As the race to develop artificial intelligence that rivals human cognition heats up across China, Europe and the U.S., a similar competition is unfolding in the electric vehicle industry.
Automakers like Tesla, BYD and Volkswagen are competing for consumers in the growing global transportation market with features like double-laminated glass, sustainable materials, tray tables and a frunk — a front trunk.
Each region brings its own approach. China’s top EV models blend affordability with tech, European EVs blend sustainability and refinement, and the U.S. emphasizes performance and luxury at scale.
Chinese EV standouts
While not available for purchase in the U.S. due to trade restrictions, Chinese electric automakers emphasize the latest technology while maintaining affordability.
BYD Dolphin
The electric hatchback prioritizes affordability, with the European market price starting at €22,900, or $26,701, for the 200-mile range batteries. The cost is €26,207, or $29,138, for vehicles with 315-mile range.
The EV’s design mimics “ocean aesthetics,” with front and rear lights inspired by dolphins breaching, according to the company website.
Inside, the Dolphin offers a floating center console, a large center display with integrated voice command and four colors with corresponding interiors.
The EV can reach 100km/h, or 62.14 mph, in seven seconds.
Xiaomi YU7
Launching in June, the Xiaomi YU7 is a high-performance luxury SUV that emphasizes advanced design, technology, driving experience and safety.
It comes in three versions:
- Standard, ¥253,500 or $35,447
- Pro, ¥279,900 or $39,138
- Max, ¥329,900 or $46,130
The YU7 boasts “industry-leading airtightness” to reduce outside noise. The Max version adds double-laminated glass to cut wind and other noise by two to three decibels.
All vehicles are equipped with a Xiaomi HyperEngine V6 Plus. The Max version reaches 253 km/h, or 157.21 mph, per hour and accelerates to 100km/h in 3.23 seconds.
Notable European EVs
While some European models like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV are produced and sold in the U.S., these models are only sold overseas:
BMW iX1 eDrive20
Unlike its gas-powered counterpart, the X1, the iX1 eDrive20 is not available in the U.S., and BMW has no plans for a North American rollout.
Though EU law prohibits fixed pricing, the recommended retail price during its launch was €47,900, or $55,756.
Additionally, the iX1 can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and its top speed is electronically capped to 170km/h, or 105 mph.
On the interior of the vehicle, the model offers a navigational system, two-zone automatic air conditioning, a parking assistant, a back-up camera and an upgraded curved screen.
Škoda Elroq
Fashioned by its chrome-accented bumper logo, Škoda, Volkswagen’s Czech subsidiary, offers a modern driving experience serving Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
Its award-winning SUV, the Elroq, features fast-charging technology, enabling drivers to recharge from 10% to 80% of its battery in 28 minutes.
Available models include:
- SE L: £33,560, or $45,201
- Edition: £34,460, or $46,413
- SportLine: £37,410, or $50,387
- RS: £46,560, or $62,711
Not only does Škoda eliminate carbon emissions, the company also incorporates sustainable materials into its interior. In 5.4 seconds, the RS model can reach 100 km/hr.
The RS model accelerates to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds. Škoda also incorporates sustainable materials into its interior.
US EV favorites
While EVs like the Cadillac Lyriq and the Ford Mustang Mach-E offer strong value and luxury, these two brands represent cutting-edge technology.
Tesla Model Y
A global EV staple, the Model Y held the top-selling E spot in 2023 and 2024, according to Edmunds.
The latest Model Y, announced in April, sports upgraded cabin quietness, battery range and speed.
- Road noise reduced by 22%
- Impact noise by 20%
- Wind noise by 20%
“This ride quietness is achieved not only through vehicle systems and engineering innovation, but also with the help of materials like acoustic glass incorporated throughout the vehicle,” the website stated.
Additionally, the new Model Y leverages a 5% higher-rated range than previous models but still operates with the same battery. The vehicle also sports a 4.1 second zero-to-60 mph time.
After the $7,500 federal tax incentive, the Model Y’s starting price is $37,490.
Lucid Gravity
A company with actor Timothée Chalamet as its brand ambassador emerged into the EV industry in recent months after it announced a partnership with Uber and Nuro to deploy more than 20,000 autonomous Gravity SUVs for the robotaxi space.
The Lucid Gravity, an SUV that boasts a range up to 450 miles per charge, can carry up to seven adults.
Models include:
- Touring, $79,900
- Grand Touring, $94,900
- Dream Edition, $139,900
The Dream edition goes from zero to 60 mph in just over three seconds.
The car features a front trunk, or “frunk,” according to its website. The area goes beyond storage and can double as a seating area. Additionally, the Gravity offers tray tables for those sitting in the back seat.
