Best Used Electric CarsThe Manufacturers
Electric vehicles may still seem like a newfangled idea to much of the car-buying public. And many new EVs are priced out of reach of budget-minded buyers. But there are certain EVs that have been on sale for years, long enough to make them vastly more appealing on the used market thanks to the magic of depreciation. These are our favorite used electric cars you can buy at a more affordable price point. We’ve included a wide range of body styles from small hatchbacks to pickup trucks and everything in between, and listed an estimated price range within which you can expect to find used examples in various conditions.
BMW i3 (2014–2021)
Price: $6000–$18,000
EPA-rated range: 81–153 miles
The first car to ever wear the i3 badge was BMW’s first-ever mass-market EV. Equipped with a carbon-reinforced plastic chassis and a rear-drive architecture, it’s vastly appealing as a fun city runabout, so long as you can get over the looks.
There’s a New i3 That’s a Sedan
BMW
Chevrolet Bolt (2017–2023)
Price: $10,000–$20,000
EPA-rated range: 238–259 miles
The Bolt is an incredible value, especially as a used car. You can buy one for under $20,000. That gets you a practical car that can get over 200 miles of range. If you want a new one, you better order fast. The updated version of this Bolt is currently set to be available only for the 2027 model year.
Chevrolet
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2022–2026)
Price: $20,000–$50,000
EPA-rated range: 221–318 miles
Hyundai’s retro-shaped crossover is part of a newer generation of EVs than most of the cars on this list. That means faster charging speeds, a longer range, and more advanced tech, but it also means a higher price of entry. Enthusiasts can look for the Ioniq 5 N, which is one of the most exciting cars to drive of any sort that you can buy today.
The Ioniq 5 N Won Our Performance EV of the Year Award
Hyundai
Tesla Model 3 (2017–2026)
Price: $15,000–$35,000
EPA-rated range: 310–358 miles
The Tesla Model 3 is appealing as a new car, but it makes a far better case for itself on the used market, as early examples can now be found for well under $30,000. For that you get a pleasant daily-driver with over 300 miles of range. Just be sure to set aside some funds for maintenance.
Tested: Tesla Model 3 Performance
Michael Roselli
BMW i4 (2022–2026)
Price: $30,000–$60,000
EPA-rated range: 227–301 miles
The BMW i4 is little more than an electric take on the internal-combustion 4-series, but that brings some strengths in addition to some weaknesses. The i4 is compelling in the same basic way that its more conventional relative is, making this a pleasant, quick, and interesting EV.
Review: The i4 Is a Brutally Quick Daily Driver
Lisa Linke
Rivian R1T and R1S (2022–2026)
Price: $45,000–$80,000
EPA-rated range: 258–420 miles
Rivian has been the leader in EV off-roading since the brand first started building cars early in the decade. Now that the truck-shaped R1Ts have been on the market for a few years, you may even be able to find a good deal on a used one. The SUV-like R1S came to the market later, so it may be a bit pricier to get into.
The Rivian R1 Is the Hardest-Working Truck in Show Business
Rivian
Porsche Taycan (2020–2026)
Price: $50,000–$150,000
EPA-rated range: 199–318 miles
Porsche’s electric sedan (and, in some cases, wagon) has been the standard-bearer for performance EVs since its arrival on the scene. Later cars get more range and a practically magical Active Ride suspension option, but all Taycans are fun, capable cars that will impress for many of the same reasons that the brand’s internal combustion cars do. Performance ranges from fairly quick to so powerful that acceleration is stomach-churning, and prices vary according to those figures.
It was a Performance EV of the Year Winner
Lisa Linke
Kia Niro EV (2019–2025)
Price: $15,000–$20,000
EPA-rated range: 239 miles
Need an EV with some space? The Niro EV may be a generation behind Hyundai and Kia’s current electric offerings, but it still has a very practical shape. Not only does it have a spacious cabin, it can also produce well over 200 miles of range on a single charge.
Kia’s New EV3 Effectively Replaces the Niro
Kia
Nissan Leaf (2011–2025)
Price: $3000–$15,000
EPA-rated range: 73–212 miles
The Nissan Leaf has been on sale for an incredible 16 years, meaning early examples are dirt cheap. Don’t expect to squeeze the same amount of range out of a first-gen Leaf as the EPA promises, as battery degradation has certainly played a role as time has gone on.
Nissan
Volkswagen e-Golf (2015–2019)
Price: $12,000–$22,000
EPA-rated range: 83–125 miles
The Volkswagen e-Golf was a valiant first effort for Volkswagen’s electric fleet, with styling that would have you questioning whether it was actually the electric version. Seeing as how drab the company’s current EV offerings can be, we still love the e-Golf.
We used an e-Golf to test sticky tires’ effect on range
IG: @Gigapexel
You Might Also Like
