Tesla Model S

Consumers expect convenience and ease of use. Lengthy charging times are a no-go. And when it comes to EVs, that makes the Tesla Model S the sole option. With a 265-mile E.P.A.-rated range and 90-kW charging from the supercharger network, this is an electric car as easy to use as a gas car. All that comes from the availability of a 85-kWh battery pack. That's the secret.

Tesla's stock price has soared since it announced its first profitable quarter this week, jumping to an all-time high of more than $80 per share this afternoon. Still, investors aren't buying because they expect Model S sales to compete with the Toyota Prius this year—they're buying because they expect Tesla to grow.

The Tesla Model S is one of the most advanced electric cars you can buy today. With a huge 17-inch touch screen doubling up as a center console, and a steady stream of software updates beamed directly to the car over its integrated 4G data connection, the Model S is part car, part gadget. If Tesla C.E.O. Elon Musk has his way, future Tesla models could go one step further—taking over the driving for you—something Musk calls a “logical step” in automotive technology.