Electric cars to buy for less than £20k
Helping the environment doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. This guide will help you find a used electric car under the £20k mark
Buying an electric vehicle (EV) doesn’t have to be an expensive investment.
In fact, there are many now available at an affordable price, which makes driving sustainably a fashionable and budget-friendly choice.
Choosing a used electric car can also cut back on costs and is a great way to help the environment.
Whether you're taking your family on a trip around the countryside or spending some time cruising the motorways, it could be the perfect time to go for an electric car.
Nissan Leaf
The first mass-produced EV, the Nissan Leaf, was introduced to the market in 2010 and has since gone through two generations. It pairs the smooth and sleek design we know and love with best-in-class battery life.
Nissan’s creation of the e-pedal – one-pedal driving – makes cruising city roads and motorways a breeze, and the quiet engine makes this a comfortable ride for all.
Sitting comfortably under the £20k mark, this is a great smaller car for those looking for their daily commute or a change to a more environmentally friendly driving style.
Smart ForFour
Smart in all aspects of the word, the Smart ForFour is another electric car available for well under the £20k mark.
With a distinctive look and the option for a selection of colour combinations, this car screams personality.
Smart's ForFour has been compared to models such as the Renault Twingo, providing the best of easy driving while remaining budget-friendly and kind to the environment.
A nifty feature is that it needs only 8.65 metres for a full-circle turn, as its engine sits below the boot.
This makes the Smart ForFour the perfect option for anyone who will be driving through small streets regularly.
SEAT Mii
Similar to the Skoda Citigo and Volkswagen up!, the used SEAT Mii is the perfect small car for anyone looking to improve their carbon footprint.
Designed with flair and featuring zig-zag headlights, this car doesn’t have to be big to make a large impact.
The one-litre three-cylinder engine means this car packs a small punch, matching the up! and Citigo, and with some of the newer models, you can expect 161 miles out of this little bargain buy.
Kia Soul
Sitting comfortably under the £20k mark is the used Kia Soul. A compact car with SUV characteristics, the high driving position allows you to sit tall on the road, giving you great visibility and an enjoyable drive.
Boasting great features such as a parking aid, sat-nav, cruise control and even a heated steering wheel as an added extra, this car provides great comfort for you and the environment.
Plus, choosing a used Kia Soul EV means you'll be able to make even more savings on the purchase price.
Hyundai IONIQ
The Hyundai IONIQ is the perfect mix of traditional hatchback beauty and innovative electric engine technology.
Available as a plug-in hybrid or fully-electric car, you can drive in style.
Silent power and smooth pull-away are key comfort indicators of this car’s design, and a cool and modern interior with blue inserts against a dark dashboard makes for an elegant journey.
Sitting under the £20k mark, a used Hyundai IONIQ is perfect for anyone looking for a sleek electric car.
Renault Zoe
Following the design of the successful Renault Clio, the Renault Zoe is a great addition to the electric car market.
Hidden rear doors help underline this five-door car's sleek design, and features including sat-nav, wireless charging and rear parking sensors show you don't have to compromise on quality for an affordable electric car.
There are plenty of options on the used market as well, making it a budget-friendly and environmentally-conscious choice.
Volkswagen e-Golf
The iconic style of a Volkswagen Golf paired with an electric motor is the perfect example of simple beauty meeting innovative electric design.
With enhancements including LED running lights and privacy glass, and packed with all the safety features you'd come to expect from a marque like Volkswagen, this car provides comfort in a modest form.
Plus, the electric engine in this used VW can hit 0-62mph in only 9.6 seconds – not bad for an electric hatchback!
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
There's no doubt that a used Mercedes-Benz provides a stylish and luxurious journey, and the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is no exception.
From the part-leather interior to the privacy glass, this vehicle provides premium quality in the form of an electric car.
And with 179hp and that quality German engineering, you can be sure to get from A to B with no worries.
Vauxhall Corsa-e
Vauxhall's first foray into the world of EVs, the Vauxhall Corsa-e is a beauty.
Derived from the crisper new generation of the traditional Corsa, this innovative electric car is both aesthetically and environmentally pleasing.
Slightly more imposing than other Corsa generations, this used Vauxhall is slightly taller and wider model makes a real impact on the road.
Perfect on motorways and with a light touch, this car is easily manoeuvred, especially in sports mode.
BMW i3
BMW knows a thing or two about developing cars with a distinctive look, and the BMW i3 is no exception.
Not only does it boast the iconic imposing BMW front grille, but it also has its own unique design elements that are sure to turn heads.
The responsive acceleration of the 170hp-powered electric engine makes setting off on your journeys a breeze.
This used BMW also has different modes to help you enhance your car's performance, meaning you can use your electric charge however you see fit.