The early days of the modern electric car market gave use vehicles with short driving ranges that were far from useful. Sprinkled in among these vehicles were a handful of EVs made to handle the daily commute, take your family to the next town for a weekend adventure, or complete your weekly errands without too much trouble.
Which models should you consider when you want a used electric car that provides a decent driving range? How much driving range is required to make an EV useful? Although some of these used electric cars aren’t good for road trips, these 10 can handle the average driving needs of most consumers.
Taking data points from Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and MotorTrend, we’ve compiled a list of ten used electric cars that can still give you the desired driving range to handle your daily needs.
10 2020 Mini Cooper SE – The Short Driving Range Could Work
Driving Range: 110 Miles
Although the 2020 Mini Cooper SE includes a short driving range, this could be the ideal used electric car for city dwellers. If you don’t need to drive far during your normal week, the 110-mile driving range could last several days between charges.
EV Specs
Motors |
Single-motor |
Horsepower |
181 hp |
Torque |
199 lb-ft |
Driving Range |
110 Miles |
Charging Time |
4 Hours at 240V |
Although the driving range could be a sticking point, it’s hard to argue with the attractive styling and entertaining features found in the Mini Cooper SE. This little EV is zipper and fun. The electric powertrain makes it quicker than the gas-powered Cooper S to 60 mph while riding on a firm suspension that ensures a strong connection with the road.
9 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric – The EV That Set The Stage
Driving Range: 170 Miles
Today, the Ioniq name comes with numbers and represents only fully electric versions of this Hyundai lineup. In 2020, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric was one of three models bearing the name while offering different driving systems. This Hyundai EV was a big improvement over the 2019 model; with only 124 miles of driving range.
EV Specs
Motors |
Single-motor |
Horsepower |
134 hp |
Torque |
218 lb-ft |
Driving Range |
170 Miles |
Charging Time |
2.3 Hours at 240V |
The Ioniq Electric includes lots of cargo space and clever packaging with ample room for passengers to ride along comfortably. Even with the larger battery pack and longer driving range, this EV fell behind newer models in 2020. The Ioniq Electric could be an excellent used electric car, proving an interesting mix of attributes to be an affordable EV.
8 2020 Audi E-Tron – Audi Driving Qualities In An Electric SUV
Driving Range: 200 Miles
The 2020 Audi E-Tron is the second year for this luxury electric SUV, making it an appealing option when only a handful of electric SUVs were offered. This Audi feels a bit portly, but it brings excellent driving dynamics and smooth, seamless acceleration.
EV Specs
Motors |
Dual-motor |
Horsepower |
360 hp |
Torque |
561 lb-ft |
Driving Range |
200 Miles |
Charging Time |
10 Hours at 240V |
The transition between regenerative and friction braking is hardly noticeable, making it easy to add a little more power to the batteries while driving. The Audi E-Tron is a good option when you don’t need 300 miles of driving or more. Could this be the used electric SUV for you?
7 2019 Nissan Leaf Plus – Adding More Driving Range To The Classic Nissan EV
Driving Range: 226 Miles
The Nissan Leaf is ubiquitous with affordable electric vehicle driving. It might not be the best-looking EV offered, but finding a used Nissan Leaf is easy. In 2019, the Leaf Plus was available, offering a much better driving range than the standard model.
EV Specs
Motors |
Single-motor |
Horsepower |
214 hp |
Torque |
250 lb-ft |
Driving Range |
226 Miles |
Charging Time |
8 Hours at 240V |
Although the 2019 Nissan Leaf Plus doesn’t offer a remarkable driving experience, it brings a quiet ride, useful driving assistance features, and a longer range desired to go farther. This Leaf can be an excellent option when searching for an affordable used electric vehicle to drive every day.
6 2019 Jaguar I-Pace – Go Luxury With Your Electric SUV Driving
Driving Range: 234 Miles
The electric vehicle landscape is changing rapidly, which means more options for second-hand, or used electric vehicles for consumers searching for an affordable EV option. If you want a little luxury in your electric driving experience, you don’t have to stick with Tesla, the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace could be the ideal electric SUV for you.
