Selection criteria
There are a number of essential criteria you need to take into account if you want to find that rare gem among used electric cars costing less than €10,000. These will help you make an informed choice and get the best value for money for your future cheap electric car.
Autonomy and performance
Range is a crucial factor when choosing a second-hand electric car. In this price range, you'll mainly find older models with limited battery capacity. Aim for a minimum range of 100 to 150 km in real-life conditions for comfortable everyday use. Some models, such as the Renault Zoé or the Nissan Leaf offer interesting performances in this category.
As far as performance is concerned, you should opt for vehicles with sufficient power for pleasant driving in town and on the open road. An engine with at least 70 bhp should be suitable for most applications.
Aesthetics of the model
Although aesthetics are subjective, they remain an important criterion for many buyers. In the category of used electric cars under €10,000, you'll find models with a wide range of designs. Some, like the Smart ForTwo Electric DriveSome, like the Volkswagen e-Golf, offer a compact, urban look, while others, like the Volkswagen e-Golf, have a more classic, family-friendly appearance.
Maintenance costs
One of the major advantages of electric cars is that they cost less to maintain than combustion-powered vehicles. However, some models may require more frequent or costly servicing than others. Find out about the specific servicing costs for each model, particularly for the batterywhich is the most expensive component to replace.
Choose brands with an extensive dealer network and readily available spare parts. This will make maintenance easier and less costly in the long term.
By taking these criteria into account, you'll increase your chances of finding a cheap used electric car that meets your needs while staying within your €10,000 budget.
Renault Zoé
La Renault Zoé is one of the best options for those looking for a cheap used electric car. This French city car offers excellent value for money, with models available for under €10,000.
Here's why the Zoé deserves its place in our top 10:
- Impressive range: Even older versions offer sufficient range for everyday journeys, with some models reaching up to 400 km.
- Comfort and equipment: The Zoé is well equipped, with air conditioning and the R-Link multimedia system as standard.
- Low running costs: As an electric car, it benefits from low maintenance and recharging costs.
- Versatility: With a length of 4.08 metres and a boot capacity of 338 litres, the Zoé is practical for everyday use.
- Reliability: Renault has solid experience in electric vehicles, which translates into good reliability.
To find a used Zoé for less than €10,000, focus on older models, generally from before 2018.
Be sure to check the condition of the battery, as some models were sold with a leased battery. With its modern styling and convincing electric performance, the Renault Zoé is an excellent option for those looking to enter the world of electric mobility without breaking the bank.
Nissan Leaf
La Nissan Leaf is a smart choice for buyers looking for an affordable and reliable used electric car. A pioneer in the consumer electric vehicle market, the Leaf offers excellent value for less than €10,000.
Here's why the Nissan Leaf deserves its place in the top 10:
- Satisfactory range: With a range of up to 270 km for more recent models, the Leaf is perfectly suited to daily commutes and short trips.
- e-Pedal technology: This innovation makes driving more intuitive and efficient, using a single pedal to accelerate and brake.
- Generous interior space: With 5 full-size seats and a 435-litre boot, the Leaf offers appreciable family comfort.
- Low running costs: Estimated at just €3 per 100 km, the Leaf's running costs make it an economical option in the long term.
- Proven reliability: With over 380,000 sold worldwide, the Leaf has a solid reputation for reliability.
For drivers looking to go electric without breaking the bank, the used Nissan Leaf represents an attractive opportunity. It combines practicality, economy and technology in an affordable package, making it a relevant choice for this top 10 of the best used electric cars for under €10,000.
Peugeot iOn
La Peugeot iOn is an excellent option for urban drivers looking for an affordable used electric car. This compact city car, on sale from 2010 to 2020, offers an ecological and economical mobility solution.
Its main assets are :
- Compact dimensions (3.48 m long) ideal for city use
- A range of up to 150 km in the NEDC cycle, sufficient for everyday journeys
- A 64 bhp electric motor for lively acceleration in urban environments
- Full standard equipment including air conditioning and electric windows
Although its range is limited compared with more recent models, the Peugeot iOn remains relevant for mainly urban use. Its attractive price on the second-hand market, often under €10,000, makes it an interesting option for an introduction to electric mobility without breaking the bank.
