With a staggering investment exceeding $700,000, our long-term fleet at Edmunds currently encompasses nine distinct electric vehicles, ranging from sleek sedans to robust pickup trucks and versatile SUVs. This substantial commitment underscores a core philosophy: truly understanding an electric vehicle necessitates living with it, day in and day out, across a myriad of real-world scenarios. As discussed in the accompanying video, the journey with each of these EVs has been uniquely insightful, revealing both profound advancements and significant challenges in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Our comprehensive long-term testing goes far beyond a brief test drive; it simulates years of ownership in mere months, exposing the nuances of performance, charging infrastructure compatibility, infotainment usability, and crucially, long-term reliability. The findings from this diverse collection of electric cars, trucks, and SUVs offer invaluable perspectives for anyone contemplating the transition to electric mobility or simply seeking deeper insights into the current state of EV technology.
The Tesla Experience: Evolution in Real-World Testing
Tesla, a progenitor in the modern EV era, consistently sparks vigorous debate. Our fleet includes two significant models, showcasing the brand’s evolution and persistent quirks.
2024 Tesla Model 3: A Refined Proposition
The newest entrant, our 2024 Tesla Model 3, has immediately impressed with its noticeable refinements. Historically, earlier Model 3 iterations faced scrutiny regarding interior fit and finish, alongside suspension tuning that often felt overly stiff. This latest update, however, appears to address many of those concerns. The interior build quality has seen a marked improvement, signaling Tesla’s commitment to enhancing occupant comfort and perceived luxury. Furthermore, the suspension has been re-engineered, translating to a more compliant and less jarring ride quality, particularly on imperfect road surfaces.
Yet, some characteristic Tesla design choices persist. The absence of a traditional gear selector and the integrated turn signals within the steering wheel buttons remain points of contention for some drivers accustomed to conventional controls. Despite these ergonomic adjustments, the initial sentiment among our staff is overwhelmingly positive, with 75% indicating they would purchase the Model 3 again. The vehicle maintains a robust estimated range of 338 miles, though it has seen a slight reduction from previous generations. This still places it firmly within the competitive long-range EV segment, offering substantial mileage for most commuters and road trips.
2020 Tesla Model Y Performance: Lessons in Longevity
In stark contrast to the new Model 3, our 2020 Tesla Model Y Performance, having clocked over 40,000 miles, offers a glimpse into the long-term realities of early-production EVs. While its acceleration remains thrillingly potent—a testament to Tesla’s powertrain engineering—the vehicle’s age and mileage have brought underlying build quality issues to the forefront. Rattles emanating from the backseat, windows, and even suspension components have become a pervasive characteristic, creating an undesirable level of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) within the cabin.
Beyond the auditory annoyances, the ride quality of this particular 2020 Model Y is consistently described as punishing. Imagine traversing a cobblestone street, day after day; the experience can be quite fatiguing. Consequently, staff feedback for this specific vehicle is largely negative regarding repurchase intent. However, it is crucial to note that Tesla has made considerable improvements to the Model Y in subsequent years. Newer versions, particularly the Long Range variant, offer a better balance of performance, range, and significantly enhanced ride comfort and build quality. This trajectory suggests that while our early Model Y may not be a recommended buy-again, the current production Model Y is a much more refined and appealing electric SUV.
Mainstream Contenders: Ford’s Electric Utility and Innovation
Ford has strategically leveraged its established brand recognition to introduce two highly capable electric vehicles to the market, catering to distinct segments with impressive results.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E: The Unsung Workhorse
Our 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, specifically the rear-wheel drive Long Range version, has been a model of quiet competence throughout its tenure. Achieving over 300 miles of range, it offers considerable utility for daily driving and extended journeys. While its DC fast charging speed has been noted as slower compared to some rivals, its overall reliability has been exemplary. This vehicle has proven to be borderline “boring” in the best possible sense—it simply works, consistently and without drama.
