As the world races toward electric vehicles, shoppers on a budget might be lured by their smooth, quiet power delivery; admirable energy efficiency; lower lifecycle carbon footprint; and, in some cases, a big price break compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts. But buying a used EV can be a gamble, particularly in areas where the supply of EVs is limited. Moreover, not all corner garages are proficient in EV technologies, and the battery may be a challenge to fix should it fail.Resource: ev.com

Discovering the Past: Exploring Old Electric Cars for Sale

The good news is, the availability of used EVs appears to be on the rise in most markets. Even Teslas, which depreciate faster than most luxury cars, are bucking the trend. And while the brand’s current Model S lineup – including the P100D that can travel 315 miles on a charge – is not yet widely available as a new car, older models do hold their value tenaciously.

One of the most affordable and popular EVs is the Nissan Leaf. Its 2012-2015 models – which can still be found in some 50 states – were originally rated to run about 84 miles on a full charge, and early versions are often listed for less than $10,000. Even late-model Leaves that have logged more than 100,000 miles can be found for well under $15,000. And unlike many gas-powered vehicles, EVs generally require little maintenance beyond the occasional tire rotation or windshield wiper replacement. Kia’s Soul EV compact wagon is another great buy in the used market, and it’s also rated to get about 90 miles on a full charge. You can find a late-model Soul EV for under $15,000, with earlier versions going for about $10,000.