While the number of electric cars on our roads is constantly increasing, the market has entered a slight lull. Some experts have even described the drop in uptake as a bit of turmoil.
Continued uncertainty over future legislation on the sales of new EVs is giving consumers cold feet. But this isn’t all bad news for regular car buyers.
The uncertainty means the values of used electric cars are being heavily impacted, with some models depreciating faster than a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra can round the Nurburgring.
Admittedly, that’s bad news for the original owners left wincing at the pain inflicted on their wallets. But it's great for used buyers in the market for an all-electric bargain.
From superminis to SUVs, there are now some seriously tempting pre-owned models cluttering the classifieds and filling up forecourts.
Look carefully, and you’ll find there's a huge variety of models on offer, including many long-range machines offering an easy 400km (250 miles) of real-world range and rapid charging, all for a reasonable price.
But which used electric cars should you consider? We’ve compiled a definitive list of the best value used models available today. Act fast, and you could grab a bargain.
Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 has been a hit from the moment it first arrived back in 2020.
With its understated Swedish styling, fastback practicality, slick dynamics, and decent efficiency, it's an impressive package. We recommend both the Dual Motor and Long Range Single Motor versions. However, for maximum range, the latter is the model to choose.
Initially with front-wheel drive and complete with a 75kWh battery, the Polestar 2 then had a facelift in 2023 that gave the Long Range Single Motor a bigger, 79kWh battery and more efficient rear-wheel drive motor, for a WLTP range of 653km (406 miles).
If you look hard enough, you can find a used Polestar 2 for around £26,089 (€30,000 / $35,045), and we’d recommend the earlier small battery model for the biggest bargain. That said, you might be able to get one for as low as £13,000 ($16,500 / €15,200) if you’re willing to choose one with over 160,000km (100,000 miles) on the clock.
Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is one of the most well-rounded electric cars money can buy. It’s brilliant to drive, but it can also charge much faster than the vastmajority of its rivals.
Not only that, but most cars sold from new were offered with Kia’s seven-year warranty as standard, so you can buy one on the used market with additional peace of mind.
The EV6's sleek, coupe-like design belies its size, yet it offers only marginal practicality gains over the smaller Polestar. Nevertheless, it slightly surpasses the 2 in terms of driving enjoyment, particularly the less weighty rear-wheel-drive models.
A recent facelift has helped soften the values of earlier versions, with three-year-old Air variants now available for around £17,000 ($21,600 / €20,000). For the best value and range, we reckon you need to stick with the 74kWh, rear-wheel-drive versions, which will give a real-world range of roughly 386km (240 miles), depending on the conditions.
Tesla Model 3
Despite recent challenges stemming from CEO Elon Musk's high-profile political statements - which have coincided with declining new car sales and the introduction of cheaper, stripped-down Model 3 and Y variants - Tesla's used market remains attractive to buyers.
The Model 3's past success ensures a healthy supply of used examples. Furthermore, thanks to Tesla's industry-leading expertise in battery and motor efficiency, these American-made vehicles continue to offer some of the most compelling range-for-money propositions available.
While you can find Standard Range cars from approximately £10,000 ($12,650 / €11,700), you'll be sacrificing the more contemporary look of the post-2023 'Highland' facelift.
We strongly advise opting for the Long Range version, which commands an extra £1500 [an extra $1898 / €1755) but offers a significant range improvement, with a claimed 560km (348 miles) and a more practical real-world range exceeding 300 miles.
The Tesla Superchargers set a standard for convenient, fast, and dependable public rapid-charging. Furthermore, while the Tesla doesn't offer the most exciting driving experience, it is comfortable, capable, and composed.
Porsche Taycan
There aren’t many cars that have been impacted more heavily by plummeting used prices than the Porsche Taycan.
In just three years, some examples of this electric saloon car have lost over half their original value, making them a very attractive prospect for used car buyers.
That’s because the sleek German saloon remains as remarkable as it has always been, especially with prices starting at just over £35,000 ($47,700 / €40,600). No EV is as good to drive, with sharp and engaging handling plus a scorching turn of pace, even in relatively modest 4S guise, which packs ‘just’ 563bhp.
When new, it had a claimed range of 460km (288 miles) and in real-world use you can expect an easy 402km (250 miles), while an 80% charge using a 350kW charger takes less than half an hour.
While a few owners have experienced minor electrical glitches and battery issues, the eight-year warranty offers reassurance that you're unlikely to face any major repair costs for now.
Jaguar i-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace, a luxury EV pioneer, is now surprisingly affordable, with prices starting from as little as £13,000 ($16,500 / €15,200), despite the brand's current temporary hiatus.
For this price, the I-Pace offers a powerful package: a 395bhp dual-motor, four-wheel-drive system paired with a substantial 90kWh battery. While the usable range of around 401km (250 miles) is slightly below the claimed 474km (295 miles), the car delivers on performance and refinement.
