We aim to present awards that reflect what is genuinely significant to our readers and customers, rather than merely highlighting what is trendy or attention-grabbing.
It’s been an unconventional year for covering electric vehicles, and a more unusual one for doling out awards.
In the midst of fluctuating demand. The initial excitement surrounding a high-end luxury spaceship EV has begun to wane, and the expected flood of more affordable, desired options has not yet emerged. Many are concerned that EVs may never dominate the US market.
The electric vehicle sector is advancing rapidly, outpacing the progress made by the gas-car industry in its most rapid year. Despite encountering setbacks and blind alleys, we witnessed some significant breakthroughs along the way.
Highlighting our top innovations in 2022, with a special focus on the game-changing leaps we’ve made and what the future holds. Our first feature spotlights the Tesla Cybertruck, a pioneering achievement that’s making waves.
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I aimed to reform the current awards system, which often puts an emphasis on what is quick and impressive, rather than focusing on what truly benefits the consumer and drives technological advancements. Of course, cutting-edge, high-end flagships are certainly eye-catching, but we already have those. What we really require now are products, innovators, and technologies that remove the obstacles between us and a truly sustainable future.
Our 2024 Contenders
In fact, this was a significant year for both electric vehicle sales and the number of new models available. Despite some uncertainty, we saw a wide range of cars on the market, although only a few could be truly described as “breakthroughs.”
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Our team of judges focused on vehicles that were either new or significantly revised between late 2023 and 2024, and were on the market in the U.S. during our evaluation process, which started this fall. Among the cars we chose, we prioritized those that had received generally positive reviews from the InsideEVs staff and contributors throughout the year.
In other words, this is also a test for the absolute top-notch individuals right now. Just being considered is a great distinction.
After some consideration, the Equinox EV was the car we were eager to test the most.
Although that decision came with considerable debate, if we were judging which EV is best, the updated Model 3 might have won. But this is about what EV represents a breakthrough, and the Cybertruck has a much more compelling argument there.
Finally, and for reasons I will elaborate on shortly, we focused on developing more affordable models for this process. However, before we addressed that, we first had to overcome the challenge of geography.
How We Judged
It’s challenging to assess the American electric vehicle experience in one location, as it varies significantly from one market to another. In my area of San Diego, public charging stations are plentiful, but many are outdated. The Superchargers closest to my home are V2 models that don’t support non-Tesla electric vehicles, and many CCS stations are malfunctioning. However, there are also large 20-stall high-speed charging stations capable of 350 kilowatts. In contrast, areas like Ohio and New York have fewer charging stations, but they are less crowded and relatively newer.
Tom Molougney is in New Jersey, with numerous available highways for range testing. Editor-in-chief Patrick George has the rural area experience in upstate New York. Staff Writer Kevin Williams is our Midwestern correspondent in Columbus. Then Senior Reporter Tim Levin in the Bay Area, Contributing Editor Abigail Basset in the LA Area, and I in San Diego have California thoroughly covered.
We provided our individual notes on the experience of driving and living with these vehicles, followed by a series of spirited Zoom debates to determine which car, person, and technology would merit our Breakthrough recognition.
To accomplish that, we had to identify what substantial obstacles were actually preventing progress. Following responses from numerous readers, specialists, relatives, and friends, a single challenge emerged as the most prominent.
The Affordability Issue
This award will adapt to market changes. The products we need today are not the same ones we’ll be recognizing in 2027. For now, the primary concern among buyers and readers alike is evident: affordability. EVs are excellent, but the price issue is a major one.
We hear you.
This is a stretch, but it’s even more challenging for EVs, reaching $56,902. According to U.S. census data, the median income for individuals with earnings was $50,310, last year. For an adult between 35 and 44 years old, it would require 94% of their annual salary to purchase a new EV. For a young adult between 25 and 34, the amount would be a staggering 112% of their earnings.
Something has to give.
Americans can either drastically increase their salaries immediately, or electric vehicles (EVs) need to become significantly less expensive. If neither scenario becomes a reality, we will likely struggle with pollution affecting our air and water for generations.
This year, I’m honored that our judges placed a priority on inclusivity for everyone. Economical used electric vehicles have indeed made entry easier. However, new affordable alternatives that can compete with gasoline-powered cars in terms of price are absolutely essential. Electric vehicles are already more cost-effective to own and maintain than gas cars. In the near future, I’m 100% confident they will be significantly more reliable and capable of lasting over 200,000 miles. Yet, for both factors to be meaningful, they must be accessible to a broader audience.
The Other Barriers
This competition isn’t just about finding the most affordable car, though. As shown by the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, and original Fiat 500e, simply being cheap isn’t enough if the selected car doesn’t meet the consumers’ basic expectations for a new vehicle. Americans now generally expect cars with a range of around or over 300 miles, fast charging capabilities, a practical design, and features that are at least equal to those of internal combustion engine vehicles. For example, providing the capabilities of an internal combustion truck at a competitive price remains a major challenge yet to be overcome.
Navigating America’s confusing and fragmented charging system is a significant challenge, which is why we’re seeking electric vehicles with excellent route planning capabilities. Fortunately, Tesla has successfully addressed this issue, partly because it controls its entire charging network. The company that can integrate all these chargers into a reliable and stress-free charging system will likely be a top contender for a prestigious award. Until that happens, we’ll settle for any solution that simplifies the charging process for non-Tesla EVs.
In Europe, in China and in most other global locations, they’re being sold extensively. Even so, an even higher number of electric vehicles will be delivered in 2024 than ever before. Still, this doesn’t suffice for numerous companies, who are so deeply invested in profits from internal-combustion models that they would clearly prefer not to bother.
This shift will demand courage. Therefore, we’re also honoring those pioneering towards the future with genuine enthusiasm and their best efforts, in place of those companies that complain about problems without attempting to resolve them. Each one of these brands—Rivian, Tesla, Chevy, Hyundai, Kia and Lucid—is building something worthy of sparking genuine excitement about EVs among consumers.
A Promising Road Ahead
These corporations demonstrate that the electric vehicle (EV) revolution can indeed be successful. Not as a result of stringent regulations or government mandates, but because these automobiles offer an overall superior experience compared to any traditional gas-powered vehicle. A month-long experience in any of our participants would make the most exceptional gas-powered car you have ever driven seem antiquated, noisy, and utterly absurd by comparison. So long as you have access to home charging or convenient through-work charging, these vehicles will be remarkably easy to own and delightful to operate on the road.
Their sole drawback is the still-developing public charging infrastructure and high purchase prices. That’s why I’m so proud to recognize our inaugural Breakthrough EV of the Year, Technology of the Year and Person of the Year. Each one represents outstanding achievements on their own. Combined, they paint a even more vivid picture of an EV market that is becoming more accessible to consumers, better prepared for public charging expansion, and, crucially, still viable for automakers.
No, I don’t subscribe to the idea that 2024 was an unsuccessful year for the EV market. By any account, it was the most successful one so far. With all the progress made, I’m convinced that 2025’s lineup will be even more impressive.
