Thinking about diving into the world of electric vehicles (EVs) can feel like navigating a maze. With new models emerging constantly and promises of groundbreaking technology, it’s tough to discern what truly delivers in the real world versus what sounds good on paper. Imagine if you could peer into the lives of multiple EV owners, experiencing the highs and lows of different models over an entire year. That’s precisely what the team at Edmunds does with its long-term fleet, investing hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring you the unfiltered truth about owning today’s most talked-about electric cars, trucks, and SUVs.
The video above offers a fantastic overview of nine such vehicles, revealing which ones earned a coveted “buy again” recommendation from their expert staff, and which fell short. This deep dive isn’t just about initial impressions; it’s about living with these electric cars day in and day out, uncovering the true ownership experience from charging habits to build quality and everything in between. Let’s expand on these insights, offering a more comprehensive look at what makes or breaks an EV in the long run.
Real-World EV Performance: The Edmunds Long-Term Fleet
Edmunds doesn’t just review cars for a week; they commit to owning them for a full year. This rigorous process allows for an unprecedented understanding of each vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses, offering vital intelligence for anyone considering an EV purchase. Their insights cover everything from routine maintenance and unexpected issues to real-world range and charging performance.
2024 Tesla Model 3: A Promising Evolution in Electric Cars
The latest iteration of the Tesla Model 3 joined the Edmunds fleet as its newest member, and early impressions are notably positive. It appears Tesla has listened to feedback, making significant strides in areas that plagued earlier versions. Owners often seek consistent quality and a comfortable ride, and the new Model 3 seems to address these directly.
- Build Quality & Suspension: Initial reports suggest a much-improved interior build quality and a more refined suspension system. This is crucial for daily comfort and long-term satisfaction.
- Range: While the video notes a slight decrease in range compared to its predecessor, a robust 338 miles is still highly competitive, alleviating common range anxiety for most drivers.
- Staff Sentiment: A remarkable 75% of the Edmunds staff would buy the new Model 3 again. This high approval rating, especially from seasoned testers, speaks volumes about its improvements.
Despite lingering Tesla quirks like the absence of a traditional gear selector or turn signal stalks, the overall sentiment is that this updated Model 3 represents a substantial step forward. It offers a blend of performance, technology, and now, a more polished feel that makes it a strong contender in the electric car market.
2020 Tesla Model Y Performance: A Harsh Reality Check
In stark contrast to the new Model 3, the 2020 Tesla Model Y Performance, with over 40,000 miles, highlights the importance of iterating on initial designs. While its performance remains exhilarating, its long-term build quality issues cast a long shadow.
- Enduring Speed & Range: Even after 40,000 miles, the Model Y Performance still boasts impressive acceleration. Its real-world range, tested at 245 miles, is also decent for an older EV with significant mileage.
- Rattles & Ride Quality: The primary deterrent is its infamous build quality, described as having rattles “like a musical instrument” and a ride quality so poor it was jokingly compared to a “covered wagon.” This significantly detracts from the premium feel expected from an electric SUV in its price bracket.
- Staff Sentiment: Overwhelmingly, the staff would NOT buy this particular 2020 Model Y again. However, it’s critical to note that newer Model Y iterations have reportedly addressed many of these issues, with improved ride and build quality, especially for non-Performance variants.
The takeaway here is that early production models of any innovative vehicle can come with teething problems. For those considering a used Tesla, newer model years are likely to offer a more refined and less “rattly” experience.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E: Reliable & Easygoing EV Ownership
Ford’s entry into the electric SUV segment, the Mustang Mach-E, has earned a reputation for being a refreshingly straightforward and dependable choice. The Edmunds team’s long-term experience confirms this, highlighting its consistent reliability.
- Trouble-Free Operation: The Mach-E, particularly the rear-wheel drive long-range version, has been “basically trouble-free.” This ease of use and lack of unexpected issues makes it a compelling option for many.
- Charging Speed: A notable drawback is its relatively slow charging speed, which can impact road trip efficiency.
- Staff Sentiment: An impressive 80% of the staff would buy the Mach-E again, signaling strong satisfaction with its overall package.
If you’re looking for an electric car that simply works, without the drama or quirky issues sometimes associated with new technology, the Mustang Mach-E stands out. Its reliability makes it a strong candidate for practical daily driving.
