As the Middle East crisis continues to create instability and oil prices shift daily, many motorists may be contemplating switching to an electric vehicle.
However, one factor that frequently deters people is the price tag. Fortunately, the electric car revolution that began in the 2000s has been running long enough for a thriving second-hand market to emerge, offering plenty of used electric vehicles.
With this in mind, it's now entirely possible to purchase a decent electric car for relatively little money – around £10,000. Automotive experts CarGurus have helpfully compiled a list of the best value electric cars available for under £10,000, reports the Express.
Topping their list was the MINI Electric. Essentially, this is an electrified version of the beloved Mini Cooper hatchback. Manufactured between 2020 and 2024, these vehicles can be snapped up from around £9,000.
The car itself is compact, making it straightforward to navigate around town and, being a MINI, it should offer an enjoyable driving experience. However, one weakness is its range, with the vehicle managing around 142 miles. Consequently, longer journeys may require additional planning.
In second place behind the MINI Electric was its Italian counterpart, the Fiat 500e, available from £9,000, which has remained in production since its 2021 launch.
Like the MINI, it's compact and manageable for urban driving, but similarly hampered by its size with restricted practicality. Meanwhile, claiming third place is the somewhat larger Volkswagen ID.3.
Available from £9,000 and manufactured since 2020, it offers more space than both the MINI and Fiat with a bigger boot and extended range, yet still falls short in CarGurus' assessment. They highlighted it doesn't feel as upmarket as competitors and features a "glitchy and flawed" infotainment system.
Discussing the current used electric vehicle market, editorial director at CarGurus UK Chris Knapman commented: "Cars that might well previously have been out of budget when new are available at a discount on the used market as inventory and selection have expanded, making EV motoring accessible to more people than ever.
"Combined with the increasing cost of petrol and diesel, those who've been on the fence about making the switch can now take advantage of these deals before an increase in demand prompts price rises."
Nevertheless, for those seeking to spend considerably less than £10k, alternatives exist with one motoring specialist suggesting the Nissan Leaf, examples of which can be secured from around £1,700.
Discussing this model, the RAC's Lawrence Allan stated it was achievable to find a bargain, though cautioned buyers should remain mindful of range limitations.
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He commented: "It's hard to believe that the sort of budget that buys you a rusty, polluting old banger can get you into a smooth-driving, eco-friendly electric car. But the popularity of the original Nissan Leaf means there are plenty around at near rock-bottom prices.
"After well over a decade of use, you could see anything from 100 miles from a charge in stop-start urban driving (where EVs perform best) to below 50 miles on the motorway."
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MINI Electric tops the list of best used EVs under £10k, beating premium German brands.
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Rising fuel costs and Middle East instability make affordable electric cars increasingly attractive to buyers.
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The original Nissan Leaf can be found for as little as £1,700 but may have severely reduced range.