INTRODUCTION

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are finally reaching a stage where they can be used as practical vehicles. Increased range (some EVs can go over 250 miles on a charge) and the deployment of EV charging stations nationwide is helping to inch electrification of transportation toward the mainstream. But what of all of those vehicles that represented the early attempts at building and selling EVs? Many of them are available on the used market, often for surprisingly low prices.

In the not too distant past, some automakers sold EVs that were designed solely to comply with the California regulations that required that car makers offer a percentage of their fleet with zero emissions. Others embraced the idea that electrification might be the future. The EVs built in that first wave, between 2011 and 2016, were typically small, expensive, and had a range of 60-100 miles on a charge.

Buying a used car is always a risk—even with good documentation and service records, it is still hard to know how well a vehicle has been maintained and whether it has been abused. The good news about used electric vehicles is that EVs, with fewer moving parts than traditional gasoline powered vehicles, have been shown to be mechanically robust and reliable, requiring little beyond routine maintenance. In addition, because of their limited range, they often have accumulated quite low mileage for their year, another positive.

But there is one major concern: the battery pack. The condition of the lithium ion battery pack that powers EVs depends enormously on how it has been treated during its lifetime. Repeated fast charging, completely depleting the battery, or operation at hot or cold temperature extremes can result in a battery pack with reduced capability when compared to when it was new. Just normal aging of a pack can result in a reduction of around 5% capacity per year. Many car makers placed warranties on their battery packs, typically 8 years or 100,000 miles. Some early EVs on the used market are nearing that age limit. So the range quoted for a new EV in 2015 may not be reached by a used EV in 2019 with an aging pack.

There is some good news for those contemplating a used EV. The cost of lithium ion batteries has fallen dramatically, from well over $1000 per kilowatt-hour (kW) just a few years ago to less than $200 per kWh today. There has grown up a cottage industry of specialists who can rejuvenate a used EV pack, replacing malfunctioning cells and returning them to nearly new capacity. There are also some aftermarket computer tools available to assess to condition of a pack—suffice it to say that any buyer of a used EV should do their homework before considering such a purchase.

To examine the prices of some available used EVs, Design News reached out to Kelly Blue Book (KBB) to provide current used car prices. KBB is an industry standard for reliable used car pricing. We chose to price our cars as if they were in Very Good condition and if we were buying from a dealer. The prices when buying from a private seller might be slightly lower. We reported the current used price for the first year a vehicle was available, the used price for a 2018 model of the vehicle or the last year it was available, and the new vehicle price (MSRP from KBB) for the last year it was available, or for 2019 if the vehicle is still available.

With prices that range from less than $5,000 to more than $60,000, here are some used EVs to consider.

Senior Editor Kevin Clemens has been writing about energy, automotive, and transportation topics for more than 30 years. He has masters degrees in Materials Engineering and Environmental Education and a doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in aerodynamics. He has set several world land speed records on electric motorcycles that he built in his workshop.

(Image source: BMW)

Nissan Leaf SL (2011-2019)

                                    KBB Price

New     2019                $35,030           Range: 215 miles

            2018                $23,982           Range: 150 miles

            2011                $5,419             Range: 72 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles

Summary:

Nissan was one of the first of the major car companies out of the gate, into production with its all-electric Leaf in 2011. Since that time the company has sold more than 300,000 Leaf’s making it the biggest selling EV in the world. The Leaf is easy to drive, reasonably comfortable, and well-made, and as long as you don’t drive more than 70-100 miles in a day, a used Leaf would make a fine commuter car. The larger 30 kWh battery pack arrived in 2016, but there have been questions about whether it is degrading faster than the original 24 kWh pack. The earliest Leafs are also reaching the end of their 8 year battery warranty period. An all-new Leaf was introduced for 2018 and has considerably better range.

(Image source: Nissan)

BMW i3 (2014-2019)

                                    KBB Price

New     2019                $44,450           Range: 126 miles

            2018                $34,620           Range: 114 miles

            2014                $13,319           Range: 80 miles

Battery Warranty: At least 70% capacity for 8 years or 100,000 miles

Summary:

When BMW introduced the i3 in 2014, it was clear that the German car company wanted to make a statement about its EVs. The i3 had a unique shape and architecture that it didn’t share with any other vehicle in the BMW lineup. Its carbon-fiber reinforced body helped reduce weight while its interior was made largely from recycled and recyclable materials. The i3 also was available with a two cylinder range-extender gasoline engine to help assuage those range anxiety fears. Most of all, the i3 is a BMW—its performance and driving characteristics set it apart from other EVs, new or used.

