THERE’S never been a better time to pick up a second-hand EV, with many fantastic options available at bargain prices.
While new electric cars are still fairly expensive, although the Dacia Spring is currently the UK’s cheapest new EV at just £14,995, they can be picked up at a pinch on the used car market.
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According to Car Magazine, that’s due to the steep depreciation of EVs partly brought about by fleets and businesses buying them up and then swapping the models every few years.
To this end, the car experts picked out their 10 best used EV options that can currently be found, from a bargain Hyundai through to a top-of-the-range Porsche tourer.
Porsche Taycan
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Porsche was one of the biggest and best-known marques to give EVs a proper go with the release of the Taycan in 2019.
The incredibly stylish grand tourer offers some of the best in battery range, charging speeds, and on-board tech, even years later since its release.
Used examples can now be found at half the price of their new equivalents – some coming in at £40,000.
Car Magazine tipped drivers to keep a keen eye on models with the ‘Performance Plus’ battery, which offers a larger range of 288 miles.
It’s worth noting too that in 2020, Sun Motors’ supremo Rob Gill described the Taycan 4S as the ‘the best electric car in the world‘.
Hyundai Kona Electric
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For penny pinchers, few EVs match the Hyundai Kona in terms of range and equipment.
Described as a ‘game-changer’ by Car Magazine, the 2018-released EV was one of the first affordable EVs that boasts a range of 300 miles from a charge, and it is known for its efficiency.
At many used car dealerships, the Kona is yours from £11,000 – and it’s thought that you’ll struggle to get a better range for the price.
Jaguar I-Pace
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Like Porsche, Jaguar have gone gung-ho for EVs – even opting to remove their entire range to make way for a fully-electric era of motors from 2026.
Vehicles like the I-Pace have been forced out, with the stylish crossover SUV joining the E-Pace SUV as the two cars are set to be discontinued by December.
However, they still make a great used car option from a seriously corking £16k.
Described by Car Magazine as “one of the best cars in its class to look at and drive”, the I-Pace features a 90kWh battery pack which powers two electric motors with 395 bhp and a 0–62mph time of 4.8 seconds.
BMW i3
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The ultimate city EV, the BMW i3 was pricey once upon a time – but can now be yours for around £6k.
Car Magazine says the i3 “has aged very well in terms of look and feel”, although they warn second-hand buyers of the earlier cars – which come with limited range.
MG5
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MG, the once iconic maker of sports cars, today has a reputation for practical and affordable EVs, such as the MG5.
Available for around £9k, it’s one of few electric estate cars that money can buy, and by-far the cheapest.
On its looks, Car Magazine picks out its “facelift in 2022 which introduced a more stylish design”, while it offers a spacious interior.
Vauxhall Corsa
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One of Britain’s best-known and top-selling hatchbacks, the Corsa went electric in 2020 as the first fully electric motor produced by Vauxhall.
Now, in 2024, thanks to what Car Magazine describes as its “hilarious depreciation”, the Corsa electric is a cracking used buy which is easy to use and drive, and it even comes with lots of kit.
Perhaps best of all is that Corsa EV “doesn’t look and feel much different to a regular petrol car”, according to the experts, with used prices for a 2020-model starting from £9k – less than what you’d pay for a petrol automatic Corsa.
Tesla Model 3
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It’s not quite the world’s most popular EV – that title is taken by Tesla‘s Model Y – but the Model 3 remains a hot favourite for environment-conscious drivers, especially in the UK.
Across the board, the Model 3 seemingly has it all; from an impressive range – with the top trim offering up to 390 miles from a full charge – as well as fun-factor and plenty of tech.
It certainly looks the business too, not quite on the same level as the Taycan, but certainly far more attractive than many EVs on the market.
Considering all of this, the Model 3 is a bargain at around £13k.
Renault Zoe
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You’ll struggle to beat the price of the Renault Zoe, which represents one of the cheapest good-quality EVs that money can buy.
However, the models on the cheaper scale come from their first batch released from 2013, and the earlier models come with low range – as little as 80 miles.
Car Magazine urges drivers to stretch to a 2020 model, which was “heavily facelifted” and featured a 238-mile range.
Fiat 500-e
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One of the world’s best loved and most recognisable hatchbacks also comes as an EV in the form of the Fiat 500-e.
Notoriously fun to drive, although predominantly designed for city driving, the 500-e costs around £12,000 second-hand, with a decent range of up to 199 miles.
Volkswagen ID.3
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The VW Golf for electric drivers, the ID.3 is blessed with slightly more space than its more famous elder sibling and is championed for its efficiency.
Car Magazine picked out its kit as being “generous across the board”, as well as a superb range of up to 347 miles.
While a new ID.3 comes in at around £35,000, a high-mileage used example is as little as £10k, while a lower-mileage car is for £14k.
This comes as VW recently unveiled a special edition hot hatchback that’s inspired by a legendary model from the 1990s.
The stunning motor even comes with a unique colour finish that pays further homage to its heritage.
Elsewhere, a legendary sports car that was left untouched and rotting under a layer of snow has been restored to its former glory.
