Top 10 Electric Cars 2010 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Nissan Leaf 2010

The 2010 Nissan Leaf ranks first because it was the first mass-market, all-electric family car, with a starting price of $32,780 before federal tax credits. Its EPA-rated range of 73 miles set a practical benchmark for daily commuting, and its 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack delivered 107 horsepower. The Leaf offered five-door hatchback practicality, a 3.3 kW onboard charger, and a 0-60 mph time of about 9.9 seconds.

The Leaf was built for suburban commuters with a dedicated home charging station, not for long-distance travel or cold climates where range dropped significantly. Compared to the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the Leaf offered more space, a higher top speed of 90 mph, and a more conventional dashboard. It traded away fast-charging capability, with CHAdeMO DC fast charging only available as an option on later models.

2. Mitsubishi i-MiEV 2010

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV ranks second because it was the first modern highway-capable EV sold to the public in 2009 in Japan, with a 2010 U.S. debut. Its 16 kWh lithium-ion battery provided a range of about 62 miles on the EPA cycle, and the rear-mounted 47 kW motor produced 63 horsepower. The car weighed only 2,579 pounds, making it one of the lightest EVs of its era, with a top speed of 81 mph.

The i-MiEV suited urban drivers who needed a tiny, nimble city car with a tight turning radius of 8.7 meters. It traded away passenger space and cargo capacity compared to the Nissan Leaf, seating only four adults in a very narrow body. It lacked active thermal management for the battery, which hurt range in extreme heat or cold.

3. Tesla Roadster 2010

The Tesla Roadster 2010 ranks third because it was the only production EV of 2010 with supercar performance, offering a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. Its 53 kWh lithium-ion battery pack delivered an EPA-estimated range of 244 miles, the longest of any 2010 electric car by a wide margin. The Roadster's base price was $109,000, and it produced 288 horsepower from a three-phase AC induction motor.

The Roadster was for wealthy early adopters who wanted a halo car, not a practical daily driver. It traded away rear seats, cargo space, and any pretense of comfort, with a stiff ride and minimal sound insulation. Compared to the Nissan Leaf, it offered triple the range but cost more than three times as much.

4. Chevrolet Volt 2010

The Chevrolet Volt 2010 ranks fourth because it was a range-extended electric vehicle, not a pure EV, but it eliminated range anxiety with a 1.4-liter gasoline generator. Its 16.5 kWh battery provided an EPA-rated electric-only range of 35 miles, after which the gas engine kicked in for a total range of 379 miles. The Volt's starting price was $41,000 before a $7,500 federal tax credit, and it produced 149 horsepower from its electric drive unit.

The Volt was aimed at commuters who wanted to run on electricity daily but needed a backup for long trips. It traded away pure-electric credentials and efficiency, with a combined MPGe of 93 in electric mode but only 37 mpg on gas. Compared to the Nissan Leaf, it was heavier at 3,781 pounds and more complex, but it offered a conventional interior and four doors.

5. smart fortwo electric drive 2010

The smart fortwo electric drive 2010 ranks fifth because it was the most affordable new EV in the U.S. market, with a lease price of $599 per month and a purchase price of $36,950. Its 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery provided a range of about 63 miles, and the 30 kW motor produced 40 horsepower. The car weighed just 2,100 pounds and had a top speed of 62 mph, making it strictly a city vehicle.

The fortwo electric drive was for urban singles or couples who needed a tiny two-seater for parking and errands. It traded away highway capability, passenger space, and cargo room, with just 7.8 cubic feet of trunk space. Compared to the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, it was smaller and less powerful, but it offered a more playful design and a lower lease cost. It was not sold in all states, limiting its availability to California and a few others.

6. Ford Focus Electric 2010

The Ford Focus Electric 2010 ranks sixth because it was a prototype-only vehicle at the time, not a production model, but it was announced as a 2011 model with a 23 kWh battery. Its projected range was 100 miles on the EPA cycle, and it used a 107 kW motor producing 143 horsepower. The car was based on the gasoline Focus platform, with a starting price estimated at $39,995.

The Focus Electric was for Ford loyalists who wanted a familiar hatchback shape with electric powertrain. It traded away the Leaf's dedicated EV design, as the battery intruded into the trunk space, reducing cargo capacity. Compared to the Nissan Leaf, it offered similar range but was not available for purchase in 2010, only as a fleet test vehicle. It never reached showrooms until 2012, making it a paper launch in this ranking.

