Buying an electrical automotive generally is a big step in the direction of saving your self cash on gasoline, costly upkeep and engine repairs, and producing fewer emissions on the highway. Electric vehicles are nice for all of these items however, they nonetheless do come at fairly a excessive buy value. Obviously, producers like Genesis, Cadillac, and Lucid demand high prices for luxury electric cars, however there’s a big second-hand marketplace for used electrical vehicles, which implies you’ll find a reliable electric car for underneath $20,000.

Buying any automobile generally is a minefield in terms of retaining it on the highway. We have all been there, after shopping for a automotive and discovering out that it wants a brand new half each few months. This is why we’ve got compiled the top ten reliable electric cars for underneath $20,000.

In order to provide the latest and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Fuel Economy.gov, NHTSA, Repair Pals, and Car Survey.org. The listing has been ordered from the least dependable to essentially the most dependable, with reliability scores of over 4 out of 5 from J.D. Power. The common costs have been sourced from Kelly Blue Book.

10 2016 BMW i3 | Average Price – $11,068

Reliability Rating: 4.3/5

The 2016 BMW i3 was a groundbreaking electrical hatchback when it was launched and still looks futuristic today. The 2016 i3 provides a singular mix of futuristic styling, spectacular battery vary, and BMW’s famend driving dynamics. With a battery vary of round 81 miles on a single cost, expandable to 150 miles with the non-obligatory vary extender, it provides practicality for city commutes.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from BMW)

The i3’s light-weight design is attributed to many highway assessments complementing the dealing with and nimble steering across the cities and in tight spots. Inside, the futuristic really feel does not finish, with the 2016 BMW i3 boasting rear-hinged doorways, a clear and modern two-tone upholstery, a transparent central console, smooth strains alongside the sprint, and a contemporary two spoked steering wheel with controls.

Pros

• Very modern-looking, even in 2024
• Great for metropolis driving
• Will remember to flip heads

Cons

• You have to purchase a variety extender to spice up the vary
• Rear-hinged doorways is probably not to your liking
• The vary does not evaluate to PHEVs

9 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive | Average Price – $11,683

Reliability Rating: 4.5/5

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive provides a mix of practicality and luxurious. Styling-wise, it maintains the modern and complicated design language typical of the Mercedes-Benz lineup with an aggressive entrance grille, low hood, and huge windshield. Its inside boasts premium supplies and ample area, guaranteeing a cushty journey for each driver and passengers.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Mercedes-Benz)

Compared to different electrical vehicles just like the BMW i3 and Nissan Leaf, the B-Class Electric Drive provides a extra refined and opulent driving expertise, albeit with a barely decrease electrical vary of round 87 miles on a single cost. With an ample most cargo capability of 51.4 cubic-feet, you possibly can nonetheless haul a good quantity of stuff round, and nonetheless indulge within the luxurious of the Mercedes.

Pros

• A refined journey with luxurious styling
• Still a dependable automobile in comparison with many others
• Decent 0-60 mph time

Cons

• A low vary of 86 miles from a single cost
• The common used value of $11,683 is sort of excessive for a nine-year-old automotive

8 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV | Average Price – $9,662

Reliability Rating: 4.5/5

Though the 2022 Chevrolet Spark garnered blended evaluations, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV compact electrical automotive provides environment friendly city commuting with a nimble dimension. Measuring solely 146.5 inches in size and 64 inches in width, it’s nice for city driving.

Styling-wise, it retains the playful and youthful design of the standard Spark mannequin however with distinctive electrical accents just like the closed-off grille and aerodynamic enhancements. While its exterior won’t be as putting as some opponents, its compact dimensions make it very best for navigating tight metropolis streets and parking in city environments.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Chevrolet)

With a combined MPGe rating of 119MPGe and showcasing an 82-mile vary from a single cost, the Spark EV is a superb little metropolis automotive. With a large amount of torque and a light-weight physique, you may remember to depart the lights in a rush. The Spark EV does not have as plush an inside as others on the listing however, with a decrease unique MSRP in comparison with a few of its opponents, it did in 2016 and nonetheless does in the present day, supply a decrease priced entry into electrical automotive driving while not sacrificing some essential efficiency specs.

