New EVs lost their federal tax credit in 2025 — but the used market didn't get the memo. A two-year-old EV often costs half its sticker price and still has 90%+ of its battery. Here's how to buy one without getting burned.

Why used EVs are the deal right now

EVs depreciate faster than gas cars, mostly because new-EV prices kept falling while the technology kept improving. For buyers, that's an opening: the cheapest new EVs in our database — models like the Chevrolet BOLT (from $28,995) — will be genuinely affordable used within a couple of years, with most of their 262-mile EPA range intact.

Battery health is the whole inspection

Everything else on an EV is simple — no transmission, no oil, brakes that barely wear thanks to regeneration. The battery is the car. Federal rules require EV batteries to be warrantied for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles, so most used EVs you look at are still covered. Ask for a battery health report (many dealers can pull one; third-party tools exist too). Expect roughly 1–2% capacity loss per year on a healthy pack — a 2025 model showing 5% degradation in 2027 is normal, 15% is a red flag.

Use EPA range as your baseline

Every vehicle page here lists the EPA-rated range when new. Compare the used car's current estimated range against that number — it's the only honest yardstick. A car rated at 300 miles showing 270 on a full charge has lost about 10%, which is unremarkable. Also check: which trims had heat pumps (big for winter range), and whether DC fast charging was standard or optional.

The cheapest entry points

Sorted by new starting price — the models most likely to be affordable used:

• 2027 Chevrolet BOLT — from $28,995 new, 262 mi EPA range
• 2027 Kia EV3 — from $29,890 new, 321 mi EPA range
• 2026 Nissan LEAF — from $29,990 new, 303 mi EPA range
• 2025 Hyundai Kona — from $32,875 new, 261 mi EPA range
• 2026 Toyota bZ — from $34,980 new, 314 mi EPA range
• 2026 Chevrolet Equinox — from $34,995 new, 319 mi EPA range
• 2027 Subaru Uncharted — from $34,995 new, 308 mi EPA range
• 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 — from $35,250 new, 318 mi EPA range

What to skip

First-model-year vehicles from brands with no dealer network near you. Anything with a salvage title (battery damage is the expensive kind). And cars that spent their lives DC fast-charged multiple times a week — occasional fast charging is fine, constant fast charging ages packs faster. When in doubt, the newest, lowest-mileage example of a mass-market model is the safest bet.

Questions, answered

How much battery degradation is normal?

Roughly 1-2% of capacity per year on a healthy pack. A 2-year-old EV showing 5% loss is normal; 15% is a red flag worth walking away from.

Are used EV batteries still under warranty?

Usually. Federal rules require at least 8 years or 100,000 miles of battery coverage, so most used EVs on the market are still covered.

Can I still get a tax credit on a used EV?

No. The federal used clean-vehicle credit ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025, along with the new-vehicle credit.

What is the single most important check?

A battery health report showing current capacity versus new. Everything else on an EV — no transmission, minimal brake wear — is the simple part.

Figures: U.S. EPA via fueleconomy.gov, model years 2025–2027. Updated October 2026.