Best used electric cars for less than £10k that beat fuel prices

It's impossible to ignore rising fuel prices, with headlines dominated by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

As it becomes more expensive to fill up at the pumps, some might be tempted to make the switch to an EV - although, it remains to be seen what the Iran conflict will do to electricity prices after July.

That's when the Ofgem price cap, which will fall in April, runs out and predictions are for higher rates - and likely higher charging costs.  

But CarGurus has worked out that for electric car owners able to charge at home, this the maximum cost of charging a small EV with a 60kWh battery will cost less than £15 while special off-peak tariffs could lower this to as little as £5. 

This compares to the average cost of a full tank being around £79 at current fuel prices.

So, which used EV should you buy if you're tempted? CarGurus has rounded up 10 of the top affordable EVs under £10,000 - from the small, family ID.3 to the spacious MG 5 estate - so you can choose the right EV to suit your tastes, budget and needs.

10. Mazda MX-30 (2020-present) - from £8,500

Not the best-known EV, but the Mazda MX-30 has surprising flare for a family crossover EV: It comes with design features including unusual rear-hinged back doors and quirky 'human-centred Kodo design'.

And inside it has an impressively crafted cabin made from sustainable materials including cork.

The 124-mile range isn't for everyone but works for city dweller, and it comes with a decent 366-litre boot.

You can pick one up second-hand for around £8,500.

9. Nissan Leaf (2017-2024) - from £6,000

The Nissan Leaf is probably the most famous electric car because it was the first true mass-market EV.

While a new, third generation has just launched, we're looking at the second generation which you can pick up used from around £6,000.

The family hatchback is very practical, giving you a 435-litre boot and a range of up to 339 miles WLTP if you get the later 62kWh e+ battery version.

While running costs are a fraction of the cost of a petrol car, the only downside of the Leaf here is that it only has a CHAdeMO port, and the UK network is fast moving towards a CCS as standard setup.

8. BMW i3 (2013-2022) - from £6,000

The BMW i3 is another EV pioneer - it was well ahead of its time when it launched in 2013.

Futuristic looking, it is a very cool small EV and fits perfectly into a city lifestyle. Like the Mazda, the interior uses natural fibres and sustainable materials.

You get a premium EV for a bargain price these days, as the i3 cost from just £6,000 used. It's practical enough too with a 270-litre boot which can manage the shopping and there’s a little frunk for charging cables.

Bigger battery models can manage up to 192 miles on a single charge, while smaller battery versions only do 80-100 miles.

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7. Vauxhall Corsa-e (2020-present) - from £7,500

The Corsa is a staple on British roads and with new drivers especially.

Getting an electric version is an easy step into owning an EV for a lot of people who are already familiar with the petrol version of this car.

With a range of 246 miles if you get the Long Range version and a boot of 267 litres it's a great EV for town driving with the occasional longer trip or weekend getaway.

And it's an enjoyable drive, being a nippy and fun car to whizz around in.

6. Peugeot e-2008 (2019-present) - from £8,500

The e-2008 is widely recognised as a stylish, premium with a small 'p' small SUV.

The futuristic 'i-Cockpit' raises the e-2008 above its competition and outside it pleases the eye in a relaxed way.

It's a very easy drive, both around town and on the motorway, and comfortable for all passengers.

The 434-litre boot is good for a car of this size and the official range 200 miles is plenty for most people's weekly driving.

The e-2008 should be a go-to for parents with young families.

5. MG5 (2020-2025) - from £7,000

MG is well known now for making affordable electric cars for family life, and the MG5 is just that.

It was the UK's first all-electric estate car when it launched and remains a solid choice for maximum practicality on a tight budget.

The boot is 479 litres and the rear seats fold 60/40. If all seats are folded down, then you get 1,367 litres and a large load area.

Later models come with a bigger 61.1kWh battery which gives a real-world range of 220 miles and a rapid charging time of 35 minutes for a 10 to 80 per cent charge.

The MG5 EV is no longer available to buy new, so it is used only for this car.

4. Hyundai Ioniq (2017-2022) - from £6,000

If you want a more traditional family hatchback design when choosing your used EV, then the Hyundai Ioniq Electric could be the electric car for you.

There's a pre-2019 model with 119bhp and a range of 174 miles or a post-facelift version with 134bhp and a range of 193 miles.

Running costs are very low, and all models, even the entry-level SE trim, come generously equipped - think of adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera as basics.

For £6,000 you also get a Nissan Leaf-level of boot: 350 litres.

3. Volkswagen ID.3 (2020-present) - from £9,000

The VW ID.3 is a very popular and well-known small electric car.

Launched in 2020, the 500e is a premium little EV with smart looks and a practical and well-designed cabin - and second-hand it is a fraction of the original price.

The 385-litre boot is a very good size for a hatchback, and you get a respectable range of up to 266 miles, so it can go longer distances and be practical every day.

And if you spend more on a higher-level model, then the 77kWh battery will boost the range up to 347 miles. This is plenty for long trips or stints on the motorway.

2. Fiat 500e (2021-present) - from £9,000

The Fiat 500 is an iconic car - old or new.

And the 500e is a chic little way into the world of electric, putting style front and centre.

There are two main versions to buy used: the 23.8kWH version with a range of 115 miles or the 42kWh version with a range of 199 miles. Neither of these are huge, but the latter will get you on a weekend away, albeit with some charging stops factored in.

This fun EV shines around town and makes city driving great fun and is also well-designed inside and out, so it feels nice and premium.

Do note though that it's a three-door layout so accessing the rear seats can be a squish, and the boot is only 185 litres.

1. Mini Electric (2020-2024) - from £9,000

Does a car get more British than a Mini?

The icon of British roads is now well established as an electric model, and a very respected one at that.

The Mini Electric is packed with style and personality - and is a much applauded drive thanks to its famous 'go-kart handling'.

It looks fantastic, with none of the 'Mini-ness' taken out of it for being electric.

Inside you get the same high-quality finish that petrol Minis have and that famous circular central display which houses the 8.8-inch infotainment screen.

Range isn't the best - only 142 miles which is really only suited to town driving or the occasional longer trip.

And like the Fiat 500e, it's a 3-door hatch, so space and access aren't ideal.

But low running costs and its build quality make it a very attractive second-hand buy.