In recent years, especially in a post-pandemic world, the auto industry has ushered in intense shifts in the type of products they thought people wanted, such as more electrified vehicles, and they have been responding to those demands often with mixed results. This trend did not happen overnight. American software and automaker giant Tesla broke the mold in terms of what a car should be, including ditching the gas engine altogether. For over a decade now, Tesla has refined and perfected the recipe of the EV for the masses. For this reason, it came as no surprise that they were the best-selling EV maker in 2024, globally; even selling more cars than Audi overall. Their Model Y dethroned the sales superstar Toyota Corolla and RAV4 in 2022.
Through the years, Tesla became an icon of sustainability with products and entrepreneurial values that resonated with the environmentally friendly swarm of early EV adopters, making the brand a beacon of future-focused innovation, one that many legacy automakers are still trying to catch up to. Conversely, the Tesla name is also synonymous with Elon Musk. In the field of innovation, many see this pairing happening for the better, however, in terms of Musk’s current political involvement, many agree the consequences are headed for the worst.
Customers and stakeholders alike are listening and watching closely, and the consequences of Musk’s involvement with the current U.S. administration, in addition to his open support of far-right groups in Europe, have certainly alienated potential customers while also creating uncertainty for investors. Signs of Tesla’s sales decline are starting to come out, with more countries reporting February 2025 crashing numbers, including Germany, with sales down 70%. Last year, global sales for the automaker were down year-over-year for the first time in a decade, painting a bleak picture for the automaker in 2025.
The disdain for the actions of Tesla’s head honcho is creating an environment where potential new (and current) Tesla owners are moving away from the brand, as the mere association with the polarizing CEO is cringe-worthy at the very least. Alternatively, customers are looking elsewhere. Still, with automakers consistently bringing competitive products to market, there is no better time to get behind an EV (and a brand) that won’t make you hate yourself. If it’s a turnoff for you that Tesla is the sole option in the EV market, read on, because options exist and here are what I consider to be the best (and sometimes better) turn-ons to the S, 3, X, Y lineup currently available:
Ford Mustang Mach-E (starting MSRP: $36,495)
Ford’s first step into the EV masses came bearing a familiar name, which also has made it quite controversial. For purists, the Ford Mustang Mach E is not a proper Mustang, but for the majority of us, the Mach E offers a confident and sensible package that includes space for five adults in crossover form, plenty of cabin space and exciting driving dynamics. Also, since 2024, all Ford EVs can use the Tesla Supercharger network to charge on the go. Now that’s what I call a “whinnying” formula.
Honda Prologue (starting MSRP: $47,400)
Speaking of doing some catching up, the Honda Prologue is the Japanese automaker’s effort to have a piece of the EV cake but with a borrowed spoon if you will. Built on GMs electric vehicle architecture (formerly Ultium) that underpins vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Blazer EV and Cadillac’s Lyriq, Honda’s proposition carries the trusted brand’s ethos, all while they continue to iron out their proprietary EV architecture expected to hit the market in 2026. All 2025 models will come with Tesla Supercharger network access, making this an excellent alternative to the Model Y, and maybe a Model X in Elite form sans the Falcon wings.
Chevrolet Equinox EV (starting MSRP: $43,295)
Regardless of the EV market’s rollercoaster with sales and demand, Chevrolet is pushing forward with the rollout of their EV lineup, including their now best-selling EV, the Chevrolet Equinox EV. GM announced that there will be a more affordable version in 1LT form that should go for $35K, but we are still waiting for that model to come out of the assembly lines. If you want reliable range like the Model 3 but with a hatch and a raised suspension, this could be your best bet.
Cadillac Lyriq (starting MSRP: $58,595)
If you’ve been eyeing a Model X, consider the opulent version from GM. Cadillac has been killing it in the EV sport, offering luxurious vehicles with solid range and buckets of value for your money. The Cadillac Lyriq blends a striking design language with a smooth ride, all in a package that feels more expensive than what it is. If you’re looking for more oomph in the throttle, check out the newly introduced Lyriq-V.
Kia EV6/Hyundai Ioniq 5 (starting MSRP:$42,600)
These siblings from South Korea have consistently shaken the EV market since their introduction back in 2021. Sharing the same EV platform, each takes a different design approach to appeal to the widest crop of consumers, all while creating some of the most exciting products so far. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was the second best-selling EV in the US last year (second only to the Model 3) while the Kia EV6 wasn’t too far behind. The former carries tons of style in its retro-futuristic design language, while the latter brings what I can only surmise as a spaceship on wheels.
Lucid Air (starting MSRP: $69,900)
The car that launched Tesla’s undisputed reputation for innovation and overall “sexyness” for the masses was the Model S. A mind-blowing, sleek liftback that broke all records, and all expectations. Fast forward to 2025, luxury carmakers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are aiming at the Model S caché with the i5, EQS and Taycan respectively. But the true contender comes from yet another American startup. Lucid unveiled their Air model back in 2020, shaking the dormant Model S and challenging the definition of American luxury cruisers. If you opt for the Sapphire version, you unlock over 1,200 horsepower, range north of 400 miles and a claimed 0-60 run in less than two seconds. In posh style, you’ll be gone in a befuddled Elon Musk’s blink.
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