13 Used Electric Cars That Are Notoriously Reliable But Crazy Cheap

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There's still a lot of confusion and uncertainty surrounding electric car ownership in the U.S., which has a major impact on used car demand and values. The result is significant depreciation rates, which works in your favor if you're looking for a good deal. Considering electric cars introduce new technologies, it's understandable that you may have some concerns regarding overall reliability, but thankfully, there are resources you can consult to educate yourself on which option would be the most sensible and competitive buy.

There are only a handful of electric cars available in the used car market that respected firms have reviewed and subsequently issued reliability ratings for, so the pool of choice is fairly limited. Thankfully, electric cars tend to be much more reliable than conventional ICEs, thanks to their simpler design that features fewer moving parts.

This piece has been refreshed by adding three new models and updating the reliability scores.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, the EPA, and the NHTSA. The Models below have been ranked based on their J.D. Power reliability rating, but we've taken Consumer Reports' reliability scores into strong consideration.

Despite not leading the charge in terms of performance, this plug-in hybrid model from a Japanese automaker comes out on top for reliability in 2024.

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is not rated by J.D. Power. However, the sleek compact EV fastback scores a 70/100 reliability rating from Consumer Reports. It is subject to two recalls affecting the electric drive units. Only one of these required a mechanical repair, while Hyundai resolved the other issue with a software update.

The Ioniq 6 is one of the most efficient EVs you can buy today, with the Long Range rear-wheel drive model returning a 140 MPGe or 24 kWh per 100 miles combined energy consumption estimate and 361-mile range claim on a single charge. You can expect to pay around $24,425 to $33,725 for a one-year-old example.

Though it doesn't look much like an EV, the 2023 Audi e-tron has nothing but electricity running through its veins. Available in two body shapes, including the sleek Sportback, it features a powertrain that delivers 355 horsepower as standard. It is capable of upping the power to 402 horsepower for brief moments. Audi e-tron S models feature three motors, and consequently, a higher power output of 496 horsepower and 718 pound-feet.

Being an Audi, the 2023 e-tron is luxurious, featuring three screens upfront and options like massaging front seats and a head-up display. It is also quite capable, boasting a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds. However, the e-tron falls behind its rivals when considering driving range: the regular model can travel about 226 miles on a single charge, while the e-tron S performance models can only travel a maximum of 212 miles on a full battery.

The BMW i4 is a refined electric car. Though five fairly serious recalls affect the 2023 model year, but the manufacturer should have resolved all related problems. J.D. Power issues the model high 74/100 quality and reliability score, adding appeal to the premium German EV.

The eDrive35 is the most efficient example of the range, returning a 113 MPGe or 30 kWh per 100 miles combined estimate. However, it features a smaller battery that only covers 256 miles on a single charge. The eDrive40's larger battery covers 301 miles on a single charge.

Used BMW i4 models are a bit more on the expensive side of this list, with prices ranging between $38,050 and $52,650, depending on trims and specifications. For reference, the range started at $52,000 when the model launched in the U.S. last year.

If you've been planning to get into a reliable electric SUV, this model from Lexus is your best bet.

The 2023 Tesla Model 3's 74/100 reliability score from J.D. Power is understandable when you consider the NHTSA subjects the model year to seven recalls. However, the same model year also benefits from a preferable 4/5 owner satisfaction rating.

The 2023 Model 3 range benefits from some of the best EPA-estimated efficiency ratings. The base rear-wheel-drive variant is the most attractive example with its 132 MPGe or 25 kWh per 100 miles combined energy consumption estimate. With the standard battery pack, it covers 272 miles per charge, but dual-motor variants with the extended battery increase this figure to 358 miles. You can expect to pay anywhere between $23,550 and $33,700, depending on the trim and condition.

Unfortunately, the 2022 Tesla Model S's 75/100 reliability score from J.D. Power is substantially lower than the other cars on this list. This is primarily due to the fact that the NHTSA hit this model year with 16 recalls relating to several aspects of the car. Tesla resolved some of these via convenient over-the-air updates.

Depending on the specification, the 2022 Tesla Model S typically sells for around $53,500 to $67,475. This is substantially less than the $106,440 starting price when it was new. When it comes to performance, the model needs no introduction, but where range and efficiency are concerned, it's pretty impressive. The base dual-motor model returns 120 MPGe and 28 kWh per 100 miles with a near-class leading 405-mile range.

The Nissan Leaf is a stalwart in the American EV market, garnering it a stronger reputation than its rivals. Consumer Reports awards the model a 64/100 reliability score, while J.D. Power favors it a bit higher with its 76/100 quality and reliability rating. The 2023 model year has two noteworthy recalls attached to it, both of which the manufacturer should have rectified by now.

Engine

Single Permanent-Magnet Motor

Transmission

Single-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

147 HP

Torque

236 LB-FT

Driveline

Front-Wheel Drive

0-60 MPH

7.4 Seconds

Top Speed

136 MPH

The base 40 kWh Leaf S benefits from marginally better energy consumption returns, with a 111 MPGe figure, but if you want the higher 212-mile range estimate, you have to opt for the SV trim, featuring a larger battery pack. You can expect to pay a competitive $15,500 to $19,300 for a one-year-old Leaf.

There are a lot of EVs out there today, and here are the 20 most reliable ones that you can buy.

Despite having 9 recalls attached to its name, the 2023 Porsche Taycan benefits from some of the highest reliability ratings for an electric car. J.D. Power hits it with a 76/100 quality and reliability score. By German performance car standards, these are some pretty outstanding results.

