Six of Our Favorite Used EVs to Look For

Picture this: driving around town, taking care of things each day, and never having to stop for gas; every morning, your car is ready to go and as refreshed as you are. With an EV, that’s exactly what you get, especially if you live in a situation where you can take full advantage of charging your vehicle overnight. New EVs can be a bit pricey, however, which is why we have many customers come to us looking for used EVs for sale in hopes of finding something that’s fun to drive without breaking the bank. Although you have fewer options available to you with used EVs than traditional gas-powered vehicles, it still helps to have a sense of what you’re looking for. So today, we’re going to take you through six of our favorite models to keep in mind as you look at used SUVs.

The Chevy Bolt EV/EUV––Two Impressive, Affordable Options

A “budget-friendly EV” can seem like a paradox when you look at the prices of many all-electric models out there, but it’s not an impossible concept, especially with pre-owned EVs. The Chevy Bolt EV is the perfect example of this: a sporty and reliable electrified hatchback that was remarkably accessible even when sold as new. First released for the 2017 model year, the Bolt EV proved immediately popular and found fans among a wide range of drivers for its slick style, nimble handling, and attractive price. Its popularity led to the introduction of a second, similar option for the 2022 model year: the Bolt EUV is a subcompact SUV built on the same platform, providing you with a slightly larger option to check out.

In terms of performance, a 2022 Bolt EV (for example) has a single motor and provides 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 259 miles of range from a full charge. While that might not compete with a powerful, dual-motor Tesla model, the Bolt EV sold at a much lower price and is a fantastic, affordable used EV. Both the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV were discontinued following the 2023 model year, though Chevy plans to bring the Bolt back with a full redesign. One final note: there were recalls on the batteries for many Bolt EV models, so make sure any used Bolt EV you find has had the battery replaced.

The Chevy Equinox EV––A Compact SUV With a Lot to Offer

If you’re interested in an excellent used EV SUV and you want some of the latest features and options, then look for a Chevy Equinox EV. This is a compact SUV that shares styling cues and many features with Chevy’s popular Equinox gas-powered model, giving you a terrific choice for a stylish and sporty family vehicle. Unlike the Bolt EV and EUV, which only had a single motor available, you can find used Equinox EV models with either one or two motors, though they all have the same battery. Looking at a 2024 Equinox EV, for example, a single-motor setup provides 213 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, while a pair of motors delivers 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque.

The range is exceptional with the Equinox EV: it gets an estimated 319 miles of range from a full charge with a single motor, while dual-motor models still get an estimated 285 miles of range. Looking inside, you’ll find fantastic features, including more than 26 cu.ft. of rear cargo space and a stunning 17.7-inch Infotainment display, standard in every model. With so much to offer, the Equinox EV starts at a slightly higher price than the Chevy Bolt EV, so used versions of it will likely cost more. We should also note this SUV was just introduced for the 2024 model year, so you might not find a lot of them on the used market yet.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E––Bold Design and Sporty Performance

For something with impressive power and performance, plus gorgeous styling, it’s no surprise that the Ford Mustang Mach-E is a favorite for many drivers. We were skeptical when Ford first announced that an SUV would wear the legendary Mustang name, but the power and handling of the Mustang Mach-E have proven worthy of that moniker. One of the best things about the Mustang Mach-E is that it has many different options available: two different batteries, both offered with either a single motor or a pair. Performance is also excellent with this all-electric SUV, as you’d expect from any Ford Mustang.

Looking at a 2023 Mustang Mach-E, for example, a properly equipped model can get an estimated 312 miles of range from a full charge. With a GT model, you get a dual-motor EV compact SUV with 480 hp and up to 634 lb-ft of torque, ensuring you have a fantastic time on the road. This model first hit the road for the 2021 model year, so you can find a decent number of them available on the used market, including some fresh off a lease in great condition. Although not the most expensive EV on the market, the Mustang Mach-E isn’t the cheapest either, making the savings of a used option a great choice.

The Nissan LEAF––Great Features and Great Price

Another great pick if you’re shopping on a budget, the Nissan LEAF is an all-electric compact hatchback that’s surprisingly fun to drive. Although every LEAF model features a single motor, you can find a couple of different batteries on them, which affects power and range. A 2023 Nissan LEAF, for example, with its standard 40 kWh battery, provides 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque along with an estimated 149 miles of range from a full charge; enhanced-battery models offer 214 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque with 212 miles of estimated range. You can see these numbers are quite a bit lower than something like the Mustang Mach-E, but the low price of the LEAF and how many of them are out there still make it a great choice.

The Tesla Model 3––Compact Sedan Design, Big Range

We couldn’t talk about used EVs and leave out Tesla, though these models can be harder to find used than others since many people return them to Tesla for resale. First released in 2017, the Model 3 is a compact sedan and one of Tesla’s most popular models. Numerous options are available for it, including both single-motor and dual-motor configurations, along with Long Range and Performance batteries. When properly configured, a Tesla Model 3 from 2023 can get an estimated 358 miles of range from a full charge. The price tag on these is similar to the Mustang Mach-E, but a used model can represent a better overall value.

The Tesla Model Y––Performance, Range, and Style All in One

Finally, we have the Tesla Model Y, another popular option and a great choice if you’re looking for a compact SUV with electrified performance. Sharing a platform with the Model 3, the Model Y works well for families, couples, and single drivers who prefer the functionality and spaciousness of a sporty SUV. Much like other Tesla vehicles, you can find single-motor and dual-motor versions of the Model Y, along with Long Range and Performance options. When properly equipped, a 2023 Model Y can get an estimated 330 miles of range from a full charge, making it one of the most capable options out there.

We’ll Help You Find the Used SUV You Want

As you can see, you have a lot of different options available to you when looking at used EVs—this was far from all of them—with different performance and features to check out. Trying to navigate all of these models, trim levels, and available features can be tricky, which is why it helps to work with people who care and who will prioritize what you need in a vehicle. Here at Parks Chevrolet Huntersville, we love getting the chance to work with our customers and help you find everything you’re looking for. Whether you already have a particular used EV in mind or you’ve just started checking out what’s available, we’re ready to assist. All you have to do is figure out what you need from your next ride, and we’ll handle everything else.