The electric vehicle market is expanding rapidly, with more and more models popping up all the time. This has meant more affordable options for those on a budget, but it has also meant that the options on the used market have become much more plentiful.
As time passes, we’re getting more data to make informed decisions when it comes to buying electric vehicles. One of the most important things to consider, especially when on the used market, is reliability. With models having been around for some time, we’re starting to get a good picture of what cars stand out as the most reliable.
Looking through the used market, we’ve found ten models which score higher than other electric vehicles when it comes to reliability. We outline what makes these models special and how they stand out as well as how much they go for used. We also take a deep dive into their reliability, exploring maintenance costs, common issues, and recalls.
In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information for vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Please note that we have ranked the following models based from least to most reliable.
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10
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Reliability Score: 73/100
Hyundai launched the Ioniq 5 in 2022, and it has been received pretty well. This fun little subcompact SUV aims to showcase that electric vehicles can be joyful. Currently, you can pick up a used 2022 model for an average price of $26,446, which is almost half of what a brand-new one costs.
Reliability
Hyundai has really put in a lot of effort to rebuild their reputation when it comes to reliability, and many of their newest vehicles rank quite highly. This extends into their EV lineup. The Ioniq 5 may not be exceptional compared to gas-powered cars, but it certainly outranks a number of EVs.
The Korean brand offers complimentary maintenance for the first three years, so you know that your used Ioniq 5 will have been taken care of by Hyundai’s service team.
- Recalls: 3
- Limited Warranty: 5 Years/60,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 10 Years/100,000 Miles
- Battery Warranty: 10 Years/100,000 Miles
9
2022 Tesla Model Y
Reliability Score: 73/100
The Model Y has been one of the most successful EVs in the world in terms of sales, continuously breaking records. This makes a lot of sense as it mixes practicality, speed, and range in a single successful package. Used 2022 Model Ys currently list for an average price of $31,575.
Reliability
Tesla has been in the limelight a lot ever since it launched, for both good and bad reasons. While build quality has always been a topic of concern, the Model Y ranks fairly highly when it comes to reliability. You can also expect your maintenance costs to be fairly low, with CarEdge estimating you’ll spend $3,994 over ten years of ownership.
Be aware, though, the Model Y has been subject to a plethora of recalls. If you pick one up used, ensure that these have all been seen to as some of them affect crucial systems.
- Recalls: 18
- Limited Warranty: 4 Years/50,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 8 Years/100,000 Miles
8
2023 BMW i4
Reliability Score: 74/100
Front 3/4 shot of a 2022 BMW i4
The BMW i4 is one of the best value for money EVs you can buy if you’re looking for something a little more premium. This fantastic four-door coupe features an exceptional cabin and performance will definitely surprise you. Used models currently list at an average price of $39,590.
Reliability
Currently, BMW produces some of the most reliable cars in the world. They currently beat many other traditionally reliable brands with a lineup of well-built vehicles. The i4 proves that their electric lineup isn’t lagging behind, beating most premium EVs with its reliability score.
Being the debut year for the i4, 2022 models were issued a number of different recalls. Ensure that the model you’re after has had these issues fixed. You can expect fairly low maintenance costs, though, with CarEdge estimating you’ll spend $7,934 over ten years of ownership.
- Recalls: 6
- Limited Warranty: 4 Years/50,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 8 Years/100,000 Miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: 3 Years/36,000 Miles
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7
2023 Nissan Ariya
Reliability Score: 74/100
Front 3/4 shot of a 2021 Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya joined the Leaf as part of the Japanese brand’s electric lineup. The crossover has much more range than the little hatchback, breaking the 300-mile mark. Considering Nissan is a mainstream brand, the Ariya feels fairly upscale. Used 2023 models list at an average of $27,868.
Reliability
Nissan is generally at the center of the pack when it comes to reliability, with some models that rank highly and others at the bottom of the stack. The Ariya scores fairly highly, perhaps signaling the brand’s shift to all-electric vehicles may improve their prospects.
Four recalls were issued for the 2023 Nissan Ariya. These recalls were for fairly major components, so make sure these have been repaired or replaced.
- Recalls: 4
- Limited Warranty: 3 Years/36,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 5 Years/60,000 Miles
- Battery Warranty: 8 Years/100,000 Miles
6
2022 Tesla Model S
Reliability Score: 75/100
Front 3/4 shot of a 2017 Tesla Model S
If you’re looking for a sporty electric sedan, then you have a fairly small pool of cars to choose from. Among those cars is the Model S, Tesla’s flagship. Featuring excellent performance and the latest tech, it really is quite a compelling choice. Considering the 2022 Model S had a starting MSRP of over $100,000 when new, the used price of $46,397 is a pretty amazing deal.
