While EVs tend to be more expensive than their petrol and diesel counterparts when new, used electric cars can be absolute bargains.
Electric cars offer numerous advantages. Not only are they better for the local environment (and save you money on fuel), but they’re also easier and cheaper to maintain thanks to their lack of complex moving parts, which makes them a brilliant used purchase.
They’re also easy and relaxing to drive, free from the hassle of shifting gears or the noise of traditional petrol or diesel engines. And reduced EV driving range with age isn't the problem many people imagine it it be.
Here, we've found electric cars under a decade old for as little as £5000. Steep depreciation means it's also possible to buy premium models for a fraction of their original price.
We've ranked the best electric cars here, but we think the options below are the best used electric cars you can get right now. So whether you’re looking to swap your main car for an electric car or just want a second urban runaround, you don’t have to spend a fortune to go electric.
If you're ready to buy we've got over 4000 used electric cars for sale, while if you want more choice, we have over 90,000 used cars for sale. if you're looking to save money, check out our guide to the best electric car deals.
Best used electric cars in 2025
1. BMW i3
Fun and frugal electric car
Pros
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A blast to drive but still capable of 200 miles on a charge (just not at the same time)
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Eye-catching design is thoroughly modern and clever with it
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Still feels like a BMW through and through
Cons
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Expensive compared to EVs of a similar size and age
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Range might be too limited for some buyers
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Standard equipment is short on active safety systems
First introduced back in 2013, the BMW i3’s futuristic looks mean it still turns heads today. It looks more like a concept car than an actual production model, while its rear-hinged back doors and tall dimensions mean it’s surprisingly practical.
It’s equally modern inside, where you’ll find a floating infotainment screen and space for four adults – impressive, considering its compact size. It’s infinitely more interesting than something like a Volkswagen e-Golf.
In true BMW form, the i3 is a lot of fun to drive. Its electric motor and lightweight carbon fibre body mean it’s surprisingly quick off the line and agile around town. It really was the first mainstream EV you would consider as sporty, even if that does mean the ride is on the firm side.
BMW initially offered two variants of the i3: the standard model and the Range Extender version. The former combined a 170PS electric motor with a 22kWh battery to provide a disappointing range of around 80 miles between charges, while the Range Extender engine added a tiny two-cylinder petrol engine for an extra 100 miles before requiring a top-up. Later models had a 33kWh battery, and a 42kWh version was introduced too. Prices are now dipping below £6,000 for older models, while a wide range of i3s can be found for less than £10,000.
"It's hard to believe the i3 is now more than 10 years old – it still looks futuristic today"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
2. Polestar 2
Easy to love Scandi-cool EV
Pros
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Minimalist Scandi-cool design
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Decent build quality
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Easy to live with
Cons
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No Apple CarPlay on older models
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Tesla Model 3 is quicker and has better range
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Lack of on/off button will be unsettling for some
While the first car from the Volvo EV offshoot, the expensive, left-hand-drive-only Polestar 1, was a niche choice (there are only four registered in the UK), the more conventional Polestar 2 has really made a mark.
With Polestar shifting plenty in Britain since the car was launched in 2020, there are loads to choose from on the used market. Many are now below £20,000, offering a well-built, stylish EV with a decent range for a modest outlay. Battery options have changed over the years, as has the motor layout (more recent single motor 2s are rear-wheel drive rather than front), which is worth bearing in mind when shopping for one of these EVs.
If you're sticking to the cheaper end of the market, it'll be either a 64kWh battery in the Standard Range Polestar 2 or a 78kWh pack in the Long Range. We'd definitely opt for the latter to give greater flexibility - the official range figure is up to 317 miles, so even with a mix of driving conditions, you should be able to get around 250 miles without needing to plug in.
"Polestar has steadily improved the 2 over time, but early examples are still worth having"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
3. Tesla Model 3
Accomplished and sophisticated long-range EV
Pros
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Great range
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Digital functionality
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Facelift updates really enhance its appeal
Cons
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Reliance on touchscreen – and no indicator stalk
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No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
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Car insurance can be expensive
Tesla was already successful when it launched the Model 3, but introducing the most affordable Tesla yet catapulted it to new heights. It's frequently topped the list of best-selling cars in Britain, which means there are loads around on the used market.
