The 13 Best Electric Vehicle Models, According to Owners

Electric vehicles have become more popular in recent years, and owners of these cutting-edge cars increasingly are demanding EVs that are high in quality and affordable to own, according to J.D. Power’s latest annual EV ownership experience study.

Meanwhile, EV owners are frustrated by a lack of available public charging stations, saying finding a place to recharge is the least satisfying aspect of owning an electric vehicle.

In a summary of the study findings, Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power, says:

“Many products are hitting the mark and resonating with shoppers but, at the same time, the decline in satisfaction with public charging availability should serve as a warning because concern about access to public charging is a key reason many buyers currently reject BEVs. For EVs to reach their full potential, this issue needs to be resolved.”

The J.D. Power study ranked a mix of 2023 and 2024 EV models based on 10 factors:

• Accuracy of stated battery range
• Availability of public charging stations
• Battery range
• Cost of ownership
• Driving enjoyment
• Ease of charging at home
• Interior and exterior styling
• Safety and technology features
• Service experience
• Vehicle quality and reliability

J.D. Power based its rankings on surveys of more than 4,600 drivers following their first year of ownership. Based on those responses, following are J.D. Power’s top choices for electric vehicles, all of which scored above average in their class.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 727 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Mass market

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $42,000. It offers up to 303 miles of range with a fully charged battery.

Chevrolet Bolt EV

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 733 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Mass market

The Chevrolet Bolt EV has a starting MSRP of about $27,000. Chevrolet says the car — which offers 57 cubic feet of cargo volume — is the most affordable EV in America.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 738 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Mass market

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV has a starting MSRP of $28,000. The electric utility vehicle offers hands-free driver assistance technology.

Nissan Ariya

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 739 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Mass market

The Nissan Ariya has an MSRP of $43,000. It provides a range of up to 304 miles.

Kia EV6

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 739 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Mass market

The Kia EV6 has a starting MSRP of about $43,000. It comes with standard rear-wheel drive and safety features such as a surround view monitor.

Tesla Model Y

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 752 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Premium

The Tesla Model Y has an MSRP of about $36,000, after a federal tax credit. It offers 76 cubic feet of cargo space and standard safety features such as forward collision warning, active emergency braking and land departure avoidance.

Tesla Model 3

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 756 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Premium

The Tesla Model 3 has an MSRP of $39,000, according to Kelley Blue Book. In 15 minutes, you can recharge the car enough to get up to 175 miles of range.

Hyundai IONIQ 6

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 759 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Mass market

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 has a starting MSRP of about $42,000. It offers an estimated range of up to 361 miles.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 764 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Mass market

The Ford Mustang Mach-E has a starting MSRP of $40,000. It features seating for five and hands-free highway driving.

MINI Cooper Electric

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 770 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Mass market

The MINI Cooper Electric has a starting MSRP of about $31,000, making it the second-most affordable vehicle in this article It gets an estimated 114 miles of range.

Rivian R1S

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 778 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Premium

The Rivian R1S is an SUV with a starting MSRP of $75,000 — the highest of any vehicle in this article. It goes from zero to 60 mph in as little as three seconds.

Rivian R1T

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 789 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Premium

The Rivian R1T is the second of two Rivian models on this list and, with a starting MSRP of $70,000, the second-most expensive of the bunch. You can drive this truck about 140 miles after 20 minutes at a fast charger.

BMW i4

This model’s overall customer satisfaction index score: 800 out of 1,000 possible points

This model’s segment: Premium

The BMW i4 has a starting MSRP of $52,000. It has an estimated range of 252 to 307 miles.

Wondering whether you should buy an electric vehicle? Check out Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson’s take in “Should You Buy an Electric Car?“