Buying an electric car in 2026 can still look expensive if shoppers focus only on the new-vehicle price tag. Edmunds, as described in a report provided to The Associated Press, says volatile gasoline prices have pushed more people to consider electrified options—then points to a way to reduce the cost of going fully electric: buy used. Edmunds’ argument centers on depreciation, saying the used market can make a 3-year-old EV cheaper than a comparable gas model.
In its list, Edmunds frames used pricing as a way to sidestep the gap between “new EV” costs and what shoppers often pay after the first few years. The report also notes that Edmunds’ model-range figures are based on what the vehicles could do when they were new, and it cautions that maximum range decreases as an EV’s battery is used over time.
For affordability-first buyers, Edmunds promotes the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Bolt EUV. The report says the Bolt EV can reach up to 259 miles on a full charge, while the Bolt EUV can go up to 247 miles, and it describes the vehicles as easy to park with a spacious cabin and a list of tech features. It also says the Bolt EV debuted for the 2017 model year and remained in production until 2023, adding that a revised Bolt is set to debut for 2027, and it recommends looking for a 2022 or 2023 model for updated styling and improved technology features. Edmunds’ pricing estimate for the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV is “about $18,000” for average pricing of 2022-2024 models.
Edmunds also includes the Hyundai Kona Electric, describing it as the electric version of the Hyundai Kona crossover. The report says the Kona Electric combines nimble driving and instant acceleration from an electric motor, and it cites “comfortable seating” as another highlight. Edmunds says the Kona Electric has a max EPA-estimated range of more than 250 miles and recommends shoppers focus on 2022 or 2023 models rather than newer ones, saying Edmunds’ testing found the older model “was quicker… and went farther in our real-world range test.” For average pricing of 2022-2024 models, Edmunds cites “about $19,000.”
For buyers looking at EVs beyond the cheapest options, Edmunds lists the Hyundai Ioniq 5 as a used SUV choice. The report describes the Ioniq 5’s comfort, quick charging and user-friendly interior design, and says the SUV has “consistently” been one of Edmunds’ favorite electric SUVs. It says the Ioniq 5 may not be among the most affordable EVs when new, but it adds that used models can be “purchased at a bargain price,” especially when considering standard features. Edmunds includes a specific tip: avoid the Standard Range version, saying it has an EPA-estimated range of 220 miles, and it says other Ioniq 5 configurations offer more range, topped by a single-motor model that can go up to 303 miles. Edmunds’ average pricing estimate for 2022-2024 Ioniq 5 models is “about $25,000.”
Rounding out the list are models aimed at different vehicle types and buyer preferences. Edmunds says the Tesla Model 3 is its “best pick for an electric sedan,” highlighting a spacious interior and available advanced driver assistance systems to reduce fatigue in traffic. It points to charging as a key advantage, saying drivers can use Tesla’s Supercharger fast-charging network, and it notes the popularity of Teslas means there are plenty of used Model 3s available. Edmunds’ tip is to target a 2024 model or newer because Tesla updated the Model 3 for 2024, including interior and exterior styling, features and comfort. For average pricing of 2022-2024 models, Edmunds cites “about $26,000.”
Edmunds’ luxury-leaning choice is the Audi E-tron. The report says the E-tron debuted for the 2019 model year as Audi’s first mass-produced EV, and it describes the vehicle as a good option for luxury features at a “non-luxury price.” It says the E-tron offers standard all-wheel drive and upscale equipment such as leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and a premium sound system, but warns that range is its biggest drawback. Edmunds says a 2023 model can go only 226 miles on an EPA-estimated basis, and it suggests spending more for a 2024 version, which it says was renamed the Q8 E-tron and increases to 285 miles. Edmunds’ average pricing estimate for 2022-2024 models is “about $34,000.”
Edmunds also argues that purchasing used EVs makes financial sense beyond sticker price alone. The report says EVs offer an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty and adds that some brands provide additional coverage, advising shoppers who worry about battery replacement costs to keep those terms in mind. It further notes that charging can vary by where drivers plug in, and it points to the Bolt EV tip that charging at public charging stations can be “tediously slow,” while saying the Bolt is best for people who can charge at home.