The Future Is Now
Every automaker is racing to build the next must-have electric vehicle, promising sleek designs and futuristic tech—but when it comes to reliability, not all of them stick the landing.
If you’re thinking about making the switch to electric, a little homework goes a long way. Some EVs are built to impress for years, while others might test your patience sooner than you’d like. Here’s a look at the ones getting it right—and the ones that might leave you second-guessing.
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1. Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Ioniq 6 is the newest generation of Hyundai’s popular electric car. With the sleek, aerodynamic design that immediately catches the eye and a top speed of 115 mph, driving this electric car is undoubtably a fun experience.
It also has an impressive range of over 300 miles, making it one of the most reliable electric cars on the market.
The Ioniq 6 has a starting price of $37,500.
Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
2. Nissan Ariya
The revamped, modern design and improved charging capabilities of the Nissan Ariya are a vast step above its predecessor, the Leaf. With the Ariya, Nissan proves they’ve got what it takes to make a fun and practical electric SUV.
The Ariya has a top speed of around 100 mph, and over 300 miles of driving range. It can also tackle any kind of terrain or weather conditions, since it features Nissan’s innovative e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system that optimizes traction and stability.
The Nissan Ariya has a starting price of $45,000.
3. BMW iX
The BMW iX is another testament to the excellency of German automakers. Powered by dual electric motors, the iX delivers an exhilarating performance with a top speed of about 124 mph. This SUV offers an impressive driving range of over 300 miles on a full charge, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and longer journeys.
The BMW iX also boasts cutting-edge technology, with the latest infotainment and driver-assistance systems.
This is one of the pricier options on the list, with a starting price of around $88,000
4. Kia EV6
The EV6 is a state-of-the-art electric crossover. With a top speed of around 115 mph and more than 300 miles of range, it’s perfect for daily use and long road trips.
But the biggest draw about this car is it’s charging capabilities. The EV6 features innovative 800-volt architecture that facilitates faster charging. In just 18 minutes, you could go from 10% to 80% battery.
The EV6 has a starting price of about $46,000.
5. BMW i4
This all-electric sedan houses a powerful drivetrain that propels it to a top speed of about 124 mph. It also features fast-charging capabilities and has an estimated range of 300 miles at full charge.
The sleek exterior and luxurious, high-tech interior highlight BMW’s commitment to functionality and a top-notch driving experience, making this one of the most thrilling electric vehicles on the market. It’s also one of the most beautiful EVs and was one of the company’s best-selling cars in 2023.
The i4 starts at $53,000.
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6. Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford’s F-Series trucks are the most popular vehicles in America, so of course they nailed the execution of their electric pick-up, the F-150 Lightning.
Sporting dual in-wheel electric motors, the F-150 Lightning has quick acceleration and a top speed of 111 mph. With various battery configurations available, the Lightning offers an impressive driving range, with the extended-range model exceeding 300 miles on a single charge.
This electric pickup is also designed to be a workhorse, with features like a massive front trunk and its innovative Intelligent Backup Power system.
The F-150 Lightning has a starting price of $69,995.
7. Porsche Taycan
This one’s built for pure adrenaline. With dual electric motors under the hood, the Taycan rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.6 seconds and can top out at 161 mph—hardly your average grocery-getter.
Of course, all that performance comes with a trade-off. The driving range is on the lower side compared to rivals, topping out around 200 miles per charge. The upside? It makes pit stops quick, jumping from 5% to 80% in just over 22 minutes.
As for the price of all that speed, the Porsche Taycan starts at $125,000.
8. Tesla Model 3
Would any list of reliable electric vehicles be complete without a Tesla? As a pioneer in the field of electric vehicles, Tesla has proven they can make cars that can last. But in 2023, the Model 3 was the company’s most reliable and popular vehicle.
The base trim houses a more powerful battery than its predecessors, giving it a whopping top speed of 162 mph. But where the Model 3 really stands out is its driving range. With 340 miles of range on a single charge, this is undoubtedly one of the most reliable electric cars on the market.
The Model 3 has a starting price of around $53,000.
9. Toyota bZ4X
The bZ4X is Toyota’s first foray in the electric SUV market and it’s safe to say they nailed it.
This all-electric SUV is designed to offer an efficient and dynamic driving experience. With a top speed of 100 mph and up to 250 miles of range from a single charge, the bZ4X is one of the more powerful electric SUVs on the market.
The sleek design, spacious interior, and focus on eco-friendly driving have made this model a favorite among Toyota enthusiasts.
The bZ4X has a starting price of $50,000.
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10. Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 a brilliant showcase of electric vehicle technology and Scandinavian design. This fully-electric fastback features dual electric motors that help it reach a top speed of about 127 mph.
It also has a driving range of 250 miles from a single charge and is equipped with the latest infotainment and driver assist technology.
The Polestar 2 has a starting price of about $51,000.
11. Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s electric Mustang caused a lot of division when it first came out, but the car has proven to be one of the more reliable EVs on the market.
The Mach-E has two different battery sizes, each giving an impressive range of either 230 miles or 300 miles from one full charge. And with a top speed of 124 mph, it’s one of the faster electric vehicles out there.
The Mach-E has a starting price of $45,000.
12. Kia Niro Electric
The Niro Electric is a reliable EV that’s best for urban commuters, though it can handle highway driving just fine. It has a decent driving range, exceeding over 200 miles from a full charge. It also has a top speed of 104 mph, which makes for a fun ride wherever you go.
