Most Reliable Used Electric Cars for 2025

Electric vehicles have relatively simple powertrains with fewer components than gasoline models. This reduces the potential problems used EV shoppers and owners will face, but used electric vehicles also rely on more advanced software and technology. And EV battery packs can be one of the most expensive automotive components to replace if they fail. Thankfully, all new EVs sold in America come with 8-year/100,000-mile warranties on their batteries, and these warranties remain in place on the used models.

These warranties provide some peace of mind on older model year EVs, though they don’t address the full breadth of technology hardware common in these models. With new electric cars offering ever larger touchscreens and more advanced infotainment systems, as well as on-board chargers and increased battery capacity, these models could prove more expensive to maintain than internal combustion vehicles when they enter the used market.

iSeeCars has identified the best used electric cars for reliability and ranked them below. These lists include older, lower-cost models like the Nissan Leaf and Kia Soul EV as well as more recent, higher-priced models with longer-ranges, like the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3. Shoppers seeking a basic commuter car with between 100 and 200 miles of range can be well served by a Hyundai IONIQ or BMW i3. If you take extended road trips and need a long range model, and if you can afford the higher price point, a used Tesla Model 3 travels over 300 miles, has high horsepower electric motors, all-wheel drive, fast charging capabilities, and sleek styling.

If you need more space and practicality than a car can provide, the EV market has seen growth in the crossover segments in recent years. These models deliver many of the same benefits that traditional SUVs provide, with premium brands like Audi and Mercedes-Benz offering luxury models while mainstream automakers like Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota introduce lower-cost zero-emission utility vehicles. The Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV are examples of low-cost used electric SUVs.

Finally, during the car buying process, check with the dealership to see if you qualify for any used EV tax credits, which can now be applied during the initial purchase versus having to wait until you submit your tax return.