10 best used electric cars in the UK

The used electric car market has grown considerably in recent years.

New electric car prices are gradually falling, helped by the government's refreshed electric car grants scheme, which discounts the list prices of qualifying models. As new prices fall, used EV values tend to follow, making a second-hand electric car an increasingly attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Supply is doing just as much to bring used prices down. There are more new electric models on UK roads than ever before, and as those cars complete their first lease or ownership cycle, a steady stream of well-maintained used EVs is reaching showrooms faster than demand can absorb them. For consumers, that means more choice, stronger price competition, and used examples that are younger and better-equipped than ever.

However, not every used EV is a good deal. Ranges, battery health, and charging speeds vary widely between models, so it pays to know what to look for before you buy. With that in mind, we've rounded up 10 of the best used EVs on the market right now, chosen against exactly these factors, to help you find one that's worth the money.

Please note: Prices correct as of May 2026. Values are averages based on market data and may vary depending on factors such as condition, mileage, and specification.

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.

Volkswagen e-Golf

The Volkswagen e-Golf brings the reassurance of Golf build quality and a familiar, conventional driving experience to the used EV market.

With no new examples entering the used market since production ended in 2020, choice is narrower than with models still in production, but the e-Golf still offers a low-cost entry into the world of electric motoring.

Key data:

• Real-world range: approximately 115 miles
• WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Procedure) range: up to 144 miles
• Typical used price: £6,300-£12,500
• Charging: 7.2kW AC / 40kW DC (CCS)
• Safety: Golf Mk7 achieved 5 stars in Euro NCAP testing, but the e-Golf was not separately tested
• Average new price: £31,691
• Average value retained at 5 years: 25%
• Average value retained at 7 years: 21%

Why it's a great used EV: Exceptional build quality, a conventional five-seat hatchback layout, and the familiarity of the Golf name make the e-Golf a natural first EV for drivers switching from petrol or diesel. Front Assist emergency braking is standard.

Please note: Where possible, look for examples fitted with the later 35.8kWh battery, available from 2017, which delivers significantly more real-world range than the original 24.2kWh unit and is the recommended choice for anything beyond local urban use. Note also that the e-Golf's 40kW DC charging is slow by modern EV standards, which is worth factoring in for longer journeys.

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is one of the most widely available and accessibly priced used EVs in the UK, with a proven track record and a straightforward ownership experience.

Key data:

• Real-world range: 100-145 miles (may be less for older or higher-mileage examples)
• WLTP range: 168 miles
• Typical used price: £3,600-£17,000
• Charging: 6.6kW AC / 46kW DC (CHAdeMO)
• Safety: 5 stars (Euro NCAP, 2018)
• Average new price: £31,529
• Average value retained at 3 years: 28%
• Average value retained at 5 years: 21%
• Average value retained at 7 years: 16%

Why it's a great used EV: Reliable, affordable, and easy to own. The 40kWh is the most widely available version at this price point and offers the best balance of value and usability for most buyers. The larger 62kWh e+, which delivers around 200 miles of real-world range, can occasionally be found at the upper end of the sub-£10,000 bracket and is worth considering if range is a priority, though examples at this price are likely to carry higher mileage or wear, so a thorough inspection and battery health check are advisable.

Please note: The CHAdeMO rapid charging connector is being phased out by some public networks, which is worth factoring in for drivers who rely on public rapid charging for longer journeys.

BMW i3

The BMW i3 brings genuine design flair and premium build quality to the budget end of the used EV market, with distinctive coach-style doors that still feel ahead of their time.

With production having ended in 2022, choice will only narrow from here, but the i3's three battery generations mean there's a real spread of range and price within this bracket.

Key data:

• Real-world range: approximately 100 miles (94Ah, the most common used buy at this price); approximately 160 miles on later 120Ah examples
• WLTP range: 181-193 miles (120Ah)
• Typical used price: £4,000-£14,000
• Charging: 11kW AC (most home chargers limited to 7.4kW in practice) / up to 50kW DC (CCS)
• Safety: 4 stars (Euro NCAP, 2013)
• Average new price: £35,504
• Average value retained at 3 years: 39%
• Average value retained at 5 years: 30%
• Average value retained at 7 years: 23%

Why it's a great used EV: The i3 remains one of the most distinctive cars on the used EV market, with BMW build quality, a light cabin, and genuinely engaging handling thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout and low centre of gravity.

