InsideEVs Crowns 2026 Breakthrough EV Award Finalists: The Best Electric Cars Driving the Future

Daily Car

18/12/2025

InsideEVs has published the shortlist for its 2026 Breakthrough Awards. The list names electric vehicles that help more Americans see EVs as desirable, easy to own and useful. Staff drove the cars in cities around the world then chose models that show clear progress for the industry.

Key points

The awards cover new or heavily updated EVs for 2025 or 2026 that buyers will find in U.S. showrooms by late 2025.
Each brand or corporate group may enter only one vehicle.
Judges reward strong value, advanced technology and a clear benefit to the EV market.

2026 Cadillac Optiq

Cadillac enters the luxury EV class with the Optiq. The car shows how fast General Motors has moved in EV hardware plus it targets shoppers who want their first luxury EV. For 2026 the Optiq gains a Tesla-style NACS charge port, stronger electric motors and a rear-wheel-drive layout that improves both pace and handling. A starting price near $50,000 and standard Super Cruise place it among the front runners.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 stays a top pick for SUV shoppers who want something other than the Tesla Model Y. Its clean styling, roomy cabin but also rapid charging remain, but Hyundai enlarged the battery for 2025 to give as much as 318 miles of range. The car now has a NACS port and a rugged XRT version. Hyundai also cut prices on every trim - the Ioniq 5 delivers more for less money.

2026 Lucid Gravity

Lucid's new flagship SUV, the Gravity, aims for the top prize - it offers up to 450 miles of range, seats for seven, a plush cabin and the quickest charging speed sold in the U.S. Clever packaging gives passengers ample space while the outside stays compact. The result is an electric SUV that feels both cosseting as well as alert and it sets a new reference point for the class.

2026 Nissan Leaf

The 2026 Nissan Leaf ushers in the next wave of affordable compact EVs. The third generation car leaves behind the old hatchback shape and becomes a smart looking crossover with rapid charging, luxury options and as much as 303 miles of range. Despite the large step up in capability, the price stays low enough to remain within reach of first time EV buyers.

2026 Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is the best selling EV in the world - any change draws notice. The latest version answers ride quality complaints with a retuned suspension and a richer cabin. Tesla now sells a lower cost Standard trim as well. While the company keeps refining details, the Model Y still sets the pace for performance, range, value or technology among electric SUVs.

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