The top non-Tesla EVs for consumers

Yahoo Finance autos reporter Pras Subramanian joins the Live Show to discuss the top non-Tesla electric vehicles. The five EVs listed are the Chevy Bolt EUV, Polestar 2, Mustang Mach-E SUV, Rivian R1T pickup truck, and the Lucid Air luxury car.

Video Transcript

DAVE BRIGGS: Let's talk cars now. Tesla still the biggest name in the EV space, but the market is getting more crowded with alternative offerings. Yahoo Finance senior autos reporter Pras Subramanian here with us now. You've got a list of your top five non-Tesla EVs. Where we starting, bro?

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: So the reason why I did this is because many people ask me, I want to get a car it's not an EV, not a Tesla, because a, they may not like Musk, they don't like the cars quality, or just because they want a different car other than Tesla, which are everywhere, right? Model-wise and multi-use, everywhere.

DAVE BRIGGS: Can I ask you what the main reason is that people want a non-Tesla?

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: I'm telling you, I get these--

DAVE BRIGGS: Is it Elon?

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: It can be, but it also can be I--

DAVE BRIGGS: Polls have shown that.

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: But also, I want a car that's different. I don't want to have a Tesla. There's so many Model 3's and Model Y's everywhere, right?

DAVE BRIGGS: It's my dog argument, man.

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: It's ubiquitous.

DAVE BRIGGS: Americans like individuality

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: 100%, right? 100%. So that's why I put together a list, not just for people that ask the question, but our viewers and--

DAVE BRIGGS: I love this.

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: --and people like that. So I'm going to kick off with the Chevy Bolt EUV which I actually drove. I like this car a lot. It's very cheap, starting at $27,400, right? This is even before tax credits. Nicely appointed interior, actually drives very well, front motor design, and really good packaging. And actually, I think it's the perfect daily driver for most people.

DAVE BRIGGS: And no sub-$30,000 answer from Tesla, which is a major issue plaguing them, right?

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: That's right, that's right, that's right. The Nissan Leaf, actually, is pretty cheap, but it doesn't get that tax rate because it's built in Japan. So this is a big deal for GM, and that's why they saw so many Bolts last quarter, right.

Secondly, let's talk about the sedan, right, the classic sedan, the trustworthy sedan. I like the Polestar 2 here from the shores of Sweden, right. The Polestar 2 a very nice-looking four-door sedan here. Drives very, well nicely appointed as well. Beautiful Swedish interior, I think. Car has great balance, and for $48,000-ish dollars I think is a kind of a value in a world where new cars cost around that kind of money there, Dave. So I'm a big fan of that Polestar.

And secondly, I'm sorry, third choice here is America's favorite choice, is the SUV, right? People love their SUVs. So why not the Mustang Mach-E, right here? Look, in single-motor configurations, standard battery pack, $46,000, I think it's a pretty good value. Also exterior and interior-wise, a very stylish car. Also qualifies for that EV tax credit if you actually qualify for it. So that's a very good deal there, 247 miles of range there, I think it's enough for most people during their daily driving and commuting.

DAVE BRIGGS: Have you driven that?

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: I have. Yeah, I reviewed that car. Look, it is basically the Tesla Model Y competitor. It really is. And if you don't want a Model Y I think that is your choice right there. It's still made in North America, costs around the same money, and it's a pretty good deal in terms of value and also range. So, and a good-looking car.

DAVE BRIGGS: Yeah, it's a beautiful-looking car.

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: Last choice real quick-- the truck, the pickup. What is it going to be? The Rivian R1T. Now hear me out, hear me out here. You know, it is the I think the best all-round vehicle you can buy, if you can get one. Right?

DAVE BRIGGS: Right.

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: Can you get one? That's the main issue. The company struggling to ramp these up. Of note, though, the dual motor design will come out with these standard battery pack this spring. That'll cost around $73,000 for 220 miles of range. I think it's pretty good for a truck, and that also qualifies for the tax credit. So, if you can get your hands on it, I think it's a pretty good deal.

Lastly, Dave, luxury car, all in. Where we going here? Lucid Air. This car is alien technology. It's alien technology. It's alien technology.

DAVE BRIGGS: Alien technology!

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: It looks the part, right, inside and out. But it has the Formula E race-bred kind of technology inside. Lucid used to make the motors and batteries for Formula E. That goes in this car. It drives phenomenally. It is fast, but also has good modulation with your gas pedal or-- gas pedal-- your acceleration. It just drives strong. I love this car. You can actually get it for-- a cheaper version coming out later this year-- $88,000.

DAVE BRIGGS: OK, next time you get to drive this, can I get a phone call? Can I get a text? Can I join you behind the wheel right here, brother?

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: I will come pick you up, yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes.

DAVE BRIGGS: What did it drive like?

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: Oh it drives phenomenal. It has air suspension. It just hovers, it hovers over the ground. And when you put it in sport mode, it just hunkers down it. It drives flat, and it's 1,000 horsepower that one I drove. I mean, blew my mind. Blew my mind.

DAVE BRIGGS: I've still never driven an EV, so I really need to get behind the wheel of something.

PRAS SUBRAMANIAN: I'm coming over. I'm coming over. I'm going to come to Connecticut.

DAVE BRIGGS: All right. Rachelle?

RACHELLE AKUFFO: And Pras, I will save all your picks. The Lucid Air, when I see those driving around here, that is the one that turns the most heads. The Marquis is gorgeous, but that Lucid Air is something else.