Recurrent’s database of nearly 1 billion recorded EV miles allows us to take cost per range mile even further.
By dividing the vehicle’s price by its projected real-world range after three years, this number gives a more practical measure of how much usable driving you’re getting for your money over time. This number comes from Recurrent’s 3 year range prediction database, built from 30,000 real-world EVs.
For 2025 model year EVs:
- Average cost per range mile (excluding 65 EV configurations priced over $80K): $217
- Median cost per range mile (excluding EVs over $80K): $232
- Average including all EVs: $262
These benchmarks help define “above average value” and premium-priced range, and reveals patterns worth paying attention to when it comes to drivetrain, trims, and consumer preference.
Most surprisingly, EV shoppers seem to implicitly prefer cars with low cost per range mile. The car with the highest 2025 growth, the Chevy Equinox EV, also has the lowest cost per range mile.
Here are the ten 2025 EVs with the lowest cost per range mile, and ten with the highest.
- CHEVROLET EQUINOX EV FWD LT
- TESLA MODEL 3 Long Range RWD
- CHEVROLET EQUINOX EV LT
- HYUNDAI IONIQ 6 SE
- TESLA MODEL Y Long Range
- TESLA MODEL 3 Long Range AWD
- FORD MUSTANG MACH-E Premium RWD Extended Range Battery
- FORD MUSTANG MACH-E Select RWD Standard Range Battery
- HYUNDAI KONA EV SEL
- HYUNDAI IONIQ 6 SE
…
- MERCEDES-BENZ EQE Sedan 350 4MATIC
- RIVIAN R1S Dual Standard (aka Adventure)
- JAGUAR I-PACE
- MERCEDES-BENZ EQB SUV 350
- VOLKSWAGEN ID. BUZZ Pro S Plus, 1st Edition
- GENESIS GV60 Performance AWD
- LEXUS RZ 450e Luxury
- MERCEDES-BENZ EQE SUV 350 4MATIC
- FORD E-TRANSIT VAN Cargo Van
- RAM PROMASTER EV Promaster EV super high roof
🔥 1. The Chevy Equinox EV Is Redefining Value
Chevy has cracked the code on value-driven EV adoption and the sales numbers reflect that. The Equinox EV offers ample everyday range, \accessible price points, and drivetrain flexibility without a premium. The 2025 Equinox EV delivers more range per dollar than any other EV on the market.
- At $115.50 per range mile, the FWD LT trim of the Equinox EV is 47% below the market average.
- Even the AWD version comes in at just $131.15—still far below both average and median cost per range mile.
- It’s now the #3 best-selling EV in the country, with one of the highest year-over-year sales increases.
⚖️ 2. RWD Trims Consistently Offer the Best Value
Want better range-per-dollar? Stick to rear-wheel drive. Budget shoppers - and good dealers - should keep this in mind when looking for the perfect match. Of course, if you live somewhere where you need AWD, make sure you understand the cost.
- 7 of the top 10 vehicles with the lowest cost per range mile are RWD, including the Ioniq 6, Mach-E, Kona EV, and multiple Teslas.
- AWD models often add $20–$40 per mile of range in cost without proportional range gains.
- Exceptions like the Equinox AWD LT suggest Chevy’s pricing strategy is especially competitive since AWD trim is not much more expensive.
💰 3. Tesla Is No Longer the Cheapest per Mile—but Still Near the Top
Tesla is still efficient on a cost-per-range mile basis, but its performance trims carry a major price premium, and the value gap is narrowing.
- The Model 3 RWD Long Range ranks #2 at $123.16, and Model Y RWD Long Range is #5 at $143.75.
- Tesla still holds 5 of the top 20 spots, but is now getting more competition from GM, Hyundai, and Ford.
- Are Performance trims a luxury offering? Model 3 AWD Performance and Model Y AWD Performance drop into the $190s range.
🚗 4. Extended Range Trims Don’t Always Mean Better Value
For a long time, the maxim when buying an EV was to buy the biggest battery you could afford. Today, with the average range at 293 miles, this may no longer be sage advice. Upgrading trims for better range or performance might not make financial sense. This is particularly true when shopping for daily drivers, where unused extra miles could be costing more than you think. Dealers and buyers should evaluate trim-by-trim value.
- Many Long Range trims cost $30–50 more per range mile than base trims.
- Despite smaller batteries, many Standard Range trims offer better total value. In some models, like the AWD Premium versions of the Mach-E and Ariya, cost-per-mile increases significantly with added range or power.
- Performance trims offer the least range for money.
🧊 5. Hyundai and Ford Dominate the Mid-Value Tier
Although Hyundai and Ford are not the cheapest, their well-balanced trims with good real-world range are helping them stay competitive with strong cost-per-range offerings and options that people want.
- The Mach-E family has a wide range of cost per range mile values but maintains solid rankings across trims.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6 RWD SE trims are consistently in the $140–$160 range, offering solid value, especially given their competitive fast charging speeds.
- The Kona EV delivers especially strong value in both SEL and SE trims but lacks the stepped-up architecture of the newer Hyundai models. For people looking to stay local and charge at home, the cost savings may be well worth it.
🚫 6. Is the Lucid Air More Cost Effective than the Fiat 500e?
It’s no surprise that premium and “lifestyle” EVs carry a brand tax—not just in price, but in cost-efficiency. But, there are still plenty of options that scream cool and cost-efficient, and may even beat some “budget” options.
- Vehicles like the Lucid Air Pure ($175), Cadillac Lyriq ($189–$193), and Volvo EX30/EX40/EC40 all land in the high $180s to $190s. This is not the most affordable bracket but still beats the average
- If you can swing the up-front price, these may be more cost effective picks than some lower cost models, such as the Fiat 500e, Vinfast VF8, and some Volkswagen ID.4 configurations.
- On the other hand, vehicles like the Rivian R1T and R1S, ID.Buzz, and Jaguar I-PACE come in toward the higher end of the cost-per-range calculation. While this is not surprising, it makes sense: each has a niche in the market and that’s part of what you’re paying for.
