Which Electric Car will fit my budget?
With more and more EVs coming to market, it puts you in a really good place if you’re looking for a used electric car.
Not so long ago, the choice of models was very limited, but as a greater number of EVs change hands, there are more options than ever. Let’s explore the best options, based on budget.
£7,500 – 2013 Nissan Leaf 24kWh
Nissan’s Leaf has been an ever-present option in the EV segment, providing a decent range and good levels of standard equipment throughout the years. Fortunately, because of its popularity, there are plenty of used examples available on the market today, giving a low-cost way of getting into EV ownership.
At this price point you’ll be looking at a car with a range of around 100 miles, though that still comes quite close to the range you’ll get with entry-level EVs on the new car market.
£10,000 – 2015 Renault Zoe
Much like the Leaf, Renault’s Zoe has proved quite the hit thanks to its compact size and appealing entry price. Again, as a result of this, there are plenty of options on the used market, though – again, like the Leaf – some will be subject to a scheme where you have to pay each month to lease the battery from the manufacturer.
At this price point, you are looking at a smaller battery version, though a range of between 130 to 150 miles is more than competitive.
£15,000 – 2014 BMW i3
Even as BMW discontinues its i3 nine years after production started, this EV remains as forward-thinking as ever, with a unique design that still turns heads. Its interior is also filled with sustainable and recycled materials, elevating that ‘eco’ feel.
It’s good to drive too, while you’re getting plenty of equipment included. Within this budget, you’ll be looking at an early car fitted with a smaller battery, though an electric range of between 80 and 100 miles should be possible
£20,000 – 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf
While Volkswagen’s ‘ID’ range of electric cars might be grabbing the limelight, if you’re looking for a used EV from this German brand, take a look at the VW e-Golf. The EV version of the brand’s best-selling hatchback, it offers a smart design inside and out, and an easy, laid-back driving experience.
Though the e-Golf was first introduced in 2014, we’d recommend looking at a later facelift car, introduced in 2017, as these get a larger battery, and therefore longer range. You can expect up to a claimed 144 miles from a single charge.
£30,000 – 2020 Peugeot e-208
Peugeot already offers a wide line-up of EVs, and one of its most appealing choices is the e-208. An electric version of the best-selling supermini, this is an EV that looks the part, gets a well-built and upmarket interior and is good to drive too.
A 50kWh battery allows for a claimed range of more than 200 miles, while rapid charging speeds mean you can quickly be on the road again. While a new e-208 costs more than £30,000, a two-year-old car starts from around £24,000.
£40,000 – 2019 Jaguar I-Pace
Jaguar’s I-Pace caused quite a stir when it launched in 2018, showing that EVs could be great to drive, classy to look at and still offer a long electric range – with a range of up to 292 miles claimed.
As it’s been on sale for a few years, this smartly-styled SUV won’t be as expensive as you might expect either, with well-specced examples now available for under £40,000.
£50,000 – 2019 Audi e-tron
Though Audi might be launching a raft of new EVs, the e-tron – its first electric car – still has a huge amount going for it. This classy-looking SUV has a seriously upmarket interior and is packed full of the brand’s latest technology while offering a comfortable and relaxing driving experience.
There are a decent number of e-trons now available for under £50,000 too (a welcome saving on the list price), but it’s worth finding a ‘55’ badged model, as this will come with a larger battery, allowing for a claimed 237 miles of range.
The range of electric cars on the market is constantly evolving. Take a trip to your nearest Swansway Group dealership to peruse our full ranges and pick out an electric vehicle that suits your needs.