Which electric car stock is best?

Since individual investing goals vary, there's no way to categorically say which EV stock is best. For those seeking a more conservative option, BYD is a good fit since it has already achieved profitability and gained considerable market share. Investors more focused on growth, however, may find NIO and Rivian more compelling.

What EV company is the next Tesla?

While NIO is often recognized as the Chinese version of Tesla, Lucid has also drawn strong comparisons to Tesla under Elon Musk.

What EV stock can I buy instead of Tesla?

There are numerous options for EV investors seeking alternative investments to Tesla. While NIO, Rivian, and Lucid are pure-play EV stocks that offer compelling options, investors looking to mitigate risk may feel more comfortable with an EV ETF.

Who will dominate the EV market?

BYD and Tesla are both industry leaders, but time will tell whether they can maintain their commanding positions.

How do government policies affect the electric car market and stocks?

From incentives for purchasing electric cars to policies aimed at reducing vehicle emissions, there are various government policies that directly affect electric car stocks.

Are electric car stocks a good investment?

Since individual investment goals vary, it's impossible to say categorically whether electric car stocks are a good investment. Those interested in portfolio diversification and seeking growth opportunities (while maintaining a multiyear investing horizon) may find electric car stocks a good investment option.

Do electric car companies pay dividends?

Because many EV companies are upstarts that require substantial reinvestment, investors will find few electric car companies that pay dividends. For passive income opportunities, Ford and Volkswagen are two leading options.

10 Best Electric Vehicle Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

By Scott Levine – Updated Aug 20, 2026 at 5:09 PM EST | Fact-checked by Parker Hicks

Key Points

Tesla leads in EV industry with over 1.63 million vehicles delivered in 2025.
NIO expands product line and grows in Chinese market, delivering over 10,000 ES9 SUVs quickly.
Rivian increases integration of critical components; forecasts up to 70,000 vehicle deliveries in 2026.

Electric cars -- commonly known as electric vehicles or EVs -- are automobiles that rely on electricity stored in batteries for power rather than gasoline in internal combustion engines. Electric car stocks comprise companies primarily focused on manufacturing electric cars. Companies that manufacture the components used in electric cars -- such as batteries or autonomous vehicle systems -- can also be considered part of the electric car industry.

If you're interested in this industry, here are our favorite EV stocks to consider for your portfolio.

Top EV stocks to consider in 2026

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Ticker Information Table
Name and ticker	Market capMarket cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary.	Dividend yield	Industry
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)	$1.5 trillion	0.00%	Automobiles
Nio (NYSE:NIO)	$8.7 billion	0.00%	Automobiles
Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:RIVN)	$23.2 billion	0.00%	Automobiles
General Motors (NYSE:GM)	$73.5 billion	0.82%	Automobiles
BYD Company (OTC:BYDDY)	$38.1 billion	0.51%	Automobiles
Li Auto (NASDAQ:LI)	$10.2 billion	0.00%	Automobiles
Volkswagen Ag (OTC:VWAGY)	$27.9 billion	6.26%	Automobiles
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)	$53.6 billion	4.46%	Automobiles
Lucid Group (NASDAQ:LCID)	$1.7 billion	0.00%	Automobiles
VinFast Auto Ltd. (NASDAQ:VFS)	$7.2 billion	0.00%	Automobiles

Data as of Sep 10, 2026. Showing 10 of 10 total entries.

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1. Tesla

NASDAQ: TSLA

Tesla

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

65/100

Today's Change

(-1.16%) $-4.25

Current Price

$363.56

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$1.5T

Day's Range

$357.68 - $369.21

52wk Range

$297.38 - $498.83

Volume

29.5M

Avg Vol

41.4M

Gross Margin

18.85%

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Any list of electric car stocks should include Tesla, the granddaddy of them all. Commanding respect as a force driving the EV industry forward, it delivered more than 1.63 million vehicles in 2025 and almost 0.84 million vehicles in the first half of 2026.

With a market capitalization currently topping $1.3 trillion, Tesla stock trades at lofty price-to-earnings (P/E) and price-to-sales (P/S) ratios. The valuation makes the stock risky, but there's no denying the company is a leader in the electric vehicle industry.