It's important to note that the 16 kWh battery can be recharged in 6 hours from a standard household socket, or in just 30 minutes at 80% from a rapid charging point. This charging versatility adds to the everyday practicality of this compact electric vehicle.
Citroën C-Zero
La Citroën C-Zero is an attractive option for urban drivers looking for a compact, affordable electric car.
Based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, this electric city car offers a number of advantages:
- Compact dimensions ideal for city use
- Sufficient range for daily journeys (around 100 km in real-life conditions)
- Fast recharge possible (80% in 30 minutes on fast terminal)
- Reduced maintenance costs
Despite its age, the C-Zero remains relevant for city driving. Its 67bhp electric motor gives it lively acceleration at low speeds, perfect for weaving through city traffic.
Although its range is limited compared with more recent models, it is perfectly suited to drivers with regular access to recharging points.
For less than €10,000, you can find used models in good condition, generally dating from 2012 to 2016. Be sure to check the condition of the battery before you buy, as this is crucial to the longevity and performance of this electric vehicle.
Smart Fortwo ED
La Smart Fortwo ED (Electric Drive) is an excellent option for those looking for a compact, affordable electric city car.
This little city bombshell offers a number of advantages that make it a wise choice for getting around town:
- Exceptional manoeuvrability: With a length of 2.69 metres and a turning circle of just 6.95 metres, the Fortwo ED excels in tight urban environments.
- Improved performance: The latest generation benefits from a more powerful 81bhp engine, borrowed from the Renault Zoé, offering lively acceleration and immediate torque of 160Nm.
- Adequate range: Although the actual range is around 100 km, this is more than sufficient for everyday use in town.
- Fast charging: The new generation recharges faster, requiring just 3.5 hours with a Wallboxcompared with 6 hours on a domestic socket.
- Driving comfort: The absence of gearchanges and the smoothness of electric propulsion make for a more pleasant drive than the internal combustion version.
Available from €6,000 on the second-hand market, the Smart Fortwo ED represents an attractive opportunity for urban drivers who are concerned about their budget and the environment. Its compact size, agility and efficiency make it the undisputed queen of city driving.
BMW i3
La BMW i3 stands out as one of the most attractive choices in the sub-€10,000 used electric car category. This cutting-edge city car, launched in 2013, offers a unique blend of futuristic styling and impressive electric performance.
Here's why the BMW i3 deserves its place in the top 10:
- Respectable range: the first models offer a range of 130 to 160 km in real use, enough for most daily journeys.
- Dynamic performance: With its 170 bhp electric motor, the i3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, making it a pleasure to drive in the city and on the open road.
- Innovative design: Its distinctive styling and antagonistic rear doors make it a vehicle that won't go unnoticed.
- Build quality: True to BMW's reputation, the i3 benefits from a meticulous finish and quality materials.
- On-board technology: Even older models feature advanced equipment, such as an intuitive infotainment system and driving aids.
For buyers looking for a used electric car that combines prestige, innovation and practicality, the BMW i3 is an attractive option.
But be sure to check the condition of the battery, as its capacity can diminish over time. With a budget of €10,000, you can hope to find a first-generation model in good condition, offering a premium electric driving experience at an affordable price.
Volkswagen e-Up!
Launched in 2013 and updated in 2019, this little German offers excellent value for money on the second-hand market.
Its main assets include :
- A respectable range of 260 km (WLTP) for the 2019 version, thanks to its 32.3 kWh battery
- Compact size, ideal for urban use, measuring just 3.60 m in length
- Agile, dynamic driving, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds
- A functional, well-finished interior, typical of Volkswagen quality
Despite its modest size, the e-Up! makes no compromises on safety and comfort. It comes with an 8-year or 160,000 km battery warranty, offering peace of mind to second-hand buyers.
With second-hand models available for under €10,000, the Volkswagen e-Up! represents an excellent opportunity to enter the world of electric mobility without breaking the bank.