The 94Ah version, built between 2016 and 2018, offers a meaningful range increase over the original 60Ah cars and is widely available within this price bracket; the later 120Ah brings a further range boost, though pricing between the two generations varies more by trim and condition than by battery size alone.

Although the i3 fell just short of the full 5 stars at Euro NCAP, the result is nuanced. Adult protection was good in frontal and side-barrier testing, though weaker in the side-pole test and only marginal for whiplash; child occupant protection scored maximum points in both tests.

Pedestrian protection was mixed, strong leg protection, a weak bonnet edge, and the car lacked a rear seatbelt reminder, a feature that became mandatory on new cars under EU regulation from 2021.

Please note: Range varies considerably by battery generation, from around 80 miles on early cars to approximately 160 miles on the later 120Ah.

Best used small electric cars

These compact EVs are ideal for city driving, tight parking spaces, and efficient commuting, without compromising on style or technology.

MINI Electric (Cooper SE)

The MINI Electric brings the iconic Cooper's character to a zero-emission drivetrain: sharp steering, instant torque, and a premium feel in a compact package. Real-world range is modest, but it excels as a stylish urban and suburban runabout.

Key data:

• Real-world range: approximately 110 miles
• WLTP range: 145 miles
• Typical used price: £23,000 to £32,000
• Charging: 49kW DC (CCS) / 11kW AC (3-phase required for full speed; 7.4kW in most homes)
• Safety: Not Euro NCAP tested
• Seats: 4
• Average new price: £32,386
• Average value retained at 3 years: 35%
• Average value retained at 5 years: 29%

Why it's a great used EV: Premium build and engaging drive. Best suited to drivers with reliable home charging and predominantly short-to-medium journeys.

Fiat 500e

The Fiat 500e brings Italian design flair to the used EV market, combining distinctive styling with modern charging capability.

Key data:

• Real-world range: approximately 146 miles
• WLTP range: up to 195 miles (TEL); up to 190 miles (TEH)
• Typical used price: £7,200-£28,500
• Charging: up to 85kW DC (CCS) / 11kW AC
• Safety: 4 stars (Euro NCAP)
• Average new price: £29,564
• Average value retained at 3 years: 39%
• Average value retained at 5 years: 34%

Why it's a great used EV: The 85kW DC charging speed is impressive for its class, enabling a 0-80% charge in around 35 minutes. Look for examples with the 42kWh battery, which features in the Passion, Icon, and La Prima trim levels and delivers a meaningfully longer real-world range than the entry-level 24kWh Action variant.

Please note: Compact dimensions limit rear passenger space; best suited to two adults as a daily driver, with occasional rear passenger journeys. The 500e does not have a heat pump, which will affect real-world range in cold weather more than heat pump-equipped rivals.

Peugeot e-208

The Peugeot e-208 combines design flair with a good real-world range and fast DC charging capability, making it one of the most capable used small EVs available.

Key data:

• Real-world range: approximately 180 miles (50kWh MY24; varies by model year and conditions)
• WLTP range: up to 225 miles
• Typical used price: £7,400-£25,400
• Charging: up to 101kW DC (CCS) / 11kW AC
• Safety: 4 stars (Euro NCAP)
• Heat pump: Yes (standard)
• Average new price: £32,768
• Average value retained at 3 years: 31%
• Average value retained at 5 years: 26%

Why it's a great used EV: Fast DC charging makes it one of the most practical small EVs for longer journeys as well as city driving. It is well-equipped, refined, and widely available as a used buy across a broad price range.

Vauxhall Corsa-e

One of the most plentiful used EVs on the market, the Vauxhall Corsa-e makes going electric as straightforward as buying any other small hatchback.

