5 EVs With the Lowest Maintenance Costs (And, 5 That Might Surprise You)

Electric vehicles require maintenance despite not needing a regular maintenance appointment as often as their gas-powered counterparts. Low maintenance costs and frequency are top-selling points among EVs, but that doesn’t mean you won’t pay to have your vehicle cared for.

Which EVs have the lowest maintenance costs? Which models go in the other direction and cost a lot to maintain? The results might surprise you, especially when you see how affordable it is to maintain Tesla vehicles, while the models that cost the most come from luxury brands.

Note: The average annual maintenance costs were sourced from CarEdge, and general vehicle information and powertrain specifications were sourced from various automakers. This list is sorted by maintenance costs, with the lowest costs sorted from highest to lowest, while the highest maintenance costs are sorted from lowest to highest.

1

Lowest: Tesla Model S

Average Annual Maintenance Costs: $457 Per Year

The Tesla Model S continues on as the flagship electric sedan of this brand. This car was the first to deliver the range and performance desired, and it has an impressively low average annual maintenance cost, making it more affordable to drive than most gas-powered vehicles.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

This Tesla Sedan has a sleek and smooth exterior to cut through the air with ease. The most popular version is the Plaid model, which is extremely quick and fine for anyone willing to drive an electric car with tons of power.

Pros

• Impressive electric range.
• Wicked quick acceleration across the board.
• Liftback design provides abundant cargo space.

Cons

• Interior isn’t as refined as similar-priced EVs.
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration.
• Limited array of paint colors or personalization options from the factory.

2

Lowest: Tesla Model 3

Average Annual Maintenance Costs: $359 Per Year

The gateway into what

Tesla has to offer is the Model 3
. This is the smallest Tesla car with the lowest starting price. When you want the brand’s tech and features, this is a great way to have those items without spending too much.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

The Model 3 received some impressive updates with the new Highland version to address some of the biggest challenges with this car. This small Tesla sedan is trusted by many drivers looking for an affordable electric car, especially in the Long Range model.

Pros

• Excellent range, performance, and handling.
• Comfortable seating and ample passenger and cargo space.
• Access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.

Cons

• Touchscreen interface controls nearly everything and is distracting to use.
• No Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.
• Autopilot is still not true to its name.

3

Lowest: Kia EV6

Average Annual Maintenance Costs: $343 Per Year

The Kia EV6 is where practicality meets driving fun in an electric crossover. Step up to the GT trim and experience a Kia with tons of power that can also give you the practical qualities you want and need when you take your family for a drive.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

The EV6 wasn’t the first electric vehicle from the brand, but it has taken the market by storm. Additionally, the EV6 has one of the lowest annual maintenance costs, making it easy to afford the driving experience provided by this exciting Kia electric SUV.

Pros

• Quick acceleration and sporty handling.
• Plenty of room in the front and back.
• Compatible with the latest high-rate charging stations.

Cons

• Not as much maximum cargo space as other electric SUVs.
• Front and rear visibility could be better.
• Operation of some driver assist features could be smoother.

4

Lowest: Hyundai Ioniq 5

Average Annual Maintenance Costs: $327 Per Year

There’s no denying the quality and build of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The list of impressive electric SUVs is growing, but this model remains one of the top choices. Additionally, it has one of the lowest maintenance costs in the entire EV market.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

There are several different trims and powertrain choices for the Ioniq 5, giving you some great options when it’s time to get behind the wheel. This SUV can be useful for drivers on city streets or living in rural areas, making it a versatile choice.

Pros

• Comfortable ride and quiet cabin.
• Rapid acceleration from Ioniq 5 models with dual motors.
• User-friendly interior design.

Cons

• Poor rear visibility.
• Cargo space is smaller than average for the class.
• No wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

5

Lowest: Mercedes-Benz EQS

Average Annual Maintenance Costs: $262 Per Year

The Mercedes-Benz EQS has the lowest annual maintenance costs in the entire electric vehicle class. This high-end luxury sedan may cost a lot more than other models, but it costs very little to keep it running right, making it a relatively affordable EV to own.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

This Mercedes-Benz sedan is one of the most advanced EVs available especially when you’re considering the digital aspects offered. The instrument panel is a 56-inch glass-panel Hyperscreen, giving you the digitized experience you’ve always wanted.

