Best Used EVs for less than £15,000 (2024)

It’s not controversial to say new electric cars can look pretty expensive; compared to a petrol or diesel car, a similarly sized EV can have a list price thousands more. But the modern EV era – which began with the first Nissan Leaf, broadly speaking – is more than a decade old now. That means a vibrant and varied market for used EVs, and for less than £15,000 you can pick up something spacious, modern, and with more than enough battery range for everyday use. You won’t get the sort of headline-grabbing 300-mile-plus range that you see from recently released EVs, because battery capacities are increasing all the time, but the sheer value of a good used electric car makes them super appealing.
Here are some brilliant used EVs you can get for about the price of a new Kia Picanto.

The popularity of the Nissan Leaf means there are absolutely loads of used examples around, which is good because it means you can afford to be picky. Nissan has just finished producing the current generation of Leaf and, while we wait for a replacement, pre-loved cars look like a bargain. For less than £15,000 you can find Nissan approved examples that are only one or two years old and the 39kWh battery good for a usable range of up to 150 miles between charges. Look for N-Connecta or Tekna trims, which are upper spec cars with plenty of kit.
Find your Nissan Leaf on Auto Trader

Even as a new car, the MG ZS represents amazing value for money, so as a used buy it’s an absolute steal. It’s a comfortable family SUV, and while it might not feel like the most cutting-edge car from the inside, you just won’t get more space per pound from any other EV. For this money you’ll get a three-year-old car with low mileage (well under 20,000), which means you’ll still have more than half of the seven-year manufacturer warranty left. The battery capacity was improved with a 2021 facelift, but a 2020 car will still get you around 140 miles from a single charge.
Find your MG ZS on Auto Trader

Vauxhall Corsa-e

The Corsa-e has been around since 2020, so there’s plenty of three-year-old models coming onto the used market now, many of which have dropped to well under half their original list price. Again, the amount of choice means you can be selective about spec, colour and mileage – we’d go for a sportier SRi Nav model, with the lowest mileage you can find. In any case, though, the Corse-e is a hugely appealing five-door electric runabout. Vauxhall designed it to be as ‘ordinary’ as possible, and so it feels just like a petrol Corsa – same interior space, dashboard and boot size – except it’s quicker and quieter because of electric power. And if you drive it carefully, its 50kWh battery will give you a good 200 miles of single-charge range.
Find your Vauxhall Corsa-e on Auto Trader

Volkswagen had been making the ID.3 for a while now, so like the Corsa there are plenty of pre-loved examples available in this price range. While a budget of under £15,000 won’t stretch to the versions with over 300 miles of range, the 54kWh battery cars will be easily cover most journeys. The ID.3 was Volkswagen’s first foray into purpose built, mass production electric cars and as such it’s been a bit of a learning curve for the brand. There have been a couple of recalls to rectify initial glitches, so it’s worth double checking any car you are considering has been updated.
Find your Volkswagen ID.3 on Auto Trader

The Mazda MX-30 is a bit of an oddball with its reverse hinged rear doors, cork interior trim and relatively small range. However, for those looking for a car with character, the MX-30 ticks a lot of boxes. It’s a great option if you tend to do local trips, though its range of around 100 miles means it won’t work for everyone. The MX-30 is well made, smooth to drive and very well equipped. For this budget you can find pre-loved examples under a year old and even entry-level cars come with a generous amount of equipment. However, if you want a car packed with all the features you’ll also be able to find some two- to three-year-old top of the range examples.
Find your Mazda MX-30 on Auto Trader

The Kona is a great compact SUV, and it is good value for money too. You’ll easily be able to find a one on this budget with both the standard and long-distance versions available. The first-generation electric Kona arrived in 2018 and it received a light facelift in 2020 before a new version launched in 2023. While it’s too early to bag yourself a pre-loved second-generation car under £15,000, you’ll still be able to find a less than three-year-old Kona with all the equipment you need.
Find your Hyundai Kona on Auto Trader

The Fiat 500e is a brilliant reinvention of the iconic 500 for the electric age. It’s pulled off an impressive trick of keeping the retro vibe of the original, while gaining all the modern tech we’ve come to expect. Featuring thoughtful nods to its heritage, it’s one of the cutest EVs you can buy. The 500e comes with two battery options, but most people bought the larger of the two, so there’s now a good choice of colour and trim combinations amongst the pre-loved cars and you won’t have to compromise on style or range.
Find your Fiat 500e on Auto Trader

The e-208 is a funky cousin of the Vauxhall Corsa-e, sharing a lot of the same foundations but adding a French flair. While the Corsa keeps things conventional, the e-208 gets Peugeot’s signature small steering wheel and i-Cockpit display. This setup doesn’t suit everyone, so try before you buy, but those who can find a comfy driving position will enjoy the stylish interior. There’s a good choice of used examples on the market at this price point and a fair few are available through Peugeot’s approved scheme.
Find your Peugeot e-208 on Auto Trader

Mini has just launched an all-new electric Mini Cooper with a much-improved range to replace the Electric Hatch. However, while Mini’s first go at an EV felt rather expensive to buy new, there are now plenty of used examples on offer which will be much kinder on your wallet. With a real-world range of around 100 miles, it’s perfect as a city run around. Combining fashionable looks with trademark Mini handling, it will work well for any household looking for a frugal and fun second car.
Find your Mini Electric on Auto Trader

This quirky Citroën combines the characteristics of several body types into one. Whether you feel it’s a hatchback, a coupe or a compact SUV, we can all agree it is quintessentially Citroën. If comfort is your priority this is definitely the pre-loved EV for you. Though the pre-2023 models you’ll get for your budget have a claimed range of over 200 miles, in reality you are more likely to achieve 150 miles before needing to recharge. However, with a ride quality to rival considerably more premium cars and decent levels of standard kit, it is a solid option and well worth considering.
Find your Citroën ë-C4 on Auto Trader