Top 8 'Gas-Guzzler-Grounding' Used Electric Vehicles to try for making the switch on a budget this year - Goh Ling Yong
The hum of an electric motor is no longer the sound of a distant, expensive future. It's the sound of right now—of savvy drivers ditching the drama at the petrol station and embracing a quieter, cheaper, and cleaner way to get around. But let's be honest, the sticker price of a brand-new electric vehicle (EV) can make your wallet weep. What if I told you the revolution has a backdoor, a secret entrance for those who love value as much as they love innovation?
Welcome to the golden age of the used EV. The first wave of electric cars has now matured into a vibrant and incredibly affordable second-hand market. These aren't just clunky science experiments; they are capable, reliable, and character-filled vehicles ready for a second life. For the cost of a generic used hatchback, you can park a piece of the future in your driveway. Making the switch isn't just an environmental choice anymore; it's a brilliant financial one.
Here on the Goh Ling Yong blog, we're all about making smart automotive decisions that fit your life and your budget. So, we've done the homework for you. We’ve sifted through the market to find the true gems—the 'gas-guzzler-grounding' heroes that offer the best bang for your buck. Whether you’re a city commuter, a small family, or just EV-curious, this list has a car that will make you wonder why you didn't make the switch sooner.
1. The Trailblazer: Nissan Leaf (2013-2017)
Best for: The ultimate budget-conscious buyer and first-time EV owner.
If there's one car that democratized electric driving, it's the Nissan Leaf. As one of the first mass-market EVs, there are plenty of them available, which pushes prices down to incredibly tempting levels. This is, without a doubt, the most affordable entry point into the world of zero-emission driving. Early models (2013-2015) typically came with a 24 kWh battery, offering a real-world range of about 110-130 km on a full charge. Later models (2016-2017) offered an optional 30 kWh pack, boosting that range to a more comfortable 160+ km.
The Leaf is a surprisingly practical and comfortable car. It's a proper five-seat hatchback with a decent-sized boot, making it perfect for school runs, grocery trips, and the daily commute. It’s quiet, smooth, and ridiculously cheap to run. Think of it as the reliable, no-fuss appliance of the EV world. It just works. The key, however, is the battery. The Leaf's early batteries are air-cooled, meaning they can degrade faster than liquid-cooled ones, especially in hot climates.
- Pro Tip: When shopping for a used Leaf, the single most important thing to check is the battery health. On the dashboard's display, you'll see a bar with 12 segments on the far right. This is the battery capacity indicator. A car with 11 or 12 bars is a fantastic find. One with 8 or 9 bars might be a bargain, but be realistic about its significantly reduced range. Always ask to see this screen!
2. The Quirky Innovator: BMW i3 (2014-2018)
Best for: The style-conscious city dweller who wants a premium experience.
The BMW i3 looks like it drove straight out of a sci-fi movie, and even today, it turns heads. With its carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic chassis, sustainable interior materials (like kenaf and eucalyptus wood), and quirky "coach" doors, the i3 is anything but boring. It's a premium city car that’s a blast to drive, with the instant torque and rear-wheel-drive dynamics you’d expect from a BMW. It feels nimble, futuristic, and incredibly well-built.
Early models feature a 22 kWh battery for around 130 km of range. From 2017 onwards, a larger 33 kWh battery became available, pushing the realistic range closer to 180 km. The ace up the i3's sleeve, however, is the optional Range Extender (REx) model. This version includes a tiny 650cc two-cylinder petrol generator that kicks in to charge the battery when it gets low, effectively eliminating range anxiety and making it a perfect transitional EV.
- Pro Tip: While the REx model offers peace of mind, it also adds complexity and maintenance costs (oil changes, etc.). If your driving is 99% within the city and you can charge at home, the pure battery-electric (BEV) version is simpler, lighter, and often cheaper to buy. Check the service history for the REx to ensure its generator has been properly maintained.