Prices at the time of writing start at around £14,000 for a three or four-year-old model, and even more upmarket models like the all-wheel-drive Model 3 Performance or the Long Range model can be found for not much more. While the Long Range can take you more than 400 miles on a single charge, all Model 3s will manage north of 300 miles, and of course, you can take advantage of Tesla's excellent Supercharger network if you need to refill the battery on the move.
Whatever version you go for, you'll find a stylish and minimalist interior that's influenced plenty of rival cars released since. And it's a fun-to-drive car, too, with zippy acceleration and solid, composed handling.
"If you can work with the Model 3's heavy reliance on its massive touchscreen, it's a good value used purchase"
Phil Hall, Senior Editor
4. Kia Niro EV
Perhaps the ultimate electric car
Pros
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Travels up to 282 miles between charges
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Versatile enough to be your main family car
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Loads of standard equipment
Cons
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High demand means you’ll pay strong money
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Not as quirky as the BMW i3 or Honda E
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Do you really need such a long electric range?
We reckon the Kia Niro EV – formerly known as the Kia e-Niro – might be one of the best electric cars you can buy right now. If you're looking for a dependable, spacious family electric car, this could be it.
The range is impressive. With a 64kWh battery pack, the Kia e-Niro can travel up to a claimed 285 miles between charges, while charging is straightforward as well. If you're using a 7kW home charger, you can easily top it up overnight, while a rapid charger out on the road will give the e-Niro a decent boost in juice while you grab a coffee.
It's also very practical – you can happily get four adults inside, and the boot is a decent size as well. Granted the cabin design isn't going to wow passengers, but it does the job, and there are no complaints about build quality.
Launched in 2019 and having proved fairly popular, there's a decent amount of choice on the used market. With a budget of £10,000, you should be able to pick up a 2021 example with a reasonable amount of miles on the clock.
"The Kia Niro EV was one of the first electric cars that really made sense for the masses. Today, it's an excellent used buy"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
5. Peugeot e-208
A 208 powered by electricity
Pros
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Superb in the city
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Stylish and well-equipped
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Decent range for a small electric car
Cons
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Other small cars are roomier
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Not as nimble as the standard 208
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You'll still be better off with a petrol for long drives
While some cars on this page, like the BMW i3, like to shout about being an EV, some fly under the radar. One of those is the Peugeot e-208.
It doesn't really look any different from the regular petrol-powered 208 (and that's to say, very handsome indeed), and is much the same inside. As such, it's an unintimidating way into the world of electric cars.
The range from the 50kWh battery pack is respectable but not spectacular, with up to 225 miles available. If you aren't going to be doing longer trips regularly, though, that should be more than enough. You can also pick one up for around £10,000, while a budget of £15,000 will give you plenty of choice.
Speaking of 'choice', the vast nature of the Stellantis Group, which owns Peugeot, means there are myriad cars that use the same architecture as the e-208 including the DS3, Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Jeep Avenger, so if you fancy a different badge and/or look, there's bound to be something else to tickle your fancy.
"Looking much the same as a petrol-powered 208 and costing as little as £10,000, the e-208 is a cheap and unintimidating first EV"
Phill Tromans, Contributor
6. Vauxhall Corsa Electric
Great introduction to electric motoring
Pros
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Superb in the city
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Stylish and well-equipped
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Decent range for a small electric car
Cons
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Other small cars are roomier
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Not as nimble as the standard 208
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You'll still be better off with a petrol for long drives
The keen-eyed among you will spot that the Vauxhall Corsa Electric is closely related to the Peugeot e-208.
Both come from the same parent company, Stellantis, and share the same platform. However, the Corsa has its styling and interior, and we reckon it's a very good entry into the world of EVs.
The Corsa Electric is easy to drive, simple to charge, and has a reasonable range if you opt for the model with the larger battery that is capable of a claimed 252 miles per full charge. The smaller battery model claims 221 miles, though our experience is a real-world 170 miles if you're prepared to drop to 10% charge from full.
You will be happy to use the Vauxhall Corsa Electric as it's more than happy to take on motorway driving, so this need not be a second car for many drivers - it works as your sole transport. Prices starting from well under £10,000 also make it a tempting choice whatever your needs.
