Skip to main content

The EV is happening now, driven in part by massive spikes in gas prices, and we are here for it. But, not everyone can afford a new electric car. How do you choose a used electric car that will give you the performance and convenience you need, without breaking the bank? We provide a rundown of some of the best and most affordable used electric cars with good range that you can buy in 2022.

8. The 2017-2019 Smart EQ ForTwo is an adorable two-seater commuter EV

Neon green Smart EQ For Two, one of the most affordable used electric cars
Smart EQ ForTwo | Manfred Schmid/Getty Images

It’s almost ridiculous to look at, but the Smart EQ ForTwo is adorable. Its stupid little trunk is adorable. Its name is adorable. It looks like a bowler hat threw on some wheels and went for a drive. But it’s an incredible little commuter car (as long as you don’t crash it) and you could buy one right now for under $8,000. The coupe model saw a 58-mile range and the Electric Drive model saw a range of 57 miles. That may not seem like much, but come on—are you going to drive a Smart car more than 50 miles?

7. The 2017-2019 Fiat 500e is a fun all-electric hatchback

The Fiat 500e only offered about 84 miles of all-electric range, but it was a fun, small, and cute option for drivers who wanted a peppy little EV that was pretty cheap. Keep in mind that a used Fiat 500e will see lower range estimates due to battery age and wear and tear.

6. The 2017-2019 Honda Clarity Electric was a simple and practical affordable electric sedan

We know that Hondas are known for their ability to last forever, and the same can hopefully be said for Honda’s EV batteries. This battery offered a range of just under 90 miles, which is fine for a basic commuter car. The Honda Clarity Electric was discontinued in 2020, and the Honda Insight hybrid car was discontinued just recently—possibly to make room for the new Honda Civic Hybrid and, hopefully, a Honda Civic EV?

5. The 2017-2019 Kia Soul EV was a cheap fan favorite with a ton of cargo room

The Kia Soul EV is charming, weird, and awesome. It had a massive warranty, was relatively cheap to buy and drive, and had a range of over 110 miles when new. A used Kia Soul EV these days probably sees under 100 miles of EV range, but can still offer practicality and capability in commuting.

4. The 2017-2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric EV was an easy choice

White Hyundai Ioniq, one of the most affordable used luxury cars in the used EV sedan market
Hyundai Ioniq Electric | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

It’s getting hard to keep track of Ioniq models these days, but the 2017-2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric sedan was a popular option in the handful of states where Honda sold it. It had an EV range of 124 miles, but Honda discontinued the Ioniq Electric car in 2021. Good news—that means you may be able to snap one up for cheap.

3. The 2017-2019 Volkswagen e-Golf was a spicy and affordable electric hatchback with 134 horsepower

Every Golf rules and the Volkswagen e-Golf is no exception—though it’s no longer in production now. The e-Golf was first sold in 2015 and only made it to 2019. 2017 models boosted battery power to increase EV range to 125 miles from a mere 83, and it increased horsepower. When choosing an affordable used VW e-Golf electric car, be sure to choose a 2017, 2018, or 2019 model.

2. The 2018-2019 Nissan Leaf Plus electric car had a longer range and a bigger battery

Of course, the Leaf has to be on this list. While the 2017 model is perfectly acceptable, I chose to feature just the 2018 and 2019 Leaf as the more capable and more capable second generation. The 2019 is the best model with a larger battery and a range of up to 226 miles. Should you buy a used electric car, replacing the Nissan Leaf’s battery may be insanely expensive, but it could give you another decade or more with the affordable used EV 

1. The 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV affordable electric hatchback saw over 200 miles of range

All-new for 2017, the Chevrolet Bolt EV looked nice and was relatively comfortable inside. Its small design made this affordable electric car a great fit for urban environments and the suburbs alike. It offered one of the longest ranges for the price, at the time. Chevy Bolt EV range will be affected by age and wear-and-tear, so assume that a used Bolt will see slightly under 200 miles of range.

Don’t waste your money on an unreliable EV

While these affordable electric cars were all named by Cars.com as the best used cars for 2017-2019 for their great range, affordability, and options, they may not all be the most reliable. (Ahem, Chevy Bolt.)

Scroll down to learn how to buy the most reliable used electric car.

Related

EV Rebate vs. Tax Credit: What’s the Difference Between EV Incentives?

Best in Hybrids & Electrics
MotorBiscuit Staff Writer, Mentor

Becca Hopkins

Becca Hopkins joined MotorBiscuit as a Staff Writer, Mentor in 2022. A graduate of the University of Vermont, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology, Becca brings several years of experience writing professionally to the team. Her many years of expertise include writing automotive content for companies such as Dealer.com and Cox Automotive.

Growing up with a family of 6 and as a proud owner of multiple dogs, Becca understands the importance of matching the right vehicle to a person’s unique lifestyle and is most inspired by how much freedom, opportunity, and access the right car can offer a driver.

When Becca isn’t writing, she can often be found hiking, training her dogs for agility competitions, and paddleboarding along the shores of Lake Champlain.