Unlike typical motoring journalists, at Drive Green we don’t just have an EV for a few days, after which we are expected to pass judgement and present an informed review to consumers. We live with these cars all the time, and as a result we understand them in much greater detail from our years with them. We also uniquely understand them from the point of view of our thousands of customers.
Especially with the earlier EVs that now make up this list, we have lived with these EVs for a very long time (since we started in 2017), so our understanding of these early EVs, that now fit in this under £5k category, is second to none.
“we really understand what it is like to actually own and live with these early EVs”
So unlike a typical car journalist, we really understand what it is like to own and live with these EVs, and what makes one better than another, and even what their long-term drawbacks or issues are.
“although they have a limited driving range, these early EVs can still be the ideal first EV for many people”
As these are older EVs, they are often overlooked in the car media, and although there are not many of them, they are still really important EVs as not everyone has the budget or need for a new EV with the driving ranges they provide, and they can still be the ideal first EV for many people.
Due to the passage of time, there is now finally a small selection of EVs available for under £5k. It is not a big list as it is just the first generation of early EVs that led the way for the industry. Although the driving range of these earlier cars is understandably limited, there are some real gems on the list. They are great performing reliable cars, and have proven that EVs and their batteries can more than stand the test of time.
Hopefully thanks to all our experience and knowledge we can help you find the right EV for you by reviewing what we think represents the best of the short list of cars and their respective pluses and minuses, to give you the best used EV buys, accessibly priced at under £5k.
“Hopefully thanks to all our experience and knowledge we can help you find the right EV for you.”
Price: from £2500 – Range: 70 miles
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Nissan has years more EV heritage than most manufacturers, with the iconic Nissan Leaf being one of the very first mass-produced EVs. And it’s heritage shows in the quality and reliability of the 24kWh Nissan Leaf.
The Leaf is definitely a practical choice – it is nicely medium-sized, with a decent boot, very well made, and the top-spec Tekna has great spec, including a full leather interior and a BOSE sound system.
When looking at the earlier Nissan Leafs it is important to try and avoid the very first generation of these 24kWh cars. The very first generation of cars were in many ways prototype cars for the EV industry containing very early batteries and technology. As a result their battery longevity is poorer, as is their driving range, which sits under 50 miles realistically.
“Its years of EV heritage shows in the quality and reliability of the Nissan Leaf.”
For a little bit more the second generation has a great battery that is more than proving the test of time, and a much better 70-mile range.
The second generation of Leaf began appearing in 2013, and you can tell by its charcoal grey interior (instead of a pale tan interior) and lack of electronic handbrake, that it is the second generation. If it bears the Acenta or Tekna name as well you know it is not a first generation car.
And if you like a super smooth and comfy armchair-like driving experience, the Leaf has all the comfort and refinement of a luxury car, but at a value car price point.
Although it can rapid charge it has a different rapid charging connection to most EVs (it has a CHAdeMO connection rather than the now more common CCS.) However there are still plenty of CHAdeMO charger connections out there, and unlike CCS charging, there isn’t an exponentially growing number of cars on the road wanting to use this connection. So it may in fact often be easier to find an available rapid charger for the Leaf.
“A very practical choice, it is nicely medium sized, with a decent boot, well made, and reliable.”
If you are looking for a practical, reliable and very comfy EV at a great value price point, the Nissan Leaf is a lot of car for the money and should definitely be considered.
Price: from £3000 (battery owned) – Range: 80 miles
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The Renault Zoe has always been a great value EV, and this is especially true when you look at these earlier 22kWh models. The Zoe is attractive, and compact, yet still with 5 seats and a decent-sized boot, it is also a practical daily EV.
“When it comes to value the Renault Zoe has always led the field.”
The Zoe is a really nice fun to drive little EV. It is a no-nonsense car with familiar controls, and is the perfect local driving daily driver.
The biggest drawback with the Zoe is the fact that it cannot be rapid charged. However when you are looking at an early Zoe with approx. 80 miles of range I think most people are looking at it as a local driving, daily driver so its lack of rapid charging ability is not a big issue.
The spec level on the earlier Zoes is generally quite good. The lower spec Zen and Expression Models are rare and the more common is the Dynamic Intens / Nav which has a reversing camera, auto wiper and lights, cruise control, and a speed limiter, as well as an easy-to-use infotainment system.
“If you are looking for an approachable low-cost EV the Zoe has to be top of the list.”
The controls are basic and familiar, which for many people is a real selling point, making it a really approachable EV.
Watch out for battery-leased models. Due to the implications of this, as well as ongoing battery rental costs, these battery leased options are to be avoided (without exception), so be sure to buy a battery-owned model – this is very important as we have seen dealers advertising battery leased models with ongoing payments needed, for the same price as what a battery owned model should be selling for – don’t get caught out!
