I found the best used EVs at basically every price...

The fact that you can get 2022 Model Y level EV for the same price as a new Corolla means luxury at a budget price. The average price for a new Model Y in May was $53K, while the average MSRP for a new Corolla is $25K. The Corolla is a nice car, but it is not a Model Y.

This made me curious about what exactly you would get if you paid more for a used EV. The average new car MSRP in May was nearly $51K and EV about $58K. This seemed like a good starting point, so I went looking for what kind of used EV I could get if for $50K and less.

The results truly surprised me, so I further subdivided my research down from $50-$40K, $40-$30K, and $30-$20K. I kept my criteria tight, looking for 2023 and newer models, mileage under 30,000, one owner, no accidents. I know many readers want good but cheap, so I searched for $20-1$5K as well, still 2023 models. Most of the cars listed below are under 20,000 miles, with quite a few under 10K.

I picked the Twin Cities as a large Midwestern population center, and searched within 500 miles. I subjectively picked a couple of cars in each price class, with a brief description, and listed a few more. So this was available at the time of writing.

Cars between $50K and $40K

Luxury cars and big pickups

Very expensive cars depreciate the most over the first couple of years, no matter what powertrain they use. Luxury EVs lose value the quickest. Electric pickup trucks are slightly different, because they retain their utility as work or lifestyle vehicles.

2023 BMW iX xDrive50: $49,990/$88K new/range 312 to 326 miles

The BMW iX xDrive50 is arguably the most capable mid-size electric SUV. If you can look past the exaggerated beaver tooth grille, this Beemer is a pretty good-looking car. With a blend of real luxury, plenty of space, and loads of power, this two-year-old SUV is a steal at the same price as the average car in the US. There is also a 610-hp M60, but you won’t find it at this price, if at all.

Ford Lightning Supercrew Lariat: $46,579/$76K new/range 240 miles

The Ford F-150 Lightning brings you all the great features that made the regular F-150 the bestseller for over 40 years, with several EV-related benefits. Besides the massive fuel saving, the Lightning has sports car level acceleration, a massive trunk where the engine would normally sit, and the ability to act as a power supply at work sites. The Lariat is the second-highest trim in the Lightning range, so pretty much fully loaded with features. The one downside in this and any other electric truck is that towing immediately cuts the range.

Other cars listed in this price range

• 2023 Lucid Air Pure, $47,600, range 410 miles
• 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E, $41,990, range 290 miles
• 2023 Genesis Electrified G80, $41,990, range 282

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Cars between $40 and $30K

Mainly Premium SUVs

Kia

You will be spoiled for choice if you have the budget to shop in this range. Here you will find the fully loaded Tesla Model Y and even Model 3, the German luxury carmakers, Volvos, and the like.

Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV: $31,580/$58K, range 234 to 256 miles

The Merc EQB is the electric version of the popular GLB SUV, giving almost the same speciousness and fine finish. The 288 horses and AWD makes it a great car to drive. Even though the range is not class-leading, it does offer good DC-fast charging. The EQB brings the luxury and features you would expect from Merc in a compelling and practical compact SUV.

2024 Kia EV6 SUV Wind, $31,990/new $50K, range 311 to 326 miles

The Kia EV6 is a brilliant SUV, very sharp looks, with a great drive, slick interior, and loaded with features and driver assist tech. The EV6 range moves from affordable and frugal to the massively OTT 576 hp GT. Between these extremes, you will get the choice of longer-range RWD models and more powerful, shorter-range AWD models. The EV6 was launched in 2022, when its sister car, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, was car of the year. The EV6 is seen by many as real competition to the Tesla Model Y, and when you compare them, you can see why..

Other cars listed in this price range

• 2023 BMW i4, $37,550, range 287 miles
• 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, $36,988, range 269 miles
• 2025 Chevrolet Blazer LT, $37,999, range 307 miles

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Cars between $30 and $20K

Lots of really good cars

Hyundai

This price range will give you a wide variety of EVs that sell for mid 40s to 50s, and lose a ton of price in a couple of years. The value remains though, and a $50K EV that sells for $30K after two years is a bargain in every way. The tech is still new, the battery will have least six years of warranty, and over-the-air software updates will keep the car up to date.

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SUV SE, $27,500/new $48K, range 287 to 304 miles

The Hyundai Ioniq 5, like the EV6, comes in a range of options. You will definately find them for sale over $30K, but there are plenty available under $30K as well. The one listed here is the more powerful AWD option, and like the Kia EV6, is packed with features and quality interior and exterior finishes. The Ioniq 5 has a more outdoorsy, rugged vibe than the EV6, but under the skin, they are pretty similar. There is also an N model with over 600 hp, but you probably won’t find it in this price range.

2024 Honda Prologue EX 4dr SUV, $26,992/new $49K, range 306 to 318 miles

The Honda Prologue is an SUV with good range, great features, and reasonable power. If it looks familiar, that is because it is firmly based on the Chevy Blazer EV, using the same platform, battery pack, and EV components. The Prologue offers a couple of extra features such as Apple and Android connectivity, but beside that, the two models are virtually identical. Both are excellent cars, and choice could come down to price on the day, with perhaps a bit of brand loyalty to tip the scale.

Other cars listed in this price range

• 2023 Nissan Ariya Platinum+ e-4orce, $27,990, range 285 miles
• 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron, $28,550, range 259 miles
• 2023 VW ID.4 Pro S Plus, $28,550, range 258 miles

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Cars between $30 and $20K

Leafs and Bolts

Nissan

If you stick to the 2023 criteria, there are not a lot of choices under $20K other than the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt. You can get other cars, but then they are older, have more miles, were used as rideshare cars, were in accidents, or have murky histories.

2023 Nissan Leaf S, $19,990/new $28,140, range 151 to 159 miles

The Nissan Leaf was the first affordable EV and is still selling well, despite competing with cars that offer twice the range and way more power. The Leaf appeals to those who drive around town and charge at home, who want an affordable small car that is easy to drive and park, and costs next to nothing to run. The Leaf, for its size, is quite spacious, and has some nice tech features as well. It is handicapped by a charging system not compatible with many public charging places, but as long as your driving habits favor home charging, you should enjoy this little car.

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV 1LT, $17,468/new (2023) $27,495, 246 to 265 miles

The US EV market was in shock when Chevrolet pulled the plug on the Bolt in 2023. At that time it was the cheapest EV on the market, competing with the Nissan Leaf, but with a much more compelling package. It is a small car, but makes 200 hp for some great EV acceleration. The Bolt has a pretty useful 250+ miles range, and offers real DC-fast charging that add 100 miles in 30 minutes. The good news is that Chevy is bringing back the Bolt, but time will tell if they still hit the sweet spot as the old Bolt did.

• 2023 Kia Niro EV, $19,455, range 274 miles
• Mostly Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt, with a few other models with very high mileage, accident damage, or dodgy ownership history.

Relatively new used EVs offer incredible value right now, no matter which price point you are shopping at. You will find more value across the board than most new cars at the same price, with the long EV warranty keeping the used car useful for longer.

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