Most reliable EV cars
- The most reliable EV car is the Honda Insight, having a low risk of major repairs over 10 years and strong long-term cost performance.
- Nissan’s Leaf has the lowest 5-year repair costs at $1,105 while maintaining competitive long-term durability.
- Tesla models are cheaper to maintain than expected, with both the Model 3 and Model Y showing below-average 10-year repair costs.
A recent study by CasinooftheKings revealed the most reliable EV cars. The study analyzed electric and hybrid vehicle models based on average repair costs, the probability of major repairs, NHTSA safety ranking, and electric driving range. The final score took into account all key metrics, calculating reliability for each vehicle. The information about each model was taken from public reports, including NHTSA and EV databases.
Here is a summary of the findings:
| Make | Model | Price range, MSRP | Average repair costs, 10 years | Major repair chance, 10 years | Electric range | Reliability score |
| Honda | Insight | $26,855–$30,885 | $6,818 | 15.57% | 75 km | 87.83 |
| Toyota | Prius | $29,485–$37,900 | $4,380 | 11.58% | 44 km | 87.45 |
| Subaru | XV Crosstrek | $27,230–$34,030 | $8,475 | 24.76% | 27 km | 87.12 |
| Nissan | Leaf | $29,280–$37,330 | $3,237 | 16.01% | 160 km | 86.91 |
| Chevrolet | Bolt EV | $27,495–$30,695 | $4,418 | 9% | 420 km | 86.58 |
| Chevrolet | Volt | $34,395–$38,995 | $5,550 | 9% | 85 km | 85.76 |
| Ford | Mustang Mach-E | $38,490–$57,990 | $5,332 | 27.48% | 320 km | 84.92 |
| Tesla | Model 3 | $44,130–$56,630 | $3,258 | 13.89% | 346 km | 84.37 |
| Tesla | Model Y | $46,000–$61,630 | $3,994 | 18.79% | 420 km | 84.21 |
| Hyundai | Ioniq | $44,075–$59,675 | $7,050 | 23.46% | 200 km | 83.86 |
Honda Insight ranks first with a reliability score of 87.83, the highest among all EVs and hybrids analyzed. It combines a low 10-year repair cost of $6,818 with a moderate 15.57% chance of major repairs. Despite its shorter electric range of 75 km, its hybrid design contributes to its top-tier dependability.
Toyota Prius ranks second with a reliability score of 87.45, narrowly behind the Insight. It edges ahead on 10-year repair costs at just $4,380—over $2,000 less than the Insight—but trails slightly in major repair risk at 11.58%. Though its electric range is shorter at 44 km, the Prius holds a long-standing reputation for long-term value and efficiency.
Subaru XV Crosstrek holds third with a reliability score of 87.12, offering more rugged utility but at a higher maintenance price. Its 10-year repair costs climb to $8,475, and its 24.76% major repair probability is more than double the Prius’s rate. Compared to both the Insight and Prius, it sacrifices reliability for other features, such as its crossover build and all-wheel drive capability.
Nissan Leaf ranks fourth with a reliability score of 86.91, but distinguishes itself with the lowest 5-year repair costs in the group—just $1,105. Its long-term costs and major repair risk ($3,237 and 16.01%, respectively) are higher than the Prius but lower than the Crosstrek. It also offers a far greater electric range (160 km) than the top three hybrids, appealing to drivers who want full EV functionality without sacrificing too much on dependability.
Chevrolet Bolt EV ranks fifth with a reliability score of 86.58, bringing the longest range seen so far—420 km—and tying the Volt for the lowest major repair risk at just 9%. Compared to the Leaf, the Bolt’s 10-year repair costs are slightly higher at $4,418, but it offers significantly more range and a lower long-term risk of serious issues.
Chevrolet Volt ranks sixth with a score of 85.76, offering 85 km of electric range, 10-year repair costs of $5,550, and the same 9% major repair probability as the Bolt EV. While slightly more expensive to maintain, its durability keeps it competitive.
Ford Mustang Mach-E comes in seventh with a reliability score of 84.92, featuring a strong 320 km range but a high 27.48% chance of major repairs by year 10. Its repair costs average $5,332, suggesting long-range capability comes with higher risk.
Tesla Model 3 ranks eighth with a reliability score of 84.37, thanks to low 10-year repair costs of $3,258 and a 13.89% risk of major repairs. Its 346-km range positions it well for daily driving, though its reliability score reflects a slightly higher long-term risk.
Tesla Model Y ranks ninth with a reliability score of 84.21, offering the same 420 km range as the Bolt but with slightly higher 10-year repair costs ($3,994) and a higher 18.79% major repair risk. While it holds an advantage over the Model 3 in driving distance, it gives up some reliability in return.
Hyundai Ioniq ranks tenth with a reliability score of 83.86, the lowest in the analysis. Compared to the Model Y, it falls short on every metric: a shorter range (200 km), higher 10-year repair costs ($7,050), and a 23.46% major repair chance. It trails even the more affordable hybrids at the top of the list, underscoring the reliability gap between first-generation EVs and well-established hybrid platforms.
A spokesperson from CasinooftheKings commented on the study: “Hybrid systems continue to dominate when it comes to reliability, and the data shows a clear cost advantage over fully electric platforms—especially over a 10-year period. What stands out is that electric range isn’t strongly linked to long-term durability, which is something many buyers may overlook when choosing an EV.”