Buying an electric car can be a huge step towards saving yourself money on gas, expensive maintenance and engine repairs, and producing fewer emissions on the road. Electric cars are great for all of these things but, they still do come at quite a high purchase price. Obviously, manufacturers like Genesis, Cadillac, and Lucid demand high prices for luxury electric cars, but there is a huge second-hand market for used electric cars, which means you can find a reliable electric car for under $20,000.

Buying any vehicle can be a minefield when it comes to keeping it on the road. We have all been there, after buying a car and finding out that it needs a new part every few months. This is why we have compiled the top ten reliable electric cars for under $20,000.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Fuel Economy.gov, NHTSA, Repair Pals, and Car Survey.org. The list has been ordered from the least reliable to the most reliable, with reliability ratings of over 4 out of 5 from J.D. Power. The average prices 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 electric hatchback when it was released and still looks futuristic today. The 2016 i3 offers a unique blend of futuristic styling, impressive battery range, and BMW’s renowned driving dynamics. With a battery range of around 81 miles on a single charge, expandable to 150 miles with the optional range extender, it offers practicality for urban commutes.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from BMW)

The i3’s lightweight design is attributed to many road tests complementing the handling and nimble steering around the cities and in tight spots. Inside, the futuristic feel doesn’t end, with the 2016 BMW i3 boasting rear-hinged doors, a clean and sleek two-tone upholstery, a clear central console, soft lines along the dash, and a modern two spoked steering wheel with controls.

Pros

• Very modern-looking, even in 2024
• Great for city driving
• Will be sure to turn heads

Cons

• You have to buy a range extender to boost the range
• Rear-hinged doors may not be to your liking
• The range doesn’t compare 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 offers a blend of practicality and luxury. Styling-wise, it maintains the sleek and sophisticated design language typical of the Mercedes-Benz lineup with an aggressive front grille, low hood, and wide windshield. Its interior boasts premium materials and ample space, ensuring a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Mercedes-Benz)

Compared to other electric cars like the BMW i3 and Nissan Leaf, the B-Class Electric Drive offers a more refined and luxurious driving experience, albeit with a slightly lower electric range of around 87 miles on a single charge. With an ample maximum cargo capacity of 51.4 cubic-feet, you could still haul a fair amount of stuff around, and still indulge in the luxury of the Mercedes.

Pros

• A refined ride with luxury styling
• Still a reliable vehicle compared to many others
• Decent 0-60 mph time

Cons

• A low range of 86 miles from a single charge
• The average used price of $11,683 is quite high for a nine-year-old car

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

Reliability Rating: 4.5/5

Though the 2022 Chevrolet Spark garnered mixed reviews, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV compact electric car offers efficient urban commuting with a nimble size. Measuring only 146.5 inches in length and 64 inches in width, it is great for urban driving.

Styling-wise, it retains the playful and youthful design of the conventional Spark model but with unique electric accents like the closed-off grille and aerodynamic enhancements. While its exterior might not be as striking as some competitors, its compact dimensions make it ideal for navigating tight city streets and parking in urban environments.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Chevrolet)

With a combined MPGe rating of 119MPGe and showcasing an 82-mile range from a single charge, the Spark EV is a great little city car. With a great amount of torque and a lightweight body, you’ll be sure to leave the lights in a hurry. The Spark EV doesn’t have as plush an interior as others on the list but, with a lower original MSRP compared to some of its competitors, it did in 2016 and still does today, offer a lower priced entry into electric car driving whilst not sacrificing some important performance specifications.

Pros

• The average used price is only $9.662
• Fantastic for city driving or short journeys
• Fun-looking small car

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 player in the electric vehicle market, offering enhanced features and improved performance over previous model years. With an upgraded 40 kWh battery pack, the 2019 Leaf SV boasts an impressive electric range of up to 150 miles on a single charge, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and urban driving. Its regenerative braking system further optimized efficiency, helping to extend its range even in stop-and-go traffic.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Nissan)

Not just impressive range and performance specs, inside, the Leaf SV also features an infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen display that incorporates both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Arguably, one of the original mass-produced electric vehicles (next to the Toyota Prius), the Nissan Leaf has managed to grow in times of high popularity and the development of electric cars.

Pros

• Very modern feel
• Impressively low average used price of only $12,921
• Spacious cabin

Cons

• Not as sleek as some other similarly priced EVs
• Low storage space
• No telescopic steering wheel

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

Reliability Rating: 4.8/5

Equipped with a large 40 kWh battery pack, the 2013 Tesla Model S Base offers an impressive battery range of up to 208 miles from a single charge, surpassing many of its contemporaries. Its efficiency is further highlighted by its reasonable MPGe rating of around 95 MPGe, though not the best on the list. The interior showcases the typical Tesla-esque minimal but lavish style, with lots of added extras that keep people coming back to them year after year.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Tesla)

Boasting a large touchscreen interface dominating the dashboard, the interface controls navigation, media playback, and climate control, whilst providing a seamless and intuitive user experience. In terms of safety, the Model S Base Model comes equipped with a suite of advanced features, including active safety technologies like collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking, as well as passive safety features such as a reinforced chassis and multiple airbags.

