6 Affordable Electric Car Brands That Rarely Need Repairs
Written by
Catherine Collins
Edited by
Daria Uhlig
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Consumers have many electric vehicles to choose from, as most major car manufacturers have introduced their own electric versions over the past few years. But choose the wrong one and you could find yourself spending a lot of money at the repair shop.
Low maintenance means low maintenance costs, as Top Speed demonstrated in its recent roundup of reliable EVs that make it possible to drive an eco-friendly vehicle without breaking the bank.
2023 Kia Niro EV
- Annual maintenance costs: $142
- Base MSRP: $40,875
The Kia Niro EV stands out for averaging just $142 annually to maintain. This is an excellent option for customers who want the best features of a wagon and a compact SUV wrapped into a comfortable and stylish package.
You can purchase the Niro as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric, so if you’re not ready to go electric just yet, you can ease in.
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Annual maintenance costs: $238
- Base MSRP: $27,497
The Chevy Bolt underwent a redesign in 2022, and with an average maintenance cost of $238 annually, it’s a good option for people who want a more updated look without an expensive price tag. It’s important to note that the Bolt was discontinued for 2024, so the 2023 model is the final model year for this vehicle.
2023 Tesla Model 3
- Annual maintenance costs: $358
- Base MSRP: $40,630
The Tesla Model 3 remains popular. As one of the earliest electric cars to go mainstream, Tesla’s body style has remained mostly the same. The Model 3 has annual maintenance costs of $358, which makes it more economical than most people expect. It’s also much less expensive than the Tesla Model S and X.Â
Some of the most common problems reported with the Model 3 are service brake issues, steering issues and suspension issues, according to Top Speed.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Annual maintenance costs: $372
- Base MSRP: $41,450
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a mid-priced electric vehicle with an annual maintenance cost of $372. It has a unique design and a smooth ride, which is great for consumers who want form, function and affordability.
2023 Nissan Leaf
- Annual maintenance costs: $748
- Base MSRP: $29,180
The biggest benefit of the Nissan Leaf is that it has a range of 215 miles on one charge. Although it’s more expensive to maintain than most others on this list, at $748 annually, it’s affordable to purchase and good for everyday driving and longer commutes. The Leaf has two different trim levels, which gives you flexibility with pricing.
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
- Annual maintenance costs: $778
- Base MSRP: $22,595
This is a great budget-friendly option for people who want to drive an SUV but want to be more eco-conscious. The Hyundai Kona Electric has an annual maintenance cost of $778, which is high — but with a basic MSRP of less than $23,000, many drivers are likely to consider the maintenance costs a decent compromise. Users have reported issues like steering system malfunctions.
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