The 10 most popular electric cars of 2021 and how long it takes to charge them

Electric mobility is no longer in its infancy. Over the past decade, we’ve seen an explosion of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads. Recently, McKinsey & Company announced that the tipping point in passenger EV adoption had already occurred. 

With all this growth, EVs are becoming more and more attractive to all kinds of drivers—not just early adopters. Today, nearly half of all consumers (45 percent) surveyed in our research said that they are considering buying an EV. When looking into electric driving, one of the most common questions asked is how long it will take to charge one.

The answer to that question depends on multiple factors: the car itself, its battery, the charging station used, the weather conditions, the state of charge, and so on... But you probably aren't looking for a textbook explanation. So, instead, we’ve gathered information on some of the most-popular EVs of 2021 and calculated how long it takes to charge them. 

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most attractive EVs on the market today and has become the first electric vehicle to top monthly sales of new cars in Europe. The Model 3 comes with a variety of options, such as a standard range rear-wheel drive, dual-motor- all-wheel drive, and a long-range battery and performance option with 20” Überturbine wheels, performance brakes, and lowered suspension. 

Tesla Model 3 performance

There are three different versions of the Tesla Model 3 available on the market, each with different ranges, different battery sizes and different prices.

1. Rear-Wheel Drive: The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive has a 50 kWh battery and a range of 491 km.
2. Performance: The Model 3 Performance has a 75 kWh battery and a range of 547 kms.
3. Long Range: The Model 3 Long Range has a 75 kWh battery and a range of 614 kms.

What is the range of a Tesla Model 3?

The range of a Tesla Model 3 is between 491 km and 614 kms.

How big is the battery in a Tesla Model 3?

The battery capacity of a Tesla Model 3 is either 50 kWh or 75 kWh.

How much does a Tesla Model 3 cost?

As the cheapest Tesla on the road at present, the price for a Tesla Model 3 ranges between €49,980 and €63,980*, depending on which version of the vehicle you choose.

*The cost of a Tesla Model 3 can vary depending on your location or dealership. At the time of writing this article, we took Tesla’s Dutch catalogue price.

How long does it take to charge a Tesla Model 3?

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability.

Tesla Model Y

Whereas the Model 3 is Tesla’s version of a traditional four-door sedan, the Model Y steps more into the luxury SUV market. Unveiled in 2019, this fully electric, mid-size SUV, started appearing on the roads in 2020 and is expected to become more widely available in the near future. The Model Y shares a lot of the technology from the Model 3, however, the Model Y is slightly larger, can be optionally equipped as a seven-seater, and is more spacious too.

Tesla Model Y performance

There are two different versions of the Tesla Model Y available on the market.

1. Long Range: The Model Y Long Range has a 75 kWh battery and a range of 507 km
2. Performance: The Model Y Performance has a 75 kWh battery and a range of 480 km.

What is the range of a Tesla Model Y?

The range of a Tesla Model Y depends on the version you choose and ranges from 480 km to 507 km.

How big is the battery in a Tesla Model Y?

The battery capacity of a Tesla Model Y is 75 kWh.

How much does a Tesla Model Y cost?

The price for a Tesla Model Y ranges between €64,000 and €70,000*, depending on which version of the vehicle you choose.

*The cost of a Tesla Model Y can vary depending on your location or dealership. At the time of writing this article, we took Tesla’s Dutch brochure price.

How long does it take to charge a Tesla Model Y?

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability.

Volkswagen ID.4

The ID.4 was launched to take on the world’s largest market segment, the compact SUV class, in what the Volkswagen Group calls their electric offensive. Going head to head with the Model Y, the ID.4 wants to provide an affordable alternative which can drive forward electric mobility in larger markets. And it’s working: The fully electric ID.4 prevailed over the strong international competition at the international World Car Awards to win “World Car of the Year 2021”. 

Volkswagen ID.4 performance

The Volkswagen ID.4 comes in three different versions.