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2. NIO

NYSE: NIO

Nio

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

65/100

Today's Change

(-3.24%) $-0.12

Current Price

$3.58

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$8.7B

Day's Range

$3.57 - $3.64

52wk Range

$3.57 - $8.02

Volume

42.5M

Avg Vol

29.7M

Gross Margin

17.43%

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Chinese electric carmaker NIO has been publicly traded since September 2018, but initial public offerings (IPOs) of other Chinese electric carmakers have increased investor interest in NIO.

In 2025, NIO reported a 46.9% increase in vehicle deliveries and further expanded its product line with the ET9. In May 2026, Nio expanded its offerings further, commencing deliveries of the ES9 SUV. Drivers greeted the new vehicle with open arms as ES9 deliveries topped 10,000 within 30 days of deliveries beginning.

Constantly expanding its vehicle lineup and a leader in the Chinese EV market, NIO is a worthy investment option.

3. Rivian

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NASDAQ: RIVN

Rivian Automotive

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

65/100

Today's Change

(0.28%) $0.05

Current Price

$16.05

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$23B

Day's Range

$15.56 - $16.41

52wk Range

$12.39 - $22.69

Volume

18M

Avg Vol

29.5M

Gross Margin

2.06%

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Rivian is taking a different approach than its EV peers by vertically integrating critical components, including electronics, the propulsion platform, and software.

Rivian reported vehicle deliveries of 42,284 in 2025, a slight year-over-year decline due to a temporary pause in production at its Illinois plant in preparation for the launch of production of its R2 model. The company is back on track in 2026, though. Management projects 2026 vehicle deliveries of 65,000 to 70,000.

Although it's still incurring net losses, Rivian reported a gross profit of $144 million in 2025 compared to a gross loss of $1.2 billion in 2024.

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Revenue

Revenue is a business’s gross income or the amount of money it brings in from regular operations before costs are considered.

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4. General Motors

NYSE: GM

General Motors

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

66/100

Today's Change

(2.82%) $2.36

Current Price

$86.12

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$73B

Day's Range

$82.86 - $86.18

52wk Range

$54.33 - $91.85

Volume

6.1M

Avg Vol

Gross Margin

5.74%

Dividend Yield

0.82%

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Legacy automaker GM may not be a name that investors immediately recognize as an EV leader, but it's building momentum. Through the first half of 2026, GM had the second-highest EV sales in the United States.

Paul Jacobson, the company's CFO, expressed optimism about EVs on GM's Q4 2025 conference call, stating, "As consumer adoption of EVs increases, albeit at a slower pace than previously anticipated, we expect to achieve the necessary scale to deliver EVs profitably over time."

Dedicated to rewarding shareholders, GM pays a modest dividend while also reinvesting in the company. As of August 2026, GM stock offered investors a 0.82% forward dividend yield.

5. BYD

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OTC: BYDDY

BYD Company

Today's Change

(-3.19%) $-0.33

Current Price

$10.01

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$38B

Day's Range

$9.98 - $10.13

52wk Range

$9.21 - $14.64

Volume

Avg Vol

1.4M

Gross Margin

16.44%

Dividend Yield

0.51%

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According to research from The Motley Fool, BYD is the global leader in EV production. In 2025, BYD sold more than 2.25 million battery-powered cars, nearly 28% more than in 2024.

Investors may recognize BYD as the sole EV company in the Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A +0.28%) (BRK.B +0.06%) portfolio for some time, though Berkshire Hathaway closed its position in 2025.

With its market leadership, it's unlikely that a competitor will overtake BYD as the dominant global EV business anytime soon, making it a strong contender for those seeking a conservative EV stock opportunity.

6. Li Auto

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NASDAQ: LI

Li Auto

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

54/100

Today's Change

(-2.18%) $-0.26

Current Price

$11.65

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$10B

Day's Range

$11.62 - $11.79

52wk Range

$11.62 - $27.10

Volume

3.1M

Avg Vol

3.4M

Gross Margin

13.53%

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Li Auto represents another Chinese EV leader. As of July 31, 2026, the company had 490 retail stores and 536 servicing centers. Li Auto also helps customers keep their (electric) motors running, with 4,141 supercharging stations equipped with 22,841 charging stalls.

While profitability has been inconsistent, Li Auto did report net income of $162.9 million in 2025. Its sizable cash position of $13.7 billion (as of March 31, 2026) makes Li Auto well-positioned to withstand temporary market downturns while also allocating resources to reinvest in the business.

