There are more electric cars than ever to choose from, and it’s a variety that’s going to keep expanding. But prices for new EVs are still high, so we’ve compiled a list of the best used electric cars. You’ll be able to buy these without waiting for delivery and could save money too.
Whether you’re looking at a nearly new electric car, or something a bit older, our list of the 10 best second-hand electric cars should offer something for every budget. Currently, even the cheapest new electric cars can seem quite expensive, so you can also look at our affordable used EV list. Also, if you’re looking to fix your budget, you could also lease a new EV for around £300 per month.
All of our top 10 secondhand electric cars deliver excellent value and plenty of variety. So, whether you’re in need of a second car for short local trips, or would like a longer-range electric car for greater journeys, these models offer a great electric vehicle (EV) driving experience. This is particularly so if you have off-street parking and can get an electric car charge point installed at your home.
So, which used electric cars are best? We’ve picked 10 of our favourites
The best used electric cars 2024
Editor’s choice: Vauxhall Corsa-e/Corsa Electric
Vauxhall’s perfect entry-level EV
Read our full Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
Pros:
✅ Conventional
✅ Proving popular with new car buyers
Cons:
❌ Other EVs stand out more
❌ Not much rear seat space
The Vauxhall Corsa, introduced in 2020, is turning out to be a bit of a hit with British car buyers. It has replaced the Fiesta at the top of the small car sales charts, meaning there’s ever-growing used car choice at Vauxhall’s approved used dealers. Lots of them will be the pure electric Corsa Electric (formerly known as the Corsa-e), too, thanks to the ever-rising proportion of new car sales the Corsa EV is taking.
With a 50kWh battery and 136hp motor, it’s the fastest-accelerating new Corsa (0-62mph of 8.1 seconds), and has a range of around 220 miles. It’s virtually indistinguishable from its smartly-styled petrol-powered siblings, and drives in a similarly neat and tidy way. Best news is that it’s yours from around £15k.
Browse Vauxhall Corsa-e cars for sale on Parkers
Jaguar I-Pace
Pioneering EV is the one to go for if you want zero-emissions driving fun
Read our full Jaguar I-Pace review
Pros:
✅ Great to drive
✅ Scintillating performance
Cons:
❌ Not the roomiest SUV
❌ Erratic infotainment
There aren’t many second-hand electric SUVs for sale at the moment, but the Jaguar I-Pace is our top recommendation. It looks unique, yet is still recognisable as a Jaguar, while that compact shape offers plenty of space for five thanks to the packaging of the car’s electric running gear.
Even better is the way that the I-Pace drives. It’s easily the best handling second-hand electric SUV for sale but also delivers the kind of refinement and comfort that EVs are known for. If you can afford a newer car, we’d recommend it, because the later Pivi Pro infotainment is better in every regard than the older car’s Touch Pro system.
Browse Jaguar I-Pace cars for sale on Parkers
Volkswagen e-Up
Super city EV
Read our full Volkswagen e-Up review
Pros:
✅ City-friendly EV
✅ Surprisingly roomy
Cons:
❌ Early cars have tiny range
❌ Low-tech interior
The Volkswagen e-Up is a pure electric version of the ingenious Up city car. The original electric version arrived in 2014 with an 18.7kWh battery and a range of around 100 miles. This is perfect for use in the city, particularly as the car’s light weight means it will reliably deliver this range, day in, day out. It’s a joy to drive, and you can always expand your search to the almost identical SEAT Mii Electric or Skoda Citigo-e.
A later 32kWh battery improved the range significantly, allowing owners to capitalise on the e-Up’s super space efficiency. Both versions can use public rapid chargers, for on-the-move top-ups in less time than you may think. A pretty and more affordable alternative to a BMW i3, early e-Up these days cost from under £15k.
Find a VW e-Up for sale near you with Parkers, or browse for a used SEAT Mii Electric or Skoda Citigo-e
Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The sensible one
Read our full Hyundai Ioniq Electric review
Pros:
✅ Comfortable
✅ Five-year warranty
Cons:
❌ Dull to look at
❌ Dull to drive
While Hyundai is forging ahead with using the Ioniq name for its new range of EVs (like the Hyundai Ioniq 5), the original Hyundai Ioniq Electric is a bit of a forgettable machine. However, if you just need simple, no-nonsense transport that can tackle journeys a little beyond the norm, then it’s worth checking out.
The Ioniq is comfortable and silent, but not that exciting, while a range of 190 miles should be enough for all but the longest of journeys. A five-year warranty means that most examples should have some manufacturer cover in place still, not that you’re likely to need it.
Browse Hyundai Ioniq Electric cars for sale on Parkers
BMW i3
Still feels futuristic
Read our full BMW i3 review
Pros:
✅ Timeless looks
✅ Futuristic cabin
Cons:
❌ Expensive for a small EV
❌ Potential for pricey repairs
If you want to stand out from the EV crowd, then the BMW i3 is the way to do it. It’s an old stager in the EV market – having first arrived in 2013 – but its quirky one-box shape, weight-saving carbon composite construction and a cabin packed with recycled materials all deliver a unique experience.