"Being so similar to the Peugeot, your choice between an e-208 or Corsa Electric can simply come down to styling preferences"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
7. MG4
A great value electric car
Pros
-
Keenly priced electric vehicle with a decent range
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A sporty-to-drive five-door hatchback
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Striking styling and interior
Cons
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Infotainment can be fiddly
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Rear seat isn’t the most accommodating
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Interior isn't as swish as pricier rivals
The MG4 had an attention-grabbing new price when launched, so it should be no surprise that it's become one of the best-value EVs on the used market.
You'll need to pay careful attention to the battery sizes when you're shopping around, as there are three to choose in a wide variety of capacities, which makes a big difference to how far you can go on a full charge.
The entry-level car makes do with a 51kWh battery pack, giving an official range of 214 miles, although in reality, you probably won't get it near 200 miles. The 64kWh Long Range MG4 with its 281 miles of range is a better bet, or if you want more still, the Trophy Extended Range offers a 77kWh pack for an impressive 323 miles of range.
There's also a spicy MG4 xPower on the menu, but all versions of the MG4 drive well with a surprisingly sporty attitude that does slightly compromise the ride comfort.
"The MG4 offers incredible value as a new purchase, so it's no surprised that it's a great buy on the used market"
Ivan Aistrop, Contributor
8. Porsche Taycan
Porsche first, electric car second
Pros
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Fast and fun to drive
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Very well built
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Range figures improved for the facelift version
Cons
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Small infotainment screen by modern standards
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Dizzying array of expensive options to add to a high starting price
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Fastest models seem a bit pointless
As mentioned, premium electric cars have suffered significantly in terms of depreciation, and if you're going to take advantage of that with any performance EV, we reckon it should be the Porsche Taycan.
It's one of the best-driving EVs around, blending incredible straight-line pace with an involving drive and a decent amount of luxury. We've seen some high-mileage Taycan examples drop below £40,000, but you'll have more choice of less well-used models if budgeting more like £50,000.
The 4S is a great bet, offering enough performance for most, but if you want proper pin-you-in-your-seat acceleration, spending a bit more than £50k means you should be able to buy the outrageously fast Taycan Turbo.
Just bear in mind that these earlier Taycan models pale in comparison to the recently updated version in terms of range, and for the same money, a Tesla Model S will take you much further. But for the way it drives and the badge kudos, the Taycan is unbeatable at this price.
"Porsche's first EV doesn't disappoint from behind the wheel, and it's cheaper than you might expect"
Phil Hall, Contributor
9. Nissan Leaf
An easy-going electric pioneer
Pros
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Punchy electric acceleration
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Composed handling
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Generous safety equipment
Cons
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Dated infotainment system
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Standard Leaf has short range
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Dull interior looks
The Nissan Leaf was the first mainstream electric car that could be seriously considered a rival to a petrol Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf.
A £3000 budget should get you an early example of this pioneering electric car, while £6,000 and up will get you into a second-generation Leaf.
The cheapest models will have a 24kWh battery, which could take you up to 124 miles between charges according to official tests. In reality, you probably won’t get further than around 90 miles (or less if the battery has degraded on a high-mileage model), but it should still be enough to get you around town.
Unlike the Volkswagen e-Up, the Leaf is practical enough to be a replacement for your family car. It’s just as usable as a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus, as long as you don’t need to travel to the other side of the country on a whim.
"The Leaf has been around long enough that early examples can be picked up very cheaply."
Ivan Aistrop, Contributor
10. Volkswagen e-Golf
EV done the Volkswagen way
Pros
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Feels like a conventional Golf
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Fun to drive yet also very refined
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Less ubiquitous than the Nissan Leaf
Cons
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Won’t travel far enough between charges for some drivers
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Surprisingly expensive on the used market
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Ride quality isn’t as good as a standard Golf
For newcomers to electric vehicles, the Volkswagen e-Golf is a great option. It’s just like a normal Golf, meaning you get an upmarket interior with plush materials and oodles of ‘feel-good’ factor.
It’s just as practical, too, with a more useable boot than smaller electric cars like the Renault Zoe or Volkswagen e-Up. By replacing the petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor, the e-Golf is even more refined than usual. It’s more fun to drive, too, with instant responses and darty handling, thanks to the positioning of the batteries under the car’s floor. Despite that, it's comfortable with a refined ride.