Pros

• Extremely powerful motor
• Lots of safety features as standard
• A high degree of luxury inside and out

Cons

• High average used price for an 11-year-old vehicle of $16,400
• It is a heavy car, 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 electric power, offering a compelling package of efficiency, reliability, and practicality, it really does make a great electric vehicle. Boasting an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of around 119, the e-Golf showcases its efficiency, making it an attractive option for cash-conscious drivers or those looking for decent urban driving with modern and sleek comfort.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Volkswagen)

Its electric drivetrain features a 35.8 kWh battery pack, providing you with a respectable battery range of up to 125 miles on a single charge, very suitable for a good commuter electric car. Inside, the e-Golf boasts a modern and well-equipped, driver-centric cabin, with standard features including a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 9.2-inch touchscreen display and Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, adding a touch more sophistication to your driving experience.

Pros

• Aggressive and modern-looking interior and exterior
• Good for urban driving
• Lots of cool standard tech features

Cons

• Consumer reports of laggy infotainment system
• Higher price than similarly 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 mix that features a surprisingly spacious and comfortable cabin, with a modern interior design that incorporates sustainable materials such as bio-based plastics and recycled materials. The interior is well-appointed with standard features including 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 offers you an EPA-estimated range of up to 111 miles on a single charge and boasts a range of advanced features, including a suite of driver assistance technologies such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and rearview camera. The Soul EV does offer a lot of modern driving for a reasonable average used price of $13,322.

Pros

• Good cargo space of 49.5 cubic-feet
• Lots of good standard features
• Practical thanks to good interior space

Cons

• Consumer reports wind-noise at high speeds complaints
• Poor range compared to new EVs
• No all-wheel drive option

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

Reliability Rating: 4.9/5

The 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a very cheap option in the electric vehicle segment, offering a compact and more emission-friendly transportation solution. Its exterior design is very distinctive, featuring a tall and boxy shape that maximized interior space but with a compact wheelbase.

Despite its unconventional appearance, the i-MiEV’s design is aerodynamically efficient, contributing to its range and efficiency. Externally, the i-MiEV measures 144 inches in length, 63 inches in width, and 63 inches in height, making it one of the smallest EVs on the market.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Mitsubishi)

Its compact dimensions make it ideal for navigating crowded city streets and squeezing into tight parking spaces, but not only that, the 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that features offers an electric range of around 62 miles on a single charge. While its range is very modest compared to other EVs, it is sufficient for urban commuting and short trips around town. Additionally, its battery can be charged using a standard household outlet or a level 2 charging station, providing flexibility for charging on the go.

Pros

• Very good entry-level EV
• Small exterior dimensions make it ideal for city driving
• Can be charged easily at home

Cons

• Low battery range of only 62 miles
• Exterior design is not for everyone
• Could be seen as a little dated today

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

Reliability Rating: 4.9/5

Now the Chevrolet Bolt is rightfully making a comeback, it is time to look back at the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV, which continues to impress in the electric vehicle market. With an impressive battery range, a few very good safety features such as front and rear airbags, traction control and a post-collision safety system, and modern interior amenities. With a 66 kWh battery pack, the 2020 Bolt EV offers you an EPA-estimated range of up to 259 miles on a single charge, providing very ample freedom for daily commutes and longer trips.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Chevrolet)

The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV boasts an intuitive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen display (which is bigger than a lot of other EVs as standard), providing easy integration with smartphone devices through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, and satellite radio. Overall, the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV delivers an exceptional combination of range, reliability, safety, and technology, making it a compelling option in the electric vehicle market. A very compelling option as well, with an average used price of $15,585.

Pros

• Decent acceleration rate
• Good infotainment system as standard
• Very high-reliability rating

Cons

• Consumer reports complain about a stiff ride
• Advanced driver safety features come as optional extras
• The exterior design is a bit lackluster

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

Reliability Rating: 5/5

The most reliable electric car that can be bought for under $20,000, with an average used price of $16,725, is the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV. The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV offers a good mix of efficiency, comfort, and tech features. While generally praised by owners for its smooth ride and spacious interior by many owners, some owners 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 interior boasts comfortable seating and premium materials and is equipped with a 38.3 kWh battery pack, the Ioniq EV will allow you to drive a competitive distance of up to 170 miles on one charge. Overall, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV provides a practical and comfortable option for drivers seeking an electric vehicle with a balance of sleek design, technology, and efficiency.

Pros

• Good rate of acceleration
• Despite its size, peppy around town
• Modern interior design

Cons

• A bit lack-luster when it comes to exterior design
• Not as quick as competitors
• Battery life diminishes fast with quick driving