The EV is now underway, driven in part by huge spikes in gas prices, and we’re here for it. But not everyone can afford a new electric car. How do you choose a used electric car that gives you the performance and convenience you need without breaking the bank? We offer a round-up of some of the best and most affordable used, good-range electric cars you can buy in 2022.
8. The 2017-2019 Smart EQ ForTwo is an adorable two-seat commuter EV
It’s almost ridiculous to look at, but the Smart EQ ForTwo is adorable. His stupid little trunk is cute. The name is cute. It looks like a bowler hat that has been thrown on some wheels and taken for a ride. But it’s an incredible little commuter car (as long as you don’t crash with it) and you could buy one right now for under $8,000. The coupe model saw a range of 58 miles and the Electric Drive model saw a range of 57 miles. That may not seem like much, but come on, are you going to drive more than 80 kilometers with a Smart car?
7. The Fiat 500e 2017-2019 is a nice all-electric hatchback
The Fiat 500e only offered about 134 miles of all-electric range, but it was a fun, small, and cute option for drivers who wanted a punchy little EV that was pretty cheap. Please note that a used Fiat 500e will have a lower range due to the age and wear of the battery.
6. The 2017-2019 Honda Clarity Electric was a simple and practical affordable electric sedan
We know Hondas are known for their ability to last forever, and hopefully the same can be said of Honda’s EV batteries. This battery offered a range of just under 90 miles, which is fine for a basic commuter car. The Honda Clarity Electric was discontinued in 2020 and the Honda Insight hybrid car was recently discontinued – possibly to make way for the new Honda Civic Hybrid and, hopefully, a Honda Civic EV?
5. The 2017-2019 Kia Soul EV was an inexpensive fan favorite with a ton of boot space
The Kia Soul EV is charming, weird and wonderful. It had a huge warranty, was relatively cheap to buy and run, and had a range of over 110 miles when new. A used Kia Soul EV today probably has less than 100 miles of EV range, but can still be practical and suitable for commuting.
4. The 2017-2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric EV was an easy choice
It’s getting hard to keep up with Ioniq models these days, but the 2017-2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric sedan was a popular option in the handful of states where Honda sold it. It had an EV range of 124 miles, but Honda discontinued the Ioniq Electric car in 2021. Good news — that means you might be able to buy one cheaply.
3. The 2017-2019 Volkswagen e-Golf was a spirited and affordable electric hatchback with 134 hp
Every Golf rules and the Volkswagen e-Golf is no exception, although it is now out of production. The e-Golf was first sold in 2015 and only reached 2019. The 2017 models increased the battery power to increase the EV range from just 83 miles to 200 miles, and the increased horsepower. When choosing a cheap used VW e-Golf electric car, choose a model from 2017, 2018 or 2019.
2. The 2018-2019 Nissan Leaf Plus electric car had a longer range and a larger battery
Of course, the Leaf should be on this list. While the 2017 model is perfectly acceptable, I chose to only use the 2018 and 2019 Leaf as the more capable and capable second generation. The 2019 is the best model with a bigger battery and a range of up to 326 miles. If you’re buying a used electric car, replacing the battery on the Nissan Leaf can be insanely expensive, but it could last you a decade or more with the affordable used EV
1. The 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV affordable electric hatchback had a range of over 200 miles
Brand new for 2017, the Chevrolet Bolt EV looked nice and was relatively comfortable inside. The small design made this affordable electric car perfect for both urban and suburban environments. It offered one of the longest ranges for the price at the time. The range of the Chevy Bolt EV will be affected by age and wear, so assume a used Bolt will have just under 200 miles of range.
Don’t waste your money on an unreliable EV
While these affordable electric cars were all named by cars.com as the best used cars for 2017-2019 due to their great range, affordability and options, they may not all be the most reliable. (Ah, Chevy Bolt.)
Scroll down to learn more about buying the most reliable used electric car.
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