Best sub-$60K used electric car recommendations from the Drive team
02/28/2025 04:00 PM
Electric vehicle (EV) depreciation can be severe, but that just means more bargains can be had on the used market, so here are Drive’s picks.
A recent report has shed light on the severity of electric car depreciating, revealing on average that EVs shed 25 per cent of their recommended retail value in just 12 months.
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.
MORE: Electric cars depreciate twice as fast as petrol, according to new data
Abarth 500e – Alex Misoyannis, Deputy News Editor
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.
The most affordable example on Drive Marketplace is a yellow/green Scorpionissima special edition for $38,400, a huge discount on its new RRP of $60,500, with only 6000km on the odometer.
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.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 – James Ward, Director of Content
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.
BMW i3 – Sam Purcell, Off-Road Editor
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.
Peugeot e-2008 – Kat Fisk, Consumer Editor
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.
Sam rates it for space for child seats, as well as in the boot, and for efficiency so can’t argue with that.
To Alex’s point about depreciation, the prices on these are dropping like crazy…
MORE: 2023 Peugeot e-2008 review – Australian first drive
Volvo EX40 – Jordan Hickey, Journalist
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.
The post Best sub-$60K used electric car recommendations from the Drive team appeared first on Drive.
