Early this summer, my wife and I had an inconvenient realization: sometimes, it feels like we need to be in two places at once. An urgent doctor appointment could conflict with YMCA day camp pickup, or our kids might get invited to two birthday parties on the same morning at completely different activity centers scattered across town. It quickly became clear—we needed another car.
Of course, buying a brand-new vehicle felt impossible to justify when even simple groceries seem to fluctuate in price by the week. My search for a used Prius within budget proved surprisingly fruitless. Yet, as I looked around, I noticed a trend that might surprise many: now could be the ideal time to buy a used electric vehicle (EV).
Bargain EVs That Outshine Older Hybrids
During my search, I stumbled across some unusual bargains. BMW i3s, those quirky go-kart-looking EVs, and VW e-Golfs were selling for around $15,000. Not only do they boast more advanced tech than older Prii, but they’re also more fun to drive. Add in the soon-to-expire EV tax credit, which can reduce the cost of certain used EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) by up to $4,000, and suddenly some vehicles can cost as little as $10,000. Meanwhile, a decent 2015 Prius stubbornly hovered above $17,000.
After weighing my options, I settled on something that might seem boring at first glance—but secretly offers a lot of fun: a 2018 Nissan Leaf. This hatchback provides 150 miles of range, a sleek design that avoids the original “bug-eyed” look, and surprisingly engaging driving dynamics. It accelerates briskly, comes with premium leather seats, radar-assisted cruise control, and even a Bose sound system—all for around $15,000 with only 33,000 miles on the odometer.
Even though it’s worth far less than our stately Volvo XC90, I genuinely enjoy zipping around town in the Leaf. The instant torque from the electric motor, the convenience of one-pedal driving (Nissan’s “e-Pedal”), and its cherry-red paint give me a mid-life Miata-like thrill right in my daily commute. On top of that, it can comfortably fit a toddler car seat and a booster for my six-year-old, plus offer enough trunk space for massive grocery runs. Truly, thank goodness I didn’t end up with another Prius.
Why Used EVs Can Be So Affordable
One major reason older EVs sell at such low prices is that they simply don’t hold their value well. Rapid advancements in EV technology and lingering consumer uncertainty contribute to depreciation. The upside? You can find gently used models for far less than their original sticker price.
For example, if I were willing to push my budget, a recent Hyundai Ioniq 5 could be had for around $25,000. Its retro-futuristic design and strong reviews make it a compelling option. And if you’re adventurous, used Teslas and Polestar 2s also offer remarkable value, though buyer caution is advised—especially when considering warranties and ecosystem limitations. For perspective, the Polestar 2 initially launched at $61,000, but used models can now be found around $25,000.
Before buying, however, it’s critical to check battery health. Early EVs often used simpler battery chemistry and air cooling, which can lead to degradation over time. While most vehicles have a battery health indicator in the settings, apps like LeafSpy or OBD sensors can provide a more accurate assessment of battery longevity.
Don’t Miss Out on the EV Tax Credit
The Biden-era EV tax credit can provide up to $4,000 off select used EVs and $7,500 on new models. But this incentive may vanish after September due to pending legislative changes. Eligibility varies: the new vehicle credit applies to individuals earning under $150,000 and married couples under $300,000, while the used EV credit is more restrictive, requiring earnings under $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for joint filers. Additionally, qualifying vehicles must cost under $25,000, be model year 2023 or older, and be purchased from a dealer.
Tackling Range Anxiety
Many older EVs have lower driving ranges, which contributes to their affordability. For example, a 2021 BMW i3 can run up to 153 miles, while older models topped out at 85. My 2018 Leaf can reach 150 miles, and “Leaf Plus” versions extend to 226 miles. Although these ranges fall short of the 300 miles or more that newer EVs and gas-powered cars offer, they’re sufficient for most daily driving.
According to US DOT data, 95% of personal vehicle trips cover less than 31 miles, and the average driver travels about 37 miles per day. For daycare runs, grocery trips, and local errands, a low-range EV is often perfect. In my experience, the Leaf uses only 10–15% of its charge per day, even in hot Georgia summers when I blast the AC.
Of course, low-range EVs aren’t ideal for long road trips, especially with uneven charging infrastructure. But models in the $25,000 range often come with larger batteries that reduce this concern.
Charging Made Simple
Charging an EV might seem intimidating, but for moderate daily driving, Level 1 charging—plugging into a standard 120V outlet—can be sufficient. For example, if I plug in my Leaf at 5 PM, it’s often 40% charged by 8 AM, thanks to the small battery size. Larger EVs, like the Kia EV9, might only gain 10–15% overnight on Level 1, which may require Level 2 charging for faster results.
Installing a Level 2 charger is neither especially difficult nor prohibitively expensive, though it may require running a dedicated circuit. Public chargers are also increasingly common in shopping centers and parking lots, making midday top-ups feasible. For now, I’m fine with my Level 1 setup, even if it means occasionally draping a thick extension cord across the front porch—a minor inconvenience for the convenience of electric driving. Eventually, I plan to install Level 2 charging to make testing future EVs easier and prepare for a larger family EV to replace our gas-guzzling SUV.
The Bottom Line
For families like mine, or anyone seeking a budget-friendly, fun, and environmentally conscious vehicle, used EVs offer a unique opportunity. They provide instant torque, smart features, and surprisingly comfortable interiors for a fraction of the cost of new models. Factor in expiring tax credits, low prices, and everyday usability, and it’s hard to argue against exploring the used EV market.
Whether you’re shopping for a secondary car, looking to reduce emissions, or simply craving the joy of silent, zippy, one-pedal driving, a used EV might be the perfect solution—and right now, the timing couldn’t be better.