10 best used electric cars in the UK
As more reliable new EVs reach the market, a growing number of well-maintained ex-fleet and ex-lease models are entering used showrooms, often at very competitive prices.
Affordability is improving too. Budget-friendly new EVs like the Dacia Spring* (from £14,995) and Citroën e-C3* (from £20,095), along with the Government's refreshed EV Grant (up to £3,750 on qualifying models), are helping lower the cost of going electric. These developments are also pushing prices down across nearly new and used EVs.
While many brand-new electric cars remain out of reach for some buyers, there are now genuine bargains in the used market. However, not all EVs are equal; ranges, battery tech, and charging speeds vary widely, so it pays to choose carefully.
To make things easier, we've rounded up the 10 best used electric cars in the UK today, judged on real-world range, charging performance, reliability, safety ratings, and typical used prices. We've also included exclusive webuyanycar data for each model, showing the average new price and how well it holds its value after 3, 5, and 7 years (where available).
You'll also find a practical checklist to help you pick the right second-hand EV for your needs.
*Prices correct as of December 2025.
Get a free valuation
Best used electric cars under £10,000
These used EVs offer unbeatable value for money, low running costs, and solid real-world performance, with many examples available for under £10,000; perfect for first-time electric car buyers or budget-conscious drivers.
Nissan Leaf (40kWh / 62kWh)
The Nissan Leaf is one of the most popular and affordable used electric cars on the market. The 40kWh model offers smooth urban driving with sensible range, while the 62kWh Leaf e+ delivers superior performance and longer motorway capability.
With low running costs, easy home charging, and a reputation for dependability, used Leaf models provide excellent value for drivers looking to make an affordable switch to electric.
Key data:
- Real-world range: 110-140 miles (40kWh) 150-315 (62kWh)
- WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Procedure) range: 168 miles (40kWh) or 239 miles (62kWh)
- Typical used price: £5,500–£12,000
- Charging: 6.6kW-50kW
- Safety: 5 stars (Euro NCAP)
- Average new price: £30,928
- Average value retained at 3 years: 29.1%
- Average value retained at 5 years: 23.4%
- Average value retained at 7 years: 17.8%
Why it's a great used EV:
The Nissan Leaf is reliable, straightforward to own, and offers great value. The 62kWh Leaf e+ provides particularly good range for the money. Ideal for town and suburban driving, school runs, and shorter commutes.
Renault Zoe (R110/R135)
Both the Renault Zoe R110 and R135 are efficient, affordable used EVs that offer smooth performance, solid real-world range, and good value for drivers looking to switch to electric on a budget.
Key data:
- Real-world range: 135–295 miles
- WLTP: 186-245 miles (R110) up to 245 miles (R135)
- Typical used price: £4,500–£13,000
- Charging: 22kW AC
- Euro NCAP: 0 star
- Average new price: £31,500
- Average value retained at 3 years: 29.6%
- Average value retained at 5 years: 23.4%
- Average value retained at 7 years: 11.4%
Note: Older models (pre-November 2019) may have battery lease terms.
Why it’s a great used EV:
Compact, efficient, and excellent value for money. The Zoe is perfect for city driving and short-to-medium commutes, with surprisingly strong real-world range for its size and price bracket. However, safety-conscious drivers will be deterred by the zero-star Euro NCAP rating.
Hyundai Kona Electric (64kWh)
The Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the most efficient used EVs you can buy, reliably delivering long range driving in real-world conditions.
This sporty, compact EV offers a comfortable ride with three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, with the latter offering a hot-hatch experience.
Key data:
- Real-world range: 170–360 miles
- WLTP: 300 miles
- Typical used price: £7,000–£22,000
- Charging: 50 kW–77kW
- Battery: 64kWh (or 39.2kWh)
- Euro NCAP: 4 stars
- Average new price: £36,981
- Average value retained at 3 years: 36.6%
- Average value retained at 5 years: 25.5%
Why it's a great used EV:
If you want the longest possible range for your money, the Kona Electric is hard to beat. It's compact enough for city driving but excellent on longer journeys too. Owners often report strong reliability and great energy efficiency.
Best used small electric cars
These compact EVs are ideal for city driving, tight parking spaces, and efficient commuting, all without compromising on style or technology.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 is a distinctive, lightweight electric hatchback that combines sharp acceleration with premium build quality and futuristic design.
Key data:
- Real-world range: 100–225 miles
- WLTP: 192 miles
- Typical used price: £8,000–£17,000
- Charging: 50kW DC
- Euro NCAP: 4 stars
- Average new price: £34,478
- Average value retained at 3 years: 40.6%
- Average value retained at 5 years: 25.6%
- Average value retained at 7 years: 24.1%
Why it's a great used EV:
The i3 is a brilliant compact EV with premium touches. Built using carbon fibre, it's incredibly light and efficient, agile in town, comfortable on the motorway - and uniquely stylish!
