Best used electric cars in UK: top 10 second-hand EVs for sale in 2023 - including Tesla, Kia, BMW, VW models
From small EVs to electric SUVs there’s now a used electric car with a price and range to suit most drivers
The surge towards electric cars is gathering pace as every week seesms to bring the announcement of another new EV from a major brand.
In 2022 sales jumped by 40% compared with the previous year and EVs overtook diesel models to become the second best-selling powertrain after petrol for the first time.
Despite concerns around public charging costs, the prospect of low running costs and cleaner motoring is attracting drivers. At the same time, a growing number of low-emissions zones threaten financial penalties for those sticking with older and more polluting vehicles mean the market has exploded.
But with EVs still more expensive than their petrol or diesel counterparts, not everyone can afford a brand new electric car. Thankfully, the boom in the new car market is now trickling down to the second-hand segment and there are now plenty of good used EVs for buyers to consider.
As with any used car, it pays to do your research to make sure the car is right for you - think about range and charging. Also check the car thoroughly for faults and examine its history before handing over any cash.
Many of the cars on our list lack the big batteries and impressive range of the newest models but they are all still a great way to make the switch to all-electric motoring, whatever type of car you need.
Despite concerns around public charging costs, the prospect of low running costs and cleaner motoring is attracting drivers. At the same time, a growing number of low-emissions zones threaten financial penalties for those sticking with older and more polluting vehicles mean the market has exploded.
5. Jaguar I-Pace - From £40,000
Compared with some on this list the I-Pace is still an expensive car but, with examples from less than £40,000, second-hand versions do offer a saving on brand new and feel every bit the premium product. The I-Pace was Jaguar’s first EV and immediately nailed the brief of offering decent green credentials without diluting the brand’s image. The 90kWh battery offers up to 298 miles of driving while twin motors offer 395bhp and truly rapid performance and the chassis retains the agility and driving fun Jags have long been famous for.
6. Kia e-Niro - From £30,000)
The e-Niro is newer than some of the cars on our list but used examples are still readily available and are a great choice for families looking for a do-it-all EV. The 64kWh battery gives a claimed range of 280 miles and the e-Niro has been proven to be among the best EVs at matching those claims. It’s also a practical mid-sized crossover with plenty of space for four people and their luggage, plus generous equipment levels. As a bonus, even used examples will still be covered by the brand’s seven-year warranty.
7. Volkswagen e-Up - From £13,000
The e-Up’s appeal is more limited than some cars on this list thanks to its tiny size and relatively restricted range but, if you want an all-electric city car and can’t afford the £25,000+ for a brand new Fiat 500 or Mini Electric, it’s a great choice. Early models had an 80-mile range while later (and pricier) versions got a bigger battery for a claimed 160 miles. The e-Up isn’t as fancy as the e-Golf but it still has a neat, high-quality interior and is perfectly suited for short runs in busy urban areas.
8. MG ZS EV - From £20,500)
The MG ZS EV is among the cheapest brand-new EVs you can buy but you can still save yourself a few thousand pounds by going for a nearly-new example. Its budget nature shows through in some areas - poor infotainment and some cheap plastics - but this is still a mid-sized SUV with decent space and lots of equipment for the price of a Ford Fiesta. Launched in 2019, early cars come with a 44.5kWh battery good for just over 160 miles and all models were sold with a seven-year transferable warranty.