Best Used Electric Cars Under $20,000

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With recently increased used automobile pricing, choices for used electric vehicles in the sub-$20,000 category are gradually dwindling. Previously, electric vehicles were confined to luxury or sport versions, but today you can acquire an EV for nearly nothing.

For example, a certified pre-owned 2018 BMW i3 may readily be acquired for approximately $17,000. Now, with rising used car prices, the identical automobile would fetch thousands more, easily exceeding the $20,000 mark. However, we have compiled a list of the finest used electric cars under $2000, and you may find some interesting alternatives among them.

Mercedes B-Class

2017 Mercedes B-Class

Starting Price: Around $20,000

If you're looking forward to the forthcoming Tesla hatchback but don't want to wait an eternity, look no further. It is powered by a 177 horsepower motor and a 28kWh liquid-cooled battery. The B-Class outperforms its rivals in terms of compliance, but only somewhat.

While the B-Class is a good everyday driver, there isn't much to adore about it. It has a range of about 87 miles and no quick charging, which is average, but at $20,000, mediocre isn't good enough. As a result, the B-Class is ranked last on this list.

Fiat 500e

2017-2018 Fiat 500e

Starting Price: $12,000

In just a few months, secondhand Fiat 500e prices have risen from approximately $7,000 to around $12,000. This increase is excessively significant even when compared to other used automobile costs. Nonetheless, due to superior performance and dependability, the electric 500 is a considerably more attractive buy than the gasoline 500.

While the meager compliance-themed 24kWh pack may appear mundane, it is not. The 500e features a liquid-cooled battery, unlike the Ford Focus Electric, VW e-Golf, and Nissan Leaf. In addition to the liquid-cooled pack, there are no rapid charging options.

Volkswagen e-Golf

2017-2019 Volkswagen e-Golf

Starting Price: $18,000

The e-Golf was only available in a few states in the United States. Volkswagen's sole mass-produced EV prior to the ID.3 and ID.4 was the e-Golf. VW installed a bigger 35.8kWh battery, enabling a range of 125 miles. Although the electric Golf has an air-cooled battery, VW says that Panasonic's battery chemistry provides excellent heat resistance and therefore liquid cooling is unneeded. If you're considering a used gas Golf, the e-Golf would provide significant advantages, such as cheaper maintenance expenses.

Chevrolet Bolt

2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt

Starting Price: $17,000

With a maximum range of 238 miles, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV was one of the first really inexpensive long-range EVs. The 0-100 kph time is around 6.5 seconds, making it the fastest car on this list.

The low cabin quality and the uncomfortable driving posture are two of Bolt's drawbacks. This recall affects every Chevy Bolt vehicle ever sold as of August 26, 2021. GM prefers that owners park their Bolt away from their home and not fully charge or drain the battery. This is a large ask for a single-vehicle owner.

BMW i3

2017 BMW i3 94Ah BEV

Starting Price: $18,000

The i3 is the only vehicle on this list that has RWD and a carbon-fiber monocoque. The i3 is unquestionably the most stylish of the three, with coach doors, futuristic lines, and an interior and exterior that are still in excellent condition eight years after its debut in the US market.

The 2017 i3 also has a liquid-cooled battery pack. The overall battery capacity of the 94Ah i3 is 33.2kWh, while the usable capacity is 27.2kWh. The i3's 170hp rear-mounted motor is paired to the battery, making it the most exciting car to drive on this list. The i3 feels fast, and there is no torque steer or traction loss, unlike the Bolt.

In terms of maintenance, newer, non-REx BMW i3s are usually dependable, while older 2014-2015 versions are normally the most prone to problems.

Nissan Leaf

2018-2019 Nissan Leaf

Starting Price: $15,000

The revised 2018 Nissan Leaf is a decent electric car, and it does not have a liquid-cooled battery, which was one of the original Leaf's major flaws. Nissan also offers rapid charging for the Leaf, but only via the CHAdeMO system. The 2018 Leaf drives extremely well. Its 147 horsepower engine delivers just enough power to make it seem fast, and the power distribution is pleasant and smooth.

Hyundai IONIQ

2017-2019 Hyundai IONIQ EV

Starting Price: $15,000

The Hyundai Ioniq EV was the brand's first mass-produced EV in 2017. The most notable characteristic of the IONIQ is its standard 100kW rapid charging capacity. The IONIQ can charge up to 99 miles on a public charger in just 23 minutes, making it the quickest charging vehicle on this list.

In 2019, or previous versions, there is no liquid-cooled battery pack. Owners, on the other hand, claim negligible deterioration, according to certain forums. Overall, the IONIQ EV is a smart-looking, efficient electric hatchback that is an excellent value for money.

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