The i3 initially came as an all-electric model or a REx range extender plug-in hybrid, while the sportier i3s arrived later with sharper handling but a similar range to the standard model. That EV driving range has improved over the years, so the later the model you buy, the better it will be. Even now the BMW i3 is futuristic and distinctive; it’s the best used electric car for early-adopters and couples in the city, but a bit cramped for family duties.
Browse BMW i3 cars for sale on Parkers
Volkswagen e-Golf
VW’s popular hatchback, powered by electricity
Read our full Volkswagen e-Golf review
Pros:
✅ Familiar
✅ High quality, spacious interior
Cons:
❌ Relatively short range
❌ Bland looks
If you’re still a bit of an EV sceptic, then the VW e-Golf could offer a bridge from the combustion-engined world, especially if you’re already familiar with VW’s top-selling hatchback. That’s because the e-Golf Mk7 is identical to its combustion-engined counterparts from behind the wheel – it’s just the motive power that’s different. This makes the e-Golf the best used electric car for drivers who want something familiar. But do try to stick to the 2017-on revision, earlier ones have quite a short range.
It was quite pricey new, and a short range of around 120 miles counted against it when compared with the likes of the Nissan Leaf Mk2. But as a second hand electric car, the e-Golf makes more sense, thanks to steep depreciation. Rapid charging is standard too, for speedy top-ups on the move.
Browse VW e-Golf cars for sale on Parkers
Kia e-Niro
The first affordable long-range EV
Read our full Kia e-Niro review
Pros:
✅ More than 280-mile range
✅ Surprisingly powerful
Cons:
❌ Staid styling
❌ Demand means little saving over new
The Kia e-Niro arrived in 2019 with the headline offer of a Tesla-rivalling electric range, for prices more in line with the Nissan Leaf mainstream EV. The giant 64kWh battery boasted a range of more than 280 miles, which really helped overcome EV range anxiety for many people.
It combined this with a surprisingly powerful 204hp motor, for 0-62mph acceleration in around 7.5 seconds. It’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing because visually, the e-Niro is more upright crossover than sleek sports car. This does mean interior space is generous though, with a big boot, and occupants will enjoy a raised seating position and good standard equipment. The popularity of the e-Niro is reflected in used car prices, mind: it’s only recently they’ve begun to dip below £30k.
Browse Kia e-Niro cars for sale on Parkers
Tesla Model S
Landmark executive model is deeply appealing used car option
Read our full Tesla Model S review
Pros:
✅ Packed with tech
✅ Supercharger network
Cons:
❌ Iffy build quality
❌ Controls take some getting used to
The Model S was a landmark car for Tesla. It established the US company as a leader for EVs by delivering a long range, lots of advanced tech and stunning performance. While the earliest cars look a little dated when compared with Tesla’s latest offerings, the tech on board remains up to date, thanks to free over-the-air software updates – you can even add options post-purchase, too.
While it’s not a cheap car to buy used, it has an almost unique defence against feeling obsolete. For a reasonable price – comparable to high-end aftermarket systems – Tesla will upgrade your car’s infotainment to the latest hardware and software where possible. The Model S is, arguably, the best used electric car for long-term sustainability because of this approach.
Browse Tesla Model S cars for sale on Parkers
Renault Zoe
Long-running Zoe delivers zero emissions in a stylish package
Read our full Renault Zoe review
Pros:
✅ Stylish
✅ Long range
Cons:
❌ Battery lease adds confusion
❌ Build quality on older models
The Zoe spearheads Renault’s electric car line-up, and since it has been on sale for a decade, used examples will suit a broad range of budgets. Earlier cars can’t travel as far on a charge as later versions, so are better suited to short urban trips than longer drives. Short, but spacious, the Renault Zoe is the best used electric car for families in busy cities.
It’s worth noting that Renault offered a Zoe battery rental option until the end of 2019 to help bring down new prices. If you pick up one of these, you may need to factor in monthly battery rental if it hasn’t been bought out of the contract. The price you pay depends on your annual mileage, but it does help to guarantee against battery deterioration because you’ll be able to swap an old pack for a new one; on an older Zoe the monthly payment could be considered a battery insurance policy.
Browse Renault Zoe cars for sale on Parkers
Nissan Leaf
The original mainstream electric car
Read our full Nissan Leaf review
Pros:
✅ Refined and no-nonsense
✅ One pedal driving
Cons:
❌ Not exciting
❌ Dated interior
The second-generation Nissan Leaf built on the success of the firm’s pioneering original by offering a longer range and more conventional styling. There’s a range of at least 170 miles on offer (or 215 miles with the e+ model, although it’s pricier), while the hatchback body offers plenty of space for a family.
While it’s not the most exciting drive, the Leaf comes with tech such as ProPilot, which offers self-parking, lane assist and adaptive cruise control. There’s also E-Pedal, which permits one-pedal driving, where you modulate the accelerator and use regenerative braking to come to a halt. As such, the Nissan Leaf Mk2 is the best used electric car if you want the most ‘electrified’ driving experience.
Browse Nissan Leaf cars for sale on Parkers
