A pair of performance EVs lock horns for the title of ACOTY’s Best Value Performance EV.
How Does ACOTY Define This Class?
Every EV that qualifies for this category needs to be either performance-oriented, or pack a “respectfully” absurd amount of power under the hood.
Plus, to play fair against the premium marques, these are contenders who are more “affordable” on the market. Sub $300,000 price tag with ridiculous amounts of power underneath? Sign us up please!
Meet The Contenders
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is, for lack of a better word, mindbogglingly quick. The boffins at Tesla have done well in showing the world how a true performance EV can be done.
Halfway across the world, BYD is throwing hands with the new Seal Performance. Designed to go up against the very best from its home soil and beyond, the Seal Performance has enough grunt to make your stomach hurt but your lips smile.
“Where’s the Hyundai Ioniq 6?” you might ask. Yes, it does fit in this category, but it has already participated in last year’s ACOTY awards programme, hence it is omitted this time around.
Now then, on to the winner.
AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Value Performance EV
Tesla Model 3 Performance
| Vehicle | Points Tally | |
| Tesla Model 3 Performance | 352 | |
| BYD Seal Performance | 339 |
The Model 3 Performance takes the win with 352 points. Arguably, it is still the benchmark for EV performance. While the stark cabin might not be as big of a hit, the Model 3 is fantastic dynamically. We guarantee you’ll come out of any corner smiling, whilst scaring the crap out of your occupants.
More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.
Congratulations to the Tesla Model 3 Performance for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2025 Best Value Performance EV!
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