The EV Enthusiast's Garage: What We're Driving in Late 2025
Motorlinks' editors share what electric vehicles they're driving daily, and what they've learned after months of EV ownership in the real world.
Every few months, the Motorlinks team gets together and shares what they’re actually driving. These aren’t press cars or loaners — these are vehicles we’ve bought, leased, or have been living with for months. Here’s what we’re driving in late 2025, and what we’ve learned.
Sarah K. — Motorlinks Senior Editor
Vehicle: 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited AWD Daily use: 85-mile round-trip commute + weekend errand running Time owned: 14 months, 22,000 miles
I bought the IONIQ 5 when it launched in 2023 and have now had it long enough to know what I really think. It’s excellent for my commute — the 270-mile range handles the round trip easily with charge to spare. The 800V architecture makes DC fast charging stops (which I need about twice a month) fast — 18 minutes for 20-80 percent.
What I didn’t expect: the car has gotten better over time. Hyundai has deployed several OTA updates that have improved the voice assistant, added wireless Apple CarPlay improvements, and refined the regen braking calibration. A car that improves after you buy it is still unusual enough to be noteworthy.
What I don’t love: the rear seat legroom is tighter than I’d like, and the panoramic roof — which I was excited about — has developed a rattle over rough roads.
Mike T. — Motorlinks Reviews Editor
Vehicle: 2025 Rivian R1T Dual-Motor AWD Daily use: 40-mile round-trip commute + weekend mountain biking Time owned: 8 months, 14,000 miles
I was an early R1T adopter and have had the truck since early 2025. The quad-motor system is everything Rivian promised — the off-road capability is genuine, the 0-60 time is genuinely surprising, and the camp kitchen and gear tunnel storage are as practical as advertised for outdoor recreation.
The Supercharger network opening to non-Tesla vehicles in 2023 was the unlock I needed. Before that, I was reliant on Electrify America, which was inconsistent. Now I charge everywhere.
What I don’t love: the software is still occasionally glitchy. The digital key (phone-as-key) doesn’t work reliably for my partner’s Android phone. The service network is limited — the nearest Rivian service center is 90 minutes away.
Jennifer L. — Motorlinks News Editor
Vehicle: 2025 Tesla Model 3 Long Range (Highland refresh) Daily use: 30-mile round-trip commute + weekend trips Time owned: 4 months, 8,000 miles
I switched from a gas Accord to the Model 3 Highland and it’s been a revelation. The efficiency is staggering — I charge once a week and spend approximately $45/month on electricity versus the $180/month I was spending on gas.
The Highland refresh addressed most of the original Model 3’s interior complaints. The new screen is better, the trunk opens wider, and the ride quality has improved substantially. What hasn’t changed: no CarPlay, and the voice assistant is better than it was but still trails the best.
What I don’t love: the brand politics. My Tesla bumper sticker is a conversation starter I don’t always want.
Motorlinks publishes regular ownership perspectives. See our EV truck comparison for more.
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