For many consumers, this consistent, trouble-free operation is precisely what they seek in a daily driver. There have been no reported key fob issues, a common minor but frustrating fault in some newer vehicles. The Mach-E’s steady performance and ease of use have garnered high praise, with 80% of our staff expressing confidence in buying it again. This speaks volumes about its dependable nature and its ability to seamlessly integrate into various lifestyles.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning: Redefining the Electric Truck
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat Dual E-Motor Extended Range has not only accumulated numerous accolades, including multiple Edmunds Top-Rated Electric Truck awards, but it has also profoundly influenced our understanding of electric pickups. This truck is fundamentally an F-150 that happens to be electric, offering a level of capability and practicality that challenges long-held perceptions about EVs. Its ability to achieve 345 miles of range when not towing is exceptional for a full-size truck, demonstrating impressive energy density and efficiency.
Nevertheless, electric trucks, including the Lightning, still contend with the inherent energy drain associated with heavy-duty tasks like towing. When pulling a substantial load, range can diminish significantly. Furthermore, its charging speed, while adequate, isn’t class-leading. Despite these considerations, the Lightning stands out for its straightforward, no-gimmicks approach to truck utility. It’s a workhorse designed to perform traditional truck duties effectively, making it a compelling option for those who need a truck first and an EV second. Staff repurchase intent hovers around 60%, reflecting its strong practical appeal, though its price point—our Lariat exceeding $80,000—was a factor for some, with a few individuals citing concerns about its aesthetic design or overall value at the Lariat trim level compared to other options.
Startup Pioneers: Rivian’s Promise and Pitfalls
Venturing into the realm of EV startups, our experience with the 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition offers a nuanced perspective on innovation versus execution.
2022 Rivian R1T: Robustness Against Startup Odds
The Rivian R1T has proven to be a truly compelling electric truck, often described as an automotive enthusiast’s dream. Despite being from a relatively nascent manufacturer, its overall reliability has been notably strong when benchmarked against other startup EVs. Early recalls were managed efficiently through mobile service units, a testament to Rivian’s proactive customer support. Major mechanical systems have remained largely “bulletproof,” providing confidence in its core engineering.
However, the R1T isn’t without its minor, albeit persistent, flaws. Issues with window trim and the infamous tonneau cover, which remains broken on our unit with no immediate fix in sight, highlight the challenges new companies face in perfecting every component. Our Quad-Motor Launch Edition offers breathtaking performance, yet the introduction of a more accessible Dual-Motor variant makes the Rivian experience more attainable for a broader audience without sacrificing substantial capability. The staff’s overwhelming positive response to buying the R1T again underscores its unique blend of innovation, performance, and impressive real-world utility, making it a standout in the electric truck segment, especially when compared to its “toy-like” feeling rivals.
Luxury and Performance: The BMW i5 M60
Representing the pinnacle of established automotive luxury converging with electric propulsion, the BMW i5 M60 offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of premium EVs.
2024 BMW i5 M60: Award-Winning Excellence
While not a vehicle we purchased with our own funds (it’s a long-term loan for evaluation), the 2024 BMW i5 M60 has quickly cemented its status as an elite electric sedan. It earned our Edmunds Top-Rated Electric Car award this year, a powerful endorsement of its capabilities. Our M60 variant is particularly potent, boasting 593 horsepower, an all-wheel-drive system, and exhilarating acceleration figures: 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds and an 11.5-second quarter-mile time.
Beyond raw performance, the i5 M60 impresses with its luxurious cabin, sophisticated ride, and cutting-edge technology. Imagine a journey where performance and comfort coalesce seamlessly, providing a truly high-end driving experience. Although it’s too new for comprehensive staff buy-again polling, early impressions are exceptionally strong, suggesting a high likelihood of enthusiastic endorsements once more drivers have spent significant time behind the wheel. It’s already the car many staff members quietly vie for the keys to.
Cautionary Tales: The High Stakes of Early EV Adoption
Not all long-term EV experiences are uniformly positive. Our fleet also illustrates the significant risks and challenges associated with early adoption, particularly from newer brands or first-generation models.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS AWD: A Troubled Debut
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS all-wheel drive has proven to be the “problem child” of our fleet. Acquired at the end of last year, it immediately presented a barrage of issues, including an astonishing 23 error codes. This led to extended periods in the service shop for software updates and diagnostic work, rendering it largely unavailable for use for much of its initial ownership period. The severity and breadth of these software bugs were such that Chevrolet temporarily halted sales of the Blazer EV to implement necessary fixes.
