What's the best used EV to spend your money on?
We'll look at second car options and primary car options
So let's start out with secondary car options.
Basically ones that would not be your primary ride
or you're just going to be going around town in.
Any list like this has to have the Nissan Leaf in it.
It's one of the first that came out
and even though its looks are
polarizing
they're very affordable
and can be found just about anywhere.
These first gen Nissan Leafs
from 2011 to 2017.
Only get about 70 to 100 miles
depending on the model year.
Something to keep in mind is that
Nissan chose to air cool their batteries in the Leaf
rather than liquid cool them.
This can be an issue for any used car coming from a hot climate.
It can drastically reduce the actual range you'll get with the battery.
The 2nd gen Nissan Leaf has much better range.
You'll get more like 150 to 200 miles depending on the model.
The styling is much more mainstream on the new Leaf
and most people will probably just think it's a regular Nissan.
So even though the second gen is much better it's not all new.
The batteries are still air cooled but much improved
and the load floor in the back is still awkward.
Next up is the Kia Soul EV.
Also with a unique look.
With model years from 2015 through 2019
the Kia has a little more range than the Leaf
going from about 90 miles up to 110.
This model also has air cooled batteries
but they seem to have done a better job than Nissan.
Still keep in mind the possibility of a drop in range.
The Soul EV has a more useful cargo area
than the Leaf overall being very boxy.
And one last note
you can spot a EV Soul from a regular Soul based on the taillights.
This area is split instead of combined.
N ow let's talk about the Chevy Spark.
If you're familiar with the Chevy Volt
then some of this will look very familiar.
Like the Kia Soul
the Chevy Spark is based on an existing model already in dealerships.
One of the great things about the Spark is lots of torque.
It's easy to peel out in this car
and it's still small but has four doors.
Where it lacks is rear storage
and ultimately a range of only about 80 miles.
GM seems to have done a good job with the battery
just like they did with the Volt.
Now for something a little different.
BMW made the i3 from 2013 to the present.
We'll see if they keep making it.
But why is it unique?
First let's start with those doors.
Two full doors. Two half doors.
There's plenty of room inside
but this won't be for everybody.
Also it's expensive
but BMW has done a good job of continually
updating the i3 over the years.
Like most EVs this has the batteries down low
which helps with making it fun to drive.
Also it's very quick off the line.
Depending on the model year
you can get anywhere from 80 to 150 miles.
Still with the battery only option
this is more of a secondary car
although an expensive one.
Now for the last in our fun runabout category.
The Fiat 500e
Again this is a existing car turned into an EV.
Made from 2013 through 2019
and sold here in the states.
It's a two-door hatch
with four seats and about 80 miles of range.
You're not going to go far in this
and you're not going to take a lot of people with you.
But it's great fun around town
and some people even say it's more fun than the original.
These can be found quite cheap
especially if you're willing to import it from California.
If you decide to do so
be sure you locate a dealer in your area
that's willing to work on it.
A couple of honorable mentions
would be the Mitsubishi i-MiEV
and also the Smart ForTwo ED.
So if you would like to see
videos about either of those
please let me know in the comments below.
Okay on to primary vehicles
and what they have to offer.
The Bolt has to be on this list
as it was the first to reach
what was considered an acceptable range of over 200 miles.
Things to be aware of would be
what many have called uncomfortable seats
and also battery recalls.
This is going to be a theme for several of the cars in this list.
So if you're buying used
be sure and check out and make sure that any recalls
have been done.
But the 2017 through 2021 Bolt does offer
238 up to 259 miles of EV range.
Where the Bolt is more of a tall hatch
the Hyundai Kona EV
is a little more SUV in its style.
It also has battery recall issues
so again be sure and check before you buy.
The 2018 through 21 Kona
has 258 miles to get you where you need to go.
There's not a lot of storage behind the rear seats
but those can be folded down.
If you're looking for something a little more rugged looking
this might be the one for you.
The Kia Niro EV could be seen
as the more practical bigger brother
to the Kona.
It's not as flashy or rugged looking on the outside
but does offer more space inside.
The 2018 through 2021 Niro offers 238 miles.
There's also the potential for recalls with these batteries as well.
All of the recalls seem to be related to LG Chem batteries.
Now for some pricier options.
First up the Jaguar i-Pace.
It's won lots of awards
has a unique shape
not sure it's one I would call an SUV
but it's functional.
The 2019 through 2020
i-Pace has a range of 230 miles.
Some would hope for more range than this considering the price
but if you're looking for something nice
this could be the one for you.
Okay now for the one that everyone expects.
Tesla Model 3
They have a reputation for holding their value.
The interior will not be for everyone
but this is the most popular EV now
by a long shot I would say.
You get features like autopilot
and a front trunk or frunk.
Not many other EVs offer these features yet
but they're coming.
The 2017 through 2020
Model 3 offers
250 to 350 miles
depending on the version you get.
Some of the best reasons for considering the Tesla
are resale value
and the charging network.
Brand loyalty aside
which is the best EV for you?
Let us know down in the comments.