Top 3 used electric cars for £23,000

Climate change is a big concern for many and we’ve all been encouraged in recent years to reduce our carbon footprint. One of the changes we’re being asked to make is to swap conventional cars for electric versions; unlike vehicles powered by petrol or diesel, electric cars don’t produce any carbon emissions from exhaust pipes.

Driving an electric car is no longer just an ethical decision, it can be a financially prudent one too. Rising fuel prices and running costs are increasingly putting the squeeze on motorists using petrol and diesel cars; electric cars cost more to buy but a lot less to run.

Top 10 cheapest electric cars 2024

In the past, electric cars have typically demanded very high prices, especially compared with conventionally powered alternatives, owing to economies of scale and the cost of battery technology. However, the prices of electric cars are now beginning to fall and their availability on the used market makes them more affordable too.

With many different types of electric car out there, we picked three used choices under £23,000 that we think will help you make a satisfying first leap into the world of electric motoring. Read on to see our picks.

The popular choice: Nissan Leaf

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Now in its second generation, the Leaf remains a hugely popular electric car and £22,500 will get a 20-reg mid-range N-Connecta model with 5,000 miles on the clock. The standard car has a 168-mile official range and while there is an e+ model capable of 239 miles, used examples typically start over the specified budget. The Leaf is refined and composed, although its steering is light and the suspension can feel too firm. 

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Its slightly quirky cabin is well made, despite some plastics being a little hard. Base Acenta cars get full smartphone compatibility and a reversing camera. N-Connecta models benefit from heated, part-synthetic leather seats, while high-spec Teknas will have hi-tech driver aids and a Bose stereo.

The solid choice: Hyundai Ioniq Electric

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The Hyundai Ioniq Electric’s interior looks the part, offering a good mix of physical and touchscreen controls, particularly in Premium SE guise – a 19-plate, 6,500-mile example can be bought for around £22,500. Build quality is strong, while the infotainment system is reliable and easy to use.

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The car itself is relaxing to drive and most comfortable at motorway speeds. However, slower roads reveal stiff suspension and overly light steering. Used Ioniqs should still have some of their five-year warranty left, while your budget will secure a car with a 174-mile range. Post-facelift models with a longer range are mostly out of budget.

The practical choice: MG ZS EV

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If you want your electric car to be an SUV too, the MG ZS should be near the top of your list. A 20-plate Exclusive with 10,000 miles costs about £22,000, and will have most of its seven-year warranty remaining. The ZS boasts an official 163-mile range, and is generally comfortable to drive. 

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It’s undeniably focused on comfort and it’s the most relaxing car of the three on this list to drive as a result, even if that does come at the cost of noticeable body roll in corners. Another less positive aspect is the interior. It has various hard plastics and the ergonomics aren’t as good as some rivals’. The infotainment screen, meanwhile, could be slicker.

Carbuyer’s choice, as picked by Content Editor Tom Jervis

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All three of the cars here represent great value for money but none more than the Hyundai Ioniq Electric. While higher spec examples of the Nissan Leaf provide more range than the Hyundai, the Korean electric car trumps the Nissan at this price point with its superior range and a much plusher interior. Most Ioniqs for sale in this price bracket are the aforementioned Premium SE trim, which come fully loaded with kit such as sat nav, heated and cooled front seats and a reversing camera. Paired with a practical hatchback tailgate and plenty of safety features, the Ioniq Electric is a great choice.

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