1. ID.4 Pure: The Volkswagen ID.4 Pure has a 52 kWh battery capacity and a range of 344 km. It’s battery can handle a charging output of 109kW.
2. ID.4 Pro: The Volkswagen ID.4 Pro has a 77 kWh battery capacity and a range of 482 km. The ID.4 Pro can handle a higher power output of 150kW. 
3. ID.4 GTX: The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX has a 77 kWh battery capacity and a range of 482 km. The ID.4 GTX can handle a power output of up to 220kW.

What is the range of a Volkswagen ID.4?

The range of a Volkswagen ID.4 depends on the version you choose, but ranges between 344 km and 488 km.

How big is the battery in a Volkswagen ID.4?

The battery capacity of a Volkswagen ID.4 depends on the version you choose, but ranges between 52 kWh and 77 kWh.

How much does a Volkswagen ID.4 cost?

The price for a Volkswagen ranges between €39,190 and €52,990*, depending on which version of the vehicle you choose.

*The cost of a Volkswagen ID.4 can vary depending on your location or dealership. At the time of writing this article, we took Volkswagen’s Dutch Brochure price.

How long does it take to charge a Volkswagen ID.4?

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability.

Renault Zoe

The Renault Zoe E-tech is one of the most popular electric vehicles in Europe, selling nearly 100,000 units in 2020. And it’s no surprise, with a rather long range for a small EV—the E-tech can go 395 km on a single charge—the Zoe has the best range in its class. Due to this fact, Zoe has won the title of Western Europe's best-selling electric car in 2020.

Renault Zoe Performance

The Renault Zoe Zoe E-Tech comes in multiple different versions including the Play, the Iconic, the GT Line, and the Riviera Limited Edition. With all this choice, there are only two options in terms of electric motors; a smaller R110 (on Play and Iconic models only) and a larger R135 motor. 

However, these models do not have different specs in terms of battery capacity or range which sits at 52 kWh and 395km respectively. All versions of the Zoe E-tech have a fast charging capacity of 50 kW.

What is the range of a Renault Zoe?

The range of a Renault Zoe is 395km.

How big is the battery in a Renault Zoe?

The battery capacity of a Renault Zoe is 52 kWH.

How much does a Renault Zoe cost?

The price for a Renault Zoe ranges between €33,490 and €36,390*, depending on which version of the vehicle you choose.

*The cost of a Renault Zoe can vary depending on your location or dealership. At the time of writing this article, we took Renault’s Dutch catalogue price. 

How long does it take to charge a Renault Zoe?

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on charging times specified in Renault Zoe’s brochure (in Dutch) where possible and alternatively, they are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability.

Nissan LEAF

The all-electric Nissan LEAF  was the world's first mass-market electric vehicle and helped pave the way for EV adoption around the globe. The Nissan LEAF has been around since 2010 in Japan and has sold over 500,000 vehicles since the model was first introduced, making it one of the most common EVs on the roads. In fact, the compact five-door LEAF was, until 2019 when it was passed by the Tesla Model 3, the highest selling EV of all-time. 

Nissan LEAF Performance

Today, the Nissan LEAF comes in two different versions: 

1. LEAF: The Nissan LEAF has a battery capacity of 40 kWh, a range of 270 km, and can handle 63 kW of charging.
2. The LEAF e+: The Nissan LEAF e+ is larger than the standard version and has a battery capacity of 62kWh, a range of 385 km, and can also handle up to 63 kW of charging.

What is the range of a Nissan LEAF?

The range of a Nissan LEAF depends on the exact model and is between 270 - 385 km.

How big is the battery in a Nissan LEAF?

The battery capacity of Nissan LEAF depends on the exact model and is either 40 kWh or 62 kWh.

How much does a Nissan LEAF cost?

The price for a Nissan LEAF ranges between €33,290 and €38,890*, depending on which version of the vehicle you choose.

*The cost of a Nissan LEAF can vary depending on your location or dealership. At the time of writing this article, we took Nissan’s Dutch catalogue price. Versions may have different names in Dutch and English. 

