Buying a secondhand electric car can be a smart, affordable choice. When you choose a pre-owned electric car, you can save money over a brand new model. And, in some cases, buying a used electric vehicle is the only way it’s available — new EVs are still quite rare. So whether you have your eye on an affordable Nissan Leaf or want to try something more luxurious like an early-generation Tesla Roadster, check out these six pre-owned plug-in cars we recommend researching in 2021.
1. – Mitsubishi i-MiEV
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a small four-passenger electric car that uses a gas generator to power a ducted, independent electric motor. This gives it an added level of fuel efficiency: the i-MiEV can travel up to 62 miles on a fully charged battery without the additional range provided by the gas engine. It also has slightly more spacious seating than its competitors, great visibility, and an overall feel of agility and responsiveness. As one of the most efficient cars out there, this Japanese hatchback may be just what you need for your next city trip!
- Power-adjustable heated sideview mirrors
- Six-way manually adjustable driver seat
- Electric air conditioner and cabin heater
- On-board battery charging system with 120V and 240V charge ports
- Level 3 DC quick charge port
2. Mercedes-Benz B-Class
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive combines the comfort of a mid-size luxury car with the driving dynamics of a compact sports sedan. Interior features of this battery electric vehicle (BEV) include MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery and genuine wood trim (2014–2015 models). The B-Class BEV’s performance and handling characteristics are boosted by its 174-hp 32-kilowatt electric motor, as well as its 28-kWh lithium-ion battery, which delivers a range of 100 miles per charge.
- LED daytime running lights
- Powered front seats with memory
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats
- Cruise control
- mbrace® in-vehicle technology suite
3. Ford Focus Electric
The 2017–2018 Focus Electric is a five-door hatchback with plenty of practicality. The Focus Electric is powered by an electric motor producing 115 horsepower, and capable of going from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.6 seconds. It can go up to 76 miles on one charge, has a fuel economy rating of 124 MPGe, and can be charged via 240-volt outlets or Level 2 AC charging units.
- 17-inch aluminum wheels
- Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control
- Eight-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen
- Reverse sensing system
- Voice-activated navigation system
4. Mercedes-Benz B250e
The Mercedes-Benz B250e is the luxurious choice for electric driving. This luxury vehicle delivers a combined output of 177 hp and a driving range up to 87 miles. The Mercedes-Benz B250e comes with leather seats, an LCD screen that displays charging information, and an optional rearview camera.
- LED daytime running lights
- MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery
- Driver seat memory settings
- Seven-inch display screen with COMAND interface
- Front-collision mitigation system
5. Chevrolet Spark EV
This agile runabout is equally at home in urban and rural settings. The Chevrolet Spark EV comes standard with a DC fast-charging port that allows you to quickly recharge the 18.4-kWh lithium-ion battery for up to 90 miles of range in only 15 minutes. Unlike most EVs, which tend to underperform at low temperatures, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV is an EPA-estimated 106 miles per gallon equivalent (2016 model) in cold weather and 115 mpge (2016 model) in warm weather.
- 120V onboard charger
- Regenerative braking system
- Seven-inch touchscreen display
- Six-speaker audio system
- Equipped with OnStar functionality (activation required)
6. BMW i3
The BMW i3 offers a whole new driving experience. This pure electric vehicle is the first of its kind in North America, and if you’re considering it as your next EV, read on to find out how it stacks up to the competition. The 2017–2019 i3 features a wheel-integrated battery made of lithium-ion cells, giving this vehicle a 25-percent range increase over last year. The unique carbon fiber structure gives the i3 extremely low weight and an exceptionally high torsional rigidity. The cargo area boasts a generous 15.1 cu-ft of volume, but the rear seats also fold flat to open up 36.9 cubes for larger items (2017–2019 models). The i3 delivers 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque from the base single electric motor and single-speed transmission on 2017–2019 models. If you’re looking for an i3 with high range figures, check out the 2019 model, which boasts a 42-kWh battery and an EPA-estimated range of 153 miles on a full charge.
- Rain-sensing automatic headlights
- Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors
- Automatic climate control
- Center armrest
- Dynamic cruise control