New electric vehicles are more expensive than their gas counterparts, but used models offer a great way to get behind the wheel for less money. Many used EVs offer similar tech and features to new vehicles, and models from recent years still carry factory warranty coverage for their batteries and electric drivetrain components. That said, used electric vehicles can still be quite expensive, especially for more desirable models with compelling features.
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The good news is that there are several solid used EV options that won’t break the bank. Finding desirable models with reasonable mileage and in good condition for $15,000 or less is possible. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite used EVs in that price range to help you get started, so let’s dive in and take a look.
2019 to 2022 Chevy Bolt
The Chevrolet Bolt is now discontinued, but the car remains a compelling used option with a solid driving range and a reasonable price. The 2019 to 2023 models are generally easy to find for less than $15,000, though most are in the earlier model years of that range. As of July 2024, Edmunds also has several used 2017 to 2019 Bolt EVs on sale for under $10,000.
The car’s electric motor puts out up to 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, giving it a 0-60 mph time as quick as 6.5 seconds. Chevy equipped the Bolt with a fast-charging system capable of adding 100 miles in 30 minutes, and the one-pedal driving mode enables regenerative braking and the ability to pilot the Bolt with one foot.
The Bolt has a 10.2-inch touchscreen and an eight-inch digital gauge cluster inside. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with SiriusXM radio, HD radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. More expensive configurations get wireless charging, a Bose audio system, and additional USB ports.
Find used Chevrolet Bolt EVs near you.
- Battery capacity: 66 kilowatt-hours (~60 usable)
- EPA-rated range: 259 miles
- AC charging: 7.2 kilowatts
- DC charging: 50 kilowatts
- Power: 200 horsepower
- Torque: 266 pound-feet
- Seats: 5 passengers
2020 to 2022 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is slightly behind its rivals, sporting the older CHAdeMO charging standards and a short driving range, but it offers a great deal of value in a world when new EVs far outprice their gas counterparts. Nissan gave the car more standard and available features in 2020, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There were no substantial changes in 2021, but 2022 brought a lower base price and a longer list of features for the top SV Plus trim.
Standard interior features include an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, four USB ports, four speakers, and more. The higher trim level adds navigation, two more speakers, and a seven-speaker Bose stereo is available. The Leaf’s interior is roomy, but don’t expect a luxurious experience. Nissan used sustainable material for the upholstery, and the top SV trim brings heated front seats.
Find used Nissan Leafs near you.
- Battery capacity: 40 kilowatt-hours (39 usable)
- EPA-rated range: 149 miles
- AC charging: 6.6 kilowatts
- DC charging: 50 kilowatts (CHAdeMO, optional)
- Power: 147 horsepower
- Torque: 236 pound-feet
- Seats: 5 passengers
2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV
Hyundai’s electric vehicle catalog now includes the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, but before those two futuristic EVs hit the streets, the automaker offered the Ioniq. The sedan offers a modest starting price, a long list of standard tech and convenience features, and a reasonable driving range. Hyundai improved the car in 2020, giving it a range boost to 170 miles, and the electric motor provides the Ioniq with lively-feeling acceleration, making it a solid everyday commuter.
The Ioniq EV gets a generous number of standard tech features, including an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth, SiriusXM radio, automatic climate controls, and USB inputs are also standard. Hyundai equipped several advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention alerts, forward collision warnings, a rearview camera, and more. More expensive trims add blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian/bicyclist detection.
- Battery capacity: 40.4 kilowatt-hours (38.3 usable)
- EPA-rated range: 170 miles
- AC charging: 7.2 kilowatts
- DC charging: 50 kilowatts
- Power: 134 horsepower
- Torque: 218 pound-feet
- Seats: 5 passengers
2018 to 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf (hard to find)
The e-Golf was VW’s first EV in the U.S., but it was only sold in a handful of states and offered less-than-impressive performance and specs. With just 125 miles of range and 134 horsepower, the e-Golf was neither quick nor suitable for road trips. The car provides decent torque, with 214 pound-feet on tap, which gave it decent acceleration off the line, but it did not offer an exciting driving experience.
VW equipped the e-Golf with a good number of standard interior features, including an eight-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, USB inputs, HD radio, and more. The higher SEL Premium trim has a 9.2-inch touchscreen with navigation and gesture controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard for all models, and owners can add a range of other tech features through subscription services.
Find used Volkswagen e-Golfs near you.
- Battery capacity: 35.8 kilowatt-hours (32 usable)
- EPA-rated range: 125 miles
- AC charging: 7.2 kilowatts
- DC charging: 50 kilowatts
- Power: 134 horsepower
- Torque: 214 pound-feet
- Seats: 5 passengers
2017 BMW i3 (hard to find)
The BMW i3 is an odd duck, featuring half rear doors and funky styling that give it a modern look even today, several years after its release. It offers 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, which works with the car’s 2,866-pound curb weight to produce reasonably energetic acceleration. The i3’s biggest weakness might be its range, which reaches just 113 miles, less than its contemporaries, some of which cost quite a bit less when new.
Inside, BMW gave the i3 futuristic styling and nice materials. Cloth or leather upholstery was available, depending on the configuration, and the floating infotainment screen looks up-to-date today. However, it lacks some more advanced features in newer models. Apple CarPlay was available with the Driving Assistance Package, so that would be an important option to look for if smartphone mirroring is important. BMW equipped several advanced driver aids, including parking sensors, forward collision warnings, and automatic emergency braking.
- Battery capacity: 33 kilowatt-hours (27.2 usable)
- EPA-rated range: 114 miles
- AC charging: 7.2 kilowatts
- DC charging: 50 kilowatts
- Power: 170 horsepower
- Torque: 184 pound-feet
- Seats: 4 passengers
Used EV Tax Credits
You might have heard about changes made to the federal government’s EV tax credit program for 2024. While new EVs can qualify for up to $7,500 off at the time of sale, many used models are eligible for a smaller credit of up to $4,000. The incentive equals 30 percent of the vehicle’s sale price up to the $4,000 maximum. Other requirements apply, including:
· You are buying the vehicle for personal use, not resale
· You are not the original owner
· You are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
· You have not received a clean vehicle tax credit in the last three years
· Your income cannot exceed $150,000 for married couples, $112,500 for heads of household, and $75,000 for everyone else
Additionally, the vehicle must be $25,000 or less and at least two years old. The battery must be at least seven kilowatt hours, and the vehicle must be used primarily in the United States.
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