Is It Worth Buying a Used Electric Car in the UK Yet?
Let’s break it down. EVs promise cheap running costs, green credentials, and smooth driving - but when you’re buying second-hand, things get more complicated. Battery health, charging infrastructure, and resale values all come into play.
So, if you’re tempted to swap petrol for plugs, this guide will walk you through the real pros, cons, and costs of owning a used electric car in the UK.
And remember: before handing over your cash, always run a full car history check to make sure your dream EV isn’t hiding past accidents, mileage issues, or outstanding finance.
Why More Drivers Are Considering Used EV's
Let’s start with the obvious: EV's are cool. They’re silent, futuristic, and perfect for city life. But there are also some practical reasons why more UK drivers are going electric:
Cheaper running costs: No petrol fill-ups, no oil changes, fewer moving parts
Lower emissions: Great for eco-conscious drivers
ULEZ and clean air zones: EV's are exempt from daily charges in London and other cities
Government push: The 2035 petrol and diesel ban is getting closer
The real kicker? Buying second-hand makes EV's way more affordable. A new Nissan Leaf can cost over £28k, but a used one can be picked up from £6–8k.
The True Costs of Owning a Used Electric Car
Buying a used EV isn’t just about the upfront price. Let’s dive into the costs you’ll face as an owner.
1. Purchase Price
Used EV prices vary wildly. Early models like the first-gen Nissan Leaf are among the cheapest, while Teslas still command a premium.
Model | Typical Used Price (2025) |
|---|---|
Nissan Leaf (2015–2017) | £6,000–£9,000 |
Renault Zoe (2016–2018) | £5,500–£8,500 |
BMW i3 (2017–2019) | £10,000–£15,000 |
Tesla Model 3 (2019) | £22,000–£28,000 |
Tip: Always check whether older EV's come with leased batteries (common with Renault Zoe). That can add £50–£100 a month on top of your costs.
2. Insurance
EV's are still relatively new to insurers, and replacement parts can be expensive. This means premiums are usually higher than for a petrol equivalent.
Nissan Leaf: Groups 20–25
BMW i3: Groups 21–29
Tesla Model 3: Groups 48–50 (ouch)
Compare that to a petrol Ford Fiesta in group 5–12 and you’ll feel the difference.
3. Charging and Electricity Costs
This is where EV's shine. Charging at home is significantly cheaper than filling up at a petrol station.
Home charging (off-peak EV tariff): ~7p per kWh
Public rapid charging: 60–80p per kWh
Average EV cost per mile: ~3–6p
Petrol car cost per mile: ~12–15p
If you do 10,000 miles a year, that’s £300–£600 in “fuel” for an EV compared to £1,500+ in petrol.
4. Servicing and Maintenance
EV's have fewer moving parts - no oil, no exhaust, no clutches - which means less can go wrong. However, servicing is still needed for brakes, tyres, suspension, and safety checks.
Annual service at main dealer: £150–£250
Battery health check: Sometimes included, sometimes extra
Brake wear: Usually less because of regenerative braking
Overall, servicing costs are around 30–40% cheaper than for petrol/diesel cars.
5. Road Tax (VED)
Until April 2025, all EVs are exempt from UK road tax. After that, they’ll pay the standard £190 a year (as announced in the Autumn Statement 2022). Still cheaper than many petrol/diesel cars.
The Big Worry: EV Battery Health
The elephant in the room with used EVs is the battery. A degraded battery means less range - and replacing one can cost £5,000–£10,000.
How Long Do EV Batteries Last?
Most modern EV's have an 8-year / 100,000-mile warranty on the battery. Real-world data shows they typically lose around 2–3% capacity per year.
A 2016 Nissan Leaf with 24kWh battery might now only deliver 60–70 miles of range
A 2019 Tesla Model 3 still often has 90%+ of its original 250–300 mile range
How to Check Battery Health
When buying used:
Ask for a battery health certificate (dealers often provide one)
Look for cars still under manufacturer battery warranty
Use a vehicle history check to confirm mileage - high miles can affect degradation
EV Depreciation: How Much Value Do They Lose?
Depreciation is one of the trickiest parts of EV ownership. Some models hold value better than others.
Model | New Price (Year 1) | 3-Year Value | 5-Year Value | Depreciation % (5 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nissan Leaf | £28,000 | £15,000 | £9,000 | -68% |
Renault Zoe | £27,000 | £13,000 | £8,000 | -70% |
BMW i3 | £36,000 | £20,000 | £12,000 | -67% |
Tesla Model 3 | £42,000 | £30,000 | £22,000 | -48% |
Hyundai Kona EV | £33,000 | £22,000 | £16,000 | -52% |
Key takeaway: Tesla models tend to hold their value better thanks to strong demand and access to the Supercharger network, while early Nissan Leafs and Renault Zoes lose value faster due to limited range and older battery tech.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Electric Car
Pros
Lower running costs (fuel + servicing)
Green and future-proof
Great driving experience (smooth, instant torque)
ULEZ-exempt
Cons
Higher insurance costs
Range anxiety (especially with older models)
Public charging network still hit-and-miss
Expensive battery replacement if out of warranty
Comparing Costs: Used EV vs Petrol
Here’s a side-by-side look at annual running costs (based on 10,000 miles per year).
Cost Area | Nissan Leaf (EV) | Ford Focus (Petrol) |
|---|---|---|
Insurance | £800–£1,200 | £600–£900 |
Fuel/Electricity | £400 | £1,500 |
Servicing | £200–£300 | £300–£500 |
Road Tax | £0 (until 2025) | £180 |
Total | £1,400–£1,900 | £2,600–£3,100 |
The EV saves over £1,000 a year - but only if the battery is healthy and charging is convenient.
Best Used EV's to Buy in the UK Right Now
If you’re convinced to dip your toes into the EV market, here are some of the best picks for UK drivers:
Nissan Leaf
The original mass-market EV. Affordable, reliable, and plentiful on the used market. Just watch out for older models with short ranges.
Renault Zoe
Compact and city-friendly. Some models have battery lease agreements, so check carefully before buying.
BMW i3
Quirky design, premium feel, and surprisingly fun to drive. Often comes with a range extender (tiny petrol engine).
Tesla Model 3
Pricey even used, but unbeatable range and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Brilliant range (250+ miles) for the price. One of the best all-rounders.
Smart Tips Before Buying a Used EV
Run a car history check - Spot hidden finance, mileage tampering, or accidents
Check charging options - Do you have off-street parking for a home charger?
Inspect battery warranty - Cars under 8 years old may still be covered
Research charging network near you - Zap-Map is a great tool for UK drivers
Factor in depreciation - EV prices are still volatile compared to petrol cars
So… Is It Worth It?
The answer depends on your lifestyle.
Yes, it’s worth it if:
You have home charging
You mostly drive under 100 miles a day
You want to save big on fuel and running costs
Not yet worth it if:
You rely heavily on public charging
You need long motorway range regularly
You’re on a very tight budget and can’t risk battery replacement costs
Final Thoughts
Buying a used electric car in the UK can be a brilliant move - but it’s not for everyone. With the right model, a healthy battery, and easy access to charging, you could save thousands each year while driving something future-proof. But you need to be clued up and cautious.
Before committing, always run a full car history check. It’s the best way to make sure your potential EV hasn’t been written off, clocked, or hidden under finance debt.
For the right driver, a used EV is more than worth it - it’s a smarter, greener, and cheaper way to get around. For others, waiting a couple more years until prices stabilise and charging expands might be the better call.
The electric revolution is here. The only question is - are you ready to plug in?
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