7. Volkswagen AG

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OTC: VWAGY

Volkswagen Ag

Today's Change

(-0.85%) $-0.08

Current Price

$9.36

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$28B

Day's Range

$9.33 - $9.51

52wk Range

$8.07 - $12.83

Volume

262.8K

Avg Vol

354.6K

Gross Margin

16.59%

Dividend Yield

6.26%

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Forget the VW Beetles of 1960s fame, today's Volkswagen Group is at the vanguard of the EV industry. In 2025, Volkswagen reported a 32% year-over-year increase in global deliveries of all-electric vehicles. Momentum has carried into 2026. At the end of June 2026, the company's battery EV order book had grown 57% year-over-year.

Volkswagen has also demonstrated commitments to the EV industry through an investment in solid-state battery developer QuantumScape (QS -0.77%) and a joint venture it formed with Rivian in 2024 to scale EV platforms.

On a firm financial footing thanks to consistent, robust profitability, Volkswagen is another strong contender for risk-averse EV investors.

8. Ford Motor Company

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NYSE: F

Ford Motor Company

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

56/100

Today's Change

(3.20%) $0.43

Current Price

$13.88

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$54B

Day's Range

$13.15 - $13.95

52wk Range

$11.11 - $17.78

Volume

47.7M

Avg Vol

49.7M

Gross Margin

8.00%

Dividend Yield

4.46%

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Pivoting from the aggressive EV initiative it implemented earlier this decade, Ford remains intent on expanding its electrified offerings.

Ford reported a company record in 2025: hybrid vehicle sales rose 21.7% year over year to 228,072 vehicles. And that's not the only indication of Ford's success in the EV market. The F-150 Hybrid is America’s best-selling full-size hybrid pickup. Similarly, Maverick Hybrid is the best-selling mid-size hybrid truck in the United States. Based on their successes, Ford noted on its Q2 2026 conference call that it has "a plan to extend our hybrids across our entire lineup over the next several years."

9. Lucid Group

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NASDAQ: LCID

Lucid Group

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

51/100

Today's Change

(-2.11%) $-0.09

Current Price

$4.18

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$1.7B

Day's Range

$4.12 - $4.38

52wk Range

$2.37 - $25.23

Volume

9.2M

Avg Vol

16.9M

Gross Margin

-9656.34%

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An EV investment option since 2021, Lucid is taking a page from Tesla's playbook and catering to the luxury market before introducing more affordable EV models. Lucid targets production of the midsize EV, Lucid Cosmos ( an expected starting price under $50,000), in late 2026.

Another similarity with Tesla is Lucid's interest in robotaxis. Lucid intends to partner with Uber on bringing a robotaxi to market in 2026 with plans to accelerate production in the next several years.

While the company is unprofitable, management announced an "operational reset" in early August 2026 to get it on track, identifying "$1.4 billion cash flow improvement opportunities in 2026 across operating expenses, capital expenditures, and working capital." Those comfortable with a higher-risk investment may be rewarded with Lucid stock if the company drives in the right direction.

10. VinFast Auto

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NASDAQ: VFS

VinFast Auto Ltd.

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

52/100

Today's Change

(-1.63%) $-0.05

Current Price

$3.01

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$7.2B

Day's Range

$3.00 - $3.10

52wk Range

$2.78 - $5.29

Volume

487.7K

Avg Vol

397.4K

Gross Margin

-5115.70%

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VinFast is a Vietnamese company that's the top car seller in Vietnam, though it's committed to expanding its global presence. The company currently has more than 380 showrooms -- 102 of which are located in markets outside of Vietnam.

VinFast reported deliveries of 196,919 EVs globally in 2025, a 102% year-over-year increase. Growth has extended into 2026. During the first two quarters of the year, VinFast reported 128,662 global vehicle deliveries, representing a 78% increase year-over-year.

And though it's still early innings, the company is progressing towards profitability. In 2025, it reported a gross margin of negative 42.5%, improving over the negative 57.4% in 2024.

For those seeking an EV growth opportunity, VinFast is a stock to consider, though investors must be comfortable with more risk.

How to invest in electric car stocks

For investors charged up about powering their portfolios with EV stocks, there are only a few simple steps they need to take:

Open your brokerage app: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments. If you don't have one yet, take a look at our favorite brokers and trading platforms to find the right one for you.
Search for the EV stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected, and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.

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Benefits and risks of investing in electric car stocks

Those interested in getting behind the wheel of an electric car investment must remember that it's critical to understand both the benefits and risks of investing in these stocks.

