The 10 Best-Value EVs Based On Total Ownership Costs

When shopping for an electric vehicle (EV), most buyers tend to focus on the sticker price or driving range, but those are just part of the bigger picture. Costs like depreciation, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and interest can significantly impact what a vehicle actually costs to own. That’s where Edmunds’ True Cost to Own tool proves useful. It estimates what buyers will likely spend over five years of ownership, assuming 15,000 miles driven annually and traditional financing with an above-average credit score.

The tool breaks down ownership costs into seven main categories: depreciation, interest, taxes and fees, insurance, electricity, maintenance, and repairs. These figures are not designed to predict exact costs, but to help shoppers compare different vehicles side by side with a consistent set of assumptions. Using that data, we’ve ranked the ten best-value EVs currently on sale based on their total five-year ownership costs. Some of the most affordable models may not have made the list, while others might surprise you.

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10

2025 Tesla Model Y

5-Year Total Ownership Costs: $53,971

Base Trim Transmission

Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

425 HP

Base Trim Torque

475 lb.-ft.

Fuel Economy

120 MPGe Combined

The Tesla Model Y racks up the highest five-year ownership cost of any EV on this list, yet it remains one of the best-selling for a reason. Depreciation is the biggest line item here at $29,523, and that trend holds true across most EVs due to their rapid tech advancement and shifting resale dynamics. Insurance and financing costs also add up quickly, totaling over $14,000 combined, while service and repair costs remain relatively low. Even in years four and five, maintenance and repair expenses together stay under $2,000, helping offset some of the earlier hits.

Despite the higher overall cost, the Model Y delivers solid value in terms of performance, range, and utility. With up to 357 miles of range and a zero to 60 miles per hour (MPH) time of 5.4 seconds on the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) trim, it offers a rare mix of efficiency and speed. Buyers also benefit from access to Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network, the ability to receive over-the-air (OTA) updates, and features like available Full Self-Driving (FSD). For those prioritizing space and all-around tech, it remains a strong option, even if it slots in at number ten on this list.

9

2025 Tesla Model 3

5-Year Total Ownership Costs: $52,053

Base Trim Engine

Electric

Base Trim Transmission

Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

295 HP @7000 RPM

Base Trim Torque

309.3 lb.-ft.

While depreciation is still the largest contributor to the Model 3’s total at $27,439 over five years, it’s noticeably lower than the Model Y’s depreciation total. Insurance remains consistent at just under $6,000, and taxes and fees are slightly more manageable at $3,215. One outlier here is the maintenance estimate, which jumps significantly in year four, bringing the five-year total to $2,209, which is nearly double the Model Y’s figure. Tesla’s repair costs also climb steeply in the later years, reaching $739 in year four and $1,132 in year five.

Financing is also slightly more affordable compared to other Teslas at $8,235 over the full term, and the Model 3 continues to benefit from low operating expenses, with just $3,148 in electricity costs over five years based on the estimates. Altogether, its $52,053 five-year cost of ownership gives it a strong value case, especially for buyers prioritizing affordability and range in an all-electric compact sedan.

8

2025 Kia Niro EV

5-Year Total Ownership Costs: $50,297

Base Trim Engine

EV

Base Trim Transmission

Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

201.1 HP @6000 RPM

Base Trim Torque

187.8 lb.-ft.

Despite being one of the most affordable EVs on this list with a starting price of $39,600, the Kia Niro EV ends up with mid-pack ownership costs. A large part of that comes from high depreciation in the first year, totaling $17,479 alone. Maintenance also becomes costly later on, with more than $1,600 in year five alone, which pushes total maintenance costs to $3,772. That’s considerably more than what’s typical for other small electric crossovers, even if repair costs stay low and insurance rates are among the most reasonable in the segment.

The Kia Niro is unique as one of the only vehicles available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full EV, offering consumers multiple paths to electrification. The all-electric version delivers an estimated 253 miles of range, and while performance isn’t thrilling, it’s efficient and well-suited for daily use. Fuel-equivalent charging costs are moderate at just under $800 annually, and total ownership costs stay reasonable for budget-focused EV shoppers willing to trade power for practicality.

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7

2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E

5-Year Total Ownership Costs: $49,510

Base Trim Engine

Electric

Base Trim Transmission

Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Other

Base Trim Horsepower

264 HP

Base Trim Torque

387 lb.-ft.

The Mustang Mach-E may be an electric SUV, but it still wears the Mustang badge, and with that comes plenty of attention, even if purists still aren’t sold on the nameplate switch. Over five years, total ownership costs land just under $50,000, with depreciation and financing making up the bulk of that. The first year alone sees $10,006 in value loss, and the vehicle’s fairly high interest and tax costs push the initial year total to over $17,000. Other things only get more expensive later, with maintenance topping $2,100 in year four.

Charging and electricity costs sit higher than average for this group, totaling $4,246 across five years, while insurance costs are relatively manageable. It’s not the cheapest EV to own, but its unique design, Ford brand heritage, and driving dynamics still help justify the added cost. Just be aware that long-term maintenance expenses could catch some buyers by surprise.

6

2025 Toyota bZ4X

5-Year Total Ownership Costs: $49,109

Base Trim Engine

EV

Base Trim Transmission

Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

201 HP

Base Trim Torque

196 lb.-ft.

Infotainment & Features

8 /10

Despite Toyota’s reputation for keeping ownership costs low, its first and only EV, the bZ4X, lands higher than some may have expected on this list. That’s especially surprising when you consider how little it typically costs to own long-running Toyota staples like the Corolla or Camry. Still, as is always the case with EVs, depreciation is the main driver here, totaling $18,373 in the first year alone and nearly $28,000 overall. Combined with financing and taxes, the up-front costs are substantial, even if the vehicle’s base price is lower than some other options on the market.

