10 Most Reliable Used EVs Under $30,000 – TopSpeed

An area in which EVs get a bad reputation is their reliability. This is a big topic to discuss, but the overall takeaway is that electric vehicles are more reliable than you think. Some quick examples include EVs being engineered with a simpler platform, which includes fewer moving parts than gasoline-powered vehicles. Another area is car brands have put a lot of time and money into producing reliable batteries that offer a long lifespan. Of course, there are going to be unreliable models, but that goes for any type of car. Some people may think that if you buy a cheap vehicle, you’ll lose out on reliability or its features, but it’s quite the opposite.

You may be thinking, “Well, of course, you can find affordable EVs if you look at used models that go back eight years”. While that is one way to find cheaper EVs, you may be surprised to find out that many EVs in the last three years can be bought for under $30,000. That may seem too cheap, but it’s worth noting that most of the models on the list don’t skimp out on their standard features, range, and design. It’s been known that electric vehicles are prone to depreciation, which is a whole other rabbit hole, but it means you can get yourself a relatively new EV with a price tag that sits below $30,000.

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10

2023 Polestar 2

Reliability Score: 64/100

The 2023 Polestar 2 is the first model on the list and is one of the most underrated EVs on the market. The overall aesthetic of the Polestar may seem familiar, and that’s because it is owned by the Swedish car brand Volvo. Like many other electric cars, the Polestar 2 comes in multiple configurations that focus either on range or performance. The original MSRP of the Polestar 2 was $49,800 to $76,900, but it can now be purchased for around $25,262.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

While the 2023 Polestar 2 starts the list off based on its reliability, it surprisingly sets the bar high with a 64 out of 100 reliability score. That might seem low, but a one-year-old EV, which can be purchased for below $30,000, could have easily come with a reliability score of 20 or 30 out of 100. Many areas make a vehicle reliable, and safety is a significant one. The Polestar 2 received an overall safety rating of five out of five stars and came into contact with two recalls.

• MSRP: $49,800-$76,900
• Safety Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Total Recalls: 2
• Used Price: $25,262

9

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Reliability Score: 65/100

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is a highly sought-after electric vehicle, and you’ve probably seen a fair share of them on the road. This electric SUV is another EV that can focus on its fuel economy or come with some added performance. The original MSRP on the 2021 Mach-E was $43,995 to $61,000, but it can now be bought for around $24,366.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E raises the reliability rating by just one point, scoring 65 out of 100. Ford launched the Mach-E in 2021, which shouldn’t surprise people when you see it pop up with eight recalls over the years. This is typical since car manufacturers are still ironing out the kinks on models that just debuted. The 2021 Mustang Mach-E didn’t receive an overall safety rating but was a Top Safety Pick in 2021. If you can cough up some extra cash, you can buy the new 2025 Mach-E for just $36,495.

• MSRP: $43,995-$61,000
• Safety Rating: N/A
• Total Recalls: 8
• Used Price: $24,366

8

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Reliability Score: 70/100

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an incredible electric SUV for families or those who want innovative technology. Hyundai has been at the forefront of the electric automotive industry, and its models attest to its success. The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with a starting price of $42,785 to $53,935 but can now be purchased for $24,993.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2023 Ioniq 5 brings the reliability ratings to a C-letter grade with its 70 out of 100 score. For its safety ratings, the Ioniq 5 received an overall score of five out of five stars, along with being a Top Safety Pick. Only three recalls popped up on the 2023 model, making it an ideal candidate for an EV to purchase.

• MSRP: $42,785-$53,935
• Safety Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Total Recalls: 3
• Used Price: $24,993

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7

2022 Tesla Model 3

Reliability Score: 73/100

Tesla takes most of the heat when it comes to stereotypes about EVs, such as reliability or expensive price tags, but models like the Model 3 help debunk these claims. The Tesla Model 3 is one of the more notorious EVs in existence and proves to be a solid platform for people seeking an easy-to-own EV. The 2022 Model 3 started with a price tag of $48,190 to $64,190 but now lowers down to $26,109.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 received a 73 out of 100 reliability rating. This rating came close to the 2024 model, which received a 74 out of 100, showcasing that Tesla keeps its models consistent in ingenuity. The 2022 Model 3 received an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, but one area in which it didn’t do too well was its fifteen recalls. The Model 3 is here to stay, and if you want a mainstream EV, then this “model” is the one for you.

• MSRP: $48,190-$64,190
• Safety Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Total Recalls: 15
• Used Price: $26,109

6

2022 Tesla Model Y

Reliability Score: 73/100

The 2022 Tesla Model Y is the last Tesla to make the list, but it’s another well-known EV in the automotive world. Tesla keeps its design and features simple with little personalization. This is either a win or lose in some people’s books, but a platform that keeps things simple sometimes makes it less stressful when purchasing and owning. The 2022 Model Y had an MSRP of $64,190 to $69,190, but it can now be bought for around $29,219.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2022 Tesla Model Y is tied with its smaller sibling, the Model 3, with a 73 out of 100 reliability score. The same goes for its safety ratings, with an overall rating of five out of five stars. One area in which it outshined the Model 3 was its high recalls, which came out to be seventeen instead of fifteen. If the Model 3 interests you, but you’re looking for a larger cabin while still owning a mainstream EV, then the Model Y is your ideal candidate.

