Our research team analyzes performance data for the 26,000+ electric vehicles connected to the Recurrent platform and keeps close track of the used EV market in the US. In addition to helping owners understand their vehicles over time, and helping sellers get more for their cars, all of these insights allow us to compare and select the best used electric cars of the year. 

More about our methodology and testing is available at the end of this report. 

Runner Up: 2020 Tesla Model 3

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 is a standout for its exceptional range, with up to 353 miles per charge, making it ideal for long-distance travel. The minimalist interior design, featuring a central touchscreen, is divisive—some love its simplicity, while others miss physical controls. Though its reliability and technology are impressive, higher insurance costs and potential repair expenses post-warranty are considerations for prospective buyers.

What we love: The Model 3 rules the lineup when it comes to charging speed and availability. Like all Teslas, it benefits from the Supercharger network without the need for any adapters. Plus, after a lot of price cuts and depreciation, more than 60% of 2020 Model 3s can be found under $25K - and potentially available for the used EV tax credit. It also has a great cost per range mile. 

Runner Up: 2021 Hyundai Kona

Hyundai's Kona Electric has been on our “best of” list for three years running, and for good reason. It combines affordability with practicality, offering 258 miles of range and a compact design perfect for urban driving. Its well-equipped interior includes modern safety features and an intuitive infotainment system. Rear-seat space is limited, making it less suitable for families or those needing more passenger room.

‍What we love: The 2021 Hyundai Kona EV wins when it comes to bang for your buck. It has the lowest cost per range mile of all the entrants, and nearly all Konas are listed under $25K - meaning it is easy to score the used EV tax credit on this car (while it lasts). The Kona EV consistently gets above its EPA efficiency rating, meaning that its range score is a nearly pristine 99. 

Runner Up: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E merges sporty styling with the practicality of a midsize SUV. With a range of up to 305 miles and compatibility with many fast chargers, it’s a great option for daily commutes and road trips. While early models faced some software glitches, over-the-air updates have helped address these issues. Although the bold use of the "Mustang" name initially polarized traditionalists, the Mach-E is now outselling its gas-based cousin.

‍What we love:  The Mustang Mach-E is all about style and performance. It has been around long enough for many of the bugs to get worked out, and it now has access to the Tesla supercharging network. It also has a solid level 2 charge speed and a respectable DC charge speed. Plus, it has the highest range score of all the entrants - likely due to over the air upgrades that freed up some battery space. 

Runner Up: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV builds on Recurrent favorite, the Bolt EV, with added interior space and a different body. Its standout feature is the optional Super Cruise system, enabling hands-free driving on compatible highways. The Bolts were never built to be the center of attention, but they are standouts for commuting, errands, and trips around your home base. 

What we love: 85% of 2022 Chevy Bolts EUVs are listed at a price under $25,000, giving it a very competitive cost per range mile. With the used EV tax credit, the price can be knocked down to only $21,000. It has a very sensitive and realistic on-board range estimate, a Range Score about 98, and winter preconditioning is available via the key fob.

Runner Up: 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is a well-rounded compact electric SUV, offering up to 250 miles of range and a spacious, family-friendly interior. Equipped with Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE driver assistance suite, it offers a smooth and safe ride. However, its infotainment system has been critiqued for being less intuitive compared to competitors.

‍What we love: Remember when there were waitlists to get your hands on an ID.4? Now, 78% of them are listed under $25K. And that isn’t because people don’t love them - you can thank Tesla price cuts in 2023 for their newfound affordability. Nearly all the ID.4’s stats are solid: its DC charge speeds, its level 2 charge speeds, a Range Score of 98, and upcoming access to the Tesla Supercharger. 

Winner: 2023 Nissan Ariya

Nissan's Ariya hit the market in 2023, and although it didn’t make the splash it could have, part of that was due to its price. Now, with prices under $30K for many configurations, The Ariya is an attractive option. It features a comfortable, tech-forward interior with ProPILOT Assist 2.0, delivering an enhanced semi-autonomous driving experience. 

What we love: The Ariya promises to be a reliable and steadfast car, with an accurate dashboard, very little range degradation, and most of its battery warranty left. It shines in terms of winter weather performance, where it holds on to 83% of its max range at freezing temps.   

Judge's Full Analysis

Note: 5 is the highest and 1 is the lowest score.

Criteria and Grading

We compared some of the most popular all-electric models against each other according to these 10 categories:

1. Cost - this category is based on a Recurrent statistic called “cost per range mile,” that compares the ratio of the used price to the real-world range. It measures how much you’re paying for range vs. everything else (design, nice features, a killer sound system, etc). If you’re looking for a budget EV, you’ll want to keep this number low. 
2. Availability - how available are these cars? This affects your ability to get your hands on a used one, and the ultimate sale price you may negotiate. 
3. Affordability - we look at how many vehicles, as a percent, are priced below $25,000. We chose this price threshold because it is the cutoff for eligibility in the used EV tax credit program
4. Charging speed - this score factors in both AC (level 2) and DC (level 3; fast charging) speeds
5. Charging network - as determined by owner satisfaction and surveys
6. Range Reliability - we use the Recurrent range score to compare the average observed range today versus the average observed range when new. This helps you understand how well the range holds up with time.
7. Accuracy - how well does the range on the dash reflect the actual range you can expect? Ideally, the dashboard prediction should be as close to reality as possible - both to reduce range anxiety and to prevent unexpected charging sessions.
8. Variability - how does the car’s tech prepare it for winter or hot weather driving?
9. Eligibility - is this make and model supported by Recurrent to track range health and battery condition? Are there any limitations on our coverage?
10. Connectivity - how do drivers rate the car’s app, ease of use, and usefulness of features. This is a blended score based on app store reviews and community feedback

2024 Winner: 2018 Tesla Model 3

As prices declined across the used car market in 2023, and used Tesla prices especially, the Model 3 became a bargain. It has a modest cost per range mile, and there are plenty in stock. As of today, it’s not hard to find one under $25,000. Other major pro’s include outstanding DC charging speeds and access to the Tesla charger network. 

2023 Winner: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt

The Chevrolet Bolt was not built to be the center of attention, but after two years of a highly publicized recall saga, it has risen from the ashes as the winner of several “best of” lists. The fact that a six year old car is all but guaranteed to have a brand new battery (under the 2021-2022 recall), coupled with the bargain of a price, ensured its victory.