3. The Long-Range Game-Changer: Chevrolet Bolt EV (2017-2019)
Best for: Anyone who thought affordable EVs couldn't handle long distances.
The Chevy Bolt EV was a bombshell when it launched. It was the first non-Tesla EV to offer over 380 km of real-world range for a mainstream price. On the used market, it represents phenomenal value, giving you range that rivals many new EVs for a fraction of the cost. The Bolt is a practical, crossover-like hatchback with a surprisingly spacious interior thanks to its clever packaging. It's also seriously quick off the line, making it a fun and zippy daily driver.
Now, we have to address the elephant in the room: the battery recall. GM issued a massive recall for 2017-2022 Bolts due to a potential fire risk. While this sounds scary, it's actually a massive opportunity for savvy used buyers. Many of these vehicles have had their entire battery pack replaced with a brand-new one, complete with a fresh 8-year/160,000 km warranty from the date of replacement. You can get a used car with the most expensive component being factory-new.
- Pro Tip: When looking at a used Bolt, insist on seeing the dealership paperwork confirming the battery replacement has been completed. A GM dealer can also run the VIN to verify its status. A post-recall Bolt is one of the absolute best deals in the entire used car market today.
4. The Stealth EV: Volkswagen e-Golf (2015-2019)
Best for: The driver who wants an EV that doesn't scream, "I'm an EV!"
What if you want all the benefits of electric driving but in a package that's utterly conventional? Enter the Volkswagen e-Golf. It looks like a Golf, it feels like a Golf, and it's built like a Golf. This is its superpower. For those who find the designs of the Leaf or i3 a bit too unconventional, the e-Golf offers a reassuringly familiar and high-quality experience. The fit, finish, and ergonomics are top-notch, exactly as you'd expect from VW.
Early e-Golfs had a 24 kWh battery good for about 130 km of range. The 2017 model year brought a significant upgrade to a 35.8 kWh battery, boosting the real-world range to a much more usable 200 km. It also gained a more powerful motor and a larger infotainment screen. While its range isn't class-leading, its solid German engineering, comfortable ride, and practical hatchback body make it a fantastic and dependable all-rounder.
- Pro Tip: The SEL Premium (US) or top-tier trims in other markets often included the Driver Assistance package with features like Adaptive Cruise Control. They also typically came standard with DC Fast Charging, which is a must-have for any occasional road trips. Aim for a 2017 or newer model for the bigger battery if your budget allows.
5. The Efficiency King: Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2017-2019)
Best for: The hypermiler who wants to squeeze the most distance from every kilowatt-hour.
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric might just be the most underrated hero on this list. While its 28 kWh battery and ~200 km range might not sound spectacular, its secret weapon is world-class efficiency. This car is an absolute master at converting electricity into motion, often beating its official range estimates in real-world driving. It's so efficient that it charges incredibly quickly on a 50 kW DC fast charger, often going from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes.
Beyond its efficiency, the Ioniq is a thoroughly normal and competent car. It has a sleek, aerodynamic fastback design, a user-friendly interior packed with standard features (like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and Hyundai's excellent reliability record. For my money, as Goh Ling Yong, this car represents one of the most sensible and well-rounded used EV packages you can buy. It's the perfect choice for someone who wants a drama-free, low-cost ownership experience.
- Pro Tip: The Ioniq features steering-wheel-mounted paddles that allow you to adjust the level of regenerative braking on the fly. Learn to use these! You can crank it up for "one-pedal driving" in the city to maximize energy recovery, or dial it back for a coasting feel on the highway. It’s an engaging feature that helps you become a more efficient driver.
6. The Funky Crossover: Kia Soul EV (2015-2019)
Best for: The driver who needs practicality but refuses to be boring.
The Kia Soul's boxy, iconic design translates perfectly into an electric vehicle. It's fun, it's funky, and it's far more practical than its compact footprint suggests. The tall roofline provides amazing headroom and a commanding driving position, and the interior feels airy and spacious. It's a fantastic city car that's easy to park but can still swallow a surprising amount of cargo.
