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Used electric cars: the democratization of the electric vehicle?
According to Statista, 30% of French people cite the price of an electric vehicle as the main obstacle to switching.
This survey asks French people why they don't consider buying an electric vehicle. Despite numerous subsidies, the survey shows that the electric vehicle suffers from its price, which is considered too high.
Read also - Assistance for buying an electric car
Is an electric car right for you?
Against this backdrop, could used electric cars provide a solution to the price issues facing French households?
Before considering the purchase of an electric car (used or new), you need to ask yourself one very important question: does the electric car meet my needs?
To answer this question, you need to do your calculations:
- How far do you travel per day, or even per week? If you drive 50 km a day, for example, and intend to recharge your vehicle every night, you'll need a vehicle with a shorter range.
- What will my recharging solution be?
- If you live in a detached house, you can install a charging station at your home.
- If you live in a condominium, you need to apply https:/bornes-recharge/borne-de-recharge-copropriete/ to your condominium manager to install charging stations in your shared parking lot.
- If you live in a large city, towns and cities are deploying self-service public recharging stations where you can recharge your batteries.
READ OUR DOSSIER - Charging electric vehicles
If you have sufficient range and a recharging solution, you can switch to an electric car.
Used electric cars: how to get the best deal?
How to find the best used electric car ads?
There are several classified ad sites where you can search for a used electric car.
We have made a small selection of trustworthy sites:
- Carizy: This is a classified ads site for private individuals with a secure payment option.
- Leboncoin: By filtering by vehicle energy type, it's easy to find a selection of electric cars near you. The only drawback: there's not much choice. To find an electric car, it's best to go to specialized sites to find what you're looking for.
- Automobile.fr: this site enables you to find used cars, especially electric cars, all over Europe.
What should I check before buying a used electric car?
As with an internal combustion model, it is important to check the general condition of the car to avoid any unpleasant surprises:
- Friction.
- Indentations.
- Scratches.
- Traces.
Don't hesitate to consult the Guide to buying of an electric vehicle and see what used equivalents are available!
In the case of used electric cars, you need to pay particular attention to the battery.
Every electric car battery has a certain capacity, expressed in Ampere hours: the greater the capacity, the more energy we can store, and the greater our vehicle's range.
However, over time, batteries undergo internal chemical reactions which reduce this initial capacity (for example, one year later, a 100-liter water tank will only hold 97 liters).
This phenomenon, known as ageing, is common to all lithium batteries, but the speed of ageing depends on a number of factors (e.g. the outside temperature to which the battery is exposed, the use to which it is put...). For example, you may find two identical vehicles, with the same number of km and the same age, but with completely different battery conditions. It's very important to know the state of health of the battery when you want to buy a used electric vehicle, especially when you know that repairing or replacing the battery in an electric car can cost more than 10,000 euros.
Car manufacturers often guarantee batteries for several years, so don't hesitate to make use of your warranty if it's still valid.
To get an idea of the price, consult sites such asAutovisual, which estimate the price of used vehicles according to geographical area.
Tip: To find out the condition of a battery before buying a used EV, consider the battery certificate. The battery certificate provides a wealth of information on the condition of a battery and the range of a used electric vehicle. A service called La Belle Batterie makes it easy for sellers to obtain a battery certificate. With La Belle Batterie, it only takes 5 minutes to diagnose your battery yourself, without having to go anywhere.
Beev's tip: you can use the Leaf Spy pro application for the Nissan Leaf, caniOn for the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Citroën C0 and Peugeot Ion, or CanZE for the Renault Zoe, to give batteries a rating (if the rating is 100, the battery is new, and below 80, you need to start looking at the warranty).
Why choose an electric car?
Once hard to find, used electric cars are increasingly present on the major used vehicle sales platforms. With most customers opting for LOA-type leasing contracts, more and more vehicles are coming onto the used market that are only a few years old. These customers prefer the latest models with greater autonomy to renewing their contracts in most cases. This is particularly true of the Renault Zoé and Nissan Leaf, two of the best-selling electric cars in France, which are now looking for a 2nd buyer on the second-hand market. Renault has also capitalized on the phenomenon by creating a special offer for its used Zoé.
