Outside of finding ways to save money on car insurance, discovering how to spend less at the pump is one of the best ways for car owners to hold onto more of their hard-earned cash. That's why many consumers are considering purchasing an electric vehicle these days.
Not only can electric cars save their owners money when it comes to maintenance and fuel costs, but many of them also come with the latest premium safety technologies. However, not all electric vehicles are worth the time and spend. Some get dismal driving range, while others are simply unreliable.
Based on professional car reviews and owner complaints, these 10 electric vehicles are ones that shoppers should steer clear of.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
Chevrolet Bolt EV
MSRP: $27,495
Reviewers have taken issue with the Chevy Bolt's diminutive cargo capacity, uncomfortable ride on uneven roads, and slow charging capacity.
The Bolt was discontinued after the 2023 model year, and from malfunctioning technology to problems with the propulsion system, owners have complained that this tiny electric car is unreliable and that trying to get these issues fixed was an overwhelming hassle.
Nissan Leaf
MSRP: $28,140
Some reviewers have criticized the Nissan Leaf for having poor driving range compared to its rivals. They also take issue with the fact that its fast-charging port can be hard to find on the road, as it isn't widely supported.
Some Nissan Leaf owners also complained about these issues. Other owners found this electric car to be unreliable and to have an unsatisfying infotainment system that did not support Apple CarPlay.
Hyundai Kona Electric
MSRP: $32,975
According to some reviewers, the Hyundai Kona Electric accelerates at a snail's pace, and its charging speeds are not much faster.
For electric vehicle shoppers who suffer from range anxiety, it is important to note that the Hyundai Kona Electric only gets 200 miles of driving range on a full charge, which is below the industry average for 2025.
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Toyota bZ4X
MSRP: $37,070
According to some reviewers, the Toyota bZ4X does not reach the heights of the automaker's beloved hybrid vehicles. They have taken issue with this electric car's uncomfortable seats, uninspired handling and acceleration, and lackluster driving range.
One owner complained that their vehicle had woeful battery life while driving on the highway and was painfully slow to recharge.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
MSRP: $37,995
The Ford Mustang Mach-E has been known to have an uncomfortable ride due to its seating configurations and ride quality on uneven roads.
Ford Mustang Mach-E owners have also had issues with the vehicle suddenly stopping in the middle of the road due to battery failures, even while it still had a substantial charge, citing this as a reason they would avoid buying the vehicle again.
Volkswagen ID.4
MSRP: $45,095
Some reviewers note that the Volkswagen ID.4 does not offer as much of a fun driving experience as rival vehicles, has controls that are challenging to operate, and features low-quality plastics in its interior that make it feel cheap.
One Volkswagen ID.4 owner lamented that their's had dismal battery life during the winter, which limited their use of the vehicle's climate control system as well as its overall driving range. They also complained about 12-hour charging times.
VinFast VF 8
MSRP: $46,000
Consumers looking for a sturdy electric vehicle may consider steering clear of the VinFast VF 8. Reviewers have criticized its lackluster build quality and unimpressive driving range.
VF 8 drivers have also complained about issues with the vehicle's air conditioning, safety features, and that the car would suddenly stop driving, among other reliability issues.
Audi Q4 e-tron
MSRP: $49,800
Electric vehicle buyers beware: reviewers have chastised the Audi Q4 e-tron for having inferior cargo space to its competitors, while noting that some older trims have lackadaisical acceleration and limited driving range.
Q4 e-tron owners have also complained that the vehicle's multimedia systems and air conditioning stopped working soon after they purchased the vehicle. One owner even cited safety issues due to the car's acceleration problems.
Jaguar I-PACE
MSRP: $69,900
Reviewers have complained that the Jaguar I-PACE has a weak climate control system and that its driving range is modest at best, even on a full charge.
One owner even complained that this electric SUV had numerous electrical issues, and that they would not purchase or lease it again if they could redo their decision.
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Tesla Model X
MSRP: $86,630
Reviewers have taken the Tesla Model X to task for its impractical upward-swinging rear doors, glass roof, and windshield that practically turns the cabin into an oven. Also, this vehicle is not compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Some Tesla Model X owners have regretted purchasing this vehicle because of reliability concerns, with one owner calling it a money pit.
Bottom line
Electric vehicles offer consumers the potential to save a fortune at the pump, which makes them a smart money move for car owners.
But exactly how much money could electric vehicles potentially save drivers? According to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory, driving a battery electric vehicle could save consumers as much as $2,200 a year.
But if you're considering purchasing one to take advantage of such savings, keep the ones on this list in mind.
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