model S – Pinnacle of Performance and Range

While Model 3 covers Tesla’s high-volume ground, the legacy Model S represents the utmost in luxury electric transportation for over 400 miles between charges. Its sleek fastback shape cloaks an expansive 17-inch center touchscreen and available jump to 60 mph in under 2 seconds – yes, faster acceleration than a Bugatti!

Tesla Model S Technical Breakdown

• Battery Options
  • 100 kWh “Long Range” – 405 mile range
  • 130 kWh “Plaid” – 533 mile range
• Motors
  • Up to 3 motors combine for over 1,000 horsepower
• Acceleration
  • Long Range – 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds
  • Plaid – 0 to 60 mph in 1.99 seconds
• Charging
  • Adds 200 miles in just 15 minutes at Supercharger
• Driver Assistance
  • Standard Autopilot included
  • Available Full Self Driving capability

Pioneering advances in EV drivetrain efficiency, aerodynamics and charging infrastructure culminate in the quintessential Model S. Reviewers applaud how “few vehicles capture imagination like Tesla’s Model S luxury EV.” Available as a more affordable Long Range or max performance Plaid, Model S covers both ends the eco-luxury spectrum.

For Missouri residents seeking the highest EV pedigree directly from Tesla headquarters, Model S still shines bright as an uncompromising four-door capable of outpacing supercars.

4. The Nissan Leaf – Missouri‘s Original Affordable EV

As the world’s first mainstream EV selling over 600,000 units since 2010, the Nissan Leaf holds historic significance many Missouri drivers appreciate. Offered as the classic Leaf hatchback or newer Ariya crossover, Leaf focuses on comfort and usability. Its smooth and quiet electric motor provides pleasing instant torque. Available battery sizes cater to different range needs.

Nissan Leaf EV Specs

• Battery Options
  • 40 kWh “S” – 149 mile range
  • 62 kWh “SV/SL” – 226 mile range
• Motor
  • 147 hp front motor
  • 236 lb-ft instant torque
• Charging
  • 6.6 kW onboard charger
  • 100 kW max DC fast charging rate
• Driver Assistance
  • Standard ProPilot Assist
    (adaptive cruise and lane centering tech)
• Price
  • Start around $28,000 after federal credit

Balancing over a decade of EV refinement with affordability, Leaf offers a relaxed and familiar electric driving experience. For Missourians desiring a comfortable daily commuter, Leaf checks those boxes well. Reviewers sum it up as “smooth, quiet operation and loads of EV content at a price undercutting rivals.”

5. Mustang Mach-E Blends Iconic Styling and Modern Eco Performance

Leave it to Ford to bridge historical and future styling cues in the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Mustang pony car profile, Mach-E infuses it with up to 310 miles of all-electric driving range. Two battery options supply either mainstream or extended driving between charges. Unique drive modes even tune the experience to match named Mustang heritage models.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Key Details

• Battery Options
  • 70 kWh “Standard Range” – 230 mile range
  • 98 kWh “Extended Range” – 310 mile range
• Motors
  • Single of dual motor AWD options
  • Up to 480 horsepower combined
• Acceleration
  • As quick at 3.5 seconds 0 to 60 mph
• Charging
  • Adds 61 miles of range in 10 minutes
• Driver Assistance
  • BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assist
• Price
  • Starts around $44,000 before incentives

“While debates rage among pony car fans, Ford seems to have created an EV winner,” reviews applaud. Blending head-turning style, a high-tech interior with giant touchscreen, optional long-range battery, and even quick acceleration when desired, Mustang Mach-E brings a unique personality to Missouri’s expanding EV ranks.

6. Hyundai Kona Electric Mixes Range, Zippy Performance and Funky Style

Rounding out Missouri’s top EVs, the Hyundai Kona Electric crossover pairs adventurous styling with two battery options to suit mainstream or extended driving distances. Its quirky front fascia conceals an 201 horsepower electric motor pumping out torquey responsive acceleration. Inside, vibrant color accents spice up the cabin.

Hyundai Kona Electric Specs

• Battery Options
  • 64 kWh “SE” – 258 mile range
  • 82 kWh “SEL” – 303 mile range
• Motor
  • 201 horsepower electric motor
• Charging
  • 100 kW max DC fast charging rate
• Safety
  • Standard forward collision avoidance
  • Available blind spot view monitor
• Price
  • Starts around $34,000 before incentives

Reviewers praise how the zippy Kona Electric “blends some of the best attributes of the automotive world into one funky little crossover.” For Missouri drivers wanting a personalized EV, Kona brings upbeat style, surprising performance, and generous ranges in a city-sized package.

Missouri Incentives Make Owning an EV Easy

Hopefully after this breakdown highlighting Missouri’s most popular EVs, you’re revved up about joining the EV ride. As a potential first-time buyer, what incentives sweeten the purchase? Get this – between federal, state and local programs, over $14,500 in discounts and credits await Missouri EV owners. Here are the big ones:

Missouri EV Purchase Incentives

With credits slashing up to $9,500 off EV purchases in Missouri, now makes sense to ditch gas pumps forever!

Missouri is Charging Towards an Electric Future

Well friend, now you’ve got an expert briefing on the most popular EVs surging across Missouri. Still leading the pack, Teslas capture public imagination like no other electric models. Yet volume sellers like Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Kona Electric expand the EV selection with tech, range and zip to suit varying needs. Combined with ample charging ports conveniently placed across population centers, Missouri provides the ingredients for an EV epicenter. The time has come to plug in and drive electric!

I encourage you to browse the listings at your local Missouri dealers. Once behind the wheel, that instant torque is addicting. And knowing you’re reducing environmental impact and total ownership costs compared to gas burners feels good. Incentive in hand, make the jump to an EV your next car purchase with conviction. Missouri’s EV momentum is just getting started, and you’ll be at the forefront of sustainable transportation’s future.