Benefits

Electric car stocks offer significant growth potential. Grand View Research forecasts the global electric car market to reach USD $6.5 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.5% from 2025 to 2030.
While investment goals may vary, portfolio diversification is a crucial element of any investment strategy, and electric car stocks could help achieve this goal.
Investing in electric car stocks often provides exposure to the autonomous driving industry, which is also expected to grow significantly in the years to come.

Risks

If the economy enters a downturn, consumers may be less inclined to purchase new cars -- let alone electric cars.
When oil prices are low, the allure of owning an electric car diminishes for some people, so lower energy prices could hinder the growth of electric car manufacturers.
In the past, government incentives have contributed to increased adoption of electric cars; however, eliminating these incentives could reduce customer demand.

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Methodology: How these stocks were chosen

While many carmakers are offering EVs, investors looking to park EV stocks in their portfolios will want to identify companies that are successfully delivering substantial (or growing) numbers of EVs to customers -- something relevant to all of the stocks on this list.

Another consideration for investors is their risk tolerances. Whereas some may be looking for a conservative path to gaining EV exposure -- such as with a legacy carmaker that has expanded its lineup with EV options -- others may be comfortable with a more robust growth opportunity, cognizant that it entails a higher degree of risk. From automotive industry stalwarts like Ford and GM to upstarts like VinFast and Li Auto, this list includes plenty of names that will appeal to investors' diverse interests.

The bottom line

With major automakers adopting Tesla's EV charging technology, it's likely to become the standard in the U.S., simplifying EV purchasing and charging, and helping drive industry growth.

Investing in this highly competitive, fast-growing industry is likely to be profitable, but it's important to take steps to minimize investment risk. Don't invest in just one electric car company; hold positions in several companies of various sizes, and consider buying shares in an electric vehicle ETF.

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Investing in Electric Cars FAQ

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About the Author

Scott Levine is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering energy, industrials, technology, and materials. He is also a high school English teacher and a small business owner. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from Binghamton University, a master’s degree in secondary education from Adelphi University, and an advanced certificate in school building leadership from CUNY Queens College. A crossword puzzle enthusiast, he has solved more than 3,100 New York Times puzzles with a 97% solve rate.

TMFProudMonkey

@TMFProudMonkey

Scott Levine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Berkshire Hathaway and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends BYD Company and General Motors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

10 Best Electric Vehicle Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

Key Points

Top EV stocks to consider in 2026

1. Tesla

Key Data Points

2. NIO

Key Data Points

3. Rivian

Key Data Points

4. General Motors

Key Data Points

5. BYD

Key Data Points

6. Li Auto

Key Data Points

7. Volkswagen AG

Key Data Points

8. Ford Motor Company

Key Data Points

9. Lucid Group

Key Data Points

10. VinFast Auto

Key Data Points

How to invest in electric car stocks

Benefits and risks of investing in electric car stocks

Benefits

Risks

Methodology: How these stocks were chosen

The bottom line

Related investing topics

5 Best Renewable Energy Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

5 Best Solar Energy Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

4 Best Transportation Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

Best Quantum Glass Battery Stocks to Buy in 2026

Investing in Electric Cars FAQ

Which electric car stock is best?

Which electric car stock is best?

What EV company is the next Tesla?

What EV company is the next Tesla?

What EV stock can I buy instead of Tesla?

What EV stock can I buy instead of Tesla?

Who will dominate the EV market?

Who will dominate the EV market?

How do government policies affect the electric car market and stocks?

How do government policies affect the electric car market and stocks?

Are electric car stocks a good investment?

Are electric car stocks a good investment?

Do electric car companies pay dividends?

Do electric car companies pay dividends?

About the Author

Read Next

Stocks Mentioned

Motley Fool Stock Advisor’s Latest Pick

Premium Investing Services

Top EV stocks to consider in 2026

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

3. Rivian

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

5. BYD

Key Data Points

6. Li Auto

Key Data Points

7. Volkswagen AG

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

9. Lucid Group

Key Data Points

10. VinFast Auto

How to invest in electric car stocks

Benefits and risks of investing in electric car stocks

Benefits

Risks

Methodology: How these stocks were chosen

The bottom line

5 Best Renewable Energy Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

5 Best Solar Energy Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

4 Best Transportation Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

Best Quantum Glass Battery Stocks to Buy in 2026