How long does it take to charge a Nissan LEAF?

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability.

Hyundai KONA

With the KONA Electric, Hyundai became the first carmaker to merge two industry trends for the European market: a fully-electric drivetrain and a subcompact SUV body style. The Hyundai KONA is a compact crossover and a new breed of SUVs designed to take on the city. With the size and maneuverability of a city passenger vehicle and the height and perspective of a SUV, the KONA Electric has become one of the most popular EVs in Europe. Since its introduction to the market in 2018, more than 142,000 KONA Electrics have been sold worldwide, including more than 100,000 units in Europe.

Hyundai Kona performance

The Hyundai Kona has many variations, but only has two different battery size options: 39 kWh and 64 kWh. The smaller of the two has a range of 305 km and the larger 484 km. The Kona models Comfort and the Fashion can have either size battery, but the Premium and the Premium Sky only come equipped with the larger battery capacity.

What is the range of Hyundai Kona?

The range of a Hyundai Kona depends on the exact model and is between 305 - 484 km.

How big is the battery in a Hyundai Kona?

The battery capacity of Hyundai Kona depends on the exact model and is either 39 kWh or 64 kWh.

How much does a Hyundai Kona cost?

The price for a Hyundai Kona ranges between €33,995 and €44,995*, depending on which version of the vehicle you choose.

*The cost of a Hyundai Kona can vary depending on your location or dealership. At the time of writing this article, we took Hyundai’s Dutch catalogue price.

How long does it take to charge a Hyundai Kona?

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability.

Audi e-tron

The 2021 Audi e-tron SUV family was one of the most attractive in the mid-to-upper price points in the SUV range in 2021. The fully electric Audi models offer refined SUV designs, with everyday utility and distinctive road presence. The Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback were the first and second fully electric vehicles in the Audi lineup, creating a stepping stone for the brand’s commitment to 30 percent of the U.S. model lineup being fully or partially electrified by 2025.

Audi e-tron Performance

The Audi e-tron comes in many shapes and sizes—from the standard Edition to Advanced Edition, to the S Edition—each with their own dimensions and features. However, each model has two options for the battery size—either the 50 quattro (71 kWh) or or the 55 quattro (95 kWh) meaning that regardless of the model you choose, there are two battery options. 

1. Audi e-tron 50 quattro: With the smaller of the two batteries (71 kWh) the e-tron can travel up to 341 km on a single charge and has a maximum DC fast charging capacity of 120 kW.
2. Audi e-tron 55 quattro: The larger 95 kWh battery, the e-tron can travel up to 441 km. In addition, Audi e-tron’s with the 55 quattro battery can charge slightly faster, at 150 kW. 

What is the range of the Audi e-tron?

The range of an Audi e-tron depends on the battery size and is between 341 - 441 km.

How big is the battery of the Audi e-tron

The battery capacity of the Audi e-tron depends on the type of battery it comes with and is between 71 kWh - 95 kWh.

How much does an Audi e-tron cost?

The price for an Audi e-tron ranges between €67,705 and €105,145*, depending on which version of the vehicle you choose.

*The cost of an Audi e-tron can vary depending on your location or dealership. At the time of writing this article, we took Audi’s Dutch catalogue price.

How long does it take to charge an Audi e-tron?

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability.

Kia e-Niro 

The e-Niro, Kia’s first fully-electric crossover utility vehicle, was unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show and in the few years since, it’s become an incredibly popular option for EV drivers—with over 200,000 units sold globally since 2016 and 65,000 of those were across Europe.

Kia e-Niro Performance

The Kia e-Niro comes with two different battery sizes, the smaller of which has a capacity of 39.2 kWh and the larger with 64 kWh. The range for the Kia e-Niro is 289km to 455km with the smaller distance correlating to the smaller battery size. The e-Niro comes with an 11kW on board charger for AC charging and has a fast charging capacity of around 77 kW.

What is the range of the Kia e-Niro?

