I'm a Mechanic: These Electric Vehicles Are Worth Your Money
Thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV)? They're a good option if you want to save money on gas and maintenance and reduce your carbon footprint, but not all EVs are built the same.
According to car experts, some models stand out for their reliability, performance and long-term value. To help narrow down your search, here are EVs they recommend and why they're worth a closer look.
Tesla Model 3
MSRP: Starting at $36,990
"Tesla tops the list for me. Model 3 is the best of them all,” said Chris Pyle, auto expert with JustAnswer. “They are futuristic-styled. They have all the features one would want in a vehicle, especially in the electronics aspect. They have good battery life and battery distance."
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It also retains its value as long as you trade it in before the battery starts to wear out, he noted. But that could take years. According to Insurify, the average lifespan of a Tesla battery is between 300,000 and 500,000 miles, or 15 to 20 years of use.
"Tesla's battery system is unique, and in many ways, it's superior to what other brands offer," added Melanie Musson, an auto expert with Quote.com. Its placement and weight is another pro, Musson pointed out, which can help the Model 3 maintain balance on the road and handle corners well.
Lucid Air
MSRP: Starting at $70,090
According to Pyle, the Lucid Air, a luxury sedan that first launched in the 2022 model year, is often seen at the top of lists. Its recent launch and price also mean it's a rarity on the road.
"The distance to empty is at the higher range,” Pyle said. “Downfall though, is that the car is very expensive and when it breaks, finding a shop near you will be next to impossible, but EVs rarely go to the shop."
Ford F-150 Lightning
MSRP: Starting at $63,345
Want something tough but environmentally friendly? Musson recommends the Ford F-150 Lightning. It's powerful yet quiet, and comes with top-of-the-line features.
"Drivers who are looking for something that can handle off-road situations praise the Lightning for its toughness," Musson wrote.
"It's a good mix of rugged traditional truck capabilities and luxurious modern electric mechanics," she added. "The Lightning holds its value well, which is not something many EVs have been able to do."
Hyundai Ioniq 6, Kia EV4 and Kia Niro EV
Ioniq 6 MSRP: Starting at $37,850
Kia EV4 MSRP: Starting at $38,995
Kia Niro EV MSRP: Starting at $39,600
When it comes to budget-friendly EVs with solid range and reliability, Hyundai and Kia are hard to ignore.
"Although I think the Ioniq is ugly, Kia and Hyundai are putting in the work to make affordable vehicles that have what you need, most of what you want and the longevity and low repair costs you expect," Pyle said.
He also pointed out that both brands choose to focus on longevity, low repair costs and repeat customers rather than a wow moment with sleek designs.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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