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Mother and daughter in backseat of Tesla

Electric vehicles

An electric vehicle, or EV, runs solely on the electricity supplied by the on-board battery, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions.

EVs have become very popular in recent years, thanks to the success of Tesla’s vehicles. Along with zero emissions, EVs also have a quiet ride thanks to the lack of engine noise, and offer the convenience of charging at home.

Woman in driver's seat smiling at man in passenger seat while she interacts with digital console
2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range

1. Tesla Model 3

CarMax owner rating

4.7

Price range*$23,998$42,998
Estimated combined MPG130 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)
2019 Nissan LEAF SV Plus

2. Nissan Leaf

CarMax owner rating

4.3

Price range*$14,599$30,998
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

3. Chevrolet Bolt EV

CarMax owner rating

4.8

Price range*$18,998$27,998
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
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*$14,599$30,998
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*$18,998$27,998
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*$12,599$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

FAQs about electric vehicles

Yes, if you and the vehicle you are purchasing meet the IRS's qualifications, your purchase of that qualified used electric vehicle could enable you to get a federal income tax credit of either $4,000 or 30% of the price of the vehicle, whichever is less.

The Treasury Department has specified vehicle eligibility requirements, including that the vehicle's sales price must not exceed $25,000. The sales price includes all dealer-imposed costs or fees not required by law. It doesn't include costs or fees required by law, such as taxes and registration fees. MaxCare and GAP are not included in the sale price. 

Other qualifications, including annual income limitations, also apply to the vehicle purchaser. For information on these and all other eligibility requirements, please visit the  IRS Website.

Note: CarMax is not currently offering the option to transfer an EV tax credit as a down payment. CarMax is registered with the IRS to submit qualifying vehicle purchases in the IRS Clean Energy portal, enabling qualified customers to claim the tax credit on their taxes for the year.  CarMax cannot provide tax advice. Consider consulting an accountant or tax attorney with questions about this tax credit.

Read more about the EV tax credit here

Understanding battery charging

Making the switch to an electric car, truck, or SUV can seem intimidating with the avalanche of new lingo. But once you learn how it all works, an EV might actually simplify your life. Edmunds experts runs through what you need to know about electric car chargers and charging your car.

Ready to find your EV?

Research battery electric vehicles

Research vehicle specs, features, and EPA-estimated battery range across trim level, body style, and motor configuration

Research other alternative fuel options

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See the differences between fuel types
Explore fuel types & powertrains
* 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 provide legal, financial or investment advice. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before transacting and consider talking to a qualified professional about your unique circumstances.​

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.

Editorial content contained on this page comes from Edmunds.com, Inc., a subsidiary of CarMax Enterprise Service, LLC, and 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.