Another strong argument in favor of your future vehicle is that electric cars require very little upkeep and maintenance.
The batteries
For a long time, customers were concerned about battery life and the cost of replacement, but today we have the necessary hindsight to confirm that batteries do not need to be replaced.
In many cases, they can outlast the overall life of the vehicle, and it's no longer uncommon to see electric vehicles that have covered over 200,000 km with their original battery without any sign of substantial deterioration. If you're still concerned about batteries, most manufacturers offer an 8-year or 200,000 km warranty.
It's also the perfect time to get started, as used electric cars are becoming more and more affordable. While a new Renault Zoé or Nissan Leaf, for example, sells for over €25,000, used ones can be found for under €10,000.
Assistance available for used electric vehicles
Good news for future electric vehicle buyers: you are eligible for the conversion bonus if you scrap an old petrol or diesel vehicle. This bonus can amount to up to €5,000, depending on your reference tax income.
If you live in the Greater Paris region, you may be eligible for an additional €6,000 bonus. In total, that's up to €11,000 to help you buy your electric car, new or used.
ALSO READ - Grants for electric cars
In addition to a reduced purchase price thanks to government incentives, an electric vehicle also guarantees lower running costs.
With the rising price of petrol, it's becoming increasingly tempting to switch to an alternative form of fuel. In the case of electric vehicles, the cost per kilometer is around €2/100 km. An electric car costs around 5 times less per kilometer than its internal combustion equivalent.
Discover the electric cars available from Beev
What are the best used electric cars?
We have classified the vehicles according to price: from the most affordable to the most expensive.
1. Peugeot iOn / Citroën C0
With some offers under €6,000, the Peugeot iOn is a 4-seater city car offering around 100 to 120 km of real-world range. The Peugeot iOn's standard equipment includes a radio with Bluetooth telephone connection, automatic folding mirrors and automatic headlights. We like the iOn's compact size and short turning radius, which make it extremely agile, and the standard fast charging system. Less appreciated are the somewhat harsh suspension, which reduces driving comfort, and the limited range (around 80 km in winter with heating).
At home, it will take around 5 to 6 hours to fully recharge the battery using a Green'Up-type reinforced household socket or a 3 kW Wallbox. It is also equipped with a CHAdeMO quick-recharge socket, which recovers 80% of the battery in just 20 minutes.
Price: around €6,000 for a 2012 Peugeot iOn with 35,000 km and around €5,000 for a 2011 version with 75,000 km.
| Year | Version | Usable battery | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 - 2012 | 16.2 kWh | 14.5 kWh | 120 km |
| 2012 - 2020 | 14.5 kWh | 14 kWh | 110 km |
2. Renault Zoe e-Tech
The Renault Zoé e-Tech is the best-selling electric car in France. So it's not surprising that it's the model most represented on online used car sales sites. Compared with the Peugeot iOn, the Renault Zoe e-Tech offers much greater driving comfort and 5 seats. Range is around 150 km per full charge. Inside, the Zoe is simple but practical. The touch-screen display of speed and remaining range is a standard feature, but the main screen managing the radio and GPS is not present in all Zoé models.
A special feature of the Zoé is that its batteries can be leased. This means that the cost of a monthly rental will have to be added to the price of the Zoé, making it less attractive. The Renault Zoe e-Tech is not equipped for fast charging.
However, the Q210 and Q90 versions can be recharged in around 30 minutes to 1 hour at a rapid charging station. At home, the Zoé can be recharged in around 10 h using a reinforced household socket, or in around 1 h using a 22 kW Wallbox.
