Saving money is a top reason to consider switching to drive an electric vehicle (EV). Used EVs save consumers $500 – $1,000 on average compared to similar gas cars thanks to the lower fuel and maintenance costs associated with driving electric. EV maintenance costs about half as much as traditional gas car maintenance since there is no need for oil changes and EVs have fewer moving parts. For those who live in or nearly California, California’s used EV market is the largest in the country, providing more electric vehicle make and model0 options to choose from. Scroll on to learn more about used EVs!
What does a used EV cost? What kinds are available?
Research shows that used EVs are cheaper to own on average than used gas-powered cars. Exact price trends in the used EV market can fluctuate based on several factors, like vehicle availability and market demand, however you’ll ultimately save money overall buying and driving a used EV. Overall in California, used EVs are 40% cheaper with the maximum incentive under California’s Clean Cars 4 All program compared to the average price of a used gas car. And that’s even without considering the lower maintenance and fueling costs that come with an electric vehicle. You can find the latest and greatest cost information on used EVs at Recurrent Auto.
The EVs listed below generally boast a price tag under $15,000, which is half the upfront cost or less of a new EV:
- Nissan LEAF
- Ford Focus
- Volkswagen e-Golf
- Kia Soul EV
- BMW i3
Discover available incentives in your area for a used EV.
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Learn about used and new EV incentives by zip code.
Where can I find a Used EV?
California’s used EV market is the largest in the country, with nearly four times as many vehicles in inventory compared to Texas, the next biggest market. You can find any price or level of luxury. All used car websites have used EVs and most dealerships do as well.
If you’ve shopped for a used car before, you may already have a favorite site. If this is your first time buying a used car, consider the purchasing experience and information that you’re looking for to help guide where you choose to shop. Autotrader.com has been around for a long time. TrueCar.com will show you what other people paid for the same car. And Carvana will give you the experience of picking up your used EV from a futuristic car vending machine.
Below is a list of the top used car websites where you can find the best used EVs near you. Enjoy the ride!
What’s the battery life on a used EV and is it under warranty?
Batteries last a long time, however just like the batteries in your phone, the amount of charge they can hold eventually lessens over time. The used EV you’re looking at may only offer three-quarters of its original driving range due to the battery’s age. While this may sound less appealing, try to keep an open mind! Most drivers travel less than 50 miles per day, so your average driving needs should still be completely covered.
To get the most bang for your buck when it comes to battery life, shop for an electric vehicle with around 50,000 to 75,000 miles. Recurrent’s vehicle-specific range reports help you understand an EV’s battery condition and estimate how much you should pay for the vehicle based on it. This free analysis tool requires just a few minutes to complete and pictures of the EV’s dashboard.
Depending on how old an EV is or how many miles are on it, a used EV may still be under a warranty that can be transferred to the new owner, so be sure to ask the seller to see if that’s available.
Will my used EV have all of its charging equipment?
Charging equipment can be expensive. Before purchasing and driving off with your used EV, check to see that the seller included the correct charging cord along with and adapters or other vehicle-specific charging equipment. If they haven’t, make sure that’s noted on the paperwork and reflected in the price of the vehicle.
If you’re interested in learning more about charging up your used EV, head to our EV Charging 101 page!