• MSRP: $64,190-$69,190
• Safety Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Total Recalls: 17
• Used Price: $29,219

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5

2023 Nissan Leaf

Reliability Score: 76/100

The 2023 Nissan Leaf is a more practical option on the list but isn’t going to offer all the high-end tech and designs that some of the others give. The Nissan Leaf might not come with all the bells and whistles, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. Holding its values better than others, the Leaf started as an affordable EV, with an MSRP of $29,135 to $37,135, but depreciated a tiny bit, which can now be purchased for $26,448.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The Nissan Leaf started out as a reliable platform, being one of the most reliable EVs of the last decade. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that the 2023 Leaf landed itself on the list. The 2023 Leaf received a 76 out of 100 reliability rating. Safety wasn’t an issue either, with it scoring an overall safety rating of five out of five stars with only three recalls. If you’re looking for a dependable EV that keeps things simple, then the Leaf is worth looking at.

• MSRP: $29,135-$37,135
• Safety Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Total Recalls: 3
• Used Price: $26,448

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4

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Reliability Score: 77/100

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is very similar to the Nissan Leaf, but it isn’t going to be the most exciting model. This is because these models are EVs that help get consumers their foot into the door within the electric automotive industry. Basically, these cars were designed to be the more affordable options, which limits the number of standard features. The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV came with an MSRP of $27,495 to $30,670 and barely changed with an average price of $26,188.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

While the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV may seem cheap and not exciting, but it does come packed with some hefty reliability. The Bolt EV received a reliability rating of 77 out of 100. Even better, the 2023 model came into contact with zero recalls and an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. It’s good to have multiple cars in mind when looking for a vehicle, and if the Leaf interests you, then it’s worth giving the Bolt EV a look as well.

• MSRP: $27,495-$30,670
• Safety Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Total Recalls: 0
• Used Price: $26,188

3

2022 Kia EV6

Reliability Score: 77/100

The Kia EV6 is one of the mainstream EVs on the market, and while the word “mainstream” can be condescending depending on how you use it, just know that it’s not the case when discussing the EV6. Similar to the Mustang Mach-E, this electric SUV is offered in trims centered around range or performance. The 2022 EV6 had an MSRP of $42,695-$52,995 and now can be bought for $23,709.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2022 Kia EV6 was its first production year and received its first reliability rating of 77 out of 100. It’s common for many first-year models to encounter many recalls, but the 2022 EV6 only encountered three. It missed out on an overall safety rating but was chosen as a 2022 Top Safety Pick. If you’re looking for a sought-after electric SUV that offers a decent range with some added performance, then go check out the EV6.

• MSRP: $42,695-$52,995
• Safety Rating: N/A
• Total Recalls: 3
• Used Price: $23,709

2

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Reliability Score: 79/100

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV might look very similar to that of the Bolt, but there are some differences between the two. The Bolt EUV is the larger model, with additional space in the rear seats, but it loses a tiny bit of range compared to the Bolt EV. The main difference is that the Bolt EV is a hatchback, whereas the Bolt EUV is a crossover SUV. The 2023 Bolt EUV started out with a price tag of $28,795 to $33,270 but can be picked up today for $27,384.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV comes in second place in terms of reliability, scoring 79 out of 100. It is almost identical on paper regarding its safety with its smaller sibling, receiving an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, along with zero recalls. It also depreciates slower than some of the other models. The same simplicity applies to the EUV, where if you’re in the market for a practical EV that won’t stir up any headaches, then it’s worth checking one out.

• MSRP: $28,795-$33,270
• Safety Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Total Recalls: 0
• Used Price: $27,384

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1

2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Reliability Score: 82/100

The 2019 Ioniq Electric sits in first place and may surprise some people. Hyundai discontinued the Ioniq Electric, focusing more on its other “Ioniq” models, such as the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. While it’s discontinued, it is one of the more reliable and affordable used EVs. The 2019 Ioniq Electric was offered at $31,245 to $37,745 but now sits in the price range of $13,200.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2019 Ioniq Electric raised the reliability ratings to a B-Letter grade with an 82 out of 100 score. It missed out on an overall rating and didn’t cut the list for a Top Safety Pick, but it’s worth noting that over the last five years, it only came into contact with one recall. If you’ve been trying to find a dependable EV that doesn’t cost and arm and a leg then the Ioniq Electric is the best option out there. While some of the other models above are newer and offer up-to-date technology, the Ioniq Electric was a huge milestone that helped pave Hyundai’s pathway for innovative electric vehicles.

• MSRP: $31,245-$37,745
• Safety Rating: N/A
• Total Recalls: 1
• Used Price: $13,200