The Best Used Electric Cars
“Even if you are looking at an EV with a depleted range, you may find that it’ll work just fine for the amount of driving you actually do,” says Mark Vaughn from Autoweek. “Try keeping track of your daily mileage throughout a typical week. Write it down. You will almost certainly find that you don’t need the 250-plus miles of range offered by fancy new electric cars. You may find you only need 35 miles a day. Or 20. Or 15.”
In any case, going electric is exciting and drivers get to enjoy a quiet, smooth ride with instant torque on tap. One-pedal driving makes it easy to stop and start, and most EVs come with a lot of gauges and calculations to help you manage your battery power. It’s – dare we say it? – fun.
Here’s our list of the best electric cars for 2022 shoppers:
1. Nissan Leaf
Nissan launched its groundbreaking Leaf EV more than 10 years ago, and it has been a mainstay for drivers looking for an all-electric experience. The second generation kicked off in 2018 with revised styling inside and out but more importantly, Nissan gifted it with a much larger battery capacity (from 30 kilowatts to 40 kilowatts).
When new, the regular Leaf gets about 149 miles of range with a 147-hp electric motor starting in model year 2018. Midway through the 2019 model year, Nissan began to offer the Leaf Plus, which includes a 214-hp electric motor and a much-improved 226 miles of range in its base trim.
The Verdict
Our colleagues at Car and Driver say The Nissan Leaf’s starting price is attractive but buying this used electric vehicle is best-suited for drivers who don't plan to venture far from home.
Where To Buy A Used Nissan Leaf Online:
- Shop For A Used Nissan Leaf on Carvana.com
2. Kia Niro
Kia’s Niro is available in three main flavors: gas-powered, plug-in hybrid, and electric. As an EV, the Niro really shines with an affordable price tag and nearly 240 miles of range. Handsomely styled with smart details all around, the Niro offers a roomy, comfortable, and quiet ride. “With 201 hp on tap from its front-wheel-driving electric motor, the Niro is another great entry point into electric motivation,” says Autoweek.
The Verdict
The starting price is affordable for a small electric SUV – look for this used electric car from model year 2020 on up. While fuel efficiency is a highlight, don’t hold your breath for a thrilling drive – Car and Driver points out that it’s “not electrifying from behind the wheel.”
Where To Buy A Used Kia Niro Online:
- Shop For A Used Kia Niro On Vroom.com
- Shop For A Used Kia Niro On Carvana.com
3. Audi e-tron
Elegant, beautiful, and efficient, the Audi e-tron launched in 2019 with a respectable range of 204 miles. A pair of electric motors results in all-wheel drive on the e-tron, and 355 horsepower is standard. If you need to pass another vehicle on the highway or merge quickly, you’ll appreciate the eight-second boost in Sport mode, which increases the horsepower temporarily to 402 — in other words: it packs a mean punch. A spectacular Bang & Olufsen audio system is included even at the base model starting in 2019, and a premium cabin is a given.
Smartly, Audi offers upper trims for the e-tron that include charging ports on both sides of the vehicle for convenience. And for safety, you’ll find blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist from the jump.
The Verdict
If elegance and style are high on your must-haves for used electric vehicles, an Audi e-tron should make your short list. According to Car and Driver, “The e-tron SUV and coupe-like e-tron Sportback look more traditional than similar EVs, but they charge quickly and are truly luxurious.”
Where To Buy A Used Audi e-tron Online:
This make and model is hard to come by online, but check back on Vroom.com and Carvana.com for inventory updates.
4. Tesla Model 3
Promising 322 miles when fully charged on the mid-level Long Range trim, the 2020 Tesla Model 3 is what Car and Driver calls “a near-ideal blend of performance, driving range, and accessible pricing.” Through model year 2021 and 2022, the range inches up even more, which means fewer times between charges.
There’s a reason there are so many Teslas on the road, and the Model 3 is quick and nimble with an effortless driving experience. Inside, the cabin is spartan and streamlined, so if that’s what you’re looking for you’re going to be pleased with the Model 3 in any model year.
The Verdict
If you want the upscale experience of owning a Tesla but need an affordable used electric car, take a deeper look into The Model 3 – it may be what you’re looking for.
Where To Buy A Used Tesla Model 3 Online:
- Shop For A Used Tesla Model 3 on Vroom.com
- Shop For A Used Tesla Model 3 on Carvana.com
5. Ford Mach-e
Some Ford Mustang fans were outraged when the brand’s all-electric crossover was released with the Mustang name for model year 2021. That is, until they had a chance to experience the sporty handling and quiet ride of the Mach-e – then they were convinced. Available in five trim levels with range numbers starting at 211 miles with all-wheel drive all the way up to 305 miles with the California Route 1 version.
