The best cheap used electric cars can be purchased for less than $25,000, and some cheap used electric cars are even less expensive than that. Here are our top picks for used electric cars.

The best used electric cars combine low purchase costs and solid real-world range. Due to a massive wave of off-lease vehicles entering the market, late-model used electric cars are available at significant discounts compared to new electric cars.

Top 10 Most Affordable Electric Cars With 300 Miles of Range or More

The Top Used Electric Cars For Under $25,000

Tesla Model 3 (2021–2023)

The Tesla Model 3 is really the benchmark for electric vehicles.

It’s rather affordable used, with 2021-2023 models going for an average of around $20,000.

Range varies significantly depending on which version of the Model 3 you choose. On the low end, the Model 3 has 220 miles of range, and on the high end, it goes up to 358 miles per charge.

Of course, used EVs will have slightly less range than when they were new, and each EV will vary based on mileage and charging methods used by previous owners.

The Model 3 has access to Tesla’s Supercharger network and has proven to have a durable battery that typically degrades slowly over time.

The Model 3 is our top pick for used electric cars for under $25,000.

Tesla Model 3: All Versions Compared

Top 10 Most Affordable Electric Cars With 250 Miles of Range or More

Tesla Model Y (2020-2021)

The Tesla Model Y is really the benchmark for crossover electric vehicles.

It’s rather affordable used, but not quite as cheap as the Model 3. Therefore, you’re probably looking for 2020-2021 Model Ys to stick under our $25,000 used price target.

Range varies significantly depending on which version of the Model Y you choose. On the low end, the Model Y has 244 miles of range, and on the high end, it goes up to 330 miles per charge.

Of course, used EVs will have slightly less range than when they were new, and each EV will vary based on mileage and charging methods used by previous owners.

The Model Y has access to Tesla’s Supercharger network and has proven to have a durable battery that typically degrades slowly over time.

The Model Y is our top pick for used electric crossovers for under $25,000.

Tesla Model Y: All Versions Compared

Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Kia EV6 (2022–2023)

Sharing the same underlying e-GMP architecture, these two vehicles are solid family crossovers.

The boxy Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the sportier-looking Kia EV6 both have up to 300 miles of range. The IONIQ 5 is noted for its very spacious interior.

Average used prices are right around $25,000.

Both the IONIQ 5 and EV6 offer ultra-fast 800-volt fast-charging speeds, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes on a 350-kW DC fast charger.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Info

Best Cheap Used Electric Cars For Under $20,000

Chevrolet Bolt EV / EUV (2020–2023)

The new 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is the most affordable electric car sold in the US right now, and used older Bolts (like 2020-2023 model years) are killer deals, too.

The Bolt was available as the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV (a slightly larger, taller crossover). Both versions are practical hatchbacks that offer 247-259 miles of range.

Typical used prices range from $12,000 to $17,000.

The Bolt has a liquid-cooled battery cooling system and has not been known to show early signs of degradation. However, you need to ensure that any 2017–2022 Bolts you are considering buying have had their high-voltage battery replaced or updated under Chevy’s past recall linked to battery fires. All Bolts should’ve had this replacement or fix performed, and the result is a new pack with like-new range, which is an added benefit when buying a used Bolt.

Hyundai Kona Electric / Kia Niro EV (2019–2022)

Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV are subcompact crossovers.

They offer a driving range of 239-258 miles per charge.

Used pricing generally ranges from $12,000 to $20,000, depending on mileage and Model Year.

The Kona Electric and Niro EV feature quiet cabins and consistently score top marks for long-term reliability.

Nissan Leaf (2018+ with 40 or 62 kWh battery)

The LEAF is excellent for local driving, offering 149-215 miles of range, depending on battery size

Older used models can be found for less than $10,000. While newer used versions will be priced closer to $15,000.

The older LEAF air-cooled battery isn’t ideal, and degradation might be higher than other used electric vehicles. Also, its fast charging isn’t ideal since it only charges at 50 kW and uses the now-dying CHAdeMO standard. It can be easily charged at home using a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

Top Rated Level 2 Home Chargers

4 Tips for Buying Used Electric Cars

1. Check the Battery State of Health (SoH): Do not rely solely on the dashboard range meter since it varies with recent driving style. Ask for a definitive battery diagnostic report or check the vehicle status menu built to see actual capacity retention.
2. Verify Warranty Transfer: Most major EV manufacturers provide an 8-year/100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty. The used electric cars listed above may still be under warranty. Ensure the remaining balance fully transfers to you as the second owner.
3. Run a Carfax Report: Check for any major accidents, outstanding recalls, or title issues.
4. Confirm the Charging Standard (CCS vs. NACS vs. CHAdeMO): Older non-Tesla models use the CCS plug. Make sure any used electric cars come with, or can readily accept, an approved NACS adapter to access the expanded Tesla Supercharger network nationwide. CHAdeMO is now an outdated standard used mainly by the Nissan LEAF. CHAdeMO chargers are limited in number and will likely disappear in the coming years.

How To Check A Tesla’s Battery Health