Best sub-$60K used electric car recommendations from the Drive team

That might be bad for new-car buyers, but it means customers happy to go for second-hand models still under warranty could snap up a bargain.

Drive Marketplace has listings for Nused – or near-new models still with warranty – electric cars to make things a little easier for buyers.

Here are the Drive team's top picks for the best Nused EVs for under $60K.

In truth, I'd probably go down the road of a Nused Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Tesla Model 3 here, rather than what I'm about to suggest. Both are great cars, and at this price point they're compelling buys.

But I couldn't resist the opportunity to point out just how much the Abarth 500e has depreciated since it launched about a year ago.

It's about as expensive as the old petrol 695 was, for a car that's not as quick or as fun to drive – but this reduced price makes this little sporty EV much more compelling.

When early Taycans hit five-figures I'm in - but until then, it's an Ioniq 5 for me.

THe E-GMP platform is still one of the best on the market, and with its combo of range, performance and additional features (like V2L etc), it still holds up as a great EV. Pair that with the retro-inspired design and clever interior, and it makes a compelling electric option, even if it's a couple of years old.

It's not the latest or greatest – nor is it a Nused car still in warranty – and the driving range is quite short. But for some reason, the BMW i3 is such a cool design that I'm willing to overlook the flaws. Presuming everything works as new, this one represents sharp value at around $25k, is less than half the $60k threshold, and mileage is low. 

The interior is more spacious than you might think, it's fun to drive, and would be a perfect around-town car with a bit of character.

So I was going to say this Nissan Leaf because yes they're boring, and that cabin tech is super old, but for $25k it would do me for the freeway commute and be handy for the house because it's one of the only cars with V2G capabilities right now.

But actually, I reckon it has to be this Peugeot e-2008. I love the colour and the interior is pretty lush too. The range is a bit higher, though not much, than the Leaf and it's still only low 30s. Very low kilometres on this too.

To Alex's point about depreciation, the prices on these are dropping like crazy...

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 were my first thoughts upon hearing the criteria, but I pondered over a few other options after searching Drive Marketplace – including the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 6. 

The Volvo XC40 Recharge – since renamed to the EX40 – was my final pick, as it remains an excellent electric car. I've chosen a facelifted 2022 (MY23) dual-motor all-wheel-drive model from a dealer in the ACT, which slides under the $60,000 limit. 

It's surprisingly quick, has a decent driving range, an understated design, and keeps all of the excellent features of the standard XC40 – plus a front storage area to store charging cables and other smaller items. 

Ideally though, I'd wait for a Nused MY24 version to become available for under $60,000, which moved to a rear-biased setup and introduced a larger battery pack for a longer 500-kilometre WLTP range rating. 

Electric Cars Guide

Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.

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