As the founder of Electrifying.com, Ginny Buckley has driven virtually every electric car on sale in the UK, testing them in the real world rather than relying on brochure figures. She shares the used EVs she would spend her own money on, from compact runabouts to practical family SUVs.
5. Volkswagen e-Up – Prices from £4,000
The Volkswagen e-Up remains one of the best budget-friendly electric hatchbacks. Its dinky dimensions make it ideal for city driving, and four people can travel in surprising comfort. The 2020 updated models offer a 159-mile range, enough for a week of urban errands. Running costs are minimal, especially with overnight charging on cheap tariffs. While early models (2014-2019) have an 18.7kWh battery, Buckley recommends spending around £8,000 for a post-2020 model with the larger 32.3kWh battery.
4. MG4 – Prices from £9,000
The MG4, launched in 2022, shook up the market with sharp styling and impressive range. Buckley praises its light steering for easy parking and entertaining driving on country roads. The high driving position and roomy interior include a 363-litre boot. Entry-level SE models with a 51kWh battery offer a real-world range of around 180 miles for under £10,000. For about £1,000 more, the Long Range version with a 64kWh battery delivers a claimed 288 miles (around 240 in everyday driving). All models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and safety features; heated seats require Trophy or XPower trims.
3. Kia Niro EV – Prices from £11,000
The Kia Niro EV remains a desirable used buy with its smart looks, SUV-like ride height, and quality interior. It offers a 475-litre boot with a variable height floor and a frunk. The sole 64.8kWh battery provides a claimed 285-mile range, with real-world figures of 210 to 250 miles. Prices start at £11,000 for high-mileage examples, but Buckley suggests budgeting £15,000 for a car with reasonable mileage. Every Niro EV comes with Kia's seven-year warranty, so used buyers still enjoy peace of mind.
2. Polestar 2 – Prices from £10,000
The Polestar 2, launched six years ago, now offers tempting used prices. Its minimalist interior features quality materials and a large, easy-to-use touchscreen with Google functionality. Over-the-air software updates keep older cars feeling modern. Buckley loves the driving dynamics—accurate steering and stiff body control deliver smiles per mile. Depending on the version, real-world range ranges from 220 miles to up to 400 miles on post-2023 facelifted cars. Prices start at £10,000; Buckley recommends looking for a Long Range model with the Plus Pack.
1. Skoda Enyaq – Prices from £16,000
The Skoda Enyaq tops the list as a spacious and practical family SUV. It offers a range of battery sizes and trim levels, with real-world range from around 200 miles to over 300 miles on the larger 82kWh battery. The interior is roomy, with a 585-litre boot, and the infotainment system is intuitive. Prices start from £16,000 for early models, with higher-mileage examples available for less. The Enyaq's build quality and practicality make it a standout used EV choice, according to Buckley.
