Now is the time to buy a used electric vehicle in the UK when prices for popular models like the Tesla Model 3 and Kia e-Niro have been slashed. These affordable, dependable EVs have reliable batteries and good range—just what one needs for a family budget

If you thought electric cars were too expensive for your family, then think again. Secondhand EV prices in the UK have finally plummeted, driving these cars to be more affordable than ever—from a Tesla Model 3 to a Kia e-Niro, the time to buy is right now. Cars that were out of reach for many a short while ago are today within the budget of many families.

Prices for used electric cars have plummeted so much within the year that now they are nearly equal to their petrol alternatives. Auto Trader reported recently that the average price of a three- to five-year-old electric car in July was £18,964. Petrol cars of the same age were only slightly cheaper at £18,076. Owning an EV changes from something that was only previously dreamed about to something which is very real for so many people.

It was literally three or four years ago that brand-new electric cars were selling like hotcakes. Many people bought these new models priced at around £40,000 to £50,000. These ideas of engineering are now reaching the used car market and can usually be haggled for far shorter than that. Brilliant news for anybody after a good, second-hand, long-term deal at a snip of the real cost.

“David Smith is one of the most trusted people in the world of EVs in the UK”. He works for Cleevely Electric Vehicles in Cheltenham. “At present says there is “spectacular bargains” on offer – cars that were once considered as too expensive but that are now low cost, with many still possessing years of warranty”.

Not so much as an eye blink was detected when Smith was asked which electric car he would recommend to a family operating on under £15,000. Head and shoulders above is the Kia e-Niro with a 64 kWh battery. Super effective and reliable for a distance of about 250 miles on a single charge, this car is a perfect choice for a family that needs reliability and the confidence that they can make long journeys without any fear of reliability issues.

Yet for those drives that may be out of town, requiring reliance on public charging stations, Smith says to go with a Tesla. For example, the Tesla Model 3 can use Tesla’s fast-charging network — a big perk, he adds, for frequent travelers. But if one seeks the best value, dollar for dollar, the Kia e-Niro is hard to top.

A new cheap option on the market is the MG5, a no-nonsense estate. It is these that Smith has used in his mobile mechanics that traverse the length and breadth of the UK in their Cleevely Electric Vehicles, where they have proven very dependable. Some even have over 200,000 miles on them and are still going without major problem.

As already mentioned, benefits to buying a used electric automobile with high mileage include the fact that all initial problems most likely have been sorted out by the previous owner. Smith adds to that how many 60,000-mile EVs still have nearly the same range as they did when they were new, so there’s no need to worry about the battery losing its charge too quickly.

Privately, you’ll find even better deals if the car comes without a warranty, as is usual in dealer transactions. For instance, you can pick up a Kia e-Niro with a 64kWh battery for just £14,000 to £15,000—some of them have as few as 37,000 miles on the clock.

Tesla Model 3 is another one of the best range cars. Used models are available with around 100,000 miles on the clock for sub-£15,000; £20,000 gets one with only 55,000 miles. A few Teslas have even been known to clock 440,000 miles; that is longevity done properly.

If you’re on a bit tighter a budget, you might want to consider the MG5 with a 61kWh battery. £10k secures one now, and you’ll still be fine with about 200 miles from a single charge. The newer MG4 comes with a 64kWh battery and claims a range of 250 miles at prices starting from £16,345 for used models with 20,000 miles showing on the clock.

Lastly, you will also save a lot more charging your electric car at home than at any of the public charging stations. Richard Symons runs R Symons, a specialist EV dealership, who insists that the Kia e-Niro and Tesla Model 3 are both great family options. He himself has a Tesla Model 3 on which he has run over 100,000 miles and, apart from some minor repairs, it’s still going.

Now, at your disposal to be a smart and eco-concerned car owner, all you need to have is a second-hand electric vehicle, and with prices so low, driving in style with a top-quality EV would be pocket-friendly.