Electric Trucks and SUVs: Powering the Future
The utility segment is rapidly embracing electrification, bringing forth powerful and versatile options. Edmunds tested some of the most anticipated electric trucks and SUVs on the market, each presenting a unique proposition.
2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition: A Startup Success Story (Mostly)
The Rivian R1T electric truck has been a darling of the EV world, and for good reason. For a startup, its execution has been remarkably solid, often exceeding expectations for initial reliability.
- Workhorse Reliability: Despite a few early recalls, the R1T has proven to be a robust workhorse. Its mobile service unit quickly addresses issues, and major maintenance has been low.
- Startup Context: Compared to other startup EVs, the Rivian stands out for its reliability. This is a significant achievement for a new company building complex vehicles from scratch.
- Tonneau Cover Glitch: A persistent issue, however, is the broken tonneau cover, highlighting that even promising startups face supply chain or design challenges.
- Staff Sentiment: Overwhelmingly positive, with staff members endorsing both the Quad-Motor Launch Edition and the more accessible Dual-Motor version. The Dual-Motor is often recommended as sufficient for most users, offering plenty of power and potentially better efficiency.
The Rivian R1T represents a bold and largely successful venture into the electric truck segment, offering off-road capability, impressive performance, and a distinctive design. It’s a testament to what a focused startup can achieve, even with minor hiccups.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat Extended Range: The Uncompromising Truck
The Ford F-150 Lightning has garnered significant awards, including Edmunds Top Rated Electric Truck. Its strength lies in its ability to be a “truck with no compromises,” simply powered by electricity.
- Truck Capabilities: It excels at traditional truck duties, making it a natural transition for existing F-150 owners. A substantial 345-mile range (without towing) is impressive for a full-size electric truck.
- Charging & Towing: Charging speed is not its strongest suit, and towing significantly impacts range, a critical consideration for those who rely on a truck for heavy hauling.
- Value & Aesthetics: The Lariat Extended Range model tested was over $80,000, leading to some staff members giving it a “thumbs down” due to its high cost relative to its perceived value and design. Personal opinions on its “boring” appearance also played a role.
- Staff Sentiment: About 60% of the staff would buy it again, reflecting a solid, if not unanimous, approval.
For buyers needing a dependable work truck that happens to be electric, the F-150 Lightning makes a strong case. It prioritizes function and familiarity, even if some find its design uninspired or its top trims a bit pricey.
2024 BMW i5 M60: Luxury Meets High Performance
The BMW i5 M60, while a newer addition to the long-term fleet, has already made a powerful impression, earning Edmunds’ Top Rated Electric Car award. This indicates a high level of satisfaction and performance from day one.
- Exhilarating Performance: With 593 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the M60 variant is incredibly fast (0-60 in 3.6 seconds), blending luxury with sports car agility.
- Luxurious Cabin: It provides a comfortable and upscale environment, a hallmark of BMW.
- Early Impressions: While full staff poll results aren’t yet available due to its newness, the consensus among those who have driven it is overwhelmingly positive, with it becoming a quietly sought-after car for daily drives.
The i5 M60 positions itself as a compelling option for those who demand both exhilarating performance and a premium experience from their electric vehicle, proving that electrification doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury or excitement.
The Pitfalls of Early Adoption: Cautionary Tales in Electric Vehicles
While the EV market offers incredible innovation, it’s also home to some cautionary tales, particularly with new brands or early production runs. These experiences highlight the risks involved in being an early adopter.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS: The Problem Child
The Chevrolet Blazer EV RS arrived in the Edmunds fleet with high hopes, but quickly became what the team dubs a “problem child.” Its tumultuous start serves as a stark reminder that software and initial production quality are paramount in modern vehicles.
- Numerous Malfunctions: Immediately after acquisition, the Blazer EV threw 23 error codes, leading to extended downtime for software updates and repairs. It spent more time in the shop than on the road in its initial months.
- Sales Halt & Price Adjustment: Chevy temporarily halted sales to address widespread issues, later reintroducing the vehicle with a price decrease. Edmunds received a rebate for the price difference, a small consolation for the trouble.
- Staff Sentiment: A unanimous “no” from the staff regarding a repurchase, with one “yes” being a misunderstanding where the staff member thought Edmunds should buy it again for content purposes. This clearly indicates it’s not a recommended purchase for the average consumer.
