How car buyers can find value in the used electric vehicle market
For those in the market for a used electric car, you may find good value by looking beyond Teslas.
- Fluctuations in gasoline prices are causing more car buyers to consider purchasing electric vehicles.
- Spring is considered a good time to purchase an EV due to the increase in off-lease models.
- Automakers offered an average discount of nearly $8,000 on new electric vehicles in March.
Fluctuations in gas prices are causing car buyers to consider electric vehicles, and now may be one of the best times to buy one.
Recharged.com says spring is the best time to buy a new or used EV, as there is “typically a wave of off-lease EVs from March to May.”
“The three-year contract signed at the beginning of the EV boom is expiring,” the website states. “Shoppers are trading in older EVs for models with the latest technology and longer range. As the weather gets warmer, it’s easier to plan test drives and road trips. The result: Good selection and variety, but prices can be a little higher.”
The website states that the only times of year that may be good to buy an EV are late fall and early winter. The reason for this is that “cold weather exacerbates range anxiety and reduces the number of casual shoppers visiting the market.”
How much will automakers discount EVs this spring?
The average discount on a new electric vehicle in March was nearly $8,000, according to Cox Automotive. This is as big a discount as the previous $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs, which President Donald Trump and Congress eliminated in September 2025.
Cox Automotive said, “In March, incentives for EVs increased, leading to an improvement in the pace of sales.”
Last month, the average incentive for new EVs was 14.6% of the average EV transaction price of $54,508. Cox Automotive said the discount is “more than double the industry average and an increase from February’s average EV price of 14.2%.”
Cox Automotive added, “One year ago, the average incentive package for a new EV was equal to 12.9% of the average EV price.”
The average incentive was $10,446.12 in December, as automakers tried to woo shoppers disappointed by the loss of federal tax credits in the first quarter in more than a decade.
The average price of a new electric car in March was $54,508. According to Recurrentauto.com, the average price of a used EV is $34,821.
According to the website, a used EV is one year newer and has 30,000 fewer miles than a similarly priced used gasoline car.
What are the most affordable EVs?
1. Nissan Leaf
list price: $29,990
what they said“With more than 15 years of proven reliability and customer insights from nearly 700,000 units sold worldwide, the new Leaf builds on the model’s DNA of reliable, affordable and attractive EV ownership, delivering strong value to the mass market,” Nissan Motor Co. said in a news release.
2. Fiat 500e icon
list price: $34,745
what they said: The 500e Icona is “an all-new fully electric version of the Fiat brand’s most historic and iconic model,” Fiat said, adding: “The two-door fully electric 500e is the lightest passenger BEV (battery electric vehicle) in its segment, with an EPA-estimated total range of up to 149 miles (240 kilometers), powered by a leveled 42 KWh battery.” 2 (11 kW) has a charging time of 6 hours. ”
3. Chevrolet Equinox EV
list price: $33,600
what they saidAccording to Chevrolet, the Equinox EV is “America’s most affordable EV with a range of more than 315 miles.”