The benefits include thrilling acceleration and exceptional Jaguar dynamics, which masterfully combine engaging handling with a comfortable, quiet ride.
Furthermore, the I-Pace provides a spacious interior imbued with the marque's characteristic high-end, British-style luxury.
Skoda Enyaq
The Skoda Enyaq stands out in the highly competitive electric car market as a well-rounded and excellent value choice.
Practical, easy to live with, and offering a good range, it delivers in several key areas. Unlike many other electric vehicles that excel in a single aspect, the Enyaq impresses with its roomy and logically-configured cabin, confidence-inspiring drive, and wide variety of available batteries and trims.
Around £12,000 ($15,000 / €14,000) (or slightly less for a well-used, high-mileage example) will get you into a 60 model with a 58kWh battery and 402km (250-mile) range.
You're better off spending slightly more on an 80 model, however, as it has a real-world range closer to 482km (300 miles), making it a more competent companion for longer motorway trips.
A sensible, solid choice for all-round appeal, the Enyaq's 201bhp motor is certainly brisk and offers plenty of zip. However, while the performance is more than sufficient, it doesn't offer much in the way of excitement.
Volkswagen ID 3
As the maker of legendary family cars like the Beetle and Golf, Volkswagen faced a challenge with its first bespoke EV hatchback, the ID.3.
While it may not achieve the same iconic status as its predecessors, the ID.3 is nonetheless a sensible and reliable choice on the used market.
Designed from the outset as an EV on the brand's MEB platform, it features a battery under the floor and a rear-mounted motor. This configuration makes even the entry-level 168bhp model roomy and lively to drive.
It’s not quite as much fun as its rear-drive layout might have you believe, and some of the cabin ergonomics, such as the touchpad climate control switches, are frustrating to use.
But for around £11,000 ($13,44 / €12,476), you can get a three-year-old example with the smallest (58kWh) battery. That’s still good enough for a claimed 426km (265 miles).
The bigger, 77kWh battery delivers a realistic 482km (300 miles) between top-ups, but currently commands a hefty premium, which means it doesn’t offer nearly as much value for money.
Fiat 500e
The compact Fiat 500e proves that good things come in small packages, blending enjoyable handling and minimal running costs with a distinctive Italian flair.
Conceived as an electric vehicle from the start, this electric 500 retains the appealing retro aesthetic of its petrol-powered predecessor but presents a significantly more contemporary and premium product.
The 24kWh-battery version is best avoided because of its very limited range, so we would recommend spending a little extra (prices start at just over £10,000 ($12,650 / €11,700) on the 42kWh model, which has a claimed range of up to 320km (199 miles).
Offering traffic-dodging agility and unexpected refinement, this EV is surprisingly mature to drive, regardless of its battery size. While it truly excels in urban environments, the rear-seat space is quite limited, making it best suited for children. Nevertheless, it delivers exceptional daily enjoyment.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 stands out as an EV that was perhaps ahead of its time, offering an ownership experience as engaging as it is inexpensive.
Its unique construction features a strong, lightweight architecture and distinctive composite body panels, resulting in a surprisingly low kerb weight for an EV - under 1200kg.
Power comes from a rear-mounted 168bhp motor, delivering lively performance. The handling, despite the skinny tyres, retains the inherent BMW driver appeal, making it genuinely fun to drive.
Inside, the cabin is boldly styled, cleverly packaged, and notable for being filled with sustainably sourced materials.
This pioneering approach to the car’s design and engineering means that the i3 already has the makings of a modern classic, while prices starting at under £5,000 ($6,270 / €5,770) make it an affordable choice too.
The only downside is that the small 21.5kWh battery on early cars means a realistic range of only 128km (80 miles). BMW claimed 160km (100 miles).
Lotus Emeya
For long-time Lotus enthusiasts, the Emeya - a large, luxurious electric saloon - may seem contrary to Colin Chapman’s guiding principle of ‘simplify and add lightness.’
However, a closer look at this striking four-door reveals more of that expected Norfolk DNA than its Chinese origin might suggest. It offers crisp steering, impressively agile handling, and even the 'base' 604bhp model delivers stunning performance.
What truly stands out is the car's compliant ride and quiet refinement, alongside a spacious cabin finished with a quality that surpasses many premium rivals. Crucially, its large 102kWh battery provides a range exceeding 482km (300 miles), and it can recharge at over 300kW on a suitable fast charger.
While it is the most expensive vehicle on this list, significant depreciation means that a nearly new, lightly used example, less than a year old, can be acquired for about £65,000 ($85,800 / €74,750) - a saving of approximately £20,000 ($26,400 / €23,000) off the new price.