The Soul EV used a 27 kWh battery (later upgraded to 30 kWh) that delivered a consistent 150 km of real-world range. It shares much of its excellent powertrain technology with the Hyundai Ioniq, meaning it's reliable and efficient. The interior of the higher-end models is particularly nice, often featuring unique light-coloured plastics and cool accents that set it apart from the sea of boring grey interiors. It's a car with personality, backed by Kia's reputation for solid build quality.
- Pro Tip: Look for the models equipped with the heat pump. This is a much more efficient way to heat the cabin in winter and has a significantly smaller impact on your driving range compared to a standard resistive heater. It was often part of an optional "winter package" or included on higher trims.
7. The European Superstar: Renault Zoe (2013-2019)
Best for: Our European readers looking for maximum range for their Euro.
While not officially sold in all markets, the Renault Zoe has been an absolute titan of the European EV scene for years. It's a stylish and practical supermini that has consistently offered one of the best range-per-dollar (or Euro) ratios. Early "Q210/R240" models had a 22 kWh battery for around 150-170 km of range. The real sweet spot, however, is the "Z.E. 40" model introduced in late 2016, which packed a 41 kWh battery. This was a game-changer, delivering a realistic 250-300 km of range.
The Zoe is a brilliant city car—compact, easy to drive, and with a surprisingly roomy cabin. Its secret weapon is its Chameleon Charger, which allows it to charge at up to 22 kW on AC power, much faster than most rivals who are limited to 7 kW. This makes destination charging at supermarkets or public car parks incredibly fast and convenient.
- Pro Tip: This is critical: investigate the battery status. For many years, Renault sold the car but leased the battery separately. This means you might find a cheap Zoe, but you'll have to pay a monthly fee for the battery. "i" versions (e.g., "Dynamique Nav i") indicate the battery is included ("i" for included). A battery-owned model is generally preferable for long-term value, so be sure to clarify this with the seller.
8. The Aspirational Pioneer: Early Tesla Model S (2012-2016)
Best for: The buyer with a slightly higher budget who wants the full premium EV experience.
Yes, a Tesla on a "budget" list! While not as cheap as a Leaf, the prices of early Model S 60, 75, and 85 kWh models have become surprisingly accessible. For the price of a new mid-range hatchback, you could be driving a landmark vehicle that still looks modern and delivers incredible performance. You get the iconic giant touchscreen, minimalist interior, and thrilling acceleration that made Tesla famous.
The biggest advantage, of course, is access to Tesla's Supercharger network. For road trips, it remains the most reliable and seamless fast-charging experience out there. A 2014-2016 Model S 75D or 85 can still offer a very usable 350-400 km of range. However, be aware that out-of-warranty repairs on a premium car like this can be expensive. Parts like door handles, suspension components, and the main computer (MCU) can be costly to fix.
- Pro Tip: Pay for a pre-purchase inspection from a reputable independent mechanic who specializes in EVs, preferably Teslas. Also, check the status of the "Free Supercharging." Some early cars had it for the life of the vehicle, and it was transferable, which is a massive perk. However, Tesla has changed these policies over the years, so verify the specific car's status.
Your Electric Future Awaits
Making the switch to an electric vehicle no longer requires a giant leap of faith or a hefty bank loan. The used market is overflowing with brilliant, proven, and affordable options that are ready to save you money every single day. From the rock-bottom bargain Leaf to the game-changing range of the Bolt, there is a perfect entry point for almost everyone.
The key is to do your homework. Understand the specific model's strengths, know what to look for regarding battery health, and always, always take a test drive. The silent, smooth, and instant acceleration is an experience that often seals the deal.
So, which of these 'gas-guzzler-grounding' heroes caught your eye? Are you already a proud used EV owner with tips to share? Drop your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. Let's help each other make the smart switch
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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