While Chevrolet’s subsequent decision to offer rebates to early buyers for the post-fix price reduction is commendable, it doesn’t alleviate the frustration of acquiring a vehicle plagued with such fundamental problems. Unsurprisingly, our staff unanimously declined to recommend purchasing this particular model again. This instance serves as a stark reminder that even established automakers can stumble when launching complex new EV platforms, underscoring the importance of robust software validation and quality control.
2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring: Potential Masked by Imperfections
The 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring embodies a compelling paradox: breathtaking performance and class-leading range marred by early production quality issues. From day one, its impressive acceleration and an Edmunds EV Range Test result exceeding 460 miles highlighted its undeniable engineering prowess. Imagine a luxury sedan that can outrun many sports cars while offering unparalleled efficiency.
However, our early-build Lucid Air has suffered from significant interior fit and finish problems, including persistent rattles and creaks from components like the A-pillars. These issues are particularly jarring in a vehicle with a price tag around $140,000, where buyers expect impeccable craftsmanship. Nevertheless, Lucid has demonstrated a proactive approach to software updates, significantly improving the infotainment system’s responsiveness, boot-up times, and adding crucial features like adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay. Despite these software advancements, the physical build quality issues of our specific unit led to a unanimous “no” from staff regarding repurchase intent. This illustrates the delicate balance startups face between revolutionary technology and manufacturing consistency.
Fisker Ocean Extreme: A Valuation Catastrophe
Our 2023 Fisker Ocean Extreme stands as a stark warning regarding the volatility of new EV ventures. This vehicle has been a continuous source of frustration, plagued by numerous critical malfunctions from the outset: brake malfunctions, a persistently inaccurate navigation system placing the car in Alaska, and non-functional hill hold assist. While a key fob issue was eventually resolved, the sheer volume of problems points to systemic quality control deficiencies.
Perhaps even more alarming is the vehicle’s precipitous depreciation. In a mere three months, our Fisker Ocean Extreme lost almost 70% of its initial value, a direct consequence of the company’s precarious financial position and drastic price cuts on new models. This valuation collapse not only impacts early adopters financially but also casts a long shadow over the brand’s long-term viability and the availability of future service and support. The staff consensus was unequivocal: zero percent would recommend buying the Fisker Ocean again, even at its current, significantly reduced price point. This experience highlights the critical importance of a stable corporate foundation and robust after-sales support when considering an EV from a nascent brand.
The extensive experience gathered from our diverse EV fleet, collectively representing over $700,000 in investment, serves as a crucial resource for navigating the complex and rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles. From the refined practicality of a new electric sedan to the robust capability of electric trucks and the cautionary tales of early startup challenges, these real-world tests provide deep insights into the current state of electric vehicles, guiding consumers towards informed purchasing decisions.
Beyond the Buy-Again List: Your EV Questions Answered
What is Edmunds doing with electric vehicles?
Edmunds is conducting long-term testing of nine different electric cars, trucks, and SUVs to understand how they perform in real-world ownership.
Why is long-term testing important for electric vehicles?
Long-term testing simulates years of ownership in a short period, helping to discover real performance, charging, usability, and reliability issues that a brief test drive wouldn’t reveal.
Did Edmunds recommend all the electric vehicles they tested?
No, their testing showed a mix of experiences. Some EVs impressed with their reliability and features, while others, particularly early models or those from newer brands, had significant problems.
Which electric vehicles did Edmunds generally recommend buying again?
They had positive experiences and would buy again models like the 2024 Tesla Model 3, 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, and 2022 Rivian R1T.
Are there any electric vehicles that Edmunds would NOT recommend?
Yes, they had very negative experiences with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV due to many software issues, and the 2023 Fisker Ocean Extreme because of numerous malfunctions and rapid depreciation.