10 Used Electric Crossovers With The Lowest Maintenance Costs

Buying used means taking on more maintenance costs. Here's what to expect when purchasing a used electric crossover.

It's becoming clear for EV shoppers that the battery holds the brunt of the cost of buying used electric cars. It is heavy, causing extra wear and tear on tires, even though EV tires are constructed with more durable materials than tires for standard cars. Unsurprisingly, the specialized tires cost more too. Hyundai says EV tires wear 20 percent faster than standard tires.

EV batteries are heavy and worth their weight in gold. When they go out, it can cost half the price of the car purchased new. A common 62-kWh battery in an average crossover costs about $9,500. To get it installed, an EV driver can expect to pay $15,000. It's like getting a complete drivetrain replaced on a gas car.

So, it does not make financial sense to buy a used EV without a warranty. Luckily there is a mandated 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on batteries. The warranty can extend to the subsequent buyer. Looking at average maintenance costs, the battery is most significant. Common maintenance is limited to things like tires, brakes, and filters. With an electric car, many services are not needed, albeit tires are one of the more substantial costs of maintaining any car. Studies have been done that show EV owners pay half of gas car maintenance and another shows EV drivers pay 30 percent less than ICE cars. Here, we are looking at the 5-year maintenance cost on crossover EVs based on 15000 miles of driving per year, as calculated by Edmunds.

A 5-year maintenance cost of $8,219 on a 2019 Audi e-tron is steep compared with other crossover EVs. But it is Audi who pays the tab. Scheduled maintenance services are provided every 10000 miles or 12 months. The maintenance periods are aligned with Audi official recommendations. Audi trained technicians use genuine parts and Audi approved tools. You can take it to any mechanic, but why would you?

For a 2019 Audi e-tron, the manufacture warranty ends after 2024. Buying the 2019 e-tron in 2023 could allow one year of coverage. But with the high costs of Audi maintenance, it is probably smart to extend the warranty period by the five extra years offered. Another reason Edmunds $8,219 maintenance estimate won't affect an Audi e-tron buyer as much is that the battery, the priciest of all EV components, is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Related: Audi E-Tron Becomes First Electric Car To Be Awarded A Top Safety Prize

Maintenance costs on the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric in the first five years is close to $7,000, as calculated by Edmunds. A 10-year cost analysis by CarEdge, alternatively, finds the Kona Electric averages $7,871 in maintenance costs. Therefore, in the longer term, the 5-year average is cut down to about $3,935, half of $7,871.

Here's the thing. In 2012, Hyundai was the first to begin offering lifetime warranties on the battery in hybrid EV cars. This means that the super expensive component of an electric car, comparable to the engine and transmission of a standard vehicle, will be replaced for free at the end of its lifespan, or if it fails sooner. The battery is the primary cause of high maintenance costs in an electric car. For a second owner on a Hyundai Kona, the warranty on the 2019 Kona carries through, but only for 100,000 miles. This makes buying the Kona Electric an excellent value if it can be purchased new. And a fairly good deal if you can find a 2019 Kona as a second owner. And it's a great crossover option. The 2019 Kona comes with great safety features and surprisingly good performance for a vehicle of its class.

The 5-year maintenance costs for a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 may seem high at nearly $5,000. But the good news is that VW pays for two years of scheduled maintenance. It's the company's new Carefree Coverage warranty plan that is fully transferable to subsequent owners. Buying a 2021 ID.4 this year, allows a free year of maintenance plus the peace of mind knowing that scheduled maintenance was likely done.

The Volkswagen ID.4 has enjoyed the spotlight as the 2021 World Car of the Year at its debut and it is satisfyingly stocked with driver-focused technological amenities. It's zippy to drive and has a range of 280 miles.

Related: 10 Best Electric Cars With The Lowest Maintenance Cars

The Chevrolet Bolt EV had enjoyed a consistent run, so GM biggered and bettered it with the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV, an affordable electric crossover. It makes a 247-mile range on a full charge. Not only is it more spacious, but it also boasts upgrades like Super Cruise driver assist features, even offering some self-driving features. GM has prioritized EVs and autonomous cars, investing a high percentage in these technologies. Albeit the auto manufacturer's transition to Ultium battery tech means that 2023 is the last year the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV will be made. A massive recall of fire-prone lithium-ion batteries is sending these models to the used market. If you’re buying an electric Bolt, make sure the recall service is completed.

While Kelley Blue Book (KBB) named the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV and EUV crossover lowest 5-year cost-to-own and gave it the Best Buy Award, the 2022 Bolt EUV is not much different. It sports new body panels but the same electric powertrain as the Bolt EV. Edmunds calculates the 5-year costs of the Bolt EUV to be $3,234. Some of those costs can be averted. The manufacture warranty pays for all maintenance costs up to 24,000 miles, assuming it can be transferred.