Where it does shine is in areas like insurance and energy consumption, with some of the lowest charging costs among EVs in this class, due in part to its maximum charging rate of just 150 kilowatts (kW). Long-term maintenance and repair expenses climb over time, but not dramatically until the final years. The bZ4X may not be a class leader in performance or range, but it follows Toyota’s formula of slow and steady, just with a surprising price tag when you look at the long-term math.

5

2025 Kia EV6

5-Year Total Ownership Costs: $46,371

Base Trim Engine

Electric

Base Trim Transmission

Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Other

Base Trim Horsepower

167 HP

Base Trim Torque

258 lb.-ft.

The Kia EV6 delivers one of the most balanced cost profiles among modern EVs, and that helps keep its total five-year ownership expenses below $47,000. Depreciation remains the largest contributor, but the drop in value is less severe compared to other electric crossovers. Costs are front-loaded in year one but remain consistent after that, with no dramatic spikes in insurance or financing. Kia’s 10-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty also helps reduce long-term risk.

Maintenance costs are higher than expected, climbing above $1,600 by year five. Charging costs are also a touch higher than rival EVs, but nothing excessive. What you get in return is a practical and stylish EV with up to 319 miles of range, ultra-fast 800-volt (V) charging capability, and a tech-forward interior that competes with much pricier options. For those seeking value, the EV6’s ownership costs hold up well.

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4

2025 Volkswagen ID.4

5-Year Total Ownership Costs: $43,264

Fuel Economy

115/98/107 MPGe (RWD base) | 122/104/113 MPGe (RWD 82 kWH) | 108/96/102 MPGe (AWD)

Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)

115/98/107 MPGe

Make

Volkswagen

Model

ID.4

0-60 MPH

7.3 seconds (base) | 4.9 seconds (AWD)

Infotainment & Features

8 /10

The Volkswagen ID.4 proves to be one of the more affordable EVs to own over five years. It depreciates more gently than many competitors, losing just under $20,000 in value. Its financing costs are also on the lower end, and estimated repair expenses remain modest even in later years. While the upfront cost of the VW is steep in year one, due in large part to depreciation and taxes, the remaining years average closer to $6,400, keeping long-term ownership within reach for many buyers.

Where the ID.4 can sneak up on owners is in years four and five, when repair and maintenance costs begin to spike. Even then, its all-in cost remains competitive. With up to 291 miles of range, a comfortable ride, and a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen, the ID.4 brings approachable daily usability without breaking the bank.

3

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6

5-Year Total Ownership Costs: $41,275

Base Trim Engine

EV

Base Trim Transmission

Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

149 HP

Base Trim Torque

258 lb.-ft.

Helping it maintain relatively low long-term ownership costs, the Hyundai Ioniq 6’s five-year depreciation totals just over $21,000, which is low for a sleek midsize EV sedan with this much range. Financing costs also remain modest at just over $6,000. Maintenance expenses spike in year four, but earlier years remain light enough to keep the five-year total to around $3,600. With year-one costs under $15,000 and no single year after that crossing $7,500, the Ioniq 6 keeps long-term budgeting in check.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is available in multiple configurations, including the SE Standard Range trim rated for 342 miles of range, with estimated energy costs just above $3,200 over five years. For buyers focused on ownership value without giving up comfort, design, or driving range, the Ioniq 6 remains a top-tier option among electric sedans.

2

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5

5-Year Total Ownership Costs: $40,928

Base Trim Engine

EV

Base Trim Transmission

Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

168 HP

Base Trim Torque

258 lb.-ft.

Infotainment & Features

9 /10

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 just nudges ahead of its sportier sibling, the Ioniq 6, in terms of costs. Its total five-year ownership cost comes in just under $41,000, helped by relatively modest depreciation and low maintenance expenses. Depreciation lands at about $20,900 over five years, which is especially competitive for a midsize EV with solid performance and range. Maintenance costs are low for all five years, and repairs do not appear until the final year, keeping early ownership costs stable and predictable.

Financing totals $6,876, while energy costs stay right at around $3,750 across all five years. This consistency, along with favorable insurance and tax costs, makes the Ioniq 5 one of the most affordable long-term EV options. Even with its upright crossover shape and modern tech features, it manages to keep costs lower than many smaller or less capable EVs, making it a strong value choice.

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1

2025 Nissan Leaf

5-Year Total Ownership Costs: $26,929

Base Trim Engine

EV

Base Trim Transmission

Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

147 HP @3282 RPM

Base Trim Torque

236 lb.-ft.

Infotainment & Features

7 /10

The Nissan Leaf easily claims the top spot as the most affordable EV to own over five years, with a total ownership cost of just $26,929. That’s 34 percent lower than the second-place Hyundai Ioniq 5 and half the cost of owning a Tesla Model Y over the same period. Depreciation is remarkably low at just $10,541, while financing costs are by far the cheapest on the list at $3,713. The Nissan Leaf’s modest sticker price of $28,140 is a big part of this equation, but low insurance and maintenance expenses also help it stay ahead of the pack.

Maintenance and repair costs don’t cross the $1,000 mark until the final year, and the annual expenses never exceed $5,300 in any single year. Even with a relatively short range and aging design, the Leaf continues to dominate this cost category with sheer value. For buyers who prioritize affordability above all else, no EV beats the Leaf’s combination of low entry price and minimal long-term expenses.