Hyundai has been going hard on the EV sector in recent times, the Korean manufacturer having just announced a high-performance N version of its refreshed Ioniq 6 sedan. It was a little later to the electric party than some of its high-volume rivals, but it has been making great strides with the automaker's second-generation EV portfolio. Everything has to start somewhere, though, and the brand's first-gen Ioniq Electric acted as a solid base on which to build from.They are also a great option if you fancy buying a used EV, especially considering even the cheapest brand-new Hyundai electric models would set you back more than $30,000. Meanwhile, a used Ioniq Electric would be a third as much. The Ioniq Electric Got Hyundai's EV Ball RollingHyundai Wanting to enter the EV arena without designing a dedicated platform from the outset, Hyundai decided to develop a shared foundation for multiple versions of its electrified models. Not only did the underpinnings provide the basis for the Ioniq Electric, but the company also used it for a pair of hybrid variants. The Ioniq HEV Plus was capable of operating separately on either combustion or electric power, whereas the regular model was a conventional hybrid.Hyundai The original Ioniq's underpinnings shared elements from the Elantra and Kia's Niro SUV. However, the Ioniq was arguably already somewhat outdated by the time of its release in 2017, as Hyundai announced the same year that it was working on a dedicated EV platform for the future, which became the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform that the second-gen Ioniq used. The Ioniq Took The Shape Of A Compact Sedan Hyundai To make the Ioniq Electric as versatile as possible, Hyundai designed it as a compact sedan. This layout made it small enough to thread through tight streets and parking lots with ease, while also accommodating a decent number of people and their belongings. The Ioniq used a single front-mounted motor, which got its power from a 28-kilowatt-hour battery at the rear, a decision taken to provide a more balanced weight distribution.The little Ioniq Electric was affordable when it was shiny and new in 2017, having started at $29,500 in the US, but they're worth a fraction of that in 2026. The Ioniq Has Been Subjected To A Sizable Reduction In Value Over The Years HyundaiDespite being a relatively new model, with even the oldest examples only being eight years old, you can now pick up a used Ioniq Electric for around $10,000. A big part of the reason for this is that EVs tend to depreciate steeply anyway, mainly due to the fact that powertrain technology progresses rapidly for newer models, which makes older cars outdated very quickly. Issues such as range anxiety, relatively poor infrastructure, and expensive battery replacement costs also contribute to used EVs losing value quickly. The Ioniq Electric Is Best Suited For Shorter Journeys Hyundai That said, you need to ensure that Hyundai's maiden EV suits your lifestyle. Even when new, the 28-kWh battery only provided enough energy for the vehicle to travel around 180 miles on a full charge, making longer road trips a bit tricky, as you'd need to stop for a lengthy charging period more often than you'd like. Bearing in mind that these used vehicles are more than five years old, this peak range likely dropped even further since the car was shiny and new.Hyundai Therefore, a used Ioniq Electric makes more sense as a car for city driving. The average daily driving distance for US drivers currently stands at 37 miles, according to Trusted Choice, meaning the the vehicle should be more than sufficient for the vast majority of daily tasks. The spritely motor also provides a useful 218 lb-ft of torque, instantaneous grunt that, when twinned with the Ioniq's compact size, ensures it's ultra-nippy around town. With nearly 23 cubic feet of cargo space available, the model should prove to be a trusty servant in day-to-day life. If you're looking to experience the convenience of an EV without paying the high price for a brand-new one, a well-maintained used Ioniq Electric could be the ideal option for you. Hyundai Has Made Great Steps Forward With EV Range Hyundai The decision to develop an all-new platform for its EV range has paid dividends, as Hyundai has made excellent progress with its second-generation electrified vehicle lineup. Even the cheapest available, the Kona EV, comes with a 48-kWh battery, which provides 234 miles of range, while also making 133 hp. The automaker's more expensive models, such as the Ioniq 5 and 6, can achieve over 300 miles in their most efficient specifications. Hyundai's Current Full-EV Range Ioniq 5 Ioniq 6 Ioniq 9Kona ElectricPerformance has also increased significantly, with sporty versions like the Ioniq 5 N and the new Ioniq 6 N boasting over 600 hp, placing them in supercar-hunting territory.