Buy it now! Best used cheap electric cars for less than £15,000

FAQs: Buying used electric cars under £15,000

• Which cars here are the most reliable?

  Top marks go to the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro. Both cars have built up excellent reputations for dependability, ranking high in owner satisfaction surveys and featuring in reliability indexes. They share robust battery technology and have proven durable in real-world use, even as mileages rise. The Volkswagen ID.3 and Nissan Leaf also have good track records, though the Leaf’s earliest versions can suffer battery degradation, so picking a newer model helps avoid issues.
  
  Premium EVs like the Audi E-Tron and Jaguar I-Pace are hugely tempting but need careful checks, especially for battery recalls and electrical gremlins. Tesla’s Model S is a wildcard, impressive on paper but known for costly repairs and electronic hiccups, particularly in older examples. If reliability is your top priority, you’re safest sticking with the Korean duo or the ID.3 for a newer, lower-stress ownership experience.

• Are cheap electric cars reliable?

  Generally yes, electric cars have far fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, meaning less to go wrong mechanically. Components like gearboxes, exhaust systems and clutches simply don’t exist in an EV, which cuts down dramatically on common repair bills. Many owners find electric cars refreshingly simple to live with day-to-day.
  
  However, reliability still hinges on the condition of the battery and electronics. Software bugs, failing infotainment systems, and 12-volt battery drains are the most common gremlins in used EVs. It’s why checking the service history, confirming any recall work, and seeking out a battery health report are all crucial steps before buying. As with any used car, buying from reputable dealers and being thorough with your checks pays off.

• Should I worry about battery leases?

  We're looking at you, Renault. Battery leases were a popular way to keep the initial purchase price low, but were ditched in 2019. Instead of buying the battery outright, you’d pay a monthly fee, with the manufacturer taking responsibility for repairs or replacements if the battery’s capacity fell below a certain level. It made sense when batteries were eye-wateringly expensive, and it offered peace of mind to early EV adopters.
  
  However, a leased battery can complicate buying or selling the car today. Some lenders or dealers shy away from financing cars with battery leases because of the extra paperwork involved. Always check whether the battery is leased or owned outright, and if it’s leased, confirm the monthly cost and terms. A cheaper sticker price could quickly be offset by the ongoing monthly lease payments. The good news is that you can now just buy the battery outright now, although the cost can offset a tempting low sticker price.

• How can I check EV battery health?

  The battery is the single most expensive part of any EV, so it’s vital to know what shape it’s in before you buy. Many dealers can run a battery state of health (SoH) check for you, giving a percentage figure showing how much capacity remains compared to when the car was new. It’s a useful way to avoid surprises, for example, a Leaf that once offered 120 miles might only manage 80 if the battery’s degraded significantly.
  
  If the seller doesn’t have a report, consider paying for an independent inspection or even visiting a franchised dealer for a diagnostic. EV-specific garages are also springing up and can often do this check for a modest fee. A battery that’s still above 85 to 90% capacity is a good sign, while much below that might be a reason to haggle or walk away.

• Do electric cars lose value quickly?

  Early electric cars were infamous for rapid depreciation. Technology was advancing fast, ranges were increasing, and buyers worried about long-term battery life. Models like the original Nissan Leaf dropped in value far quicker than equivalent petrol cars, which scared off some would-be EV buyers. That’s part of why there are now some real bargains in the used market for less than £15,000.
  
  The good news is things are stabilising. As battery tech improves and more people warm up to electric cars, resale values have become much steadier. That said, range anxiety and future battery health still weigh on second-hand prices. Choosing a model with a solid reputation for battery longevity and ensuring it’s had all software updates helps protect your investment. For the best balance of value and future resale, stick with models known for reliability and good range.

• Can I charge an older EV at rapid chargers?

  In many cases, yes, but not always at the speeds you’d hope for. Rapid charging technology has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, and older EVs can sometimes be limited to slower maximum charge rates. For example, some early Nissan Leafs only charge at around 50kW, while modern cars can handle well over 100kW. It means longer wait times if you’re relying on public rapid chargers for regular long trips.
  
  Connector types can also be an issue. Some older EVs use Type 1 plugs rather than the more common Type 2, or have CHAdeMO fast charging rather than CCS. Before buying, check the charging socket and see what’s available locally or on your regular routes. If you’re mostly charging at home, it’s less of a problem, but for road trips, compatibility and speed can make a big difference.