Electric cars

Is an electric car worth it in 2026?

When EVs are a great choice—and when they can be the wrong tool for the job.

Direct answer

An electric car is usually worth it in 2026 if you can charge reliably (home/work), drive mostly within a predictable daily range, and value low day-to-day running costs. It may be less worth it if you can't charge consistently, you road-trip weekly and dislike stops, or you live in cold climates without easy preheating/charging routines.

See example charging photos: Tesla charging · EV charging

Who EVs are for

Drivers with a stable routine and a consistent parking/charging setup.
People who prioritize smooth, quiet driving and lower day-to-day energy costs.

Who EVs are not for (yet)

Apartment dwellers with scarce charging access (unless your local infrastructure is excellent).
Frequent long-distance drivers who want minimal stops and maximum flexibility.

Charging infrastructure is improving—but unevenly

The IEA reports strong growth in public charging stock globally, with fast chargers growing quickly in 2023. That's good news, but availability and reliability still vary widely by country and even by neighborhood.

Winter range: plan for it

Independent testing shows meaningful range depletion in cold weather. Practically, this means: plan more charging headroom in winter, and prioritize efficient heating and preconditioning.

Verdict

Worth it if you can charge where you park and your routine is predictable.
Maybe if charging is possible but inconvenient.
Not worth it if charging is a weekly hassle and your driving is unpredictable.

Next: Best EVs for apartment living