If you’re shopping for the best EV in 2025, you’re spoiled for choice. New models keep arriving, prices have softened, and the used-EV market has finally matured. The challenge now isn’t finding an electric vehicle, it’s figuring out which one actually fits your budget, commute, family and charging situation.
What “best EV 2025” really means
There’s no single perfect electric vehicle for everyone. In this guide, “best” means the smartest mix of price, range, charging speed, space, tech and long-term ownership costs for specific kinds of drivers, commuters, families, road-trippers, truck owners and value shoppers.
How we picked the best EVs for 2025
Awards lists can be noisy, so this guide leans on vehicles that consistently show up at the top of independent testing in 2024–2025. That includes models named Top Rated or best-in-class by outlets like Edmunds, Consumer Reports and major comparison tests, plus what we’re seeing in the used-EV marketplace, resale trends, price drops and battery performance.
EV shopping in 2025 at a glance
Don’t chase specs alone
Range and 0–60 times sell EVs, but they don’t tell you how easy it is to live with one. Charging access, interior space, driver-assistance tech and long-term battery health matter just as much, especially if you’re buying used.
Quick glance: best EVs of 2025 by category
Best EVs 2025 by use case
Start with the category that matches how you actually drive.
Best overall EV
Tesla Model 3 (2025)
Top Rated Electric Car 2025 at Edmunds, with improved range, ride quality and interior refinement after its 2024 refresh.
Best electric SUV
Kia EV9 (2025)
Three-row SUV that keeps winning “Top Rated Electric SUV” honors for its mix of space, charging speed and value.
Best affordable EV
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Compact SUV with up to ~326 miles of EPA range and pricing aimed squarely at mainstream buyers.
Best small city EV
Volvo EX30
Tiny footprint, big performance. A subcompact SUV that drives like a hot hatch and fits almost anywhere.
Best luxury EV
Audi A6 Sportback E-tron / BMW i5
High-range, high-comfort electric sedans that headline the luxury field.
Best electric trucks
Rivian R1T & Ford F-150 Lightning
The R1T keeps winning Top Rated Electric Truck honors, while the Lightning offers a familiar F-150 experience with EV torque.
New vs. used for 2025
Many of these “best EVs” are even smarter buys lightly used. EV depreciation has been steep, so a 1–3-year-old model can often deliver the same hardware and range for thousands less. That’s where Recharged focuses, backing used EVs with verified battery health and transparent pricing.
Best overall EV 2025: Tesla Model 3
In early 2025, Edmunds named the 2025 Tesla Model 3 its Top Rated Electric Car, and it’s hard to argue with the call. A major 2024 facelift sharpened the styling, improved ride quality and cabin materials, and nudged range and refinement upward without a major price hike.
Why the Model 3 tops the list
- Range & efficiency: Long Range versions deliver well over 300 miles on a charge, easing day-to-day range anxiety.
- Charging network: Access to Tesla’s Supercharger network remains a huge advantage for road trips, even as more non-Tesla EVs join.
- Price-to-performance: Strong acceleration and sporty handling at a price that often undercuts legacy luxury brands.
- Software & updates: Over-the-air updates can add features and refine the driving experience over time.
Where the Model 3 may fall short
- Minimalist interior: The lack of traditional buttons and a driver display isn’t for everyone.
- Build & service: Quality has improved, but panel gaps and service delays still frustrate some owners.
- Trunk access: As a sedan, it’s not as cargo-friendly as a hatchback or SUV.
If those drawbacks are deal-breakers, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an excellent alternative electric sedan with a more traditional cabin and very fast DC charging.
Who the Model 3 is best for
Daily commuters, tech-forward buyers and road-trippers who want maximum range and access to Tesla’s charging network at a relatively attainable price.
Best electric SUV 2025: Kia EV9
For families, the Kia EV9 is the standout best electric SUV of 2025. It’s a three-row EV that doesn’t feel like a science experiment: roomy, comfortable and packed with user-friendly tech. Edmunds has repeatedly named it its Top Rated Electric SUV thanks to its balance of range, charging speed, space and value.
Kia EV9 highlights for 2025
What makes it such a strong family EV?