With a spacious interior and all the latest tech features, the Niro Electric is as comfortable as it is eco-friendly.
The Niro Electric is one of the more affordable EVs on the list, with starting price of $40,000.
The 12 Worst Electric Vehicles
Now that we’ve looked at 12 of the most reliable electric vehicles, it’s time to reveal which ones are the most likely to leave you high and dry. Is your EV on the list?
1. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf might be one of the more recognizable names in the EV world, but it doesn’t exactly shine where it counts. With a modest range of just 149 miles—bumped up to 226 miles if you opt for the Plus trim—it quickly falls behind many of its competitors.
Performance isn’t doing it any favors either. The underwhelming horsepower makes for a drive that feels more practical than exciting, and while charging times are acceptable, they don’t quite justify the price tag.
All things considered, this is one EV that’s easy to pass on—especially when there are far more powerful and better-rounded options out there.
2. Fiat 500e
The capabilities of the 500e are so lacking, it’s a wonder this car ever got made. With a full charge, it only offers 84 miles of range, and you’ll be lucky if you can get it to go past 93 mph.
The interior of this car is just as disappointing as the performance, with the minimal cargo space proving to be a hassle for most drivers.
The car does have some good driver assistance technology but it’s value is nowhere near the $30,000 starting price.
3. Audi e-Tron
The e-Tron is Audi’s answer to the Tesla Model X. The car has an impressive top speed of 124 mph, but the driving range is a sore point, giving only 222 miles off a single charge. The car’s dual-motor setup has been a particular point of contention when it comes to discussions of reliability.
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4. Jaguar I-Pace
The I-Pace is Jaguar’s frontrunner when it comes to electric vehicles. It has a powerful dual-motor and driving range up to 235 miles, but when it comes to reliability, this car misses the mark.
While the luxurious design of the I-Pace is attractive, its drivetrain is far less powerful than more affordable competitors, like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6.
And it has less technical features than its competitors, who are also consistently ranked by consumers as being significantly more reliable than the I-Pace.
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5. Mini Cooper SE
The Mini Cooper SE looks cute, but you won’t get very far in it. This has one of the least reliable driving ranges, reaching only 110 miles off a full charge. It also lives up to its name, with little cargo space and leg room in the backseat.
The cooper does have some cool tech features, but it’s definitely best for urban drivers and short commutes.
6. Chevrolet Bolt EUV
This model of Chevrolet Bolt is often priced higher than other trims, though it has little to offer. There’s no trim option for AWD and its 90 mph top speed doesn’t make for as thrilling a ride as some of the more reliable options on the list.
The Bolt EUV gets decent driving range, reaching up to 247 miles off a full charge, but it takes a long time to recharge the car once its drained. The car also has less cargo space and interior technical features than other trims.
Overall, the EUV just isn’t worth the money.
7. BMW i3
The i3 is undoubtedly one of the worst EVs that BMW has ever made. It only gives 153 miles on a full charge, which is far less than competitors like the Tesla Model 3. Its horsepower leaves much to be desired, and if you're going to buy an electric BMW, better to get one of their other models.
The i3 also has cramped interiors and its infotainment system lacks Android compatibility, making it all but useless to a large number of consumers.
8. Hyundai Kona Electric
On paper, the Kona Electric checks a lot of the right boxes. With a respectable 258-mile range, smooth handling, and a top speed of 100 mph, it sounds like a well-rounded crossover ready for everyday driving.
But stack it up against the competition—even within Hyundai’s own lineup—and it starts to lose some of its shine. It just doesn’t feel as refined or forward-thinking as newer EV offerings.
There’s also a potential concern under the hood. The permanent-magnet synchronous motor used in newer models has been flagged as a reliability weak point, which might give cautious buyers a reason to hesitate.
9. Volkswagen e-Golf
You might be tempted to buy an e-Golf because you find them used for a good price, but it’s really not worth it. The e-Golf will only give you 125 miles of range before you need to recharge, and it’s not exactly the fastest at filling up. The infotainment system has been reported to be slower than most competitors, but the cargo space isn’t too bad.
Overall, though, you could find a much more reliable used EV that’s cheaper than the e-Golf, so don’t waste your time with this one.
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10. Tesla Model X
It’s hard to believe that a Tesla would make the list of unreliable EVs but here we are. The Model X SUV is a stylish addition to the company’s lineup but it’s also been the lowest-ranked model.
That’s probably because it just doesn’t seem worth the money for most people. With a $100,000 starting price tag, the vehicle isn’t as luxurious as one might expect. And there have also been reports of the car accelerating on its own, which definitely makes it one of Tesla’s less reliable creations.
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11. Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T was one the first fully-electric pickup trucks, but consumers just don’t see it was the most reliable option out there. When it comes to performance and design, the truck tends to be rated just below competitors like the Jeep Gladiator or Ford F-150 series.
But most of the issues with reliability have to do with the company itself. Rivian is a newer company and the R1T is only the second vehicle they’ve built. It’ll take a few more years to see if this one truly stands the test of time.
12. Mazda MX-30
The MX-30’s looks are deceiving. Beneath the cool exterior, this car has a weak battery that will only take it 100 miles on a full charge. It also has really slow acceleration, taking over 8 seconds to go from 0 to 6 mph.
What the MX-30 lacks in performance, it tries to make up for in interior design. But even here it falls short for many consumers, since there isn’t much legroom or headroom in the rear passenger seats.
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