Skip to main content

There are many electric cars for sale in the new market today, but many of them are out of budget for most shoppers. Fortunately, the used EV market has experienced a lot of depreciation in the past 10 years, making older electric cars far more affordable. Check out these five used electric cars that can be found for less than $15,000.

1. 2013 Fiat 500e

2013 Fiat 500e
2013 Fiat 500e | Stellantis

The 2013 Fiat 500e is an oddball of an electric car, but its unique appearance could win you over. Its single-motor setup produces 111 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque smoothly and linearly, resulting in quick acceleration. However, don’t expect sports car-like agility, as this little hatchback was made for tight city commuting. Hopefully, you live and commute in densely populated areas because the 500e only has an 87-mile range.

2. 2017 Chevrolet Bolt

A front corner view of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt at an auto show
2017 Chevrolet Bolt | via Getty Images

If you like the hatchback styling of the aforementioned Fiat 500e, but need more room and range in your used electric car, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt could be a better option. The Bolt has room for five adults and a decent-sized trunk. It also has many tech features, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, four USB ports, and a built-in navigation system. Best of all, the Bolt can travel over 200 miles on a single charge.

3. 2019 Nissan Leaf

2019 Nissan Leaf
2019 Nissan Leaf | via Getty Images

The Nissan Leaf has been in the electric car game longer than nearly any other EV – yes, even Tesla. That said, we don’t recommend looking into the earlier Leaf models, as they only provided around 87 miles of range. Instead, check out the 2019 Leaf Plus, which provides 226 miles of range and Nissan reliability.

4. 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf | via Getty Images

The 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf stands out with its impressive cabin materials and craftsmanship. The editors at Edmunds praised the e-Golf for its “superior driving dynamics, impressive range, and optimized battery charging equipment.”

The superior driving dynamics are due to the 115-hp electric motor that also generates a staggering 199 lb-ft of torque. However, the only caveat is the e-Golf’s range, which caps out at 100 miles. It’s not bad if you only need an around-town commuter.

5. 2014 BMW i3

2014 BMW i3
2014 BMW i3 | via Getty Images

The BMW i3 has always been one of the quirkiest EVs in the market. As funky as the i3 looks, it’s also very practical, as it can fit up to four adults in relative comfort. It’s also pretty quick and nimble, and its funky design extends to the interior, which can be accessed through rear-hinged clamshell doors.

Regarding the BMW i3’s powertrain, the EV is powered by a 170-hp motor that powers the rear wheels and propels the car for up to 96 miles. If more range is needed, some i3 models were equipped with a range-extending gas engine that doubled that figure.

The best used electric cars are also the most eclectic

There are plenty of new EVs in the market today, but some of them are out of many people’s budgets. However, if you’re open to checking out a used electric car, these examples are some of the best and most eclectic.