Three usable rows
Fast DC charging
Safety & tech
Watch the weight and wheels
Higher trims with larger wheels and heavy options can nibble at range and comfort. If you road-trip often, prioritize trims with smaller wheels and the longest-range battery pack.
Best affordable EV 2025: Chevrolet Equinox EV
If your priority is value, the Chevrolet Equinox EV is one of the most compelling mainstream EVs for 2025. It’s a compact SUV with up to roughly 326 miles of EPA range on front-wheel-drive versions, sold at pricing designed to look familiar to shoppers coming out of gas crossovers.
Chevrolet Equinox EV: key specs snapshot
Approximate specs for core Equinox EV trims as of 2025 (check local listings for exact configurations).
| Trim focus | Drivetrain | Approx. EPA range | Notable highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value commuter | FWD | Up to ~326 mi | Longest range, least expensive way into an Equinox EV |
| All-weather | AWD | Slightly lower | More traction, quicker acceleration, slightly reduced range |
| Range + comfort | FWD 3RS | High 200s–low 300s | Available 19.2 kW Level 2 charging, extra features and style |
The Equinox EV targets the heart of the American crossover market with competitive range and pricing.
Equinox EV vs. used alternatives
If a brand-new Equinox EV stretches your budget, a lightly used Hyundai Kona Electric, Chevrolet Bolt EUV or Hyundai Ioniq 5 can deliver similar real-world usability for less money, often with plenty of battery warranty remaining.
Best small EV 2025: Volvo EX30 and other city standouts
For city drivers and empty-nesters, small EVs make a lot of sense. The Volvo EX30 has quickly become a media darling after road tests in 2024 and 2025, praised for its punchy acceleration, tidy size and Scandinavian design. It’s a subcompact SUV that feels more like a hot hatch from behind the wheel.
Visitors also read...
Volvo EX30 strengths
- Parking-friendly size: Easy to thread through city streets and tight garages.
- Performance: Dual-motor versions deliver sports-car acceleration at a relatively attainable price.
- Cabin design: Minimalist, sustainable materials and an airy feel.
Other small EVs worth a look
- Hyundai Kona Electric: Compact crossover with solid range and a reputation for value, especially used.
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV (used): Discontinued new but widely available used, with handy size and DC fast charging.
- Kia EV4 (coming online): A compact EV entering production in 2025, aimed squarely at buyers who want small footprints and usable range.
Small EV = small battery? Not always
Some small EVs have impressive range; others are tuned for short-hop city use. Always check the battery size and EPA range, especially if you’ll be doing highway driving, where smaller packs can drain quickly.
Best luxury EV 2025: Audi A6 E-tron and BMW i5
If you’re cross-shopping electric luxury sedans instead of SUVs, two names dominate 2025 rankings: the Audi A6 Sportback E-tron and the BMW i5. Edmunds lists the A6 E-tron as one of the best luxury EVs you can buy, with an estimated range north of 400 miles and very fast charging. The BMW i5, meanwhile, continues to set the standard for an electric 5 Series, quiet, quick and packed with tech.
Luxury EV sedans: Audi A6 E-tron vs. BMW i5
You’re not choosing between good and bad, you’re choosing between great and great.
Audi A6 Sportback E-tron
- Approx. 400+ miles of rated range on select versions.
- Smooth, quiet highway ride with strong efficiency.
- Styling leans sleek and understated rather than shouty.
BMW i5
- Blends classic BMW dynamics with EV smoothness.
- High-quality interior and intuitive tech.
- Multiple trims, including performance-leaning versions.
“From range to refinement, we’re now at a point where top-tier luxury EVs aren’t just alternatives to gas sedans, they’re often the better choice outright.”
Best electric truck 2025: Rivian R1T and F-150 Lightning
Pickup buyers finally have legitimate EV options. The Rivian R1T continues to collect awards as a Top Rated Electric Truck, blending startling acceleration with off-road chops and creative storage. The Ford F-150 Lightning leans into familiarity: it’s an F-150 first, with an electric powertrain that can power tools, campsites and even a home in a pinch.
Before you buy an electric truck
1. Be honest about your towing needs
Heavy towing and long-distance hauling can dramatically reduce EV range. If you tow multiple times a week, do the math on your routes before you commit.
