- Following the significant rise in EV sales seen across the UK in the last five years, the market for the best used electric cars has never been wider or more diverse.
- The cheapest used electric cars can now be picked up for just a few thousand pounds, whilst premium models which are just a few years old can be purchased with massive discounts compared to new.
- These are the best used electric car models available in the UK, in 2026.
The best used electric cars of 2026
Buying a used electric car can represent a significant saving over buying a brand new EV. Going used doesn’t necessarily mean you need to settle for old technology either – EVs that are just a couple of years old can still be massively discounted compared to their original retail price, giving you a nearly-new experience at a much lower cost.
Thanks to improvements in battery technology in recent times, the issue of battery degradation is now significantly reduced when searching for a used EV. A recent survey undertaken by Geotab shows that at eight years old, the average EV will still retain 81.6% of its original battery capacity.
Renault Zoe – Best used electric car under £5,000
The Renault Zoe was one of the first EVs launched by Renault, with the brand making significant strides since – launching cars such as the 4, 5, and Scenic E-Tech. Still, even in 2026, the ageing Zoe remains a formidable city EV for a bargain price tag.
To get a Zoe for under £5,000, you’ll likely only find models with the 22kWh battery pack – offering a claimed range of 149 miles. Spend a little bit more, however, and you can find slightly newer Zoes with a significantly larger 52kWh battery pack, with a range of 249 miles. Many of the earlier Zoes came with a complicated battery leasing plan, so make sure to look for a Zoe which is advertised with the battery being ‘fully owned’.
Example: 2014 Renault Zoe (Battery owned), 55,000 miles, £3,950
MG MG5 – Best used electric car under £10,000
With used prices for the electric MG5 estate regularly starting at under £10,000, this model marks significant value for money, combining bags of practicality with typically low electric running costs.
With a 61.1kWh battery pack, the MG5 can also go the distance, with a range of around 250 miles. So far, electric estate cars are few and far between, excluding more expensive new models such as the Audi A6 Avant e-tron. For those looking for an electric estate car, the MG5 is a top affordable pick.
Example: 2021 MG MG5, 50,000 miles, £8,205
Tesla Model 3 – Best used EV under £15,000
Despite a recent drop in new Tesla sales, the Model 3 remains one of the best electric cars on the market, combining a proven EV drivetrain with one of the best infotainment systems in the business. Even in standard range form, the Model 3 can still crack over 250 miles on a full charge, and it comes with all the benefits of Tesla’s plug-and-go, ultra-rapid, Supercharger network.
Example: 2020 Tesla Model 3, 44,000 miles, £14,329
Skoda Enyaq – Best used EV under £20,000
The fully-electric Skoda Enyaq is one of the best EVs for families, combining high levels of safety, space, and technology, along with an impressive battery range. Prices on examples of these that are just a few years old have now dropped below the £20,000 mark, making for yet another enticing used EV buy. Examples with the larger 82kWh battery pack can also be found below this price point, allowing for an impressive battery range of 332 miles.
Example: 2022 Skoda Enyaq, 63,000 miles, £18,286
BMW iX – Best used electric car under £30,000
With an original starting price of around £70,000 back in 2021, used examples of the BMW iX can now be had for under £30,000, offering bags of luxury for a not-so-luxury price.
The BMW iX is still being sold as a new model, and with its position as the flagship in BMW’s EV lineup, the iX combines high levels of comfort with impressive on-road performance.
