Used Electric Cars for Sale
Buying a brand-new EV can put a serious dent in your bank account. While prices are dropping, the initial sting of a new car invoice is enough to make anyone hesitate. But here is the good news: the secondary market is finally finding its feet. There are plenty of used electric cars for sale right now that offer great range, modern tech, and significantly lower price tags than their showroom counterparts.
If you are looking for electric cars in Australia, you no longer have to settle for a tiny city runabout with 80km of range. We have seen a massive influx of quality electric cars hitting the used market as early adopters trade up. This means you can bag a bargain on some of the best electric cars released in the last few years.
Here are five of the best options if you are hunting for used electric cars for sale in Australia.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is essentially the poster child for electric cars. It changed the way people view EVs, moving them from niche science projects to desirable daily drivers. Because it sold in such massive volumes, it is now one of the most common used electric cars for sale across the country.
Why buy it used?
Tesla’s over-the-air software updates mean a three-year-old Model 3 often feels newer than a brand-new petrol car. You get access to the Supercharger network, which remains the gold standard for charging electric cars in Australia.
What to look for
Check the build quality on earlier 2019-2020 models. Some had inconsistent panel gaps. However, the drivetrain and battery tech are incredibly resilient. Even with high kilometres, these cars tend to hold their range well.
BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto 3 arrived and immediately started shaking up the sales charts. It offered a high-quality interior and plenty of features for a price that undercut most European and Japanese rivals. Now that they have been on the road for a couple of years, they are appearing on used car lots at very tempting prices.
Why buy it used?
The Atto 3 uses a "Blade Battery" which is known for being safer and more durable than traditional lithium-ion packs. If you want a family-sized SUV without the "luxury car tax" baggage, this is one of the best electric cars to consider.
What to look for
The interior is "unique," to say the least—think guitar-string door pockets and a rotating screen. Make sure the software is updated to the latest version, as early Australian units had a few glitches that have since been ironed out.
MG ZS EV
If your main goal is to spend as little as possible while getting into a modern EV, the MG ZS EV is the answer. It was Australia’s first truly affordable electric SUV. While it might not have the "cool factor" of a Tesla, it is a practical, honest car that does the job.
Why buy it used?
Depreciation is your friend here. You can pick up an early 2021 model for a fraction of its original price. It is the perfect entry point for anyone searching for used electric cars for sale to use as a second car or a city commuter.
What to look for
Try to find the updated "Long Range" or facelifted models (late 2022 onwards) if your budget allows. They have a much better infotainment system and a more efficient motor compared to the very first versions.
Nissan Leaf (40kWh models)
The Nissan Leaf has been around longer than almost any other EV. While the very early models had small batteries and limited range, the 40kWh version (released around 2019 in Australia) is a much more capable machine.
Why buy it used?
The Leaf uses a CHAdeMO charging port. While most new chargers use the CCS2 standard, there are still plenty of CHAdeMO plugs around. Because the Leaf doesn't look like a futuristic spaceship, it often flies under the radar, meaning you can negotiate a better price.
What to look for
Battery health is key. Nissan doesn't use an active liquid cooling system for the battery, so check the "bars" on the dashboard to see if the capacity has dropped. In the Australian climate, a car that has been garaged is always a better bet.
Hyundai Ioniq Electric
Not to be confused with the newer (and much larger) Ioniq 5, the original Ioniq Electric (the sleek liftback) is a masterclass in efficiency. It isn't a powerhouse, but it uses every kilowatt-hour of energy better than almost any other car on this list.
Why buy it used?
It drives very much like a "normal" car. If you are nervous about the switch to electric, the Ioniq feels familiar. It is aerodynamic, quiet, and surprisingly spacious inside. It is frequently cited by owners as one of the most reliable electric cars in Australia.
What to look for
Go for the 2020 facelift model if you can. It bumped the battery from 28kWh to 38kWh, giving you a much more usable real-world range of about 250km.
Buying Used EVs: What You Need to Check
When looking at used electric cars for sale, the checklist is a bit different from a petrol car. You don't need to worry about spark plugs or timing belts, but you do need to focus on the battery.
Battery Health Report
Most manufacturers can provide a "State of Health" (SOH) report. This tells you how much of the original capacity is left. A car with 90% SOH is still in great shape.
Charging Cables
Ensure the car comes with both the "trickle charger" (for a standard wall socket) and a Type 2 to Type 2 cable for public AC charging. Replacing these can cost several hundred dollars.
Warranty Transfer
Most electric cars in Australia come with a separate, longer warranty for the battery (usually 8 years or 160,000km). Check that this is transferable to you as the second owner.
FAQs
What is the best used electric car for a family?
The BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV offer the best SUV styling and interior space for families on a budget. If you want more performance and tech, a used Tesla Model 3 is hard to beat.
How long do the batteries last in used electric cars?
Modern EV batteries are designed to outlast the car itself. Most will comfortably cover 200,000km to 300,000km before seeing significant range degradation.
Are used electric cars cheaper to maintain?
Yes. You will save a fortune on servicing. There are no oil changes, and because of regenerative braking, your brake pads will last much longer than in a petrol car.
Where can I find used electric cars for sale in Australia?
You can find them on major automotive marketplaces, but it is also worth checking dedicated EV dealer sites and owner forums.
Ready to make the switch?
The era of expensive EVs is ending. By looking at the second-hand market, you can join the electric revolution without the premium price tag. Whether it is the tech-heavy Tesla or the practical MG, there is a used EV that fits your lifestyle.