2. Check charging access on your routes
If your truck will see frequent road trips or jobsite travel, ensure there’s reliable DC fast charging along your usual corridors.
3. Understand payload limits
Batteries are heavy. Learn each truck’s payload rating and how options and wheel choices can change it.
4. Factor in incentives and write-offs
Business buyers may be able to leverage tax credits or accelerated depreciation for EVs. Talk to your tax pro before signing.
Used EV trucks are still thin on the ground
Rivian and Lightning inventory is growing, but used electric trucks remain a niche segment in most markets. If you’re open to SUVs, you’ll find far more used EV options at more approachable prices.
Why a used EV might be your best EV for 2025
Here’s the quiet story behind all the “best EV 2025” headlines: many of the smartest buys aren’t brand-new at all. EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model 3 and Kia EV6 have taken enough depreciation that a 1–3-year-old example can undercut new models by thousands of dollars while offering very similar range and tech.
- Rapid early depreciation means big savings if you’re the second owner.
- Core hardware, battery pack, motors, onboard charger, often changes slowly year to year.
- Many used EVs still carry substantial factory battery warranties (often 8 years/100,000 miles or more).
- Insurance and registration costs can be lower on a slightly older, lower-value vehicle.
How Recharged reduces used-EV guesswork
Every EV sold through Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report, a deep-dive into battery health, fair-market pricing and vehicle history, plus EV-specialist support from browsing to delivery. That matters, because you’re not just buying a used car; you’re buying the long-term health of a high-voltage battery pack.
Checklist: how to choose the best EV for you
10-point checklist for picking your best EV in 2025
1. Define your real daily range needs
Add up a typical day, not your longest day of the year. Most drivers see under 50–70 miles daily. If you regularly exceed that, prioritize EVs with 250+ miles of realistic range.
2. Map your charging access
Do you have (or can you install) Level 2 charging at home or work? If not, make sure you live near reliable public charging and favor EVs with faster DC charging speeds.
3. Decide on body style first
Sedan, hatchback, SUV or truck? Your cargo, passengers and parking situation usually narrow the field more than any spec sheet.
4. Set a total budget, not just a monthly payment
Consider price, interest rate, insurance, charging costs and potential incentives. A lower purchase price on a used EV can free up room for a better trim or home charger.
5. Check battery warranty and health
On a used EV, battery condition is everything. Look for a recent health report, degradation estimate and remaining factory warranty, exactly what the Recharged Score surfaces for you.
6. Compare charging curves, not just peak kW
An EV that briefly hits 250 kW but tapers quickly may charge slower overall than one that holds 150 kW for longer. Look for real-world charging tests, not just brochure numbers.
7. Sit in (and drive) the contenders
Screen size and range are great, but driving position, visibility, seat comfort and noise levels matter just as much over years of ownership.
8. Think software and support
Some EVs get frequent, meaningful software updates and have strong service networks; others don’t. Research app reliability, update cadence and dealer or service-center experience.
9. Consider resale, especially with fast-evolving tech
If you plan to keep the EV only 3–5 years, choose models with strong demand and brand recognition to protect future resale value.
10. Decide how much performance you’ll really use
Sub-4-second 0–60 times are fun, but they also add cost and can cut range. If you’re not track-bound, consider a mid-level powertrain and put the savings into range or features.
FAQ: best EVs in 2025
Frequently asked questions about the best EVs in 2025
Bottom line: what’s the best EV for 2025?
If you just want a name, the data points to a familiar answer: the Tesla Model 3 is still the best all-around EV for 2025, while the Kia EV9 is the best electric SUV for families and the Chevrolet Equinox EV might be the savviest new mainstream buy.
But the more honest answer is that the best EV in 2025 is the one that matches your daily range needs, budget, parking and charging reality, not the one with the highest peak kW number or flashiest badge. For many shoppers, that will actually be a well-vetted used EV with a healthy battery and a sane price, not a brand-new model hot off the transporter.
If you’re ready to explore that side of the market, Recharged was built for exactly this moment, combining Recharged Score battery diagnostics, fair-market pricing, EV-specialist support and nationwide delivery into one seamless experience. Your next EV might not just be the best EV of 2025 on paper, it can be the best EV for the way you actually live and drive.