Peugeot e-208
With its smart design, good real-world range and low running costs, the Peugeot e-208 is an appealing option for anyone looking for a modern, compact EV.
Key data:
- Real-world range: Approx. 230 miles
- WLTP: 50kWh: up to 228 miles or 51kWh pack: up to 258 miles
- Typical used price: £9,500–£14,000
- Charging: up to 100kW DC
- Euro NCAP: 4 stars
- Average new price: £33,574
- Average value retained at 3 years: 33.4%
- Average value retained at 5 years: 27.9%
Why it's a great used EV:
Smooth, quiet and comfortable, with a good level of efficiency. Ideal as a first EV or for everyday urban and suburban driving. As a used buy, the e-208 offers excellent efficiency, a fun driving feel, and lots of character, making it a great choice for eco-minded drivers who still want something stylish and enjoyable.
Vauxhall Corsa-e
With a familiar hatchback feel, agile performance, and reasonable running costs, the Vauxhall Corsa-e is an attractive option for drivers who want a fun EV, without sacrificing practicality.
Key data:
- Real-world range: 125–270 miles
- WLTP: 209-222 miles
- Typical used price: £10,500–£17,000
- Charging: 100kW DC
- Euro NCAP: 5 stars
- Average new price: £31,539
- Average value retained at 3 years: 32.6%
- Average value retained at 5 years: 25.5%
Why it's a great used EV:
Easy to drive, widely available, and well-equipped. A solid choice if you want a simple, dependable second-hand electric car.
Best used electric cars for long range
These EVs stand out for real-world endurance, motorway comfort, and dependable charging performance, making them ideal for high-mileage commuters.
Kia e-Niro (64kWh) (2022 onwards)
The Kia e-Niro is regularly named one of the best used electric cars, thanks to its impressive real-world range and family-friendly practicality.
Key data:
- Real-world range: 230-250 miles
- WLTP range: 285 miles
- Typical used price: £11,000–£23,000
- Charging: 7.2kW AC / 77kW DC
- Battery: 64kWh usable
- Safety: 4 stars (Euro NCAP)
- Average new price: £38,156
- Average value retained at 5 years: 29.7%
- Average value retained at 7 years: 25.3%
Why it's a great used EV:
Few second-hand electric cars offer this combination of range, practicality, and reliability. It's ideal for families and commuters alike, with many examples still covered by Kia's original seven-year warranty.
The battery is also covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, offering repairs or replacement if the battery falls below 70%. However, for this warranty to remain valid, the owner must service the car in line with Kia's recommended schedule.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is a capable electric saloon with an impressive range, cutting edge technology, and a refined driving experience. Older models can stay up to date thanks to regular software updates - and all owners benefit from Tesla's extensive Supercharger network.
Key data:
- Real-world range: 190-395 miles (Standard Range) 245-500 miles (Long Range)
- WLTP: 319-436 miles
- Typical used price: £13,000–£21,000
- Charging: up to 250kW DC (Supercharger network)
- Safety: 5 stars (Euro NCAP)
- Average new price: £50,313
- Average value retained at 3 years: 36.3%
- Average value retained at 5 years: 28.1%
- Average value retained at 7 years: 24.9%
Why it's a great used EV:
Fast charging, intuitive tech, strong safety scores, and reliable long-distance performance make the Model 3 a popular choice among used EV buyers.
Used Model 3s are often cheaper than expected thanks to Tesla's frequent price cuts, and a growing supply of ex-lease and ex-fleet examples.
Best used family electric cars
These used EVs offer space, comfort, and family-friendly practicality at attractive prices. Perfect for growing families.
Volkswagen ID.3
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a modern, roomy hatchback that's ideal for families looking to make an easy, comfortable switch from a petrol or diesel Golf to their first electric car.
Key data:
- Real-world range: 220–300 miles
- WLTP: 240-369 miles
- Typical used price: £12,000–£18,000
- Charging: Up to 170kW
- Euro NCAP: 5 stars
- Average new price: £33,931
- Average value retained at 3 years: 42.3%
- Average value retained at 5 years: 31.6%
Why it's a great used EV:
Comfortable, efficient, and refined, with good long-distance capability. The generous interior space and smooth driving make it one of the strongest all-rounders on the used EV market.
MG ZS EV (2019 onwards)
One of the UK's most affordable electric SUVs, offering great value for families.
