- Gas prices will likely go up, but there are lots of used EVs to choose from.
- Depreciation hasn’t been kind to some EV models, but it’s not hard to find a cheap, not-so-old EV for less than $30,000.
- The number of used EVs is likely to grow as more models end up on markets as leases end and fleets turn over older vehicles.
I guess it’s 2008 again, huh? Oil is rocketing, cresting above $100 a barrel, and the U.S. is bogged down in the Middle East, with a conflict that could push prices higher. World economies are in panic, as we’re all staring down higher gas prices than we’ve seen in years. This all comes in the middle of a spree of EV cancellations and rising cost of living.
I’m not going to spend this whole piece being Debbie Downer, though. On the flipside of high gas prices and scary-high payments on new cars, there’s a surprising glut of tempting EV models that are pretty dang cheap to buy. We’ve been watching some of the best new EV deals out there, but arguably, the used car market is the most competitive it’s ever been. We’ve talked about a few, like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 or Chevrolet Bolt, but there are a lot of good EVs on the market that you may not have thought about.
Here’s a list of cars that are a little less than obvious than your typical Chevy Bolts and used Teslas, all of which are available on the used market for $30,000 or—in some cases—way less. Sure, a Bolt or a Model Model 3 are good choices, but there a few options here that seem to get overlooked.
Genesis GV70 Electrified
We’re starting off strong here, folks, with a car I absolutely adore: the Genesis GV70 Electrified. Back in 2023, Genesis stunned the world, or at least greatly impressed me, by converting its already-good gas-powered GV70 midsized crossover to electric motivation. To do that, it added a 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery under the floor, and replaced its four and six-cylinder gas engines with a twin motor electric setup good for 429 horsepower, or 483 hp when its ten-second boost mode is activated.
The GV70 Electrified was the fastest variant of the GV70 by far, rocketing to 60 mph in under four seconds. Add in a whisper-quiet interior and absolutely creamily sumptuous interior and ride quality, and the GV70’s overall feel of exceptional luxury really can’t be beaten. The 236-mile range isn’t the best on this list, but from what I’ve experienced, it has the potential to overdeliver. At the very least, it’ll beat out one its most direct competitor: the pre-2026 Lexus RZ450e.
Now, when new, the GV70’s price isn’t cheap. Base models start at around $67,000. Well-equipped examples are solidly in the mid-$70,000 range. But, now, after three years on the market and crazy depreciation, it’s possible to find them under $25,000. Right now, the cheapest example in the country has 55,000 miles with an asking price of $24,000 flat. If you can stretch your budget a bit to just shy of $30,000, then you’ve got your pick of the litter of units to choose from, some of which have less than 10,000 miles on the odometer.
Photo by: Cars.com
That’s a great deal for a really swell car.
Volkswagen ID.4
I’ll confess that I’ve never been a huge fan of the Volkswagen ID.4. It’s not that it’s bad, per se; it just doesn’t light my fire. It’s a compact crossover meant for not-so-sporty driving, which doesn’t really appeal to me as a single man with no kids. Also, early models of the ID.4 had a somewhat frustrating software experience, with touch-only controls for some interactions that weren’t always the most responsive. They also weren’t backlit, making the car annoying to use at night.
Still, I can’t ignore the appeal of a good deal.
You can easily find high-mileage, well-used ID.4s for as little as $11,000. Ones that don’t have so many miles can be had for the mid to high teens, and you’ll have plenty of options whether you go for rear- or all-wheel drive. Most are the larger 82 kWh battery units, so expect about 262 (AWD) to 275 miles (RWD) from the ID.4 under ideal conditions. It also has 150-kilowatt fast charging, making it more road-trip friendly than the Chevy Bolt.
The ID.4 may not be the best driving EV on the market, but it’s cheap and spacious. The rear cargo area is long and can easily swallow a stroller or provide room for dogs or other pets. The second row can handle carseat duty, as well. For families looking to electrify on a budget that need a bona fide family hauler, the ID.4 could be just the ticket.
Chevrolet Equinox EV (and Blazer EV)
This car won our Breakthrough EV of the year for a reason, folks. Like the Volkswagen ID.4 above, the Equinox EV isn’t the sharpest driving car on the market. And yeah, it’s DC fast charging ability isn’t class-leading. However, it’s a well-executed small crossover: it’s smooth riding, well-finished, and reasonably priced with a lot of space.
I’m not quite as fond as the Blazer EV as the Equinox EV, but it does have more space inside. Also, the RS model with rear-wheel drive can be surprisingly sharp to drive compared to the FWD or AWD versions of both cars.
Photo by: InsideEVs
The two models on the used market are even more reasonably priced. The Equinox EV is already a stunning deal as a new car, with some dealerships advertising up to $10,000 off. But, if you’re not up for a drive to a Chevrolet dealer, or if you’re just averse to new cars, a used model can be had for not much money. It’s not hard to find a used example under $20,000. The Blazer EV’s new car discounts aren’t to the same level as the Equinox EV, but used versions can be found in the low to mid $20,000 range.
Nissan Leaf
Once again, I can’t resist a deal. The second-generation Nissan Leaf is a charming car, even if it felt slightly dated with its CHAdeMO DC fast charging port and old-school air-cooled battery. Compared to cars like the Chevrolet Bolt, its range and specifications didn’t feel all that modern, even when new.
Still, it’s a great deal. Compared to budget EVs like the Bolt or Kona EV, the Leaf tends to clock in cheaper. Part of that is due to its DC fast charging port (which can’t be used on NACS or CCS charging stations without a very expensive and not-recommended adapter), but also because some units are the 40 kWh models that were only rated for 149 miles of range when new. A gently used second-generation Leaf can easily be found for under $10,000, making it the cheapest EV on this list.
Not everyone needs a big battery highway cruiser, EV. The Leaf is still a very adept city or suburban road warrior, able to swallow up most commutes with range to spare. If you’ve got a place to park and charge, the Leaf could be a great option as a commuter.
Kia EV6
Photo by: Patrick George
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 rightfully gets a lot of praise for being a solid, all-rounder EV. Its retro body is wrapped over a really practical compact crossover. But, it’s easy to forget that the futuristically styled Kia EV6 actually beat Hyundai to market by a few months, thus there are a few more examples of older EV6s that are well in the mid to high teens.
The EV6 is a likeable car, porting most of what we like about the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to a crossover with a Kia badge. I’d say that the EV6’s shorter wheelbase, stiffer suspension, and faster steering make it a sharper drive compared to the Ioniq 5, even if that means a slightly smaller trunk.
Most examples are the long-range Wind trim in either AWD or RWD form, equipped with the same 77.4 kWh battery. This trim was rated for up to 310 miles of range in RWD form when new, although AWD does drop the range to 274 miles. Occasionally, a RWD standard range will pop in the mix, but its 58 kWh battery and 232-mile range aren’t so great. The standard range also has a less powerful 167-horsepower motor, too.
These are just a few examples I’ve seen on the market that I feel are some of the best deals and nicest EVs for the price. There are other EV models that are also similarly cheap that I didn’t talk about here in this piece, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Kona Electric, or any Tesla Model 3 or Model Y. They’re all worth looking into.
We’re definitely all staring down a major fuel-price crisis, which could get a whole lot worse if the war in Iran drags on. Of course, this is compounded by the car loan affordability crisis that many are finding themselves in. Generally, I won’t recommend anyone run out to swap for an EV if they’re really struggling to afford their existing car payment. However, if you’ve been considering making the jump or are replacing an older car, I think now’s the time to really give serious thought to an EV.
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