See all Motoring AdviceWhile many second-hand buyers are still reluctant to make the jump to electric power, the fact is that soft second-hand values for EVs means that there are some serious bargains to be had in the electric car world right now, and given that values can really only go up from here, it’s a great time to get your first foot on the EV ladder.
The default option, Volkswagen’s ID.4
The first and most obvious starting point would be a Volkswagen ID.4. The ID.4 is a roomy and comfortable electric SUV which has been the best-selling electric car in Ireland for the past couple of years. Two-year-old versions are now down to in and around the €30,000 mark, even those from a franchised Volkswagen dealer with a second-hand warranty - and six years remaining of the original manufacturer’s battery warranty (assuming that the car hasn’t yet breached the 160,000km barrier, which is unlikely).
Buying from a franchised dealer with a warranty should take away any of the concerns over battery health, and assuming that an ID.4 has been properly cared for it should still easily be capable of 450-500km on one charge of its battery. Just check to make sure that it’s had all the latest software updates, as that makes the somewhat fiddly infotainment system easier to live with.
> Used Volkswagen ID.4's Ireland
Or how about Hyundai’s Ioniq 5?
Often vying with the ID.4 for the best-selling EV accolade is the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Ioniq 5 might look like a sharp-edged hatchback from a distance, but it’s actually an SUV in a clever disguise, so it’s just as practical inside as you’d hope with plenty of room for four tall people, and a big boot. Long-range 2022 models are now down to around €35,000 which is a total bargain for a car as sophisticated as this, and that means it will still have three years of its original five-year unlimited mileage warranty left to run.
.> Used Hyundai Ioniq 5's Ireland
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is more efficient…
If you’re looking at the Ioniq 5, you definitely need to consider an Ioniq 6. The space-age styling of this sleek electric saloon isn’t to all tastes, but it pays dividends on long journeys as the slippery aerodynamics mean that the Ioniq 6 can squeeze 600km out of one charge, making your electric life much, much easier. Around €42,000 gets you into a long-range 2023 model, making it a great used buy.
> Used Hyundau Ioniq 6's in Ireland
Let’s not forget Tesla
Of course, mention of electric cars quickly brings Tesla to mind, and while you might have your own thoughts about the man who owns and runs the company, the cars themselves are well worth considering. As little as €30,000 will get you a rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model 3 saloon, which should have a useable range of around 400km, and it helps that you get access to Tesla’s brilliant ‘Supercharger’ rapid charging network. Tesla quality isn’t as good as that of other car makers, so check any potential second-hand purchase very carefully, but the big bits — batteries and motors — tend to be robust.
If you need more interior space, then the hugely popular Tesla Model Y SUV is now down to less than €40,000 for a long-range model (figure on a range of around 450-500km) but it’s not as nice to drive as the Model 3 saloon, so if you don’t really need the extra space, stick with the Model 3.
Polestar is really worth a look
Polestar is a brand which people are just getting to know. The Polestar 2 fastback has been on sale since 2022, and prices have now fallen to around €30-35,000. Make sure you go for the long-range model (which can usually manage around 400km on one charge) and you’ll get a handsome car that’s really engaging to drive, and which has better quality than the rival Tesla Model 3.
The Renault Megane E-Tech is even more affordable
Fancy something a bit more affordable? Well, prices for the Renault Megane E-Tech have now fallen to less than €30,000 — even as low as €27,000, and that’s for a two-year-old car. Get the big-battery 60kWh version and you’ll have a useable range of 400km, and the advantage of quick 22kW AC charging from kerbside chargers, which is really handy. The cabin is roomier than you’d think with that low roof, and it has one of the best touchscreens in the business, not to mention that the Megane is smooth and engaging to drive. It’s a lot of electric car for the money.
> Used Renault Megane E-Tec in Ireland
The Peugeot E-208 is cheaper again
If you need to go even cheaper than that, you can pick up a Peugeot E-208 electric hatchback for as little as €22,000, which again represents a lot of sophistication for the money. The older battery design means that you’re range is going to be shorter than for the current model — figure on getting between 200-250km in real-world conditions — but as long as you’re not a regular long-haul driver, the E-208 should be ideal, and will be exceptionally cheap to run if you’re charging on a cheap rate, overnight, at home. There is also the roomier E-2008, which uses the same basic mechanical bits as the E-208, but it’s slightly shorter on real-world range, so it’s better to stick with the E-208 unless you really need the extra room.
> Used Peugeot e-208's for sale in Ireland
An older Kia E-Niro is a good option
Speaking of room, if you need something practical but affordable, then the first-generation Kia E-Niro is an ideal choice. The best version to go for is the one with the 64kWh battery, which has a realistic range of 400-450km, and it’s sized roughly between a hatchback and an estate, so there’s useful room inside. Plus, Kia builds its cars properly and even a 2019 model — prices for which are now down to under €20,000 — will still have a couple of years of its original manufacturer’s warranty remaining, mileage allowing.
> Used Kia e-niro's for Sale in Ireland
The Jaguar I-Pace is a posh option
Fancy something a bit posher? The Jaguar I-Pace — which was one of the first premium-badged electric SUVs to go on sale — can now be bought for around €33,000 and has more than 400hp thanks to two electric motors, giving it four-wheel drive. It’s a brilliant car to drive, but the range can’t match that of more modern designs. Still a good buy if you can find a good one, though.
> Used Jaguar I-Pace's for sale in Ireland
Essentially, used electric cars are cheap right now because car makers keep chopping the prices of new models, which has a knock-on effect on used values. Batteries are proving to be far more robust than anyone initially thought they would be, which is good news, and there are independent ways of having battery health checked before you buy, which should bring some reassurance. As with any second-hand purchase, check each car carefully and walk away from anything without a full service history, but beyond that there’s no reason to be nervous of buying a used EV. In fact, right now, you can pick up an absolute bargain.