Key data:

• Real-world range: approximately 180 miles (50kWh MY24; varies by model year and conditions)
• WLTP range: 220 miles
• Typical used price: £6,500-£15,000
• Charging: up to 100kW DC (CCS) / 11kW AC
• Safety: 5 stars (Euro NCAP)
• Heat pump: Yes (standard)
• Average new price: £31,980
• Average value retained at 3 years: 28%
• Average value retained at 5 years: 22%

Why it's a great used EV: Fast DC charging makes it one of the most practical small EVs for longer journeys as well as city driving. It is well-equipped, refined, and widely available as a used buy across a broad price range.

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 and drivers who regularly cover longer distances.

Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the most range-efficient used EVs per pound on the UK market, with genuine long-range capability in a compact crossover body.

Key data:

• Real-world range: approximately 240 miles (64kWh; varies by conditions)
• WLTP range: 301 miles
• Typical used price: £7,200-£35,000
• Charging: up to 77kW DC (CCS) / 11kW AC
• Safety: 5 stars (Euro NCAP, 2017 Kona platform); electric variant was not independently tested
• Heat pump: Yes (optional)
• Average new price: £37,862
• Average value retained at 3 years: 35%
• Average value retained at 5 years: 27%
• Average value retained at 7 years: 20%

Why it's a great used EV: The Kona Electric delivers one of the longest real-world ranges available at this price point, with strong independent test results backing up its official figures.

The Kona is also available with a smaller 39.2kWh battery; the range and value data shown here relates to the 64kWh variant, which is the recommended choice for buyers wanting genuine long-range capability. Earlier 64kWh examples are now available at competitive prices, making this one of the best-value long-range buys on the used market. Hyundai's five-year manufacturer warranty may remain active on younger examples.

Kia e-Niro

The Kia e-Niro consistently ranks among the best used electric cars in the UK, combining long-range capability with family-friendly practicality and class-leading warranty coverage.

Key data:

• Real-world range: 235 miles
• WLTP range: 288 miles
• Typical used price: £9,500-£28,000
• Charging: 11kW AC / 94kW DC
• Safety: 4 stars (Euro NCAP 2022); 5 stars with optional safety pack
• Heat pump: Yes (optional)
• Average new price: £37,499
• Average value retained at 5 years: 27%
• Average value retained at 7 years: 23%

Why it's a great used EV: The e-Niro is available with a 39.2kWh or 64kWh battery; the 64kWh is the recommended choice, offering real-world range that comfortably covers longer journeys and genuine long-distance usability. The 2022 model year refresh standardised on the 64kWh battery, making post-2022 examples the most consistent used buy. The e-Niro is spacious, practical, and well-equipped for a compact SUV.

Kia's seven-year manufacturer warranty often remains active on used examples, backed by a separate 8-year battery warranty. Check remaining coverage and service history before purchasing to ensure warranty validity.

Tesla Model 3 (Long Range AWD)

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD remains the benchmark used long-range EV in the UK. Access to Tesla's Supercharger network and regular software updates make it a compelling long-term ownership option.

Key data:

• Real-world range: approximately 300 miles (2022-2023 AWD; RWD Highland variants up to 340 miles)
• WLTP range: 374 miles (TEH) 382 miles (TEL) (2024-2025 RWD) 398 miles (TEH) 436 miles (TEL) (2024-2025 RWD)
• Typical used price: £11,750-£32,000 (2022-23 models)
• Charging: up to 250kW DC
• Safety: 5 stars (Euro NCAP, 2019)
• Heat pump: Yes (standard)
• Average new price: £48,681
• Average value retained at 3 years: 36%
• Average value retained at 5 years: 28%
• Average value retained at 7 years: 25%

Why it's a great used EV: The Long Range AWD is the recommended specification, combining dual-motor all-wheel drive with genuine long-distance capability and real-world range that outperforms almost every other used EV at this price point.

Tesla's frequent price cuts and growing supply of ex-lease examples mean used examples are often available at significantly less than their original list price. Over-the-air software updates keep older hardware current without a dealership visit.

Standard Range RWD examples are available at a lower entry price and offer strong range, but lack the dual-motor performance and all-weather traction of the Long Range AWD.

Are used electric cars worth it?

Used EVs have a strong value proposition, and their case has strengthened as prices have fallen and the range of available models has grown.