$25,000 buys plenty of used EVs: Here are some options

Almost half of the 6,000-plus used EVs that showed up in a search priced between $20,000 and $25,000 were, unsurprisingly, Teslas. Mostly Models 3 and Y, with a mix of specs and mileages. The wide selection and Tesla’s Supercharger network will be enough for some; for others, the CEO’s political actions or the brand’s reputation for reliability and, increasingly, safety, are reasons enough to look elsewhere. Electric Hyundais are probably the next most common. We found lots of Ioniq 5s up to model-year 2024, so no cars with native NACS ports or a rear windscreen wiper. But there were also plenty of Konas and also Ioniq 6s, the curvy sedan with a whale tail. Despite what the Internet says about sedans, people who buy new cars don’t like them anymore, and Ioniq 6 sales were so disappointing that Hyundai won’t bother importing any more aside from the spicy Ioniq 6 N that’s due soon. It’s a car that looks much better in person than in photographs and is smaller and more nimble than the hatchback Ioniq 5. As long as you’re not unduly scared of potential integrated charging control unit (ICCU) warranty problems, this could be a great option. Most of the used Chevrolet Bolts are cheaper than this article’s $20,000 price floor, but you will find the more capacious Bolt EUV on offer. More likely, you’ll come across the Chevy Equinox EV with barely any mileage, or the larger Blazer EV. While there’s plenty to commend GM’s not-called-Ultium-anymore SUVs, we’re aware that the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a real deal-breaker for some. The good news for those people is that I also found quite a few Honda Prologues inside our budget. The Prologue shares the Blazer’s platform, with more restrained interior and exterior styling, plus it does include CarPlay and Android Auto. Basically a better Blazer, bar the overeager forward collision warning.