The range of a Kia e-Niro depends on the battery size and is between 289 - 445 km.

How big is the battery of the Kia e-Niro?

The battery capacity of the Kia e-Niro depends on the type of battery and is either 39.2 kWh or 64 kWh.

How much does a Kia e-Niro cost?

The price for a Kia e-Niro ranges between €35,995 and €45,995*, depending on which version of the vehicle you choose.

*The cost of a Kia E-Niro can vary depending on your location or dealership. At the time of writing this article, we took Kia’s Dutch catalogue price.

How long does it take to charge a Kia e-Niro?

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that delivers instant acceleration, with the GT model capable of 0-100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. Reminiscent of the Ford Mustangs of old, the Mach-E is the first edition to the Mustang lineup in 56 years and offers an extended-range battery, rear-wheel drive, and built-in charging solutions that route customers to nearby public charging stations. 

Mustang Mach-E Performance

Although the standard battery range is a large 75 kWh, the Mach-E also offers an extended battery capacity with one of the longest ranges on the market. 

1. Standard range: On the smaller 75 kWh battery, the Mach-E can travel approximately 440 km on a single charge and has a fast charging capacity of 115 kW.
2. Long Range: The longer range Mustang Mach-E has a much larger battery capacity (98 kWh) has an advertised range of 610 km — closely competing with even Tesla’s longest of ranges. The Mach-E’s larger 98 kW battery also comes with an increased smart charging capacity of up to 150 kW of power. 

How big is the battery in a Mustang Mach-E?

The battery capacity of a Mustang Mach-E is either 75 kWh or 98 kWh.

What is the range of a Mustang Mach-E?

The range of a Mustang Mach-E is between 440 km and 610 km depending on the size of the battery.

How much does a Mustang Mach-E cost?

The price for a Mustang Mach-E ranges between €50,425 and €58,575* for the rear-wheel drive version and can climb to €75,490 for the GT AWD automatic SUV.

*The cost of a Mustang Mach-E can vary depending on your location or dealership. At the time of writing this article, we took Ford’s Dutch catalogue price.

How long does it take to charge a Mustang Mach-E?

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability.

Fiat 500e

The new Fiat 500e, the first fully electric car from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, made its debut in 2020. Integrating the classic Italian style of the original Fiat 500, rooted in 63 years of history, the new 500e is an iconic city car with the same stylistic proportions and clean design. The 500e comes in as a hatchback, a convertible model, or with a 3+1 model with a tiny fourth door to make the back seat more accessible. 

Fiat 500e Performance

Regardless of whether you choose a convertible or a hatchback, the 500e comes in four different versions: The Action, the Passion, the Icon and La Prima. Beyond cosmetics, the major difference between the four is battery capacity and fast charging capacity.

1. Action: The Fiat 500e Action has a smaller battery capacity of 23.8 kWh which gives a range of 180 km and a maximum fast charging capacity of 50 kW.
2. Passion, Icon, and La Prima: The three other options all come with a 42 kWh battery, giving a range of between 298 km and 321 km, and can receive up to 85kW in DC charging as standard. 

How big is the battery in a Fiat 500e?

The battery capacity of a Fiat 500e is either 23.8 kWh or 42 kWh.

What is the range of a Fiat 500e?

The range of a Fiat 500e is between 180 km and 320 km depending on the size of the battery.

How much does a Fiat 500e cost?

As one of the most popular city EVs on the road today, the price for a Fiat 500e ranges between €24,900 and €35,900* for the hatchback depending, but prices vary on which version of the vehicle you choose.

*The cost of a Fiat 500e can vary depending on your location or dealership. At the time of writing this article, we took Fiat's Dutch catalogue price.

How long does it take to charge a Fiat 500e?

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability.

We hope to have provided you with a clear overview of these popular EV models. There are of course many different ways and places to charge these electric vehicles. But, did you know that most EV drivers prefer to charge their vehicle at home? Visit our website to find out more about EV charging at home or have a look at our complete guide to EV charging.