Electric cars may seem like an overnight sensation – a flash of lightning in the pan – given the recent increased media, and political, focus on them, but the truth is they’ve been gracing Australian roads – in limited numbers, mind – for about a decade now.
The Nissan Leaf went on sale in Australia in mid-2012, and by the end of 2021, there were a total of 31 different models of electric vehicles (EVs) for sale in Australia (it’s been estimated we could see as many as 58 or more models available by the end of 2022).
As of the end of 2021, the total stock of EVs in Australia was approximately 38,000, with 14,000 of these EV sales happening in 2021, showing that the EV market here is definitely growing (it’s predicted that a minimum of 24,000 EVs will be sold by the end of 2022).
Still, EV sales only accounted for 0.78 per cent of the Australian car market in 2020, and 38,000 EVs is a mere drop in the ocean when you take into account that, as of the beginning of 2021, there are 20.1 million motor vehicles registered in Australia.
There has also been a push from some bodies, like the Australian Electric Vehicle Council, for the government and corporations to purchase fleet cars – which make up around 52 per cent of annual car sales – that are EVs.
This would of course create a greater market for second-hand EVs, as currently there’s not a particularly huge one due to the fact Australia doesn’t have a hell of a lot of EVs on our roads yet.
Still, if you’re on the hunt for cheap used electric cars, there are certainly second-hand electric cars on the market, with some going for under $20,000.
A word of warning, though: EV batteries degrade over time, so obviously the newer the car, the better. Ask the seller about battery range, and take it for a test drive, keeping an eye on how quickly the battery charge drops. It’s one of those situations where you really need to go for a long test drive.
You’ll find second-hand electric cars on sale from dealers and private sellers, and you can search online for what’s available out there on CarsGuide.com.au.
Best used electric cars in Australia
Nissan Leaf
Price: From $14,990, plus on-road costs
Nissan got into the EV market early on in Australia, which is why its Leaf EV has managed to become a popular choice for Australian drivers. It was the third best-selling EV in Australia in 2021, and you should be able to find a few on the second-hand market pretty easily, as it’s currently the most common used electric car in Australia.
MG ZS EV Essence
Price: From $42,990, plus on-road costs
At $44,990 new, the MG ZS EV Essence is currently the cheapest EV in Australia. The price we’ve included here – $42,990 – is only a couple grand cheaper than it costs new, due to the fact it’s for a demonstrator model, because there aren’t a lot of used ones on the market yet. But keep your eyes open.
Hyundai Ioniq Electric Elite
Price: From $42,999, plus on-road costs
Korean car manufacturer Hyundai has a reputation for well-built and smartly designed cars, and its all-electric Ioniq Electric Elite fits that description to a T. Since it’s only been available in Australia for a few years, don’t expect to find much in the way of massively discounted Ioniq Electric Elite models on the second-hand market. Yet.
Mini 3D Hatch Cooper SE
Price: From $56,990, plus on-road costs
This three-door hatch boasts the classic Mini design with the added benefit of having a zero-emissions, battery-powered electric motor. Not a great choice if you care about things like cabin space, but a perfect choice for an inner-city runabout that’s sure to turn a few heads.
Tesla Model 3
Price: From $57,800, plus on-road costs
The most popular EV in the world is also the most popular EV in Australia, having sold an estimated 2150 units in the first quarter of 2021 alone (for comparison, next on the list was the MG ZS EV, which sold 359 units during the same period). The above price is for the 2019 Standard Range Plus, which has a real-world driving range of between 400 and 450km.
Kia Niro Electric S
Price: From $60,784, plus on-road costs
You’re more than likely to find quite recent models of the Kia Niro Electric S on the used electric cars market, but that comes with certain benefits, like the car still being covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty. Kia boasts a seven-year warranty, meaning that pretty much any model you find second-hand should still be covered.
Keyword: The top five best used electric cars in Australia