Best Used EVs to Buy Today
Bargain Electric Vehicles - sounds like an oxymoron, right? Surely, there’s no such thing as an affordable EV. Well, in honour of World EV Day, and as a pioneer of EV extended warranties we're here to broaden your horizons.
When it comes to brand-new EVs, it's true that price tags can be shocking! But if you think used, suddenly, bargain EVs start looking so tempting that you’ll be plugging in faster than you can say, “I think my next car will be an EV!”
Thanks to a price war initiated by Tesla in April 2023, EV prices have dropped more dramatically than conventional cars. Nearly new models have quickly lost thousands, making them highly enticing.
But before we dazzle you with some electrifying deals, let’s tackle a few myths and misconceptions.
Dead Batteries, Fires, and Residuals
Statistically, EVs are far less likely to catch fire compared to petrol, diesel, or hybrid cars. However, if they do ignite, it is much harder to put them out and save the vehicle. EV battery packs are generally housed in what amounts to armoured casings. The danger arises if that protection is compromised.
Before buying a used EV, confirm it’s never been in an accident and, if necessary, pay for an inspection for added peace of mind.
Just because your smartphone battery becomes ineffective after three years, don’t assume an EV battery will suffer the same fate. Yes, lithium-ion batteries in EVs do degrade over time. However, cars like the Nissan Leaf and Tesla models have been around for well over a decade, and it’s been proven that their batteries last longer than initially estimated, even by the manufacturers themselves!
Battery health depends on several factors, including how they’re charged. Fast chargers, for example, can cause more degradation. A study by Recurrent, which examined 15,000 EVs in the US, revealed that most EV batteries retain about 90% of their range after 100,000 miles, with a lifespan of 15-20 years - outlasting the vehicle itself.
Lastly, let’s discuss depreciation. The reason we’re talking about used EVs is that new ones are losing value quickly - especially within the first year. While all cars typically lose 15-20% of their value in the first 12 months, some electric vehicles have been reported to lose up to 50% in just one year! However, after that initial drop, depreciation tends to level out.
So, you can save a significant amount on your purchase, reduce running costs by installing a smart charger at home, and save on maintenance - EVs require less servicing and it’s generally cheaper. Tempted yet? Check out these deals.
2023 Luxury EVs for Around £30k
Tesla Model Y
The UK’s best-selling EV is the Tesla Model Y. Brand new, the mid-range AWD Long Range version is priced at £52,990 but can lose as much as 42% of its value within a year. We found a one-owner example for £30,990 with 40,000 miles on the clock. If that mileage is too high for your liking, another example with just 17k miles was listed for £35,250.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The entry-level Ford Mustang Mach-E, with 268bhp and a 292-mile range, starts at £43,330 new. However, 2023 models are available for just under £30k with around 11k miles - a 30% depreciation. An even better bargain is the extended-range version, offering 292bhp and a 373-mile range. New, it’s priced at £59,380, but used examples can be found for as little as £33k - a 44% saving.
BMW i4 M Sport
For a sportier drive, consider the BMW i4 M Sport. New, it starts at £52,770, but you can find used examples from £36,000, a 32% saving.
Audi Q4 e-tron
The solid and dependable Audi Q4 e-tron SUV is priced around £52k new, but plenty of year-old models are available for just under £30k - a 42% saving.
Under £30,000
Toyota bZ4X
Although late to the EV market, Toyota only recently launched its first electric car, the excellently engineered but poorly named bZ4X SUV, with a 318-mile range and a new price of £42,860. Yet, several 2023 models are already available from just under £30k - a 30% saving.
Volkswagen ID.3
The popular Volkswagen ID.3 range starts at £35,700, with a range of 269 miles. However, you can find 2023 models from just £20,000 - a 44% saving.
MG ZS & MG4
For real bargains, check out MG models. A new MG ZS SUV, with a 273-mile range, starts at £30,495, but year-old examples can be found from as low as £17,000 - a 44% saving.
Another MG which received a raft of awards and accolades when it was launched in 2022, is the MG4 EV. Priced new from £26,995, with a 323-mile range, 2023 cars can be found from £16,000 - a 41% saving.
Under £15,000!
Nissan Leaf
Is it possible to find a year-old, average-mileage EV for under £15,000? Yes!
Look no further than the Nissan Leaf. Priced new from £28,790, with a 168-mile range, 2023 models can be found from as little as £13,500 - saving a staggering 53%. The Leaf, once the world’s best-selling EV (until overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 in 2020), has a proven real-world track record.
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Meanwhile, a brand-new Vauxhall Corsa Electric starts at under £20,000. If you think that’s a good deal, pre-facelift 2023 models (with a 222 electric range) are widely available for £13,500 - a 33% saving.