(Image source: BMW)

Smart fortwo electric drive (2013-2018)

                                    KBB Price

            2018                $24,550           Range: 75 miles

            2018                $14,140           Range: 75 miles

            2013                $3,557             Range: 75 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years, 62,000 miles

Summary:

The Smart fortwo was the smallest car available in the U.S., and was when the electric drive version was introduced in 2013. With a small 17.8 kWh battery pack, tight dimensions, an incredibly tight turning circle, and just two seats, the fortwo was really designed to be a city commuter. Fortunately, it’s a task at which the Smart excels and that small battery pack can be charged on a Level 2 (220-volt) charger in just a few hours. A cabriolet version is also available for open-air electric motoring. Unfortunately for those of us who like tiny vehicles, Smart stopped selling its cars in North America at the end of 2018.

(Image source: Smart)

Fiat 500e (2013-2017)

                                    KBB Price

New     2017                $32,795           Range: 87 miles

            2017                $10,101           Range: 87 miles

            2013                $6,648             Range: 87 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years, 100,000 miles

Summary:                                  

Originally available only in California, the Fiat 500e has found its way across the country, although finding one locally may not always be easy. It’s a subcompact without a lot of rear seat room, and its range is limited, but around town the Fiat 500e is a stylish and fun way to travel. Resale value is obviously low, which is good news if you are in the market for a fun, but cheap, used EV. The 500e was discontinued in 2017.

(Image source: Fiat)

Volkswagen e-Golf (2015-2018)

                                    KBB Price

New     2018                $37,845           Range: 125 miles

            2018                $24,197           Range: 125 miles

            2015                $11,708           Range: 83 miles

Battery Warranty: At least 70% capacity for 8 years or 100,000 miles

Summary:

The Volkswagen eGolf is based upon the gasoline-powered version of the car—that’s not a bad thing if you are an avid driver as the Golf has long been considered one of Europe’s best handling small cars. The somewhat high price of a used eGolf (relative to other used small EVs) demonstrates the enthusiasm that many have for these cars. VW has announced big plans for electrification of its fleet in coming years, so buying a used eGolf might mark you as an early adopter among fans of the company. 2018 was the last year for the eGolf in the US.

(Image source: Volkswagen)

Chevrolet Spark EV (2014-2016)

                                    KBB Price

New     2016                $26,000           Range: 82 miles

            2016                $9,658             Range: 82 miles

            2014                $7,726             Range: 82 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years, 100,000 miles

Summary:                        

The non-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark was one of the least expensive cars in the U.S. and its electric cousin was available for around $20,000 after incentives. The EV version had a robust 140-horsepower which allowed the small car to race to 60 mph in just over 7 seconds. Initially the Spark EV was only available in California and Oregon—at the end of its run it also was available in Maryland.

(Image source: Chevrolet)

Mitsubishi i-MiEV (2012-2017)

                                    KBB Price

New     2017                $23,845           Range: 62 miles

            2017                $9,765             Range: 62 miles

            2012                $5,069             Range: 62 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years, 100,000 miles

Summary:

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is all about its low initial purchase price. What is hard to live with is a range of just 62 miles, less if it is drive hard. Its funky looks and small size scream “EV” which may be a good or a bad thing, depending upon your goals. If you have a short commute, want to get your EV feet wet without spending much money, and want the world to know you are driving an EV, the i-MiEV might be for you. 2017 was the last year for the i-Mev.

(Image source: Mitsubishi)

Tesla Model S (2012-2019)

                                    KBB Price

New     2019                $86,200           Range: 250 miles

            2018                $75,614           Range: 250 miles

            2012                $34,627           Range: 230 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years, 125,000 miles

Summary:

The Tesla Model S has had a presence in and impact on the EV market far beyond its sales numbers. Over the years it has been available with a number of different battery pack sizes that can provide a range over 300 miles on a charge, and with single and dual motors for performance up to and including “Ludicrous.” Prices can easily exceed $135,000 for a fully optioned new Model S—for a used one it all comes down to what you can find and how it is equipped. Add in the Tesla Supercharger system of nationwide charging stations and a used Model S is an attractive prospect.