“Along with its attention-getting appearance, the Mach-E has a handsomely appointed interior that's brimming with the latest tech. It also has nifty storage solutions, a spacious back seat, and lots of cargo space,” Car and Driver says.
The Verdict
If you’re a Mustang fan, don’t look for the same thrills behind the wheel of this EV – it gives a smooth, more serene drive. But, if you want your first used electric vehicle to carry a powerful name and Tesla isn’t your type, the Ford Mach-e is it.
Where To Buy A Used Ford Mach-e Online:
- Shop For A Used Ford Mach-e on Vroom.com
- Shop For A Used Ford Mach-e on Carvana.com
6. Chevrolet Bolt
While leaving the powertrain untouched, Chevrolet gave the 2022 Bolt a facelift and a price drop of $5000. The all-electric four-door hatchback is equipped with a 200-hp motor and gets 238 miles of range with 2018 and 2019 models and 259 miles of range for 2020 and newer models.
The technology is what makes the Bolt fun to operate. Chevy has given the Bolt a 10.2-inch color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility since 2017, and little touches have improved the package but it has been a good buy for years now.
The Verdict
There are rival makes that offer longer range, but the Bolt is reasonably priced – new models start around $34,000. You can save by purchasing a used electric car like the Bolt as prices are quite reduced — even in this competitive used car market.
Where To Buy A Used Chevrolet Bolt Online:
- Shop For A Used Chevrolet Bolt on Vroom.com
- Shop For A Used Chevrolet Bolt on Carvana.com
7. Hyundai Kona EV
First launched in 2018, Hyundai’s Kona EV was ahead of its time with an impressive all-electric range (258 miles) with a reasonable price tag. Modeled on the popular gas-powered version of this spunky crossover, the Kona EV is powered by a 201-hp electric motor that is both zippy and efficient.
Car and Driver says the Kona Electric “delivers perky acceleration, spry handling, and an unbeatable standard warranty and complimentary maintenance package, making it worthy of an Editors' Choice award.”
The Verdict
If you live in colder climates, you can expect this used electric vehicle’s battery to drain more quickly, but it’s an overall solid EV with a sporty SUV design.
Where To Buy A Used Hyundai Kona EV Online:
- Shop For A Used Hyundai Kona EV on Vroom.com
- Shop For A Used Hyundai Kona EV on Carvana.com
8. Porsche Taycan
The Taycan has the distinction of being Porsche’s first all-electric car in 2020, and it’s a stunner. This isn’t the cheapest car on our list, but it’s one of the most luxurious and comes with meticulously-crafted materials. Out of the box, the Taycan’s motor creates 321 horsepower and that number leaps to 402-hp bursts in overboost mode. With a range of about 200 miles or 225 with the upgraded battery, it offers an EV experience unlike any other.
Car and Driver sums up Porsche’s all-electric four-door performance car nicely: “With a striking appearance as well as a highly customizable and high-tech interior, Porsche's electrified four-door lives up to its premium pricing. The Taycan also does a remarkable job of reminding its pilot that they're driving a Porsche thanks to its lively steering, stoic composure, and refined ride.”
The Verdict
The Taycan is a pricey used electric vehicle, but it delivers on everything you’d expect a Porsche to: style, luxury, and acceleration.
Where To Buy A Used Porsche Taycan Online:
This make and model is hard to come by online, but check back on Vroom.com and Carvana.com for inventory updates.
9. Volvo XC40 Recharge
Autoweek notes that the Volvo XC40 Recharge takes the standard XC40 and swaps the essential engine with electric power. The benefits are clear: Volvo makes a great car and the bones are excellent. Inside the cabin, the XC40 doesn’t disappoint with a number of impressive standard features like USB-C fast-charging ports, leather seats, and a host of driver-assist technology.
For model year 2022, the range improved from 208 to 223 miles when fully charged. However, in the grand scheme of things this isn’t a huge difference, which means you could happily pick up a 2021, 2020, or even a 2019 and happily drive this used electric car for less.
The Verdict
“The XC40 Recharge offers all the charm of the regular model with a powerful and whisper-quiet all-electric powertrain,” says Car and Driver.
Where To Buy A Used Volvo XC40 Online:
- Shop For A Used Volvo XC40 on Vroom.com
- Shop For A Used Volvo XC40 on Carvana.com
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