Of all the hot trends in the market this year, the electric vehicle (EV) industry is near the top. Stocks like Tesla (TSLA - Get Rating) and NIO (NIO - Get Rating) are up 423.6% and 953.5%, respectably, this year. While these companies seem to be getting all the press, many smaller companies could be off to the races. Which is why I will be highlighting three EV stocks you should consider.

For quite some time, the EV industry was dominated by only TSLA, but now it seems like there is a new EV company popping up every month. We are currently on track to see close to a dozen new EV stocks going public this year. The industry exploded when Nikola (NKLA) went public in June in a reverse merger with special purpose acquisition corporation (SPAC), VectorIQ.

With so many EV companies to pick from, investors should consider stocks that are not as followed by the broader investment crowd. These smaller companies have the potential to soar in the coming years. Here are three worth a look: Kandi Technologies Group (KNDI - Get Rating), Electrameccanica Vehicles Corp. (SOLO - Get Rating), and Arcimoto Inc. (FUV - Get Rating).

Kandi Technologies Group (KNDI - Get Rating)

KNDI has been a public company for over ten years, but only recently have investors started to notice, as the company recently announced that it was entering the U.S. market. The company offers two models, the K27, which is expected to cost just $9,999 after federal tax credits, and the K23, which is the larger model and is expected to cost $19,999 after federal tax credits.

The car’s low-price tags are what sets this company apart from its peers. The cars offer a no-frills, short commute solution. The K27 runs on a 17.69 kWh battery pack and has a range of 100 miles. KNDI’s target market is younger drivers in urban areas concerned about the environment.

The company is also known for its battery-swapping model. The way it works is when an EV battery runs out of juice, the company will swap it out for a new one. KNDI also has one of the largest car-sharing networks in the world, which connects 19 cities in China.

While the company’s sales and earnings have not been great, its low-cost models have the potential to take off in the U.S., making it one stock to keep an eye on. KNDL reports its latest results on November 9th.

Electrameccanica Vehicles Corp. (SOLO - Get Rating)

SOLO, a Vancouver-based car company, has taken a different approach to the EV market. Its primary model, The Solo, has just three wheels and one seat, which, in essence, makes it a motorcycle. The company believes this is what the next generation of car consumers are looking for. The cars are easy to park, cost less to operate, and reduce a driver’s carbon footprint.

The Solo model costs only $15,500 and can be reserved online for $250. The company also has physical storefronts in Vancouver and Los Angeles. Solo is not the only model in the company’s portfolio. It will also offer the Tofino, a two-seater sports car, and the eRoadster, which looks like a classic Porsche 356 from the early ‘60s. Before you get too excited, the price tag on the eRoadster is $125,000, though that may expand the company’s addressable market to the wealthy.

While smaller cars have never performed well in the U.S., younger drivers in urban areas concerned about the environment may be interested in the Solo. Also, with people generally fearful of public transportation due to the coronavirus pandemic, the company may be providing a viable alternative for commuters.

SOLO is planning to build a U.S.-based assembly facility in Phoenix, Arizona, or the Nashville, Tennessee region. Analysts expect massive revenue growth next year, with an increase of 2,742.1% in sales. The company expected to report its latest sales results on November 13th.

Arcimoto Inc. (FUV - Get Rating)

FUV is another company betting on a three-wheel EV, but unlike the Solo, which only has one seat, Arcimoto’s FUV (Fun Utility Vehicle) has two. The company is also taking pre-orders for the Deliverator, a three-wheel delivery car. It also plans to offer the Rapid Responder, a three-wheel, two-seater car for first responders. Both models are similar to the FUV.

Unlike the SOLO, which is being marketed as a commuter vehicle, the FUV is supposed to be a fun toy to go to the grocery store or drive around the city. And although the FUV is quite slim, it is considered one of the safest motorcycle-class vehicles on the street. While it only offers a range of 102 miles, the FUV does hit 75 MPH, which is a lot faster than your average scooter or moped.

FUV is looking to market the Deliverator to logistics companies that could order a fleet of them. It is looking to do the same with municipalities and the Rapid Responder. The fleet business model has seen early success with Workhorse (WKHS) and NKLA.

Unlike the other two stocks on the list, FUV does have a strong history of revenue growth. It has grown sales an average of 257.2% over the last three years and 3,804.9% last year. Revenue is forecasted to grow 454.8% next year. FUV reports its latest revenues on November 16th. This is certainly one stock to watch.

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TSLA shares fell $0.79 (-0.18%) in after-hours trading Thursday. Year-to-date, TSLA has gained 423.62%, versus a 10.38% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

About the Author: David Cohne

David Cohne has 20 years of experience as an investment analyst and writer. Prior to StockNews, David spent eleven years as a consultant providing outsourced investment research and content to financial services companies, hedge funds, and online publications. David enjoys researching and writing about stocks and the markets. He takes a fundamental quantitative approach in evaluating stocks for readers. More...

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