Citroën E-Méhari
La Citroën E-Méhari is an interesting option for buyers looking for an affordable and original used electric vehicle. This electric convertible, produced from 2016 to 2019, offers a unique driving experience with its retro-modern styling inspired by the iconic Mehari. Here's what you need to know:
- 100% electric drivetrain with a claimed range of 195 km in the urban cycle
- 68 bhp (50 kW) engine with a top speed of 105 km/h
- Thermoformed plastic bodywork resistant to minor impacts and corrosion
- Four real seats and a folding rear bench seat
- Removable soft top as standard for wind-in-your-hair driving
Despite its undeniable charm, it's worth noting that some owners have reported reliability problems, particularly with the battery. So it's crucial to inspect the vehicle thoroughly and check its maintenance history before you buy.
With a second-hand price often under €10,000, the E-Méhari could be an interesting option for drivers looking for an original electric vehicle for use mainly in the city or at the seaside.
Renault Kangoo Z.E
La Renault Kangoo Z.Eis a model, launched in 2011 and improved over the years, that offers excellent value for money on the second-hand market.
With a 44 kW (60 bhp) electric motor and 226 Nm of torque, Kangoo Z.E. delivers satisfactory performance for everyday use.
Its Z.E. 33 battery gives it a range of 230 km in the combined WLTP cycle, and up to 320 km in the urban cycle.
This range is sufficient for most daily journeys, whether for professional or personal use.
Kangoo Z.E. stands out for its modularity and comfort:
- Available in two lengths: 4.28 m and 4.66 m (Maxi version)
- Load volume from 3.5 to 4.6 m³.
- 650 kg payload
- Can carry objects up to 2.88 metres long
In terms of recharging, the vehicle is equipped with an integrated 7 kW charger, enabling it to be fully recharged in around 6 hours via a Wallbox. This feature makes it a practical choice for everyday use, with the option of recharging easily overnight or during breaks at work.
With its low running costs and versatility, the second-hand Renault Kangoo Z.E. represents an interesting opportunity for those who want to go electric without breaking the bank, while still benefiting from a spacious and functional vehicle.
Hyundai Ioniq Electric
La Hyundai Ioniq Electric launched in 2016, offers excellent value for money on the second-hand market, with models available for under €10,000.
Here's why it deserves its place in the top 10:
- Remarkable fuel efficiency: Ioniq Electric boasts particularly low fuel consumption, making it one of the most fuel-efficient electric cars on the market.
- Satisfactory range: The first models offer a range of around 280 km on the WLTP cycle, enough for most daily journeys.
- Comfort and practicality: its spacious cabin and generous boot make it a versatile vehicle, equally suited to city journeys or longer journeys.
- Comprehensive equipment: Even entry-level versions benefit from a satisfactory level of equipment, including driver assistance technologies and a modern infotainment system.
- Proven reliability: Hyundai's reputation for reliability also applies to the Ioniq Electric, promising long-term peace of mind.
For budget-conscious and environmentally conscious buyers, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is an attractive option on the second-hand market, combining performance, practicality and everyday savings.
Comparison table
| Modèles | Consommation* (nombre de kWh / 100 km) |
|---|---|
|
Renault Zoé
|
18 kWh
|
|
Nissan Leaf
|
14 kWh
|
|
Peugeot iOn
|
12 kWh
|
|
Citroën C-Zero
|
12 kWh
|
|
Smart Fortwo ED
|
17.1 kWh
|
|
BMW i3
|
13.1 kWh
|
|
Volkswagen e-Up!
|
12.7 kWh
|
|
Citroën E-Méhari
|
15 kWh
|
|
Renault Kangoo Z.E
|
15.2 kWh
|
|
Hyundai Ioniq Electric
|
12 kWh
|
Conclusion
The market for used electric cars under €10,000 offers a variety of interesting choices for drivers looking to go electric without breaking the bank. Compact city cars like the Renault Zoé and Nissan Leaf stand out for their range and practicality, while more original models like the BMW i3 and Citroën E-Méhari add a touch of style and innovation.
Each vehicle has its own advantages, from the urban manoeuvrability of the Smart Fortwo ED to the proven reliability of the Volkswagen e-Up!