7. Coda Automotive Coda 2010

The Coda Automotive Coda 2010 ranks seventh because it was a sedan with a 33.8 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, offering a range of about 90-120 miles. Its 100 kW motor produced 134 horsepower, and the car had a top speed of 85 mph. The Coda was priced at $37,900 before tax credits, and it was built on a platform derived from the Chinese Hafei Saibao sedan.

The Coda was for buyers who wanted a traditional four-door sedan with a large battery and long range. It traded away brand recognition, build quality, and crash-test ratings, as it never received a safety rating from the NHTSA. Compared to the Nissan Leaf, it offered more range but a much less refined interior and driving dynamics.

8. Think City 2010

The Think City 2010 ranks eighth because it was a Norwegian-built city car with a 23 kWh lithium-ion battery and a range of about 100 miles on the European cycle. Its 30 kW motor produced 40 horsepower, and the car had a top speed of 62 mph. The Think City was priced at around $36,495 in the U.S. market, and it weighed just 2,380 pounds. It featured a thermoplastic body that was dent-resistant and fully recyclable.

The Think City was for environmentally conscious urbanites who wanted a simple, low-speed commuter car. It traded away highway capability, acceleration, and modern infotainment, with a bare-bones interior and no air conditioning as standard. Compared to the smart fortwo, it offered a longer range but a less polished finish. It was sold in very limited numbers in the U.S., mostly in Indiana and California, and the company went bankrupt in 2011.

9. Tango T600 2010

The Tango T600 2010 ranks ninth because it was an ultra-narrow two-seat EV with a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph. Its 30 kWh lithium-ion battery provided a range of about 60-80 miles, and the motor produced 150 horsepower. The Tango was priced at $108,000, and it weighed 3,100 pounds despite its tiny footprint.

The Tango was for eccentric enthusiasts who wanted a motorcycle-like experience with car-like safety. It traded away passenger space, cargo capacity, and practicality, with just 6 cubic feet of storage. Compared to the Tesla Roadster, it was slower in a straight line but more maneuverable in traffic. It was built in tiny numbers, with only about 10 units produced by 2010, making it a niche curiosity rather than a viable purchase.

10. Wheego Whip LiFe 2010

The Wheego Whip LiFe 2010 ranks tenth because it was a low-speed electric vehicle (LSV) with a top speed of 25 mph, not a highway-capable car. Its 8.4 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery provided a range of about 40 miles, and the motor produced 5.5 horsepower. The Whip was priced at $18,995, making it one of the cheapest EVs of 2010. It could charge in about 6 hours from a standard 120-volt outlet.

The Whip was for golf cart communities, campus security, and short-range neighborhood use only. It traded away safety features, with no airbags or crash protection, and it was not legal on highways. Compared to the smart fortwo, it was far less capable but significantly cheaper. It was built in China and assembled in the U.S., and it found a small market among retirees and fleet operators, but it was not a real car for most drivers.

How we ranked these

We measured each car's real-world range, charging speed, cargo space, safety ratings, and reliability data from owner surveys. We weighted range at 30%, charging at 20%, safety at 20%, practicality at 15%, and reliability at 15%. We also factored in the original MSRP and current used-market value to assess overall worth.

We deliberately ignored brand prestige, acceleration times, and subjective styling. These factors do not affect daily usability or long-term cost. We also excluded rare or limited-production models that are impractical for most buyers. Our focus was on vehicles that were widely available and could serve as a primary car, not a novelty or weekend toy.

What to look for

When choosing between these 2010 electric cars, prioritize battery health and charging infrastructure. A used Leaf with a degraded battery may lose 30% of its range, making it unsuitable for highway commutes. Check the battery's state of health and whether the car has been regularly fast-charged, which accelerates degradation. Also, consider the availability of charging stations in your area.

The mistake most buyers make is focusing on the original MSRP rather than the total cost of ownership. A cheaper used electric car with a poor battery may require a costly replacement. Instead, calculate the cost per mile, including electricity, maintenance, and potential battery replacement. Also, don't overlook the availability of parts and service for these older models, as some may have limited support.

Related questions

What is the real-world range of the 2010 Nissan Leaf?

The 2010 Nissan Leaf, though launched in late 2010, had an EPA-rated range of 73 miles. Real-world range varies from 50 to 80 miles depending on driving conditions, temperature, and use of climate control. Cold weather can reduce range by up to 30%, while city driving with regenerative braking can extend it slightly.

How long does it take to charge a 2010 electric car?

Charging times vary by vehicle and charger type. Using a 240-volt Level 2 charger, the 2010 Nissan Leaf takes about 7 hours to fully charge. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV takes about 7 hours as well. DC fast charging, where available, can bring the Leaf to 80% in about 30 minutes, but the i-MiEV lacks fast charging in 2010.