Early, higher-mileage examples start at £8,000, while £10k - £12k is enough for much fresher e-Golf. The standard car can officially cover up to 186 miles on a charge, although around 125 miles is more realistic. Look for a car with the optional heat pump if you wish to travel further. This recycles heat from ambient air and waste heat from the drivetrain, reducing the heating system’s electric power consumption.
"While the ID.3 which replaced it is more sophisticated, many will appreciate the feeling of familiarity that comes with the e-Golf"
Ivan Aistrop, Contributor
The electric cars with the longest range can travel more than 400 miles between charges, making them extremely useable day-to-day. These are cars like the Mercedes EQS (with its electric range of up to 453 miles) and Tesla Model S (up to 405 miles), which admittedly aren't the most affordable electric cars. If you're on a budget, the relatively affordable MG ZS EV is available as a long-range model, capable of travelling up to 273 miles between charges.
Don't overestimate how many miles you cover, though – many electric car buyers don't necessarily need one with a big battery and a long range. Even the shortest-range electric cars will be able to cover close to 100 miles between charges, which will be more than enough for most commutes or driving around town.
Electric cars make a lot of sense for a lot of people. If you can charge a car at home and don't spend all day every day traipsing up and down the motorway, now could be the ideal time to buy an electric car.
As well as saving you money in fuel, there are many other advantages to driving an electric car. This includes reduced running costs in other areas (such as road tax and maintenance), while they're also easy and fun to drive. The biggest disadvantage of electric cars is the high purchase price – but this is usually offset by the lower running costs, especially if you buy a used or nearly-new electric vehicle.
We rate the second-generation Nissan Leaf as the best used electric car for £10,000. The Volkswagen e-Golf is also worth a look at that price, and we're starting to see more recent EVs like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric drop below the £10k mark.
Find a BMW i3 for sale
BMW i3135kW S 42kWh 5dr Auto
202219,936 milesElectric£208 mo£16,495
BN273UABMW i3125kW 42kWh 5dr Auto
202134,131 milesElectric£245 mo£13,990
WD62BTBMW i3135kW S 42kWh 5dr Auto
202132,891 milesElectric£309 mo£17,995
CB236EFBMW i3135kW S 42kWh 5dr Auto
202229,943 milesElectric£244 mo£15,850
RG20GHBMW i3135kW S 42kWh 5dr Auto
202125,252 milesElectric£262 mo£15,990
WD62BTBMW i3125kW Range Extender 5dr Auto [Loft Int World]
201541,327 milesHybrid£206 mo£8,995
BN411YHBMW i3125kW 42kWh 5dr Auto
201926,126 milesElectric£11,990
CM25PGBMW i3125kW 42kWh 5dr Auto
202024,049 milesElectric£213 mo£12,372
TN23UY
Find a Polestar 2 for sale
Polestar 2165kW 64kWh Standard Range Single motor 5dr Auto
202253,407 milesElectric£265 mo£16,990
S61TFPolestar 2170kW 69kWh Standard Range Single motor 5dr Auto
20224,539 milesElectric£338 mo£22,550
PE217QSPolestar 2300kW 78kWh Long Range Dual motor 5dr 4WD Auto
202210,756 milesElectricor £25,055£25,976
£921 offDN24NUPolestar 2220kW 82kWh Long Range SM [Plus] 5dr Auto
20248,209 milesElectric£457 mo£29,495
