The best second hand electric cars in NZ, ranked

3.Hyundai Kona ElectricRange for the money

Years to buy: 2019 to 2021 (64 kWh)

The 64 kWh Kona was the first affordable EV that genuinely covered 400 km, and it still does. It is a conventional small SUV to drive and live with, which is exactly why it suits buyers who don't want the car to be a statement.

Check: That it is the 64 kWh car, not the 39 kWh (both were sold here), and that any battery recall work has been completed.

1 live (2023) · from $40,880

All Hyundai Kona Electric listings

4.MG MG4Newest tech at the lowest price

Years to buy: 2023 on

Rear-wheel drive, a modern platform and a 51 or 64 kWh pack for a price that undercut everything when it launched. New-car discounting has pulled used prices down with it, which is bad news for the first owner and good news for you.

Check: Infotainment software version (early cars were patchy and updates fix a lot), and which pack the car has.

None for sale on Electric Dreams right now. Get an alert when one lists.

5.BYD Atto 3Family SUV under $40k

Years to buy: 2022 on

A roomy compact SUV with a 60 kWh LFP Blade battery, a chemistry that shrugs off daily charging to 100 percent. Sold in volume here from 2022, so there is real choice, and the interior is more spacious than the badge suggests.

Check: Service history (BYD's dealer network is young) and that the car has had its software updates; early cars gained a lot from them.

6 live (2023) · from $33,995 · median asking $36,995 · median 31,371 km

All BYD Atto 3 listings

6.Peugeot e-208NZ-new small hatch

Years to buy: 2021 on

A 50 kWh supermini that was sold new in NZ, so used cars come with a local history rather than an import's blank page. Good to drive, well finished, and often the cheapest modern EV on the market once the Leaf is set aside.

Check: Real-world range in winter is closer to 250 km than the rated figure; make sure that fits how you drive.

7 live (2020–2023) · from $23,990 · median asking $26,880 · median 36,821 km

All Peugeot e-208 listings

7.Hyundai IONIQEfficiency

Years to buy: 2020 to 2021 (38 kWh)

One of the most efficient EVs ever sold, so the small 38 kWh pack goes further than the number suggests. A comfortable, quiet liftback with a big boot; the 2020 facelift added the larger battery and is the one to buy.

Check: Pack size: the 2017 to 2019 cars carry 28 kWh and are a different proposition on range.

None for sale on Electric Dreams right now. Get an alert when one lists.

8.Kia Niro EVSpace on a Kona budget

Years to buy: 2019 on

The Kona Electric's cousin on the same 64 kWh hardware, with a more useful cabin and boot. Fewer were sold, so choice is thinner, but the mechanicals are proven and the range is real.

Check: Remaining factory warranty (Kia's is long and transfers), and the same battery recall history as the Kona.

None for sale on Electric Dreams right now. Get an alert when one lists.

9.Hyundai Ioniq 5Premium car, used-car money

Years to buy: 2021 on

An 800-volt platform that charges faster than anything else on this list, a lounge of an interior and real range. Steep depreciation from a high new price has done the work for you.

Check: Which battery and drivetrain (58 or 72.6 kWh, RWD or AWD) and whether the 12-volt battery issue on early cars has been addressed.

4 live (2022–2024) · from $47,880 · median asking $50,438 · median 24,125 km

All Hyundai Ioniq 5 listings

10.Tesla Model YFamily Tesla

Years to buy: 2022 on

The Model 3 with a hatchback, a higher seat and a cavernous boot. Most used examples are 2022 or later, so you are buying a near-new car with the Supercharger network thrown in.

Check: Panel and paint quality on early Shanghai-built cars, and whether the car is the RWD or Long Range.

8 live (2022–2023) · from $46,880 · median asking $49,880 · median 38,546 km

All Tesla Model Y listings · Tesla prices by model