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Best electric vehicles under $25,000

Explore the best electric vehicles under $25,000
Woman loading shopping into her White Tesla while using a public EV Charging station
2019 Nissan LEAF SV Plus

1. Nissan Leaf

CarMax owner rating

4.3

Price range*$13,998$29,998
Estimated combined MPG109 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Popular for city commuting
  • Standard driver assist features
  • e-Pedal mode manages braking

Cons

  • Limited driving range
  • Fast charging port isn't a common type
  • Rear seats don’t fold flat
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT

2. Chevrolet Bolt EV

CarMax owner rating

4.8

Price range*$17,998$23,998
Estimated combined MPG118 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

Pros

  • Impressive range
  • Spacious cabin
  • Swift acceleration

Cons

  • Interior lacks refinement
  • Small front seat cushions
  • Rough ride on bumpy roads
2018 BMW i3 S

3. BMW I3

CarMax owner rating

4.7

Price range*$12,998$23,998
Estimated combined MPG113 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Agile and engaging handling
  • Loaded with tech features
  • Stylish and sleek interior

Cons

  • Reverse-hinged rear doors are awkward to use in parking lots
  • Cargo space could be bigger
  • Only single-zone climate control
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric SE

4. Hyundai Ioniq Electric

CarMax owner rating

5

Price range*$16,998$20,998
Estimated combined MPG133 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

Pros

  • Impressive cargo space
  • Lots of driver aids
  • Comfy interior

Cons

  • Reduced rear visibility
  • Tight back seat space
  • Specs aren't as good as other EVs
2019 Volkswagen e-Golf SE

5. Volkswagen Golf Electric

CarMax owner rating

4.7

Price range*$17,998
Estimated combined MPG119 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)
2016 Chevrolet Spark EV 2LT

6. Chevrolet Spark EV

CarMax owner rating

4.3

Price range*$9,599$10,599
Estimated combined MPG119 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

Pros

  • Generous standard features
  • Quick acceleration
  • Maneuverability

Cons

  • Long 120V recharge times
  • Short on rear legroom
  • Limited cargo space
2018 Ford Focus Electric

7. Ford Focus Electric

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$10,599$15,998
Estimated combined MPG107 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

Pros

  • Upscale interior finishing
  • Enhanced audio and system navigation are standard
  • Instant torque and responsive steering ensure it is fun to drive

Cons

  • Only available with the Focus's hatchback body style
  • Single trim only
  • Taller passengers won't enjoy the second-row seating

How we ranked this list

To create our "Best Of" lists, our analysts look at CarMax vehicle and sales data over a recent 6-month period, from December 2023 through May 2024. Looking back over a 6-month period allows for the highest sample size possible while also providing up-to-date pricing information. Some articles may include data points with lower sample sizes.

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RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy.

Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.

Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.