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I Asked ChatGPT What Electric Vehicles To Stay Away From Buying: Here’s What It Said

August 8, 2025

4 min Read

Written by Angela Mae

Edited by Jenna Klaverweiden

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Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular in recent years. Some states have taken to them more quickly than others, though. In California, for instance, there were over 1.2 million registered EVs by 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

While EVs can be a good option if you want to save money on gas or cut down on emissions, not all vehicles are created equal. Some, you might want to steer clear of altogether. As for which ones, here’s what ChatGPT said — and whether or not the experts agree.

Avoid These Electric Vehicles

It’s tough to know what’s worth the purchase and what isn’t. And with the average cost of a new EV at $57,734, per Kelley Blue Book, you’ll want to make an informed decision.

AI doesn’t always get it right, but it can give you a solid starting point if you want to narrow down your options. To find out what ChatGPT thinks are EVs you should avoid, GOBankingRates gave it the following prompt: “Which electric vehicles should I stay away from buying?”

Here’s what it gave it back:

Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV (2020-2022 models)
Nissan Leaf (older models, pre-2018)
Mazda MX-30
Jaguar I-PACE (2019-2023)
Mini Electric (Cooper SE)
Fisker Ocean
Toyota bZ4X
Subaru Solterra (2022-2023 models).

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Notably, ChatGPT’s answers sometimes change. Certain EVs that made the initial list didn’t make the next list when ChatGPT was given the same prompt. For example, when it was asked a second time (using the exact same wording), here’s the list it gave:

BMW i3
Chevrolet Bolt EV (2017-2021)
Nissan Leaf (older models)
Fiat 500e
Hyundai Kona Electric (early models)
Volkswagen e-Golf
Ford Focus Electric
Tesla Model S (early models).

Why These Models?

ChatGPT listed several reasons you shouldn’t purchase some of these EVs.

It cited battery fire recalls in the Chevrolet Bolt and limited range in the Mazda MX-30 and Mini Cooper SE Electric.

For the Toyota bZ4X, it noted that there have been recalls for wheels falling off and software glitches. And it said there were company and customer service issues with the Fisker Ocean.

Do Experts Agree?

Just like AI, auto experts tend to have different views on what EVs you should stay away from buying. Take the Nissan Leaf, for example. Some experts agree with ChatGPT’s response for this EV.

“The early models of the Nissan Leaf are notorious for battery problems,” said Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org. “Since the battery is the foundational component of an EV, having an unreliable one means the car can become worthless instantly.”

But other experts suggest the answer may be more nuanced. “I don’t exactly agree with ChatGPT’s response on this matter. In fact, I believe some of the EVs on this list are solid choices, with strengths that outshine their weaknesses, especially when it comes to EVs like the Toyota bZ4X, Subaru Solterra and the Mini Electric (Cooper SE),” said Ruth Calkins, general manager and auto expert at FindByPlate.

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These particular vehicles, Calkins pointed out, have some standout performance and design features that may make them a worthwhile purchase.

Ultimately, you’ll want to do your research when choosing any vehicle to buy. According to ChatGPT, here are the main red flags surrounding EVs: