Top 10 Best Used Electric Cars: Things to Consider When EV Shopping
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer many benefits over traditional gasoline cars. They are more environmentally friendly, cheaper to operate, and easier to maintain. However, electric cars can be expensive to buy, and their range may be limited. So, what are the best used electric cars?
Things to Consider When EV Shopping
An EV’s battery is its beating heart. Electric automobiles, rather than gasoline to power them, utilize a powerful lithium-ion battery, a significantly more complicated version of the battery in your cell phone or computer. An EV can do practically everything a regular vehicle can except fill up on petrol!
Here are a few things to bear in mind.
1. Charging
When your phone’s battery is almost empty, you plug it into a charger plugged into an electrical outlet. EVs are no exception. While you may charge an electric vehicle by plugging it into a socket, the battery is rather large and may take some time to charge completely.
Many EV users have special, higher voltage chargers installed at home (or at work! ), allowing them to “refuel” their vehicle in a couple of hours.
Remember, a 240V outlet is required for a conventional washer/dryer combo. If you install an EV charger at home or business, you may be eligible for rebates, incentives, or tax credits; this varies by state and utility provider.
Like a petrol automobile, you don’t always have to replenish the full battery; instead, you may “top off” or add just enough energy to get you where you need to go. Lithium-ion batteries charge faster initially, then slow down after reaching 80 percent capacity.
2. Warranty
EVs are substantially simpler machines than their gas-powered equivalents, save from the fancy settings and gadgets. Internal explosions (“combustion”), spark plugs, and gears are absent.
This implies that many fewer things will break. On the other hand, EVs are still costly pieces of equipment you must invest in, and they do come with warranties. While the engine and mechanical aspects of the warranty are identical to those of gas-powered automobiles, the battery warranty is what most people are concerned about with EVs.
This safeguards the most costly component of your EV from major failure and often assures that it will retain a particular battery health level for a certain period. Batteries are typically covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles.
Drivers of plug-in hybrids in places that follow California’s air quality laws may get more prolonged or more extensive battery warranties – 10 years or 150,000 miles in PZEV states.
3. Efficiency
MPGe, or “miles per gallon (of gasoline) equivalent,” is a technique to compare the energy used by an EV to that used by a conventional car. MPGe is computed using the usual value of 33.7 kilowatt-hours (121 megajoules) of energy, equaling one gallon of gasoline. This is an estimate based on the specific energy content of one gallon of gasoline, and it is also comparable to 115,000 British thermal units (BTUs).
The total MPGe score is typically a mix of city and highway readings. Electric automobiles, as opposed to standard cars, tend to travel more efficiently on city streets owing to the energy recovered via regenerative braking.
Kilowatt hours per 100 miles, or kWh/100mi, are another statistic you could see on an EPA Fuel Economy label. This is a more typical efficiency phrase for drivers: how many gallons of petrol are required to go 100 miles? The lower the number, the better the car. The average miles per kWh for most commercially available EVs is between 2 and 4, with the figure variable depending on how quickly and where you’re traveling.
Best Used Electric Cars
1. Nissan LEAF
The Nissan LEAF is our top pick for a secondhand EV. The best-selling hatchback has been on the market since 2011, so many decent used Leaf cars are available around the country. Initially, the estimated range on a charge was 84 miles. Look for a secondhand Leaf with the Level 3 charging port. The SV and SL variants for 2016 have a larger battery with a 107-mile range, while the 2018 models have a 151-mile range.
2. Ford Focus
Focus Electric was initially introduced by Ford in 2012 and was accessible countrywide. You can get an excellent used Focus EV for a reasonable price, but remember that the previous model’s range was projected to be 76 miles per charge. This improved with the 2017 model, which has a range of 115 miles and Level 3 charging capabilities. The Focus was phased out in 2018.
3. Volkswagen e-Golf
Regarding secondhand EVs, the e-Golf provides a fantastic ride for the money. As you’d expect from a Volkswagen, this hatchback is spacious and speedy!
The nimble-footed e-Golf initially emerged in 2015, but it was only available in ten states. Early versions could go 83 miles on a single charge, which was improved to 125 miles in 2017. A nice used e-Golf will probably cost a little more than a Leaf or a Focus, but it’s well worth it.
4. Kia Soul EV
The Kia Soul EV, introduced in 2014, boasts lots of space and a comfortable cabin for 5, as well as standard features such as a power driver’s seat, backup camera, navigation system, and UVO infotainment system.
All used Soul EVs come with a DC Fast Charging outlet and can go 93 miles on a single charge. Its boxy appearance isn’t for everyone, but specific variants include a panoramic sunroof, which is rather impressive.
Read also: Why Are KIA Cars So Cheap?
5. BMW i3
This little EV offers excellent acceleration and typical BMW handling. The i3 launched in 2014 and was widely accessible. Models from the first year had a range of 81 miles, which has subsequently been improved to 113 miles. Level 3 charging became available as an option in 2014 and is now standard on later models.
Examine used technological models like driving assistance, navigation, and parking assistance. A new i3 costs $45,000, so a secondhand one is a steal at approximately $15,000.
6. 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is an excellent family vehicle, shorter-range commuter, or do-it-all hatchback with substantial standard driver-assist systems, a 170-mile range, and a lifetime battery guarantee. It’s only offered in 13 states, and there’s no AWD option, so it may not be ideal for everyone.
7. 2019 Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV is sleek in appearance, attractive and valuable on the interior, and neither excessively avant-garde nor overpriced. The Niro EV is ready to be your everyday vehicle, with a stylish 5-passenger interior and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee.
8. 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Despite recent and continuing battery difficulties, the Chevrolet Bolt‘s superb one-pedal driving experience, large cabin, and cost make it an excellent choice. Note: When shopping for a Bolt EV, ensure it has the appropriate replacement battery module, which restricts the charge level to 80 percent. This reduces its maximum range to 207 miles, which is still fantastic.
9. 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric has a lot of power, a long-range (258 miles), and all the comfort and convenience you’d expect from a compact crossover SUV. It’s a fun car to drive, and the regenerative braking system may be customized to your preferences.
10. 2014 Toyota RAV4 EV
Yes, Toyota produced an all-electric RAV4 for a limited period. The RAV4 EV is a flexible small SUV with an EPA-rated range of 103 miles and 78 city/74 highway MPG-e. It’s also quite fast. When these automobiles were new, they were solely available in California. While we have noticed ads in other states, we believe that shopping on the West Coast is still your best choice.
FAQs
1. What are the Best Used Electric Vehicles to Purchase?
According to our mainstream hybrid and electric vehicle rankings, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric are the top-rated used EVs. Furthermore, they are accessible on the secondhand market at a significant discount compared to new ones. Customers looking for a significant discount can also consider the BMW i3 premium EV.
A used Model S is the most affordable alternative if you want to buy a Tesla. A used Tesla Model 3 will not save you money over a new one, but it will allow you to get into a Tesla far sooner than waiting for a new model to arrive.
2. Are Used Electric Vehicles a Good Investment?
Used electric vehicles are unquestionably worthwhile investments. In most circumstances, you’ll save a lot of money buying a new one. Furthermore, most EVs haven’t changed much in several years, so you may obtain comparable range and features to the most current electric vehicles.
3. How Long Do Electric Vehicles Last?
Electric vehicles outlast, if not outlast, typical gas-powered automobiles. They need less maintenance and have fewer moving parts, which reduces the likelihood of anything breaking or requiring repair.
EV batteries deteriorate over time, but by the time the battery has to be changed, the automobile will have reached the end of its useful life. Otherwise, it may still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. According to Consumer Reports, the typical battery pack has a lifetime of roughly 200,000 miles.
4. What Is a Reasonable Mileage for a Used Electric Vehicle?
Low mileage is a plus when searching for a secondhand automobile. On the other hand, buying a secondhand vehicle with more kilometers on it usually results in higher savings. If you’re worried about battery deterioration but want the most outstanding value, search for an electric vehicle with a range of 50,000 to 75,000 miles.
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