Great Used BEVs: A Smart Buyer’s Guide to an All-Electric Future

As electric vehicles become more common, many car buyers are realizing that they don’t need to buy a brand-new electric model to join the electrified movement. For environmentally conscious, budget-savvy buyers, seeking out used EVs for sale can offer outstanding value, lower maintenance costs, and a surprisingly saturated market filled with options from the world’s leading automotive brands.

Whether you’re a daily commuter trying to avoid higher expenses at the fuel pump, a city driver ready to lower your carbon footprint, or a tech aficionado interested in the cutting-edge features that define most EVs, a used electric vehicle offers undeniable appeal. So, which models are the most popular on the used lot? How can you shop for a used BEV and get the most for your money without compromising reliability, ingenuity, and excitement behind the wheel? We’re here to answer that question as your used EV destination.

Want Sleek and Sporty? Shop the Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Mach-E made headlines in 2021 when the all-electric SUV debuted with the beloved Mustang name. With bold styling and sleek body lines mirroring its namesake, the Mach-E’s potent heartbeat proves it’s worthy of the name. Ford offers the Mach-E a diverse powertrain lineup that pairs single and dual motor configurations with standard and extended-range batteries catering to various performance and range needs. For example, satisfying your penchant for speed and engaging performance is easy with a Mach-E GT. The 2021 Mach-E GT and newer models boast a 91 kWh battery that, with a dual motor configuration, clocks in at 480 hp and anywhere between 600 and 634 lb-ft of instant torque for pure thrills behind the wheel.

Beyond its engaging heartbeat, the Mach-E is a top contender because of Ford’s reputation for reliability and value. The Mach-E’s starting price has consistently decreased since its debut, heightening the appeal of used models because top-tier trims like the GT are more accessible and budget-friendly. Moreover, newer Mach-E models feature a vast digital landscape, cutting-edge driver-assist features like BlueCruise, and a well-equipped cabin that appeals to individuals, couples, and families.

Want to Drive “the OG” of EVs? Shop the Nissan LEAF

Nissan changed the global landscape in 2010 when it debuted the LEAF as the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle. In the decades since, the LEAF has earned numerous awards and set many benchmarks for the segment. Today, it’s a popular choice on the used lot, with the sporty hatchback praised for its range, diverse trim family, and thoughtfully designed cabin.

As you shop for a used LEAF, keep in mind that Nissan streamlined the trim lineup in 2023. Rather than five trims, 2023 and newer LEAF models are available in two trims–the entry-level S and the SV, which Nissan renamed the SV Plus in 2024. Despite these changes, LEAF models built since 2021 feature a large touchscreen display and the same electric heartbeats. The LEAF’s standard powertrain is a 40 kWh battery with a single motor that produces 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the 60 kWh battery pushes that output to 214 hp and 250 lb-ft of instant torque.

Want an Excellent Warranty? Shop the Hyundai Kona Electric

Praised for its sporty aesthetic, the Hyundai Kona Electric is an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize efficiency, reliability, and minimal maintenance. The Kona has been a staple in the Hyundai lineup since 2018, with the automaker adding the Kona Electric to the family in 2019. With its relatively new entry, the Kona EV is widely appealing on the used lot, with Hyundai’s exceptional warranty coverage sweetening its packaging.

Newer Kona Electric models are popular on the used lot because of Hyundai’s industry-leading warranties. Likewise, Hyundai introduced the model’s second generation in 2024, expanding the Kona Electric’s powertrain lineup, debuting a larger digital landscape and a significantly more spacious cabin. For example, the 2023 Kona Electric offers an eight-inch or 10.25-inch center touchscreen and a total cargo volume of 45.8 cu.ft. In 2024, Hyundai added a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, expanded the cabin to a total cargo volume of 63.7 cu.ft., and added an additional cubic foot of space in the frunk. So, what’s the catch?

The 2024 Kona Electric is an outstanding option if you need the extra room. However, if you want more on-demand power, shop for the first-generation model. The 2023 Kona Electric has a 64 kWh battery and single motor that produces 201 hp, 291 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles. The 2024 Kona Electric features a two-powertrain lineup, but growing emissions standards mean a lower output across the board. For example, the 48.6 kWh battery and single motor produce 133 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque, with the 64.8 kWh battery offering the same torque output and 201 hp.

Want a Tech-Savvy EV? Shop the Tesla Model 3

Our list of used EVs wouldn’t be complete without a Tesla. If you’re looking for a modern, high-performance EV with a vast charging network and plenty of cutting-edge technologies, the Model 3 deserves a place at the top of your list. The sedan is among the most desirable electric vehicles on the used lot.

Instantly recognizable by its sleek and modern silhouette, the Model 3 has been in production since 2017. As you shop for a used model, you’ll find the Model 3 trims vary year-to-year, with the 2021 Model 3 offering the Standard Range Plus as its base trim and the Performance as its top-tier trim. By 2023, the Model 3’s trim family includes the Base, Long Range, and Performance, with 2024 adding more options with the Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range All-Wheel Drive, and Performance All-Wheel Drive. These designations reflect the Model 3’s range and performance style, with drivers often opting for longer-range models with all-wheel drive for all-season capability.

The Model 3’s many configurations make shopping for a used model exciting, yet the perks don’t end there. Tesla is renowned for its minimalist design, with the Model 3 exemplifying this approach through its ultra-modern cabin. You’ll find an extensive digital landscape and cutting-edge technologies like Autopilot that truly transform your experience behind the wheel.

Know Before You Buy: Other Considerations

Buying a used electric vehicle is an excellent way to adopt an electric lifestyle without putting a gaping hole in your wallet or making that initial mile-high investment. New cars are prone to rapid depreciation, which starts when they’re driven off the lot and continues over the next few years on the road. Electric vehicles depreciate even faster, but that’s avoidable when considering your options on the used lot.

Aside from paying closer to the car’s actual value, shopping for a used electric vehicle should be exciting and rewarding. As you explore your options, consider more than your budget. For example, ask for the battery health report or a diagnostic scan to learn more about the battery’s condition and prior usage. Learn more about how the EV charges and its compatibility with various networks, including your home-charging options and any related incentives.

These considerations will set you up for success as an EV owner, fostering confidence long before you drive home. More importantly, know that our team will openly answer your questions and share our expertise. Like you, we’re excited about building a zero-emissions future with models that offer cutting-edge technologies, luxurious yet functional cabins, and outstanding performance at an affordable, value-packed price.