(Image source: Tesla)

Tesla Model X 75D (2016-2019)

                                    KBB Price

New     2019                $83,200           Range: 237 miles

            2018                $73,545           Range: 237 miles

            2016                $59,179           Range: 237 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years, unlimited miles

Summary:

Tesla was ahead of the curve when it introduced an electric cross-over utility vehicle (CUV), the Model X. With competition now on the horizon from Jaguar, Audi, Porsche, BMW, Nissan, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz, the Tesla Model X still has the specifications to withstand the onslaught. Every Model X has twin electric motors, a whole range of standard features, and unique “Falcon Wing” rear doors that open upward instead of outward. An optional 100 kWh battery in place of the 75 kWh battery can provide a range of up to 295 miles. The Model X can also access the Tesla Supercharger charging network.   

(Image source: Tesla)

Tesla Model 3 (2018-2019)

                                    KBB Price

New     2019                $45,200           Range: 249 miles

            2018                $46,467           Range: 249 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years, unlimited miles

Summary:

The Tesla Model 3 is the reasonably priced electric vehicle that Tesla has promised all along. Although its base price is in the mid-$35,000 range, the only versions made so far have been significantly more. In fact, it might be possible to buy a used Model 3 for more than a new one, depending upon which battery and options are involved.

(Image source: Tesla)

Fisker Karma (2012) (Plug-in Hybrid)

                                    KBB Price

New     2012                $103,000         Range: 50 miles (on battery)

            2012                $35,775 est.    Range: 50 miles (on battery)

Battery Warranty: none

Summary:                 

The Fisker Karma was a beautiful four-passenger sedan that lasted just one year in production. It was a hybrid with a 50-mile battery range and an auxiliary gasoline engine to provide additional range. Since the company went out of business, there is no battery or drivetrain warranty, nor a dealer network, so buying one could be a true risk. On the other hand, used prices for Fiskers seem to be on the rise. A new Fisker venture is underway with a promise to build new EVs in 2019.

(Image source: Fisker)

Chevrolet Volt (2011-2019) (Plug-in Hybrid)

                                    KBB Price

New     2019                $34,395           Range: 53 miles (on battery)

            2018                $21,060           Range: 53 miles (on battery)

            2011                $9,682             Range: 35 miles (on battery)

Battery Warranty: 8 years, 100,000 miles

Summary:

Chevrolet recognized that “range anxiety” would be a big factor in the acceptance of electric vehicles, so it equipped the Volt with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that would take over after the battery reached a certain level of discharge and provide an extended range of over 350 miles. It was a smart way to introduce the American public to EVs and the Chevrolet Volt remains a practical alternative to the Nissan Leaf on the used EV market. A second generation of the Volt arrived in 2016, with more battery power and a more usable interior. 2019 will be the last year for the Volt, a victim of the insatiable US market demand for pickup trucks and SUVs.

(Image source: Chevrolet)

Chevrolet Bolt (2017-2019)

                                    KBB Price

New     2019                $41,895           Range: 238 miles

            2018                $29,166           Range: 238 miles

            2017                $25,006           Range: 238 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years, 100,000 miles

Summary:

Arriving just ahead of the Tesla Model 3, the Chevrolet Bolt, on paper at least, appears to be just the EV that everyone wanted. Sales have been dismal however, despite the range and performance that the Bolt EV can offer.

(Image source: Chevrolet)

Ford Focus EV (2012-2018)

                                    KBB Price

New     2018                $29,120           Range: 100 miles

            2018                $19,223           Range: 100 miles

            2012                $6,361             Range: 76 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years, 100,000 miles

Summary:

Almost unnoticed, the Ford Focus EV has been soldiering along for a six year run that saw it continue to improve. This is definitely a “below-the-radar” kind of car, but if you want to drive an EV, but don’t want your neighbors to know, this car might be for you. The last Ford Focus EV model year was 2018.

(Image source: Ford)