The Best EVs With the Best Cargo Space
- The Tesla Model S has the best cargo capacity of any EV sedan
- Nissan’s Leaf edges out the Tesla Model 3 with 23.6 cubic feet of storage
- The Polestar 2 loses storage to a shallow frunk
Debates about the future of driverless cars, range anxiety, and charging networks aside, EVs are just cars. At the end of the day, an electric car has to haul our stuff and get us from one place to another. In that regard at least, what’s moving the wheels makes no difference. So, I thought it prudent to round up the best EVs with the best cargo space on the market.
1. Tesla Model S EV: 30 cubic feet
Let’s start with the winner. Of all the electric cars I combed through (sans the Rivian R1T and other big EV SUVs), the Tesla Model S is the one that came out on top. Tesla isn’t just winning at the drag strip. The Model S packs an impressive 30 cubic feet of cargo space. You can fold down the seats in your $94,000 electric car and fit any number of things in the back. Like this bike. Or your new Legos. I’m not your mom.
2. Tesla Model 3: 23 cubic feet
Clearly, Tesla has a mind for making EVs fit things. Part of that comes from the depth of the “frunk” found in both the Tesla Model 3 and Model S. As such, the Model 3 manages to fit 23 cubic feet of cargo space into a car the size of a BMW 3 Series. Turns out not having an engine at the front is pretty useful. Like the S, the Model 3 can also fold down the seats.
3. Polestar 2 EV: 15.5 cubic feet
Where Tesla uses the Frunk to increase storage space, Volvo’s Polestar brand loses it because of the frunk. It’s disappointingly shallow, and certainly hurts the Model 3’s biggest competitor. Thankfully, the rear seats still fold down. Polestar, like Tesla, will also happily sell you a roof rack and cargo box if you need the extra storage space in your electric vehicle.
4. Nissan Leaf: 23.6 cubic feet
Up ’till now, every EV here has been both a sedan and rather expensive. Thankfully, the Nissan Leaf presents an answer to both. With 23.6 cubic feet of storage space, it’s hard to argue with the Leaf. As with most hatches, folding down the seats creates a cavernous boot space that’ll fit everything short (literally) of a canoe.
5. Chevy Bolt: 16.9 cubic feet
Supposing you need to go smaller than the Leaf, Chevy’s Bolt is a solid alternative. Again, the seats fold down, though not quite flat. Still, 16-odd cubic feet of storage space ought to be enough to appease most small car buyers. If it’s our money, we’re taking the hit on the Frunk to be sat inside the gorgeous sheet metal that envelops the Polestar 2. Failing that, the Tesla Model 3 is the best EV with solid cargo capacity.