Despite the existing aid for their acquisition, new electric cars are still expensive. There are some exceptions, models with more affordable prices such as the Dacia Spring, the MG4 Electric or the new Citroën ë-C3.
The used market offers interesting opportunities to access zero-emission vehicles, like the ones we have selected. In addition to the usual factors that must be taken into account when buying a used car, in the case of electric cars it is important to check other very important details.
If the objective is to have a car to make short trips, there are models that can perfectly meet our needs. These are models with little autonomy, they hardly exceed 200 kilometers, but valid if a greater figure is not needed and if they can be recharged daily in our garage. In this case, taking advantage of the most favorable nightly rates, it will be possible to achieve our mobility at an affordable price.
However, the fundamental factor in purchasing a used electric vehicle is to check the condition of the battery. For this reason, it is essential to go to a specialized workshop that is capable of certifying its ability to store energy. This information, together with others such as the cost of a hypothetical future replacement, should help us make the final decision.
Although they do not renounce interurban journeys, the cars on display here are ideal for the city and there are good offers for them on the used market.
After several years of research and development, BMW began its electric offensive in 2013 with the market launch of the i3. The Bavarian brand opted for a powerful engine, 125 kW (170 HP), capable of offering 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.2 seconds. A range of 130 to 160 km was announced, which could be increased by about 20 km using the Eco Pro mode. A version with a range extender was also offered – a small 34 HP gasoline engine -, thanks to which it was possible to travel about 300 km. km. In 2016, a 33 kWh battery arrived that increased the range up to 300 km, without the need for an extender. In 2017, the latest renovation was launched, with an image update and a sporty i3s version with a 184 HP engine.
Produced in the French factory in Flins and launched on the market at the end of 2012, the Zoe was Renault’s first electric vehicle and, since its inception, it approved a range of up to 220 km, a figure that increased slightly to 240 km since the spring of 2015, thanks to a new, more efficient electric motor (R 240). The Zoe is an interesting option for urban use customers, but since 2017 there has also been a version with a 41 kWh battery, called ZE 40, which allowed travel up to 300 km in real use conditions. In addition to improving autonomy, this new version incorporated new exterior and interior aesthetics and is presented as an interesting purchase option in the used market.
Seat converted its urban vehicle, the Mii, into the brand’s first 100% electric vehicle. Ideal for the city due to its small size – 3.56 m in length – and excellent turning diameter, this model is equipped with a 61 kW (83 HP) electric motor, combined with a 32.2 kWh capacity battery. The autonomy, according to official data, can reach 260 km. This car is perfect for driving in the city and has an interesting acceleration capacity, stopping the clock in 3.9 seconds to go from 0 to 50 km/h. From 0 to 100 km/h takes 12.3 seconds and the maximum speed is 130 km/h. One of the charging options, 40 kW continuous charging, allows you to recover 80% of the battery in one hour.
The Citigo had a 100% electric version in its range, although it arrived on the market quite late, in 2019. Its electric motor produces a maximum power of 61 kW, equivalent to 83 HP, more than enough to move in urban environments. Equipped with a useful 32.3 kWh battery and with a real range of approximately 200 km, its acceleration from 0-100 km/h is 12.3 seconds and the maximum speed reaches 130 km/h. The new planning of the Volkswagen group regarding electric vehicles prevented the marketing of this vehicle from going beyond the first months of 2021, but the used units that can be found could be an interesting opportunity for those who want a vehicle of this profile. .
In its 100% electric versions, interesting opportunities can be found in the used market for the small fortwo from Smart. This two-seater model, ideal for urban use due to its small dimensions, has a 41 kW (60 HP) engine, with approved consumption from 15.2 kWh/100 km. The range announced by the brand started at 147 km and the performance figures are interesting, with a maximum speed of 130 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 11.6 seconds. This model had an optional 22 kW charger that allowed charging from 10 to 80% in just 40 minutes. Since 2019, the fortwo was only available with a battery-electric propulsion system.
At the end of 2013, Volkswagen presented the electric version of the Up!, its most urban model. The first data stated that it could have up to 160 km of autonomy and notable performance, thanks to the 60 kW electric motor, that is, 82 HP. The small dimensions of its body make it an ideal partner for getting around the city and the German brand announced the possibility of recharging 80% of its battery in just 30 minutes. In the performance section, this model reaches a maximum speed of 130 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.4 seconds. The approved consumption of the e-up!, which was present on the market until 2020, is 11.7 kWh per 100 km.
