High fuel prices might be tempting more drivers to consider EVs – but the purchase price can be a turn-off and that’s where these cars come in
With fuel costs at record levels, it’s a tough time to be driving a combustion-engined car. However, making the switch to an electric car could bring some genuine savings, particularly if you’re able to charge up at home and take advantage of low rates of electricity at off-peak times.
While many new electric vehicles can command a premium, the used market offers the chance of driving an EV for less. The Press Association’s motoring expert Jack Evans has picked out seven of the very best options to check out today for under £30,000.
Seven used EVs you can buy in UK for less than £30,000
Kia e-Niro
Kia’s e-Niro is an excellent all-rounder. It’s a practical crossover, with a large boot and plenty of interior storage options. As with other Kia models, it gets lots of equipment with features such as heated seats equipped in largely all specifications.
Depending on the model, you can get up to 282 miles from a single charge, too, while a top-rate charge speed of 77kW means a 10 to 80 per cent charge can be completed in around 45 minutes.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is routinely one of the best-selling cars in the UK each month and this popularity means that there’s plenty of choice within the used market. Jack found lots of options for under £30,000 and at this price point, you’re getting a car without too many miles on the clock, either.
An efficient option, the large-battery version of the 3 can manage more than 300 miles of range while a 10 to 80 per cent charge should take under 30 minutes. Plus, you can use Tesla’s excellent Supercharger network of EV chargers, which are located throughout the UK.
Jaguar I-Pace
Jaguar’s I-Pace was a true luxury car when new and, at that time, commanded a high price tag too. On the used market, the I-Pace makes for a temptingly-priced option, bringing that high-end finish in a package which still looks great today.
It’s got a range of up to 292 miles as well, while a maximum charge speed of 100kW should mean you can do a 10 to 80 per cent charge in under half an hour.
Volkswagen ID.4
While Volkswagen’s ID.4 may have experienced some criticism when released, but this was largely centred around the early infotainment system that has since been updated and improved. Today, the ID.4 is one of the best-value used EVs around and one which brings bags of space and a large, useful boot.
Latest versions can achieve more than 340 miles of range, though earlier versions will still manage around 270. Like others here, a 10 to 80 per cent charge can be completed in under 30 minutes.
BMW i4
From the outside at least, the BMW i4 doesn’t scream ‘EV’. In fact, with its svelte looks and low-slung position, it’s got all the hallmarks of a classic German saloon car. However, it is indeed an electric model and one which will manage around 365 miles on a charge.
One of the benefits of the i4 is how it drives. From behind the wheel, it’s got the same weighted, sporty approach that you’ll find in many BMW vehicles, so it’s one of the more ‘normal-to-drive’ cars here.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Similar in design to the Kia e-Niro, the Hyundai Kona Electric was a car launched with a series of powertrains – both electrified and petrol – but it’s the full EV which feels like the best of the bunch. You should get up to 300 miles from versions equipped with a large battery, too.
Inside, the Kona Electric is well-made and features lots of funky styling touches. It’s backed by lots of practicality and a good deal of interior storage space, too.
MG4 EV
The MG4 EV was the car that sent MG into the electric vehicle mainstream. Despite having been on sale for a little while, the MG4’s styling still looks current and, on the used market, it’s a great option for drivers looking to bring down costs.
Up to 281 miles from a charge means that the MG4 is still good for long-distance trips and a 150kW charging capacity means that you won’t be standing around at the charger for too long, either.