Price (excluding battery rental): around €7,000 for a 2015 Renault Zoe e-Tech with 35,000 km and around €6,000 for a 2014 version with 75,000 km.
| Year | Version | Usable battery | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 - 2015 | 25 kWh | 22 kWh | 150 km |
| 2015 - 2019 | 25.9 kWh | 23.3 kWh | 160 km |
| 2017 - 2019 | 44.1 kWh | 41 kWh | 300 km |
3. Smart Fortwo electric
The Smart Fortwo has recognized many names and styles, but this change was only cosmetic, and it has retained the same battery-engine package since its launch. This gives it a range of around 110 to 120 km. Inside, the Smart Fortwo is fairly basic. It will particularly appeal to city dwellers, who will be able to park in a pocketful of space.
The Smart Fortwo can be recharged at home on a reinforced domestic socket in 7 hours, or in 1 hour on a 22 kW wallbox (optional extra)... The electric Smart Fortwo does not have fast charging.
Price: around €8,000 for a 2014 Smart Fortwo ED with 35,000 km and around €7,000 for a 2013 version with 75,000 km
| Year | Version | Usable battery | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 - 2017 | 17.6 kWh | 16.7 kWh | 130 km |
| 2018 – | 17.6 kWh | 16.7 kWh | 130 km |
4. Volkswagen e-Up!
The Volkswagen e-Up! is the electric version of the Up! With a range of around 120 km, and a 60 kW (82 hp) motor, the e-Up will be ideal for the city, its preferred playground. However, we prefer the Peugeot iOn, which offers similar features at a lower price.
It features rapid recharging to recover around 80% of its battery in 20 to 30 minutes. At home, it will take around 7 hours to recharge the battery using a reinforced electrical socket or a 3 kW Wallbox.
Price: around €13,000 for a 2016 Volkswagen e-Up! with 35,000 km and around €9,500 for a 2014 version with 75,000 km
| Year | Version | Usable battery | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 - 2019 | 18.7 kWh | 16 kWh | 130 km |
5. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is the Japanese group's compact electric car. It is the world's best-selling electric car, with over 300,000 units produced. Its design may not be to everyone's taste, but its seating and driving comfort are unanimously appreciated. It's also the favorite electric car of cab drivers, proof of its comfort and space on board. While a first-generation Leaf will give you a range of around 150 km, the version with the 30 kWh battery reaches 200 km.
The Leaf is equipped with a CHAdeMO fast-charging socket for long-distance journeys, enabling you to recover 80% of your range in around 30 minutes. At home, you'll need to allow around 5 h on a 7 kW wallbox or 10 h on a reinforced electrical socket.
Price: around €11,500 for a 2015 Nissan Leaf with 35,000 km and around €10,000 for a 2013 version with 75,000 km
| Year | Version | Usable battery | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 - 2013 | 24 kWh | 21.5 kWh | 150 km |
| 2013 - 2015 | 24 kWh | 21.5 kwh | 150 km |
| 2016 - 2017 | 30 kWh | 27 kWh | 200 km |
6. Kia Soul EV
The Korean giant's compact SUV is now available in an electric version. With its rectangular shape, the KIA Soul EV comfortably accommodates 5 passengers and their luggage. Its compact size is ideal for city and suburban driving. It also boasts a range of almost 200 km, comfortable for most owners. Where the KIA Soul EV really stands out is inside. A light show accompanies the music to create a pleasant atmosphere.
Equipped with a CHAdeMO fast-charging socket, the KIA Soul EV can recharge 80% of its battery in around 30 minutes. At home, it will take around 5 hours on a 7 kW wallbox and 15 hours on a reinforced domestic socket.
