What are the most reliable electric cars?
Electric cars scream reliability, but which are the best? Here are 10 that you should consider
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When thinking about your next used car purchase, one of the biggest considerations is reliability. But the good news with electric vehicles (EVs) is that this is much less of a concern.
This is because EVs have fewer moving parts than in a traditional internal combustion engine, and so – in theory – less can go wrong.
Instead, you have a solid and reliable electric motor mated to a line of well-sealed and protected battery cells, allowing you to cruise in much more confidence (and silence).
Nissan Leaf
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Even though the Nissan Leaf is one of the oldest electric cars on sale, it’s still one of the best.
While it may not be as flashy as some of its more expensive rivals, it does offer a respectable 239-mile range from its 62kWh battery that can be replenished in around 1.5 hours with a fast charger.
There’s also the entry-level model that’s cheaper and comes with a 40kWh battery offering up to 149 miles of range.
Inside, it’s packed full of all the usual tech you’d expect to find in an EV, from an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system to a rear-view parking camera.
MG ZS EV
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The main issue for most potential EV buyers is the upfront cost of purchasing one – especially SUVs.
However, this is less of a speed bump with the MG ZS EV, which offers incredible value for money.
With an official range of up to 273 miles thanks to its 68.3kWh battery, this MG is ideal for families who like to venture out at the weekends and explore the countryside or other cities.
And on those long journeys, you’re able to sit in comfort, with lots of soft-touch materials in the cabin and a great infotainment system that’s kitted out with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Considering how cheap these are new, used examples are even more of a steal – especially when they feature high battery and interior specs.
Kia Niro EV
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If you’re buying a used Kia then the likelihood is you want something reliable, has a long seven-year warranty, and is practical. Well, the Niro EV is all these things and more.
The outside isn’t particularly exciting, but the interior is where this cheap electric car shines.
It is like the pricier EV6 in that it has two large screens across the dash, offering plenty of features and customisability.
Power comes from a 68kWh battery that generates 201hp and offers a range of up to 285 miles on a single charge.
Plus, there’s the option to rapid charge it, meaning a depleted battery can be full in around 50 minutes.
BMW i3
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If you’re a bit of an eco-warrior and wish to delve into EV ownership, then the BMW i3 is the best option for you because it’s made mostly of sustainable and recycled materials.
Other than this, this little used BMW is also great at being a small electric car, with a range of up to 145 miles and a battery size of 42.2kWhs.
If you live in an urban environment, then this is the perfect car for you because it fits in the smallest of gaps and is very easy to park.
The interior is also top-notch as it’s packed full of recycled materials, and a great sound system, and the body is made from strong and incredibly light carbon fibre-reinforced plastics.
Tesla Model 3
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The car market is flooded with so many different EVs now, but as with everything, the best rise to the top, including the Tesla Model 3.
Not only is it one of the most advanced electric cars available, but it’s also incredibly easy to live with, offering a range of up to 374 miles and a punchy 554hp motor with the top-spec Model 3 Performance.
When it comes to charging, the Model 3 isn’t like all other EVs because it has access to Tesla’s Supercharging network which is the best in the business.
This makes the experience seamless, and you can charge at incredibly fast speeds too.
Kia EV6
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When Kia dropped the EV6, the EV world went silent. This is a car that offers marvellous value for money, a vast array of features, and practicality that made other car manufacturers tremble with fear.
Sitting at its heart is a massive 77.4kWh battery that produces either 229hp or 325hp and up to 316 miles of range.
Luckily, it also benefits from lightning-fast charging speeds of up to 350kW, meaning 62 miles can be added to its range in just four minutes when it’s connected to a rapid charger.
The interior is sublime too, with two 12.3-inch screens covering the dashboard, and a funky yet classy overall design.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
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It may not be far off the length of a Range Rover, but the Hyundai IONIQ 5 doesn’t feel anywhere near as large because it somehow disguises its dimensions, so it feels more like a hatchback.
There are three different model variants on offer, starting with the 58kWh model and moving up to the top-spec 78kWh model with dual motors with 306hp and up to 298 miles of range.
When it comes to recharging the battery, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 benefits from 350kW charging which means it can get from 0 to 80% in 18 minutes.
Tesla Model Y
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If you like the Model 3 hatchback and larger Model X SUV but want something in between, the very safe Model Y is your best bet.
Available in both five-seat and seven-seat configurations, this mid-sized electric SUV is very practical and is an excellent choice for families.
There are two versions: Long Range and Performance. The former has a claimed range of 331 miles, whereas the faster variant offers a little less at 319 miles.
Either way, you get access to Tesla’s superb charging network so replenishing the battery is insanely fast, adding 158 miles in just 15 minutes.
Hyundai Kona Electric
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It wouldn’t be out of the question to liken the Hyundai Kona Electric to a trusty Barbour jacket. It has that sense of tradition, yet it’s still stylish and modern today.
Electric cars can be a lot to take on for a new buyer, but the Kona Electric is familiar, excellent to live with and well-built.
There are two versions on offer: a 136hp 39kWh model with a 189-mile range; and a more powerful 64kWh model producing 204hp and up to 300 miles of range.
It’s practical too, so you can fit your family and luggage comfortably in this mid-sized Hyundai ahead of an all-electric road trip.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
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Despite its Mustang-derived name, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is nothing like the V8-powered muscle cars you’d ordinarily think of.
Instead, it’s the sign of a new era for Ford – an electric future, if you will.
Model variants range from the entry-level 70kWh single motor to the 91kWh Mach-E GT that produces 487hp and offers up to 255 miles of range.
Inside, it’s very family-orientated (unlike the usual Mustang), with five seats, a great infotainment system and a large boot.
It’s also surprisingly fun to drive for an electric SUV. Plus, you can get great deals on used Ford models.