SK110LPPolestar 2300kW Pilot Plus 78kWh Dual motor 5dr 4WD Auto
202165,766 milesElectric£269 mo£17,250
BN274BTPolestar 2300kW Pilot Plus 78kWh Dual motor 5dr 4WD Auto
202136,560 milesElectric£356 mo£21,995
BN274BTPolestar 2170kW 78kWh Long Range SM [Plus] 5dr Auto
202231,011 milesElectric£319 mo£21,418
RH136NXPolestar 2170kW 78kWh Long Range Single motor 5dr Auto
202231,112 milesElectric£440 moor £19,559£19,991
£432 offNG317DD
Find a Tesla Model 3 for sale
Tesla Model 3Performance AWD 4dr [Performance Upgrade] Auto
202128,066 milesElectric£375 mo£23,496
S61TFTesla Model 3Long Range AWD 4dr Auto
202153,980 milesElectric£280 mo£17,789
S61TFTesla Model 3Standard Plus 4dr Auto
202143,684 milesElectric£264 mo£16,404
S61TFTesla Model 3Long Range AWD 4dr Auto
202156,300 milesElectric£277 moor £18,499£18,954
£455 offKT173LATesla Model 3Standard Plus 4dr Auto
202053,137 milesElectric£266 mo£14,995
PE304NBTesla Model 3Long Range AWD 4dr Auto
202263,895 milesElectric£287 mo£17,290
WF29RYTesla Model 3Long Range AWD 4dr Auto
20245,543 milesElectric£579 mo£37,989
RH136NXTesla Model 3RWD 4dr Auto
20232,549 milesElectric£28,020
LS126BZ
Find a Peugeot e-208 for sale
Peugeot e-208100kW GT 50kWh 5dr Auto
20246,706 milesElectric£231 mo£14,975
BN126PBPeugeot e-208115kW GT 51kWh 5dr Auto
20245,800 milesElectric£426 mo£24,000
BN236QNPeugeot e-208100kW GT 50kWh 5dr Auto
202034,000 milesElectric£270 mo£11,988
BN126PBPeugeot e-208115kW GT 51kWh 5dr Auto
20244,200 milesElectric£472 mo£26,075
BN126PBPeugeot e-208115kW GT 51kWh 5dr Auto
20253,000 milesElectric£500 mo£27,475
BN236QNPeugeot e-208115kW GT 51kWh 5dr Auto
20251,000 milesElectric£488 mo£27,225
BN236QNPeugeot e-208115kW GT 51kWh 5dr Auto
20251,500 milesElectric£507 mo£28,075
BN236QNPeugeot e-208100kW GT 50kWh 5dr Auto
202123,330 milesElectric£234 mo£13,466
BN126PB
Find an MG4 for sale
MG MG4150kW SE EV Long Range 64kWh 5dr Auto
202327,889 milesElectric£14,000
WF104RJMG MG4150kW Trophy EV Long Range 64kWh 5dr Auto
202410,065 milesElectric£302 mo£18,995
PE304NBMG MG4125kW SE EV 51kWh 5dr Auto
202315,443 milesElectric£13,399
LN63TAMG MG4150kW Trophy EV Long Range 64kWh 5dr Auto
20235,280 milesElectric£16,500
DE217GWMG MG4125kW SE EV 51kWh 5dr Auto
20251,010 milesElectric£248 mo£16,061
HP91QJMG MG4125kW SE EV 51kWh 5dr Auto
20237,974 milesElectric£214 mo£13,999
BH125BAMG MG4150kW Trophy EV Long Range 64kWh 5dr Auto
20239,000 milesElectric£223 mo£16,250
OL12QLMG MG4150kW Trophy EV Long Range 64kWh 5dr Auto
202321,704 milesElectric£256 mo£16,841
CM202DS
Find a Nissan Leaf for sale
Nissan Leaf110kW Tekna 39kWh 5dr Auto
202323,500 milesElectric£196 mo£12,500
RH177QBNissan Leaf110kW Tekna 39kWh 5dr Auto
202220,547 milesElectric£179 mo£11,450
RH177QBNissan Leaf110kW Acenta 40kWh 5dr Auto [6.6kw Charger]
202141,413 milesElectric£126 mo£8,000
PE217QSNissan Leaf160kW e+ Tekna 59kWh 5dr Auto
20227,674 milesElectric£235 mo£15,449
BN238ASNissan Leaf110kW Tekna 40kWh 5dr Auto
202123,804 milesElectric£166 mo£9,750
BL22BLNissan Leaf110kW Tekna 40kWh 5dr Auto
202210,000 milesElectric£211 mo£12,999
BN112NRNissan Leaf160kW e+ Tekna 62kWh 5dr Auto
202126,816 milesElectric£192 mo£12,390
PO64SRNissan Leaf110kW Acenta 40kWh 5dr Auto [6.6kw Charger]
202115,515 milesElectric£207 mo£9,190
PO64SR
Find a Volkswagen e-Golf for sale
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