The used electric car market is growing rapidly, with many nearly-new EVs available at discounted prices. According to the report, steep depreciation across the board means used EVs are often fantastic used buys. Data from car valuation experts Cap HPI shows that the average price of a three-year-old EV is now 8.5 per cent lower than an ICE equivalent.
One of the most entertaining electric cars you can buy is the Porsche Taycan. It’s great to drive, with blistering performance and a stunning interior. While early examples were resistant to depreciation, used Taycans are now available from around £40,000 – less than half of what a new model would cost.
The Hyundai Kona Electric is another great option, with a good real-world range and generous equipment. It’s not the most spacious of small crossovers, but it’s still a great choice for most buyers. The Kona Electric was one of the first affordable EVs to achieve 300 miles from a charge and is renowned for its efficiency.
The Jaguar I-Pace is a premium electric SUV that’s available at a seriously attractive price due to incredible depreciation. It’s still one of the best cars in its class to look and drive, with a 90kWh battery pack, four-wheel drive, and a maximum claimed range of 298 miles.
It is a great time to buy a used electric car. The BMW i3 is a stylish and fun EV that’s a guaranteed future classic. It’s compact, innovative, and great in the city, but be mindful of small ranges with early models. Servicing costs can also be high due to its bespoke parts. You can now pick up high-mileage examples from just £6,000.
The MG5 is a value-packed EV that’s the cheapest electric estate you can buy. It’s very good value, with a spacious interior and a long warranty. However, it feels built to a price, and earlier examples look especially plain. Three-year-old examples are available for just £10,000.
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Buyers can find great deals on used electric cars. The Vauxhall Corsa Electric is easy to use and drive, with plenty of kit, but it’s not very efficient and has a relatively short range. Prices start from £9,000 for a 2020 car – less than what you’d pay for a petrol automatic Corsa of the same age.
The Tesla Model 3 is better to drive than the Model Y SUV and doesn’t look like a blob. However, there are concerns about customer service experiences, and earlier cars had build quality issues.
If you’re looking for one of the cheapest ways into a used electric car, the Renault Zoe is a great option. It’s decent to drive, with a long range from later cars, but early cars have a rubbish range, and some are subject to a battery lease scheme. Used prices now start from as little as £2,500.
City drivers will love the Fiat 500e. It’s a fun, cool, and great electric city car. It’s ideal for city driving, with a modern electric powertrain that offers zippy performance and a range of up to 199 miles. However, it’s not very spacious, and rivals have longer ranges. A three-year-old example can now be had for £12,000.
The Volkswagen ID.3 has a spacious interior, efficient performance, and a superb range of up to 347 miles from the largest 77kWh battery. You can now pick up a high-mileage example for as little as £10,000.
Ultimately, the best used electric car for you will depend on your budget and what you’re using it for. Whether you’re looking for a cheap city runabout or a luxury SUV, there’s a used EV out there to suit your needs. As the market continues to grow, we can expect to see even more great deals on nearly-new EVs, such as the new issue of car magazines.