EV Specs
Motors |
Dual-motor |
Horsepower |
394 hp |
Torque |
512 lb-ft |
Driving Range |
234 Miles |
Charging Time |
10 Hours at 240V |
The Jaguar I-Pace turns heads and puts smiles on faces with its power and performance. If you want to explore some trails, this Jag is good for a little off-road fun. It’s easy to enjoy and admire the quality and versatility included in this Jaguar electric vehicle.
5 2020 Kia Niro EV – A Small Electric SUV With Good Rang
Driving Range: 239 Miles
In 2023, we see Kia filling the market with new EVs. The starting point for these new models is the 2020 Kia Niro EV. This little SUV isn’t much larger than a tall hatchback offering ample cabin space for four people to ride comfortably.
EV Specs
Motors |
Single-motor |
Horsepower |
201 hp |
Torque |
291 lb-ft |
Driving Range |
239 Miles |
Charging Time |
9.5 Hours at 240V |
The Niro EV can be a lot of fun to drive. It has a low center of gravity, excellent suspension tuning, and comfortable seating. You’ll love tossing this EV about on a twisty road and won’t feel the body move much. The 2020 Kia Niro EV is a great choice when searching for a satisfying used electric vehicle.
4 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric – Sharp Styling, Impressive Driving
Driving Range: 258 Miles
The impressive driving range and sharp styling of the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric make it one of the best models in the used EV market. Even today, the 258 miles of driving range is competitive in the market, which means you can spend less and drive more with this Hyundai EV.
EV Specs
Motors |
Single-motor |
Horsepower |
201 hp |
Torque |
291 lb-ft |
Driving Range |
258 Miles |
Charging Time |
9.5 Hours at 240V |
In addition to style and driving range, the Kona Electric offers smooth acceleration, impressive torque figures, and dynamic driving qualities. The cabin is a little small, but once you get past this, you’ll have a small electric SUV that’s balanced, fun, and refined on the road.
3 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV – This Little Chevy EV Set The Stage
Driving Range: 259 Miles
A lot went right with the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The Bolt EV was the brand’s first mass-market fully electric vehicle, offering a competitive range, an affordable price, and plenty of fun. This little Chevy came as a small hatchback, giving owners the versatility required to be useful.
EV Specs
Motors |
Single-motor |
Horsepower |
200 hp |
Torque |
266 lb-ft |
Driving Range |
259 Miles |
Charging Time |
10 Hours at 240V |
Some consumers might avoid the Bolt EV because of the bad news regarding battery fires, but Chevy issues a recall and a fix for this problem. Overall, the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV should be an excellent used electric vehicle with plenty of driving range.
2 2013 Tesla Model S Performance – Legendary EV Styling And Performance
Driving Range: 300 Miles
Other than the Nissan Leaf, the Tesla Model S is the most popular electric vehicle in the world. This Tesla sedan set the groundwork for in-floor battery packs, long-range driving, and luxury EV qualities. The Model S has been the gold standard of EV driving for over a decade, making the 2013 model a great used electric car.
EV Specs
Motors |
Dual-motor |
Horsepower |
416 hp |
Torque |
443 lb-ft |
Driving Range |
300 Miles |
Charging Time |
12 Hours at 240V |
Because the Tesla Model S has been around for more than a decade, you’ll find many used versions offered, making it easy to find the driving performance and style desired. You don’t need to pay new Model S prices to have a great Tesla to drive; the 2013 Tesla Model S Performance is affordable, luxurious, and fun to drive.
1 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range – Affordable Tesla Driving That Lasts
Driving Range: 310 Miles
In 2018, only Tesla provided more than 300 miles of driving range. The Model 3 was created to be a long-range EV that brought the Tesla brand to the masses at an affordable price. This Tesla EV was a huge hit as soon as it hit the market, so finding a used model should be easy.
EV Specs
Motors |
Dual-motor |
Horsepower |
346 hp |
Torque |
307 lb-ft |
Driving Range |
310 Miles |
Charging Time |
10 Hours at 240V |
The Long Range version of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 offers aggressive performance, handsome styling, and good power. That said, this early version of the Model 3 faced concerns over build quality. You might notice some rattles, squeaks, and electronic glitches in this early version of the Tesla Model 3.