The Blazer EV’s journey underscores the challenges automakers face in launching complex software-driven vehicles. While a rebate is welcome, the frustration of owning a consistently malfunctioning vehicle is a significant deterrent for anyone considering this electric SUV.
2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring: Beauty and the Bugs
The Lucid Air Grand Touring captivated the automotive world with its stunning design, incredible range, and blistering performance. However, Edmunds’ early production model reveals that even luxury EVs from promising startups can have significant growing pains.
- Exceptional Performance & Range: The Lucid Air truly excels in its core EV metrics, delivering over 460 miles of range and breathtaking acceleration.
- Fit and Finish Issues: The major Achilles’ heel for this early build was its interior fit and finish, described as “really bad” with rattling A-pillars and general cabin noise. This is unacceptable for a car priced at $140,000.
- Software Improvements: Encouragingly, Lucid has made significant strides in software, adding crucial features like adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay post-launch. This suggests a potential for future improvements.
- Staff Sentiment: A resounding 0% of staff would buy this particular early-build Lucid Air again. The quality control issues far outweighed its performance advantages for long-term ownership.
The Lucid Air’s experience is a classic case of a new luxury brand needing time to iron out production kinks. While the underlying technology is impressive, consumers buying at this price point expect flawless execution from day one. Future models, like the upcoming Gravity SUV, hold promise if Lucid can refine its manufacturing processes.
Fisker Ocean Extreme: A Rapid Depreciation Disaster
Perhaps the most concerning vehicle in the Edmunds long-term fleet is the Fisker Ocean Extreme, which has proven to be a financial and functional nightmare. Its rapid depreciation and myriad malfunctions paint a grim picture for potential owners.
- Catastrophic Depreciation: In just three months, the Fisker Ocean lost almost 70% of its value, a staggering and unprecedented drop for a new vehicle. This financial hit alone makes it a non-starter for most.
- Numerous Malfunctions: The list of problems is extensive: brake malfunctions, navigation issues, non-functional hill hold, key fob problems, and more. This indicates severe quality control and software integration challenges.
- Company Instability: Concerns about Fisker as a company have directly impacted the vehicle’s market value, raising questions about future support and parts availability.
- Staff Sentiment: Unanimously, the staff would not recommend buying this vehicle, even at significantly reduced prices. The fundamental issues overshadow any potential savings.
The Fisker Ocean serves as a powerful reminder of the risks associated with investing in a fledgling automotive brand, especially one struggling with core product quality and financial stability. It highlights that sometimes, even a drastically reduced price isn’t enough to justify a purchase if the product itself is fundamentally flawed.
Making Informed Choices in the Electric Vehicle Landscape
The Edmunds long-term fleet, representing an investment of over $700,000, offers invaluable lessons for anyone considering an electric vehicle. Their real-world testing approach goes far beyond what a typical test drive can reveal, providing critical insights into the long-term realities of EV ownership.
When you’re shopping for your next electric car, consider not just the flashy specs but also the track record of the manufacturer, the reported build quality from long-term reviews, and the reputation for software stability. For more detailed insights, including maintenance costs and comprehensive reports on these and other vehicles in their long-term fleet, be sure to visit the Edmunds long-term blog. There, you’ll find an even deeper dive into the nuances of owning these diverse electric cars, trucks, and SUVs, helping you make the most informed decision for your driving needs.
Plugging Into Your EV Questions
What is the main purpose of Edmunds’ long-term EV testing?
Edmunds buys and owns electric vehicles (EVs) for a full year to provide real-world insights into the true ownership experience. This reveals which EVs truly deliver in daily use and which ones have issues over time.
Why is long-term testing important for electric vehicles?
Long-term testing helps uncover an EV’s true strengths and weaknesses, including routine maintenance, unexpected issues, real-world range, and charging performance. This provides vital information that goes beyond what a short test drive can show.
What are some common problems new electric vehicles might have?
New electric vehicles, especially from new brands or early production runs, can experience issues like poor build quality, software malfunctions, and in some cases, rapid depreciation. These can lead to significant frustration for owners.
What should I consider when thinking about buying an electric vehicle?
When choosing an EV, it’s smart to look at the manufacturer’s track record, the reported build quality from long-term reviews, and the vehicle’s software stability. This helps you make a more informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls.