Whether you’re considering an electric vehicle because of gas prices or climate change, there’s probably never been a better time to buy a used EV, despite the Trump administration eliminating the Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit last year. When we started this ongoing series looking at used EV options, the initial idea was to see what was available at a bargain price. But today we’re looking at the $20,000-$25,000 bracket, and we’re firmly out of the basement with thousands of EVs to choose from across the country.
If you’re only spending $5,000 on an EV, you’re looking at very old models with small batteries that never had that much range even when new. But at four or five times that amount, the net is cast much more widely. Buyers may start to get a little picky here, especially as ex-lease cars start filling up at dealerships this year.
For those in the market, it helps that EVs face lower emissions than equivalent hydrocarbon-powered cars. All the incentives given to the original buyer are passed on to future owners, but according to a report by Deloitte, EV residuals are performing worse than expected. Although I would expect most Ars Technica readers to see its potential, “many US consumers remain cautious about range, charge time, price, battery replacement costs, and public charging access,” says Deloitte. According to the consulting company, changing this will require automakers and car sellers to do a better job of explaining battery longevity and range.
The above isn’t good news if you’re trying to sell an EV, but it’s good news if you’re in the market to buy an EV. You’ll get more car for the same outlay – spending the same money on something that requires gasoline, with a better specification, newer model year, or already has fewer miles on the odometer.
The new $25,000 price range also means you can start to be selective about what badge the car wears: do you want something mainstream, perhaps with low mileage, or perhaps something luxurious or more premium?
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