Key data:
- Real-world range: 140-150 miles
- WLTP: 163 miles
- Typical used price: £6,000–£15,000
- Charging: 50kW DC
- Euro NCAP: 5 stars
- Average new price: £33,972
- Average value retained at 3 years: 35.9%
- Average value retained at 5 years: 23.4%
Why it's a great used EV:
The MG ZS EV delivers the comfort and versatility of an SUV for the price of many smaller EVs. With plenty of room for family life, generous boot space, and an easy, relaxed driving experience, it's a great fit for growing families looking to go electric without overstretching their budget.
What should I look for in a used EV? A checklist
In addition to the usual car valuation factors such as age, mileage, condition, and service history, there are certain EV-specific variables that you should consider:
Battery State of Health (SoH) score
Most modern EV batteries degrade slowly, at a rate of about 1.8% - and last around 15-20 years with moderate usage.
However, EV batteries can cost thousands of pounds to replace, so confirming battery condition is one of the most important steps when buying a used EV.
An EV's State of Health (SoH) certificate confirms the percentage of the battery's original capacity that remains.
A SoH score of 80 or more shows that an EV can still deliver most of its original range and as such, these cars usually command higher resale values. Checking the SoH provides reassurance that you won't face an expensive replacement anytime soon.
Battery warranty
On a related note, many EV manufacturers offer 7-8 year or 100,000-mile battery warranties, which shows confidence in battery durability.
Some of these warranties also entitle the owner to a free battery replacement if the SoH score falls below 70%.
When the battery degrades to this point, you may see a noticeable increase in the number of charging stops. So, it's worth checking whether a used EV has a battery warranty (and how much cover remains) before committing to the sale.
Charging speeds (AC & DC) and connector type
Battery capacity is not the only consideration, charging speed also affects how practical a used EV is:
- Most EVs support 7kW AC home charging.
- Some offer 11kW AC (useful for workplace/public chargers).
- For longer trips, 80–100kW+ DC rapid charging capability is desirable.
- Charging speed depends on battery temperature, state of charge, and the vehicle's charging curve.
- CCS is the dominant, future-proof rapid charging standard.
- CHAdeMO (used by older Nissan Leafs) is being phased out by many networks.
Real-world range (not just WLTP)
WLTP figures were often achieved in ideal conditions. Real-world range can drop due to factors such as:
- Temperature: A 10-20% drop in cold weather is typical.
- Speed and road type: EV range is typically less in motorway conditions compared to built-up roads.
- Terrain
- Heater, A/C, and heated seat use: These features drain power, reducing real-world range.
Therefore, when considering a used EV, you should also check the real-world figures in the driving conditions you encounter on a regular basis. This will give you a clearer picture of how the car is likely to fare with your regular commute.
Heat pump availability
Heat pumps dramatically improve winter efficiency for most EVs. A study conducted by InsideEVs showed that in freezing conditions:
- EVs with heat pumps retained as much as 89% of their WLTP range.
- On average, models without a heat pump lost around 25% of their WLTP range.
If your chosen EV does come with a heat pump, this can significantly improve your real-world range in wintery conditions.
Software
EV software is crucial for managing:
- Charging behaviour
- Battery temperature
- Range estimation
- Onboard safety systems
EV software is continually advancing. Buying a used EV that can receive the latest updates will help to enhance performance, safety, and reliability, without the need to visit a garage or dealership.
Most EVs will eventually lose software support, which negatively impacts their functionality, and often, their resale value.
Previous owner's charging habits
Studies have shown that frequent DC rapid charging can slightly accelerate degradation. Regular AC home charging is gentler.
Are used electric cars worth it?
Used EVs have a strong value proposition, as prices have fallen with wider adoption, and there is a larger selection of models available than ever before. However, drivers with access to reliable home or workplace charging will benefit the most.
EVs are typically cheaper to run thanks to low-cost off-peak home charging and fewer serviceable parts. However, drivers who rely mainly on public rapid charging may see smaller savings.
Maintenance remains a clear win: no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and generally lower annual servicing costs. EVs also deliver smooth, quiet performance with instant torque.
Falling used prices mean more choice than ever, from compact city cars to long-range crossovers – and many of these models perform well in reliability reviews. EVs are exempt from many emissions-based charges such as the ULEZ. However, from January 2nd 2026, they will pay the Congestion Charge at a discounted daily rate of £13.50.
The November 2025 Budget also announced that EV drivers will be subject to an additional pay-per-mile tax known as Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED), at a rate of 3p per mile, from April 2028.
Bottom line: A used EV can be a cost-effective, reliable choice, especially if you have convenient charging access and select a model with strong battery health, CCS charging, a heat pump, and a full software/service history.