If you are looking for a compact, approachable, low-cost EV, then the Zoe has to be top of the list.
Price: from £4500 – Range: 80 miles
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The BMW i3 is a car unlike any other. There is not a car, EV or otherwise, that drives quite like it. It is so nippy and nimble, and incredibly engaging to drive. As a car for darting around the city, there has never been anything better made. Even the more recent models have the same platform as these original early i3 models, so you can get all the same driving fun, but for a much lower cost.
“As a car for darting around the city, there has never been anything better.”
Its high efficiency and lightweight carbon fibre construction means it is capable of up to 80 miles of driving range, which is more than adequate for most drivers on a daily basis, especially for a car that is perhaps best suited to urban environments (although it is super enjoyable to drive on the open road.)
CCS rapid charging was an optional extra on these earlier i3 models, so that is something to watch out for if you want to drive the car on longer journeys.
There are lots of trim options available, so there are cars there for the budget tight, as well as high-spec models for those who want their i3 to be as premium and high-tech as possible. Whatever you choose, you have the important thing, which is that i3 drive!
The i3 is set to be a future classic, due its uniqueness and brilliance as an EV, and if you like and enjoyable and engaging drive, and prefer your cars to be compact in size, then the i3 may well be the perfect EV for you.
“The i3 is set to be a future classic.”
This premium brand, great performing, efficient EV is now easily available for well under £10k, with some as low as £5k and at this kind of price it is a car that is very easy to fall in love with.
Price: from £4000 – Range: 90 miles
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The Electric Kia Soul is a car of real character. Its quirky styling divides the crowd, but if you like your car to have a bit of individuality and personality then the Soul is the car for you.
“The Soul is an EV with real character”
The 27kWh model is capable of around 90 miles of driving range. The slightly bigger battery 30kWh models, (which will soon be falling under £5k) can do as much as 100 miles.
Although its quirky looks may split the crowd, it has a lovely modern interior, super comfy seats, and a high spec level. It has all the specs you would want of a premium EV, even including heated seats, mood lighting, electronic handbrake, a premium sound system and cruise control.
“It has a stylish modern interior and controls, and lots of spec “
It is nice and spacious inside, although its boot is on the small size.
Like the Nissan Leaf the Soul EV has the less common CHAdeMO rapid charging connection, and although it can rapid charge this is a different connection to most new EVs, which reduces the amount of rapid charging locations available.
The Soul offers amazing value for a car of this spec and quality, and makes a great value used EV buy that is full of personality.
Price: from £3500 – Range: 90 miles
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It may seem odd that the Nissan Leaf appears on this list twice, but it was such a dominant seller in the years covering the cars now falling under £5k that it is worth covering and including both the 24kWh and 30kWh models separately.
“Due to its higher price and different battery and its value as a sub £5k Ev the Nissan Leaf 30kW is worth featuring as well as the 24kWh model”
There is a difference naturally price-wise, so the early 24kWh models are definitely cheaper, but with a slightly lower range, however, the 30kWh models come lower down our top 5 list, as they are more expensive, but also because unlike the 24kWh version, whose battery is proving extremely long-lasting and reliable, the 30kWh batteries are exhibiting higher than average degradation compared to most EVs we test.
Whilst it is still a great value low-cost EV to buy, it is worth noting its battery variability, and to look out for cars with a higher battery health (showing in the battery health reader on the car’s dash if it doesn’t come with a battery test certificate.)
“It is definitely a ‘value’ EV, however, its quality for its price is still impressive.”
Like the 24kWh model, although it can rapid charge it has a different rapid charging connection to most new EVs, which reduces the amount of rapid charging locations available.
Just like the 24kWh model it has that quality Nissan build and great spec, offers a super comfy and refined drive, and is a lovely EV.
If you have a little extra budget and would like a little extra range, then the 30kWh Leaf may well be the ideal sub £5k EV for you.
Whilst in the sub £20k category there are lots of EVs that we simply cannot recommend due to reliability issues, that isn’t the case for the earlier EVs, which have proven to be incredibly reliable, and please rest assured that there are no EV’s in the sub £5k price bracket that we would really advise against purchasing on reliability basis, despite their age.
The early Smart cars and the Citroen C-Zero / Mitsubishi iMiev / Peugeot iOn, are however more unreliable generally than the cars on this list, and also have a considerably lower driving range, hence their exclusion. The above 5 would be our advice for anyone looking for a sub £5k EV.
Based on our broad experience with literally thousands of EVs and their owners’ experiences, the above list includes what we think are the very best EVs that offer amazing used EV value.
If you are looking for a used EV, this list gives you the benefit of our extensive experience and will hopefully make your used EV search easier. Do get in touch for extra advice so we can help you find the right EV for you and your driving lifestyle.
NOTE: prices, etc., are correct at the time of writing
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