Pros

• The common used value is simply $9.662
• Fantastic for metropolis driving or quick journeys
• Fun-looking small automotive

Cons

7 2019 Nissan Leaf SV | Average Price – $12,921

Reliability Rating: 4.6/5

The Nissan Leaf cemented Nissan’s position as a key participant within the electrical automobile market, providing enhanced options and improved efficiency over earlier mannequin years. With an upgraded 40 kWh battery pack, the 2019 Leaf SV boasts a powerful electrical vary of as much as 150 miles on a single cost, making it a sensible alternative for day by day commutes and concrete driving. Its regenerative braking system additional optimized effectivity, serving to to increase its vary even in stop-and-go site visitors.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Nissan)

Not simply spectacular vary and efficiency specs, inside, the Leaf SV additionally options an infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen show that includes each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview digicam. Arguably, one of many unique mass-produced electrical automobiles (subsequent to the Toyota Prius), the Nissan Leaf has managed to develop in occasions of excessive reputation and the event of electrical vehicles.

Pros

• Very fashionable really feel
• Impressively low common used value of solely $12,921
• Spacious cabin

Cons

• Not as modern as another equally priced EVs
• Low cupboard space
• No telescopic steering wheel

6 2013 Tesla Model S Base | Average Price – $16,400

Reliability Rating: 4.8/5

Equipped with a big 40 kWh battery pack, the 2013 Tesla Model S Base provides a powerful battery vary of as much as 208 miles from a single cost, surpassing a lot of its contemporaries. Its effectivity is additional highlighted by its cheap MPGe rating of around 95 MPGe, although not one of the best on the listing. The inside showcases the everyday Tesla-esque minimal however lavish model, with numerous added extras that preserve individuals coming again to them yr after yr.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Tesla)

Boasting a big touchscreen interface dominating the dashboard, the interface controls navigation, media playback, and local weather management, while offering a seamless and intuitive person expertise. In phrases of security, the Model S Base Model comes outfitted with a collection of superior options, together with lively security applied sciences like collision avoidance and automated emergency braking, in addition to passive security options reminiscent of a bolstered chassis and a number of airbags.

Pros

• Extremely highly effective motor
• Lots of security options as commonplace
• A excessive diploma of luxurious in and out

Cons

• High common used value for an 11-year-old automobile of $16,400
• It is a heavy automotive, weighing 2,108 KG

5 2019 Volkswagen E-Golf | Average Price – $15,415

Reliability Rating: 4.8/5

The 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf epitomizes the fusion of Volkswagen’s iconic Golf design with electrical energy, providing a compelling bundle of effectivity, reliability, and practicality, it actually does make an amazing electric vehicle. Boasting an EPA-estimated MPGe ranking of round 119, the e-Golf showcases its effectivity, making it a lovely choice for cash-conscious drivers or these on the lookout for respectable city driving with fashionable and modern consolation.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Volkswagen)

Its electrical drivetrain incorporates a 35.8 kWh battery pack, offering you with a decent battery vary of as much as 125 miles on a single cost, very appropriate for a good commuter electric car. Inside, the e-Golf boasts a contemporary and well-equipped, driver-centric cabin, with commonplace options together with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades embrace a bigger 9.2-inch touchscreen show and Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, including a contact extra sophistication to your driving expertise.

Pros

• Aggressive and modern-looking inside and exterior
• Good for city driving
• Lots of cool commonplace tech options

Cons

• Consumer experiences of laggy infotainment system
• Higher value than equally performing EVs
• Optional extras can rack up

4 2017 Kia Soul EV | Average Price – $13,322

Reliability Rating: 4.8/5

The 2017 Kia Soul EV is a compact crossover/hatch combine that incorporates a surprisingly spacious and comfy cabin, with a contemporary inside design that includes sustainable supplies reminiscent of bio-based plastics and recycled supplies. The inside is well-appointed with commonplace options together with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a navigation system.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Kia)

With a battery capacity of 27 kWh, the Soul EV provides you an EPA-estimated vary of as much as 111 miles on a single cost and boasts a variety of superior options, together with a collection of driver help applied sciences reminiscent of lane departure warning, ahead collision warning, and rearview digicam. The Soul EV does supply numerous fashionable driving for an affordable common used value of $13,322.