Price: around €16,000 for a 2016 KIA Soul EV with 35,000 km and around €14,000 for a 2015 version with 75,000 km
| Year | Version | Usable battery | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 - 2017 | 30.5 kWh | 27 kWh | 180 km |
| 2017 - 2018 | 31.8 kWh | 30 kwh | 200 km |
7. BMW I3
The BMW I3 is the Bavarian manufacturer's first electric car. A forerunner in its field, the BMW I3 is a concentrate of technology. From its carbon-fibre structure to the recycled materials used for the dashboard, not to mention its antagonistic doors, the BMW I3 is no ordinary car. With a range of 150 km (I3 60 Ah) to 200 km (I3 94 Ah) depending on version, the BMW I3 will meet most of your needs if you're looking for a small, atypical 4-seater premium electric car. Equipped with a 125 kW (170 hp) motor, the BMW I3 has plenty of bite, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.
Recharging takes around 30 minutes at a fast-charging station, and depending on the version, just 2 hours at home with an 11 kW wallbox.
Price: around €18,000 for a 2015 BMW I3 with 35,000 km and around €16,000 for a 2013 version with 75,000 km
| Year | Version | Usable battery | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 - 2017 | 22.2 kWh | 18.8 kWh | 140 km |
| 2016 - 2018 | 33.2 kWh | 27.2 kWh | 200 km |
| 2018 – | 42.2 kWh | 37.9 kWh | 285 km |
8. Volkswagen e-Golf
The Volkswagen e-Golf is the electric version of the Golf. The world's best-selling car, the Golf has a compact format and a recognizable design. With a range of around 150 to 250 km, you can hit the road without having to plan your itinerary in advance. In many cases, the e-Golf becomes the first or only car in the household. It offers excellent driving comfort, with better soundproofing than the Nissan Leaf.
The e-Golf is equipped with a fast charging system that allows you to recover 80% of the range in around 30 minutes. At home, you'll need to allow around 5 hours on a Wallbox or more than 10 hours on a reinforced domestic socket. We therefore recommend installing a charging point to ensure that your battery is full every morning.
Price: around €20,000 for a 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf with 35,000 km and around €16,000 for a 2014 version with 75,000 km
| Year | Version | Usable battery | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 - 2016 | 24.2 kWh | 20.5 kWh | 150 km |
| 2016 - 2019 | 35.8 kWh | 32 kWh | 220 km |
9. Hyundai IONIQ electric
Hyundai IONIQ electric cars are very rare on the second-hand market. In fact, their owners are among the most satisfied with their electric cars. With its compact sedan format, the IONIQ electric is perfect for a family. It has a range of around 200 km and is often considered the benchmark for efficiency. The IONIQ electric can be distinguished from its hybrid and plug-in hybrid siblings by its full grille.
The Hyundai Ioniq is no longer available for sale.
With fast charging up to 70 kW, the Hyundai IONIQ electric can recharge 80% of its battery in less than 20 minutes on IONITY's high-powered charging stations. At home, it takes around 5 h to recharge the battery on a 7 kW wallbox and almost 10 h on a reinforced domestic socket.
Price: around €22,000 for a 2017 Hyundai IONIQ electric with 35,000 km and around €20,000 for a 2017 version with 75,000 km
| Year | Version | Usable battery | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 - 2019 | 30.5 kWh | 28 kWh | 220 km |
10. Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is the American automaker's large sedan. At nearly 5m long and 2m wide, the Model S is less at home in the city and more comfortable on the open road. Packed with technology, from the flush handles and Autopilot lane-keeping system to the17-inch touchscreen center console, the Model S has nothing to be ashamed of. The Model S's main asset is its network of fast charging stations. Superchargers dotted all over Europe allow you to recharge your batteries very quickly. Superchargers are also available free of charge for life on all Model S models produced up to 2016.
The Tesla Model S can be recharged in around 6 to 9 hours on a 22 kW wallbox at home. On a fast terminal, the Model S can recharge in around 30 minutes.
Price: around €60,000 for a 2016 Tesla Model S with 35,000 km and around €45,000 for a 2015 version with 75,000 km
| Year | Version | Usable battery | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 - 2016 | 85 kWh | 77.5 kWh | 420 km |
| 2015 - 2016 | 70 kWh | 69 kWh | 370 km |
| 2016 - 2017 | 75 kWh | 72.5 kWh | 400 km |
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