How we rank them
Every range figure on HonestRange comes from a physics-based model, not the WLTP lab test. We simulate real winter driving (heater on, cold battery, motorway speeds) because that's when range matters most. For used cars, we also adjust for typical battery age and mileage, so you see what the car will actually do when you buy it, not what it did when new. Prices are taken from typical used listings at the time of writing.
The picks
Kia e-Niro 64 kWh: from ~£14,500
The best overall value in the used EV market right now. A 64 kWh liquid-cooled battery that holds up well over time, a heat pump for efficient cabin heating, and genuinely strong winter range. It's practical, reliable, and boring in the best possible way. See the e-Niro's real range.
Hyundai Kona Electric 64 kWh: from ~£14,000
Same platform and powertrain as the e-Niro, so the same strong range and battery longevity. Slightly smaller inside but a touch cheaper. If you prefer the Kona's styling, there's no technical reason to avoid it. See the Kona's real range.
MG5 EV Long Range: from ~£13,500
The only electric estate car in this price range. A 61 kWh battery gives decent range, and the estate body means genuinely useful boot space. If you need to carry things like pushchairs, dogs, and flat-pack furniture, this is the practical choice. See the MG5's real range.
VW ID.3 Pro 58 kWh: from ~£14,500
Volkswagen's dedicated EV platform with a liquid-cooled 58 kWh battery. It's a modern, well-rounded car with good space inside and a decent ride. The infotainment isn't great, but the engineering underneath is solid. See the ID.3's real range.
Tesla Model 3 SR+: from ~£14,500
Still feels premium inside, and Tesla's efficiency is genuinely class-leading. Access to the Supercharger network is a real advantage for long trips. At this price you're looking at early 2019 cars with some miles on them, but the battery holds up well. See the Model 3's real range.
Nissan Leaf e+ 62 kWh: from ~£13,000
The bigger-battery Leaf gives you a lot of range for the money, but there's a catch: the battery is air-cooled. That means degradation can be more aggressive, especially if the previous owner relied on rapid charging. Check the battery health bars carefully before buying. See the Leaf e+'s real range.
MG ZS EV 44 kWh: from ~£10,500
The cheapest way into an electric SUV. The 44 kWh battery is smaller than most on this list, so range is more limited, but the entry price is hard to argue with. A solid choice if your commute is short and you want the raised driving position. See the ZS EV's real range.
Renault Zoe ZE50: from ~£9,500
A proper city car with a 52 kWh battery that gives it reasonable range for the size. Light, easy to park, and cheap to buy. Just make sure you're buying the battery outright. Some early Zoes had a separate battery lease that complicates resale. See the Zoe's real range.
Nissan Leaf 40 kWh: from ~£9,500
The cheapest entry point on this list. The 40 kWh battery is modest and, like the e+, air-cooled, so degradation is the thing to watch. A good first EV if your daily mileage is low, but check that battery health reading before you commit. See the Leaf 40's real range.
Peugeot e-208: from ~£13,500
The best-looking small EV on the used market. A 50 kWh battery gives it reasonable range, and the interior is genuinely stylish by small-car standards. If looks matter to you, and they do to most people, this is the one. See the e-208's real range.
Vauxhall Corsa-e: from ~£13,000
Same platform and battery as the e-208, with Vauxhall's more conventional styling. Mechanically identical, so the choice is purely about which badge and interior you prefer. Often slightly cheaper than the Peugeot. See the Corsa-e's real range.
BMW i3 42 kWh: from ~£12,000
Lightweight carbon-fibre construction, a tiny turning circle, and a genuinely quirky design. The 42 kWh battery is modest, but the i3 is so light and efficient that it punches above its weight on range. Not for everyone, but if it clicks with you, nothing else feels like it. See the i3's real range.
VW e-Golf: from ~£11,500
It looks and drives like a Golf, because it is one. The 36 kWh battery is the smallest on this list, which limits range, but if you want something that feels completely normal and your commute is short, the e-Golf delivers that. See the e-Golf's real range.
The honest caveat
Used EV prices move constantly. The figures above are typical asking prices at the time of writing. By the time you read this, they may have shifted. Always check current listings and, most importantly, always check battery health before buying. This matters on every used EV but especially on air-cooled cars like the Nissan Leaf, where degradation can vary wildly between individual examples. Is a used Nissan Leaf battery still any good?
What to check before buying
Battery state of health: the single most important number on any used EV. Ask for a diagnostic readout or, at minimum, check the dashboard's battery health indicator. On a Leaf, count the bars. On everything else, ask for a dealer health check or bring an OBD reader. How much degradation is normal after 5 years?
Service history: EVs have fewer moving parts, but they still need servicing. Check that brake fluid, coolant (on liquid-cooled cars), and cabin filters have been changed on schedule.
Charging cable included: a replacement Type 2 cable costs £150–£300. Make sure one comes with the car. Some sellers quietly remove them.
Rapid charging capability: most cars on this list can rapid charge, but some early models had it as an option, not standard. Check the car has a CCS or CHAdeMO port if you plan to use public rapids.