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Before You Buy a Tesla, Consider These 10 Electric Car Brands First

Do you want an electric vehicle that is not a Tesla? You have plenty of options.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated Dec. 10, 2025

Are you interested in an electric vehicle but don't want a Tesla or other EV that is widely talked about?

Maybe you want an EV that makes you stand out from the crowd, or you simply want to make the right car owner moves by choosing a great electric vehicle from the right carmaker.

Whatever the reason, you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing another electric vehicle manufacturer.

The following are makers of electric vehicles that you might not have heard of before.

Faraday Future

Stop living in the gas-guzzling past by purchasing something from Faraday Future.

The car manufacturer offers the FF 91 model for potential buyers who want an all-electric car. The FF 91 can go 381 miles on one charge and reach 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.39 seconds.

Pro tip: Electric vehicles can be expensive. If you have your heart set on buying one, consider finding a way to make extra cash that you can use to purchase your dream ride. For example, apply for a part-time job or create a side hustle.

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Rivian

Rivian is the perfect option for buyers who want something more than a typical electric vehicle sedan.

The carmaker's two models — the R1S and the R1T — look like an SUV and a truck, respectively.

That gives them extra appeal to buyers who need something more rugged than a Tesla or the typical four-door sedan that is prevalent in the EV market.

Nikola Corporation

Need something more powerful than a typical family car? Pick up the Nikola TRE battery electric vehicle semi-truck from Nikola Corporation.

The company's battery-powered semi-trucks can get up to 330 miles per charge and don't create the same type of pollution as a typical diesel truck.

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Lucid Motors

Lucid Motors is making a name for itself in automotive circles with its electric offerings.

For example, the Lucid Air earned the coveted MotorTrend award for car of the year in years past for its high performance and long range. A Lucid Air Grand Touring gets an estimated 512 miles per charge.

Aptera

If you want something different from the crowd, consider reserving an Aptera. The Aptera is a futuristic-looking three-wheel vehicle that charges up with the sun thanks to solar panels on the roof.

Its unique design also cuts down on drag, which means the car is able to use less energy as it moves forward compared to a typical vehicle.

Mullen Automotive

Mullen Automotive offers a variety of different electric vehicles that might fit your needs. The company offers electric cargo vans for commercial use.

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Bollinger Motors

Want something boxy and beefy that's the complete opposite of a typical car or SUV? Check out an EV from Bollinger Motors.

The company has SUV and pick-up truck options with imposing front ends that are sure to make heads turn as you drive by.

And if you need a work vehicle instead, check out the electric B4 Chassis Cab.

Nio

Chinese-based Nio Inc. is making strides into the American automotive market and could have an option for you in the future.

The company makes several different models, including sedans and SUVs. And keep an eye out for its autonomous EP9, which it touts as one of the fastest electric vehicles in the world.

VinFast

Singapore-based VinFast is pushing into the American market with several options that might be a good alternative to a Tesla.

Check out the VinFast line of sedans and SUVs to see if there is one that is right for you.

The company has about 30 franchise dealers in the U.S.

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Big-name manufacturers

Believe it or not, American automakers were in the electric car business more than a century ago. Companies like Anderson Electric Car Company and Studebaker Electric made such vehicles in the early 1900s.

Today, mainstream auto manufacturers are back in the segment, with electric trucks from Ford, Chevrolet, and RAM.

Ford, Toyota, and Nissan also sell electric vehicles.

Bottom line

So, are you ready to save money on gas by ditching your internal combustion engine? It's important to first create a budget comparing the ownership cost of both an electric car and a gas-powered car to see which one is best for you.

Remember to factor in the cost of electricity or maintenance and repair issues like oil changes or battery replacement costs.

Also, make sure to try to save on auto insurance by shopping around and comparing quotes from different car insurance companies.

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