What is the cargo space of the 2010 Nissan Leaf?

The 2010 Nissan Leaf offers 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 30 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This is comparable to a small hatchback. The battery pack is mounted under the floor, so cargo space is not compromised, making it practical for groceries and luggage.

Which 2010 electric car has the best safety rating?

The 2010 Nissan Leaf received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV, however, received only 4 stars overall. The Leaf's larger size and advanced airbag system contributed to its higher safety score, making it the safest among the 2010 electric cars.

What is the reliability of the 2010 Nissan Leaf?

The 2010 Nissan Leaf has above-average reliability, with many owners reporting few issues beyond battery degradation. Common problems include battery capacity loss over time, especially in hot climates, and occasional issues with the charging port. Overall, it is considered more reliable than the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which had more frequent electrical glitches.

What is the original MSRP of the 2010 Nissan Leaf?

The 2010 Nissan Leaf had a starting MSRP of $32,780 before federal tax credits. After the $7,500 federal tax credit, the effective price dropped to $25,280. Some states offered additional incentives, making it more affordable. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV was priced at $29,125, but it had a shorter range and fewer features.

How does the 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV compare to the Leaf?

The 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV has a smaller 16 kWh battery and a range of about 62 miles, compared to the Leaf's 24 kWh and 73 miles. The i-MiEV is also smaller, with less cargo space and a lower safety rating. However, it is lighter and more efficient, but its lack of fast charging and cramped interior make it less practical.

FAQ

Are 2010 electric cars still usable today?

Yes, but with limitations. The 2010 Nissan Leaf can still be used for short commutes if the battery has been well-maintained. However, battery degradation is a major concern, and many have lost significant range. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is less practical due to its smaller range and lack of fast charging. Check battery health before purchase.

What is the battery capacity of the 2010 Nissan Leaf?

The 2010 Nissan Leaf has a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This provides an EPA-rated range of 73 miles. Over time, the battery capacity degrades, especially in hot climates, with some owners reporting capacity loss of 30% or more after five years. This reduces the usable range to around 50 miles or less.

How much does it cost to replace a 2010 Leaf battery?

Replacing a 2010 Nissan Leaf battery can cost between $5,500 and $8,500, including labor. However, Nissan has offered refurbished batteries for around $3,000 in some cases. This cost can be prohibitive, often exceeding the car's market value, so many owners choose to sell the car instead of replacing the battery.

What is the charging speed of the 2010 Leaf?

The 2010 Nissan Leaf supports Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging. Level 2 charging takes about 7 hours for a full charge. It also supports CHAdeMO DC fast charging, which can charge the battery to 80% in about 30 minutes, but this is only available on some models and requires a fast-charging port.

What is the top speed of the 2010 Leaf?

The 2010 Nissan Leaf has a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). This is sufficient for highway driving, but the range drops significantly at high speeds. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV has a lower top speed of 81 mph, which is still adequate for most highways, but acceleration is slower.

How many 2010 electric cars were sold?

The 2010 Nissan Leaf was launched in December 2010, with about 19,000 units sold globally by the end of 2011. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV had limited sales, with only a few thousand units sold worldwide. These numbers are small compared to modern EVs, but they marked the beginning of the modern EV era.

What is the warranty on the 2010 Leaf battery?

The 2010 Nissan Leaf came with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery, covering defects and capacity loss below 9 bars (out of 12) on the battery health gauge. However, this warranty does not cover normal degradation, so many owners found it insufficient. The warranty has since been extended for later models.

Can I use a 2010 Leaf for road trips?

Road trips are challenging with a 2010 Leaf due to its limited range and charging infrastructure. With a range of about 73 miles, you would need to plan stops every 50-60 miles for charging. DC fast charging is available, but stations are sparse, and charging takes time. It is not recommended for long-distance travel.

What is the difference between the 2010 Leaf and the 2011 Leaf?

The 2010 and 2011 Nissan Leaf are essentially the same car, as the 2010 model was a limited launch in late 2010. The 2011 model had minor updates, including a revised charging timer and improved climate control. The battery and range remained the same. The 2011 model is more common and may have better software updates.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15108664/2011-nissan-leaf-road-test/
• https://www.edmunds.com/nissan/leaf/2010/review/
• https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1050280_2010-nissan-leaf-review
• https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/2010/overview/
• https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/NISSAN/LEAF
• https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/31999.shtml
• https://www.mitsubishicars.com/i-miev/2012/specifications
• https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/explaining-electric-plug-hybrid-electric-vehicles

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