Pros

• Good cargo area of 49.5 cubic-feet
• Lots of excellent commonplace options
• Practical because of good inside area

Cons

• Consumer experiences wind-noise at excessive speeds complaints
• Poor vary in comparison with new EVs
• No all-wheel drive choice

3 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV | Average Price – $5,355

Reliability Rating: 4.9/5

The 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a really low-cost choice within the electrical automobile section, providing a compact and extra emission-friendly transportation answer. Its exterior design could be very distinctive, that includes a tall and boxy form that maximized inside area however with a compact wheelbase.

Despite its unconventional look, the i-MiEV’s design is aerodynamically environment friendly, contributing to its vary and effectivity. Externally, the i-MiEV measures 144 inches in size, 63 inches in width, and 63 inches in top, making it one of many smallest EVs on the market.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Mitsubishi)

Its compact dimensions make it very best for navigating crowded metropolis streets and squeezing into tight parking areas, however not solely that, the 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that options provides an electrical vary of round 62 miles on a single cost. While its vary could be very modest in comparison with different EVs, it’s adequate for city commuting and quick journeys round city. Additionally, its battery will be charged utilizing a regular family outlet or a degree 2 charging station, offering flexibility for charging on the go.

Pros

• Very good entry-level EV
• Small exterior dimensions make it very best for metropolis driving
• Can be charged simply at house

Cons

• Low battery vary of solely 62 miles
• Exterior design is just not for everybody
• Could be seen as a little bit dated in the present day

2 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV | Average Price – $15,585

Reliability Rating: 4.9/5

Now the Chevrolet Bolt is rightfully making a comeback, it’s time to look again on the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV, which continues to impress within the electrical automobile market. With a powerful battery vary, a number of excellent security options reminiscent of entrance and rear airbags, traction management and a post-collision security system, and fashionable inside facilities. With a 66 kWh battery pack, the 2020 Bolt EV provides you an EPA-estimated vary of as much as 259 miles on a single cost, offering very ample freedom for day by day commutes and longer journeys.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Chevrolet)

The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV boasts an intuitive infotainment system with a ten.2-inch touchscreen show (which is larger than numerous different EVs as commonplace), offering simple integration with smartphone gadgets via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six audio system, and satellite tv for pc radio. Overall, the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV delivers an distinctive mixture of vary, reliability, security, and expertise, making it a compelling choice within the electrical automobile market. A really compelling choice as nicely, with a mean used value of $15,585.

Pros

• Decent acceleration price
• Good infotainment system as commonplace
• Very high-reliability ranking

Cons

• Consumer experiences complain a couple of stiff journey
• Advanced driver security options come as non-obligatory extras
• The exterior design is a bit lackluster

1 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV | Average Price – $16,725

Reliability Rating: 5/5

The most dependable electrical automotive that may be purchased for underneath $20,000, with a mean used value of $16,725, is the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV. The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV provides a superb mixture of effectivity, consolation, and tech options. While typically praised by homeowners for its easy journey and spacious inside by many homeowners, some homeowners have reported minor issues with the infotainment system’s responsiveness.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Hyundai and Car and Driver)

The Ioniq EV’s inside boasts comfy seating and premium supplies and is provided with a 38.3 kWh battery pack, the Ioniq EV will permit you to drive a aggressive distance of as much as 170 miles on one cost. Overall, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV gives a sensible and comfy choice for drivers looking for an electrical automobile with a steadiness of modern design, expertise, and effectivity.

Pros

• Good price of acceleration
• Despite its dimension, peppy round city
• Modern inside design

Cons

• A bit lack-luster in terms of exterior design
• Not as fast as opponents
• Battery life diminishes quick with fast driving