In 2023, many electric cars have seen their prices drop significantly due to the rapid development of battery technologies and new models. In this article, we present seven models - the best used electric cars that have lost the most value (among those with large losses), list their key specifications (power, torque, battery capacity, range, acceleration, top speed), and compare the recommended retail price at launch (Europe/Germany) and the current lowest price for a used model (found on mobile.de or AutoScout24). All data is based on real sources and will help you decide whether to buy a used high-performance EV.
Electric vehicles have developed at lightning speed in recent years. Advances in battery technology, new platforms and strong competition have caused some models to lose from 36 % to more than 50 % of value after the first year. The selection of the best used electric cars was created for buyers who want top performance without high initial costs, can now find a used car with low kilometers (limited in leasing) and top technology. Below we present seven models from 2023 that have lost the most value, but still provide a top user experience. In the presentation, we took into account European prices (Germany) and the lowest prices found for used copies on mobile.de or AutoScout24.
The 7 Best Used Electric Cars of 2023
1. Polestar 2 Long Range Performance+
- Power: 350 kW (476 hp), torque: 740 Nm (546 lb-ft)
- Battery: 78 kWh (gross)
- Range (WLTP): 470 km (292 mi)
- Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 4.2 seconds
- New price (2023, Germany): €61,495 (Source: ev-database.org)[https://ev-database.org/car/1777/Polestar-2-Long-Range-Performance]
- Cheapest used (mobile.de): €30,950 (Source: mobile.de)
- Depreciation: up to 52 % in the first three years
Comment: Polestar 2 with Performance+
The Polestar 2 with the Performance+ package offers raw sports performance and an alternative to the Tesla Model 3. Due to the high starting price, the depreciation in the first year is exceptional, but for used car buyers it represents a unique opportunity for a “hot-hatch” with a decent range.
2. Tesla Model 3 Performance
- Power: 375 kW (503 hp), torque: 660 Nm (487 lb-ft)
- Battery: 82 kWh
- Range (WLTP): 547 km (339 mi)
- Top speed: 261 km/h (162 mph)
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 3.3 seconds
- New price (2023, Germany): 58.490 €
- Cheapest used (mobile.de): 25.790 €
- Depreciation: about 55 % (from €58,490 to €25,790).
Comment: Tesla Model 3 Performance
Model 3 Performance remains the benchmark for electric sports sedans. It offers an unrivaled Supercharger network and a premium digital experience. With a facelift in September 2023 and continued range improvements, older Performance models are now more than half the price.
3. Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback
- Power: 220 kW (299 hp), torque: 545 Nm (402 lb-ft)
- Battery: 82 kWh (net)
- Range (WLTP): 520 km (323 mi)
- Top speed: 180 km/h (112 mph)
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 6.2 seconds
- New price (2023, Germany): from approximately €49,500
- Cheapest used (mobile.de): €34,677 (Source: mobile.de)
- Depreciation: approximately 30 % (from €49,500 to €34,677).
Comment: Q4 e-tron Sportback
The Q4 e-tron Sportback combines Audi's build quality with a futuristic SUV-coupe design. Although the entry price is not among the highest, the depreciation is stable and provides relatively affordable access to a "premium" SUV with a range of almost 520 km.
4. Porsche Taycan 4S
- Power (Launch Control): 390 kW (530 hp), torque: 640 Nm (472 lb-ft)
- Battery: 93.4 kWh (Performance Battery Plus, gross)
- Range (WLTP): 431 km (268 mi)
- Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 4.0 seconds
- New price (2023, Germany): from €114,559
- Cheapest used (mobile.de): 65.900 €
- Depreciation: approximately 40 % (from €114,559 to €72,900).
Comment: The Taycan 4S is Porsche's
The Taycan 4S is Porsche's top electric sports car, featuring an 800 V battery architecture, extremely fast charging speeds (up to 270 kW DC) and top-notch driving dynamics. Since the starting price is extremely high, depreciation is relatively lower in percentage terms, but in absolute value it drops by more than €40,000. So one of those high on the list – the best used electric cars.
5. Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range AWD (Performance)
- Power: 239 kW (325 hp), torque: 605 Nm (446 lb-ft)
- Battery: 77.4 kWh (net)
- Range (WLTP): 481 km (299 mi)
- Top speed: 185 km/h (115 mph)
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
- New price (2023, Germany): 61.200 €
- Cheapest used (AutoScout24): 37.989 €
- Depreciation: approximately 35 % (from €61,200 to €42,989).
Comment:
The Ioniq 5 with its 800 V architecture enables ultra-fast charging (up to 220 kW DC) and in its AWD Performance version offers an attractive combination of range, acceleration and comfort. Due to constant upgrades, used prices are around 40 % starting value.
6. Tesla Model Y Performance
- Power: 377 kW (514 hp), torque: 660 Nm (487 lb-ft)
- Battery: 82 kWh
- Range (WLTP): 514 km (319 mi)
- Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 3.7 seconds
- New price (2023, Germany): €60,990 (Source: ADAC)
- Cheapest used (mobile.de): €33,990 (Source: mobile.de)
- Depreciation: approximately 44 % (from €60,990 to €33,990).
Comment: Model Y Performance
The Model Y Performance offers exceptional spaciousness, a top-notch network of fast charging stations, and acceleration that few can beat. Due to constant price adjustments (the price list is adjusted several times a year), older Performance models lose about half their value after just two years. Especially those from various leases.
7. BMW i4 M50 (Gran Coupe)
- Power: 400 kW (544 hp), torque: 795 Nm (586 lb-ft)
- Battery: 83.7 kWh (net)
- Range (WLTP): 458–516 km (285–320 mi), depending on conditions
- Top speed: 225 km/h (140 mph)
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 3.9 seconds
- New price (2023, Germany): €70,800 (Source: EV Database)
- Cheapest used (AutoScout24): €46,450 (Source: autoscout24.com)
- Depreciation: approximately 34 % (from €70,800 to €46,450).
Comment: i4 M50
The i4 M50 combines classic BMW performance with electric efficiency. Due to the high starting price and competition from new models in the series, the depreciation after one year is around €20,000, which opens the way for used car buyers to the “BMW M” experience in electric form at a lower price. Also because it is, in our opinion, the most overlooked on the list – the 7 best used electric cars.
Conclusion: used is worth it
The seven models introduced from 2023 onwards – Polestar 2 Performance+, Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Performance, Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, Porsche Taycan 4S, Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD Performance and BMW i4 M50 – are examples that have lost a significant part of their value in the first year or two (ranging from 30 % to more than 50 %). Nevertheless, all of them still offer top-notch driving dynamics, modern battery technology and the comfort of the “premium” segment. Although the relative price drops for these models are exceptional, they allow buyers to access electric sports car ownership and prestige segments that would otherwise remain out of reach.
When buying a used EV, it is essential to check the battery condition (remaining capacity, charging history), warranty conditions, service history and possible damage. The price ranges presented above are the lowest prices found for Performance versions or the most powerful versions, but may vary depending on location, aggregated equipment and current market conditions. When choosing a car, we recommend that buyers consider the charging infrastructure in their region, planned use (city driving, highway) and financial capabilities.
