EV Range and Pricing: What You Really Get for Your Money in 2018

When you think about EV range, how far an electric vehicle can drive on a single charge before needing to recharge. Also known as electric vehicle driving distance, it’s the number that decides if an EV fits your life—or leaves you stranded. In 2018, EV range wasn’t just a spec sheet detail; it was the make-or-break factor for buyers switching from gas. Some models barely hit 100 miles, while others pushed past 250. That’s not a minor difference—it’s the gap between daily commuting and road trips.

And then there’s EV pricing, the total cost to buy and own an electric vehicle, including incentives, taxes, and long-term maintenance. Also known as electric car cost, it’s not just the sticker price. A $30,000 EV might look expensive until you realize you’ll save $1,000 a year on fuel and half as much on maintenance. But not every EV qualifies for tax credits, and some dealers add fees that erase savings. Knowing what’s included—and what’s hidden—matters more than the monthly payment. The EV range and 2018 EV models, electric vehicles released or still in production during the 2018 model year. Also known as 2018 electric cars, they include the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, Tesla Model 3, and Hyundai Ioniq Electric weren’t just competing with each other. They were competing with the idea that electric cars are impractical. The Bolt gave you 238 miles for under $30,000. The Tesla Model 3 offered 220 miles and autopilot for the same price. The Leaf? Less range, but lower cost and wider availability. Each one answered a different question: Do you need long range? Do you want tech? Do you just want to pay less?

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of specs. It’s real talk from people who lived with these cars. You’ll see how range changes in winter, why some EVs cost more to service than others, and how pricing tricks hide in the fine print. No fluff. No marketing spin. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you should ask before you sign.