After five years of owning a 2022 Tesla Model X, Edmunds estimates maintenance at $3,201. CarEdge, on the other hand, calculates 5-year costs at a lower amount, $1,945. This calculation excludes costs that would have been covered by warranty work.

The Tesla Model X is a luxury crossover. It can transport seven people and still manage to make 0 to 60 in 2.7 seconds. It's an astounding car, despite its recent reviews and criticisms. And it's not for everyone. A 2022 Model X is priced at over $150,000. Buying one used includes warranty coverage. A used vehicle limited warranty covers the car for four years or 50,000 miles. The original Tesla warranty is good for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric offers some of the best advanced safety technology and the looks and feel of a respectable crossover. It's a little slow to accelerate and stiff to go, and with a range of 170 miles, it makes a better city ride than a hardcore suburban errand sprinter. But the driver assist tech is worth it to some.

Buying the Hyundai Ionic Electric comes with a 100,000 warranty on the battery. Plus, $3,002 for five years of maintenance costs is a very low price. It is the average cost for EV maintenance, and nearly half of the cost of gasoline powered cars. Consumer Reports estimates lifetime maintenance and repairs on an EV are $4,600, while standard ICE's cost $9,200.

Related: These Electric Cars Have The Most Stunning Interiors

Edmunds estimates the cost of maintenance on a 2021 Tesla Model Y to be $2881 after five years of ownership. CarEdge calculates the 5-year cost of maintenance work performed to exclude warranty work completed by Tesla. It is about half as much, or $1,449 per five years.

One of the perks of Tesla's scheduled maintenance work is that the owner does not have to take the car in. Mobile service providers come to the car and perform basic tasks like rotating the tires and cabin air filter swaps. Tesla's maintenance schedule includes tire rotation every 6,000 miles and cleaning and lubricating of brake calipers each year.

The Tesla Model Y has a three-row option, more cargo room, and standard all-wheel drive. In spite of its roominess, the third row is better suited to children than adults. The Model Y SUV makes 326 miles of range at its longest range option. Perky acceleration takes it from zero to 60 in 4.4 seconds.

The 2022 Nissan Leaf is the long-running EV by Nissan's first foray into SUV size. The crossover Leaf Plus boasts 116 cubic feet of interior space, seating five. A larger, 62-kWh battery allows a 215-mile range. On the low side, buyers who require longer range might want to look elsewhere. Yet, at record-low new vehicle starting prices, the Nissan Leaf continues to deliver. The standard 2022 Leaf MSRP was $27,400.

The battery warranty replaces the 62 kWh lithium-ion battery if it falls below 75 percent. The cost of that service can easily top $15,000, nearly half the cost of the car. The actual cost for the 62-kWh battery is about $9,500. It's important to pay attention to the battery life. Nissan's warranty covers 96 months or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The 2022 Kia EV6 borrows its electric powertrain from Hyundai's Ioniq 5. Maintenance costs, according to Kia, average $1,120 after five years. It's modest, costing a fraction of 5-year maintenance on standard engine crossovers. The 5-year maintenance estimates for this car by Edmunds is unavailable.

A futuristic cockpit without of the feel of cheap plastic is noticeable. A stretched wheelbase allows generous passenger spaces, especially for an EV. The EV6 has dial-in gear engagement. Rotate the dial to reverse or drive. Remote control driving the car via key fob is another very futuristic perk. This crossover is considered a performance EV by Kia. AWD comes standard in the base model, offering 170 horsepower. It has AWD and 320 horsepower in the sporty option. The price reflects that mix. A used 2022 Kia EV6 starts just above $40,000. The sporty option goes for around $50,000. Buying a Kia EV6 new with the $7500 rebate funds might be a better option for some. If you’re liking this performance in a Kia, an award-winning 600-hp 2023 EV6 GT is available.

The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV is the first big cat electric model. Neither Edmunds nor CarEdge makes available the 5-year maintenance costs on this car since that is the length of the warranty. The I-Pace, first offered in 2019, comes with 100 percent complimentary scheduled maintenance for five years. A such, the costs are not incurred by the buyer. It also comes with a 5-year or 60,000 mile limited warranty, a 5-year roadside assistance, and a 5-year infotainment warranty on InControl and Remote and Protect. Paying a premium purchase price has its perks. Finally, the industry standard 8-year 100,000 mile lithium-ion battery warranty protects up to 70 percent.

As a luxury SUV crossover, the Jaguar I-Pace comes with AWD performance with a zero to 60 dash in 4.5 seconds. It's powered by two synchronous magnet electric motors, one on each axle. It rides on air suspension and continuously variable shock absorbers. Using also a self-leveling system. As Jaguar's first EV effort, this car has drawbacks, but, once inside, it has plenty of bells and whistles to be had.

This author was drawn to media as a news writer. With aspirations to be that investigative reporter who rips the lid off a government scandal, she began writing for a local Huntington Beach newspaper. Later, as a staff writer at ABIILTY Magazine, she moved toward pop culture writing.