Pros

• Impressive real-world EV range.
• Loads of standard features and in-car tech.
• Comfortable, well-appointed interior.

Cons

• Disappointing rear passenger space, given the car’s size.
• More expensive than some rivals and not as quick or sporty.
• Urban driving dynamics need work.

6

Highest: Audi Q8 e-tron SUV

Average Annual Maintenance Costs: $1,200 Per Year

The average annual maintenance costs of the Audi Q8 e-tron will surprise you. The cost is on the verge of being affordable but still on the high side. If you don’t mind the maintenance fees, this electric SUV could be the right Audi for you.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

Audi isn’t experimenting with EVs any longer. They have invested years in the electric market, much like Tesla. The Q8 e-tron has been upgraded to be more stylish, sharper, and more active for your driving pleasure. The driving range could be better, but that can be a trade-off sometimes.

Pros

• Spacious interior.
• Comfortable seats and ride.
• Lots of standard and available safety tech.

Cons

• Infotainment operations can be distracting.
• Interior design isn’t as awe-inspiring as some rivals.
• Driving range is adequate but not impressive.

7

Highest: Volvo EX90

Average Annual Maintenance Costs: $1,200 Per Year

The Volvo EX90 is new to the market, but it shared much of its build with the XC90, which has been the flagship SUV of the brand for the past several years. The EX90 rides on the same expected qualities of safety, roominess, and Scandinavian luxury.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

The new EX90 looks sleeker than the XC90 without changing the elements you expect in a Volvo too much. The power offered makes the EX90 a great choice, especially if you want to avoid stopping at the gas station periodically.

Pros

• Quiet and smooth ride.
• Quick acceleration in the Performance model.
• Beautiful interior materials.

Cons

• Too many controls are contained within the touchscreen.
• Some safety features don’t come standard.
• Driving range could be better.

8

Highest: Mercedes-Benz EQB

Average Annual Maintenance Costs: $1,400 Per Year

Mercedes-Benz has been adding electric versions of its gas-powered models during the past few years. The Mercedes-Benz EQB doesn’t sound like much in terms of performance, but this small and useful SUV could be great for anyone who often drives on city streets.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

The GLB doesn’t try too hard to be unique. Instead, it delivers the goods with the right size and qualities that you want to enjoy when you hit the road. You’ll have Mercedes-Benz tech and materials in an electric SUV that feels good and drives right.

Pros

• Boxy design provides lots of interior room.
• Quiet cabin.
• Easy-to-use infotainment system.

Cons

• Lackluster range.
• Many expected features don’t come standard.
• Touchy brake pedal makes it hard to stop smoothly.

9

Highest: Jaguar I-Pace

Average Annual Maintenance Costs: $1,500 Per Year

If you want something different, the Jaguar I-Pace could be exactly what you’re looking for. This electric SUV is among the most expensive in terms of maintenance costs, but it might be worth it to have the smooth styling and impressive driving manners of this Jaguar.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

At the heart of the I-Pace, you’ll find a distinct exterior design, a refined interior, and an enticing driving demeanor that brings the character you want to see and enjoy. This SUV can turn some heads because few people in your area are driving Jaguar SUVs these days.

Pros

• Satisfying and immediate acceleration.
• Enjoyable steering and handling.
• Smooth ride quality.

Cons

• Modest range on a full charge.
• Climate control system isn’t powerful enough.
• Doesn’t have a full one-pedal driving mode.

10

Highest: BMW iX

Average Annual Maintenance Costs: $1,600 Per Year

The BMW iX is an impressive all-electric SUV, but it has the highest maintenance costs in the EV class. The iX is similar in size to the BMW X5, making it a midsize SUV that has a roomy cabin and lots of power for your driving pleasure. This could be an excellent BMW SUV for you to drive.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

What does the iX offer that you’ll enjoy? Like most BMW vehicles, the iX has incredible performance features and driving manners on any road. Toss in the quick acceleration of the electric powertrain, and you’ll have something special.

Pros

• Roomy and comfortable interior.
• Quick acceleration.
• Comprehensive set of luxury features and driver aids.

Cons

• Some on-screen controls are hard to learn or access.
• No third-row seating option.
• No entry-level model for a lower starting price.