The most economical Taycan is the base rear-wheel drive with the Performance battery, returning an EPA-estimated 79 MPGe or 42 kWh per 100 miles on the combined cycle. The dual-motor 4S with the Performance Plus battery returns the best range, but that only amounts to 227 miles on a single charge. 2023 modes, from the base to the flagship Turbo S, sell for between $67,798 and $151,900.

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The Chevrolet Bolt's 37/100 reliability rating from Consumer Reports is due to the horrendous battery recall that resulted in a few models spontaneously combusting while charging. If you can find a unit with a resolved battery pack, it makes for a pretty impressive deal. J.D. Power gives the same model an impressive 77/100 for quality and reliability, justifying it as a fairly resilient used electric car.

Engine

Single Permanent-Magnet Motor

Transmission

Single-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

200 HP

Torque

266 LB-FT

Driveline

Front-Wheel Drive

0-60 MPH

6.5 Seconds

Top Speed

93 MPH

Although not the fastest electric car, the Bolt EV returns a good 120 MPGe and 28 kWh per 100 miles on the EPA's combined cycle. The smaller battery pack means you're only going to be covering 259 miles every charging cycle. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt units currently sell for between $26,500 and $29,700 in the used car market.

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a taller, wider, and longer version of the Bolt EV, sporting a body shape that American buyers prefer. The broader dimensions significantly increase rear passenger space and slightly enhance cargo capacity. A 200-horsepower motor propels the FWD-only EUV to 60 MPH, which is quite decent for its class.

Engine

Single Permanent-Magnet Motor

Transmission

Single-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

200 HP

Torque

266 LB-FT

Driveline

Front-Wheel Drive

0-60 MPH

6.8 Seconds

Top Speed

93 MPH

According to the EPA, the Bolt EUV has a range of 250 miles, which is enhanced by the model's regenerative braking system. A 120-volt outlet or 240-volt connection should top up the EUV for regular daily commutes, but if you need a rapid charge, the EUV supports DC charging, which, according to Chevy, can add 95 miles of range in 30 minutes. The EUV excels further on the tech front by offering GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving on its top trim.

If you're considering buying a used electric SUV, these 10 will ensure you have a fairly fuss-free ownership.

The Chevrolet Volt is another EV from 2019 that doesn't benefit from impressive reliability ratings, despite only being affected by two recalls that were promptly resolved. Consumer Reports gives the model year a 53/100 score, while J.D. Power holds the model in a higher regard, with its 80/100 quality and reliability rating.

Engine

Single Permanent-Magnet Motor

Transmission

Single-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

149 HP

Torque

249 LB-FT

Driveline

Front-Wheel Drive

0-60 MPH

8.5 Seconds

Top Speed

100 MPH

The Volt is a rare example of an EV that can only be had with an ICE range-extender beneath the hood. The EV system only covers it for 53 miles, but it returns an attractive 106 MPGe or 31 kWh per 100 miles on the EPA's combined cycle. Compared to the 2019 Ioniq, it is a bit pricier, but 2019 models still sell for an attractive $15,525 to $17,125, depending on the specification and condition.

The Honda Clarity Electric is a hard to come by used EV option, because only a handful exist in the USA. Honda only leased these models to California and Oregon residents for three years, but the car was available for three full years before Honda pulled the plug on the entire Clarity range.

Engine

Single Permanent-Magnet Motor

Transmission

Single-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

160 HP

Torque

221 LB-FT

Driveline

Front-Wheel Drive

0-60 MPH

9.0 Seconds

Top Speed

103 MPH

If you're lucky enough to find a Clarity Electric in the used car market, you can expect to pay between $16,350 to $17,100, which makes it a great value product considering the rarity and Honda's dependable reputation. The EPA estimates this model consumes 114 MPGe or 30 kWh per 100 miles on its combined cycle.

The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq is another anomaly on this list, with an alarmingly low 44/100 reliability rating from Consumer Reports. Only 48 cars of this model year were affected by a recall relating to some loose lug nuts on the right rear wheel. J.D. Power finds the overall package a bit more dependable, awarding it 82/100 for quality and reliability.

Engine

Single Permanent-Magnet Motor

Transmission

Single-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

134 HP

Torque

218 LB-FT

Driveline

Front-Wheel Drive

0-60 MPH

9.6 Seconds

Top Speed

103 MPH

The Ioniq is an older EV, but it still has one of the best combined energy consumption we've seen yet, with 136 MPGe and 25 kWh per 100 miles estimates. Being an early EV model, it features a very compact battery, so you're only going to cover 124 miles in-between charges. This is one of the cheapest electric cars that you'll come across in the used car market today, with prices ranging between $10,750 and $16,975.

Electric cars are generally reliable options, but one American-built option stands out from the competition.

The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric shares plenty with its gas-powered sibling, including its cabin and engaging driving dynamics. However, things are different under the skin, where the Kona Electric features a battery pack and 201-horsepower synchronous AC motor. The model's regenerative braking, which can be adjusted using steering wheel-mounted paddles, helps it achieve a claimed driving range of 258 miles.

Engine

Single Permanent-Magnet Motor

Transmission

Single-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

201 HP

Torque

290 LB-FT

Driveline

Front-Wheel Drive

0-60 MPH

6.4 Seconds

Top Speed

110 MPH

The Kona Electric's cabin is expertly assembled, though lacking in quality materials. Considering the model's affordable price, however, it has a commendable interior. All models feature a 10.3-inch digital instrument display, while the top trims get a 10.3-inch infotainment display with navigation in place of the base 8.0-inch touchscreen. The average used price for the Kona EV is around $26,000, which makes the model an absolute bargain.

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