Reliability
The Model S has been on the road for some time now, launching all the way back in 2012. That means it has a pretty extensive track record when it comes to reliability. Compared to gas-powered cars it scores pretty average, but in the EV world it is a stand-out choice.
The Model S may not come with any complimentary maintenance, but keeping it in working order is a pretty inexpensive task. CarEdge estimates that maintenance costs for the Model S over ten years should accumulate to somewhere around $3,972. Again, look out for the extensive list of recalls issued for this Tesla.
- Recalls: 19
- Limited Warranty: 4 Years/50,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 8 Years/Unlimited Miles
5
2022 Tesla Model 3
Reliability Score: 75/100
Front 3/4 of a 2018 Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 is an incredibly popular electric vehicle, and with good reason. Tesla has managed to find a good balance between performance, practicality, and range. A 2022 Model 3 can be had on the used market for an average price of $25,313, which is about half of the price of a new one.
Reliability
The Model 3 is the third Tesla to make this list, proving that the American company produces some of the most reliable EVs on the market. Some owners tout ridiculously high mileages on their Model 3s. Although the Model 3 is still plagued by a litany of recalls, which is certainly an annoyance at the minimum. They are able to keep maintenance costs low, though, with CarEdge estimating it’ll cost $3,258 over ten years.
- Recalls: 16
- Limited Warranty: 4 Years/50,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 8 Years/100,000 Miles
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4
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Reliability Score: 76/100
Front 3/4 action shot of a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
If size is not one of your major concerns, and you’re just looking for a nifty little EV to run around in, the Bolt EV is a fantastic choice. For its size and price point, it offers some exceptional range and a litany of tech features. It is exceptionally affordable, with the 2022 model listing for an average of $19,461.
Reliability
Chevrolet is one of the largest automakers in the United States, and they have developed a lineup of vehicles that are exceptionally reliable. The Bolt EV continues this trend, beating most electric vehicles when it comes to reliability. This is likely in part thanks to how simple its design is.
- Recalls: 4
- Limited Warranty: 3 Years/36,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 8 Years/100,000 Miles
3
2023 Porsche Taycan
Reliability Score: 76/100
Porsche is an icon in the automotive world, delivering an excellent blend of luxury and performance. They have always been innovators, and the Taycan showcases how they continue this success in the realm of electric cars. The average price for a used 2023 Taycan is $88,944, with depreciation hard at work.
Reliability
While Porsche is a high-end brand that mainly delivers performance cars, they also have an exceptional reputation when it comes to the reliability of their cars. The Taycan is the highest-rated performance electric vehicle, giving it an edge over its rivals and demonstrating Porsche’s continued effort to make reliability a priority.
Like many of the other electric vehicles on this list, unfortunately the Taycan is affected by a number of recalls. Most of these recalls are related to electrical components.
- Recalls: 10
- Limited Warranty: 4 Years/50,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 8 Years/100,000 Miles
2
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6
Reliability Score: 76/100
Front 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Ioniq 6 is a unique option on the market, disrupting the many luxury brands that compete in the electric sedan segment. It offers a ton of value and comes loaded with plenty of high-end features. A new 2025 Ioniq 6 will set you back around $40,000 to start, but a barely used 2025 model has an average price of $35,575.
Reliability
The Ioniq 6 continues Hyundai’s success in the EV realm in a number of different ways. It is certainly considered to be more reliable than a lot of its rivals. It is, however, a fairly new model meaning that there isn’t much data available when it comes to maintenance costs. At least Hyundai offers a three years, 36,000 mile complimentary maintenance plan, meaning you’ll get the balance of that on your used model.
- Recalls: 3
- Limited Warranty: 5 Years/60,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 10 Years/100,000 Miles
- Battery Warranty: 10 Years/100,000 Miles
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1
2022 Kia EV6
Reliability Score: 77/100
2024 Kia EV6
The EV6 was Kia’s first stab at an electric vehicle, comparable to Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. This little crossover is a fantastic offering, is styled brilliantly and has a ton to offer in terms of comfort and tech features. You can grab a used 2022 model for an average price of $27,578.
Reliability
Much like Hyundai, Kia has worked hard to improve their reputation in the realm of reliability. Their current lineup all rank fairly highly in terms of quality and reliability. The EV6 continues this trend, being one of the highest ranking EVs on the market. Unlike Hyundai, Kia does not offer any complimentary maintenance.
- Recalls: 3
- Limited Warranty: 5 Years/60,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 10 Years/100,000 Miles
