Automotive
We’ve been doing a little shopping in the pre-owned electric vehicle market lately, and something has become increasingly obvious. There are some seriously good deals out there, especially if you’re looking for an EV that delivers genuine performance. We’ve had our eyes on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which is one of those rare electric cars that manages to be outrageously quick while still offering a genuinely entertaining driving experience. The more we look at used examples, the more appealing they become. With gasoline prices climbing and some EVs having taken substantial depreciation hits since leaving the showroom, buying used is starting to make a lot more sense than spending considerably more on something brand-new.
We’re apparently not alone in noticing the appeal. According to a new study from iSeeCars, highlighted in a report from Road & Track, used electric vehicles are now selling considerably faster than their gasoline-powered counterparts. An analysis of more than 1.5 million used vehicles found that pre-owned EVs spent an average of just 41.9 days on the market in September 2026, compared with 54.8 days for gasoline vehicles. That’s nearly two weeks faster. Interestingly, this increased demand has actually pushed average used EV prices up 9.8% year over year to $32,533, compared with $31,954 for gasoline vehicles. With national gasoline prices recently reaching approximately $4.24 per gallon, it’s not difficult to understand why shoppers are giving electric vehicles another look.
One of the more fascinating bargains we’ve been following is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. This isn’t some ordinary electric crossover with a little extra power. It’s a 641-horsepower performance machine with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, electronically controlled suspension, and Hyundai’s clever N e-Shift technology that simulates the experience of shifting gears in a traditional performance car. It can reach 60 mph in roughly three seconds while still being practical enough for everyday use. New examples carry pricing well above $60,000, but we’re finding pre-owned 2025 models advertised around $47,000, depending on mileage and condition. That’s a substantial reduction for a vehicle that’s still relatively new and arguably one of the most entertaining EVs ever produced.
Then there’s the Kia EV6 GT, which might be an even better performance bargain. Sharing much of its underlying architecture with the Hyundai, the original EV6 GT produces a whopping 576 horsepower from its dual electric motors, enough to launch the sleek crossover from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.4 seconds. More importantly, we’ve spotted used 2023 and 2024 examples advertised in the low-to-mid $30,000 range, with some listings near $31,500. Think about that for a moment. You’re getting nearly 600 horsepower, all-wheel drive, impressive handling, and acceleration capable of embarrassing considerably more expensive sports cars for the price of a well-equipped mainstream sedan.
And the bargains certainly don’t end with Hyundai and Kia. Used Polestar 2 models are another interesting option, with some 2022 and 2023 examples advertised below $25,000, including dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions. We’ve also seen affordable examples of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, BMW i4, and Chevrolet Equinox EV entering the used market at prices that make them worth considering. Naturally, pricing varies depending on mileage, battery condition, trim, and location, but the broader point remains. Many of these vehicles originally carried premium price tags, and their first owners have already absorbed a sizable portion of the depreciation. For a buyer willing to shop carefully, that can translate into tremendous value.
There is one important catch to the growing popularity of used EVs. The bargains aren’t necessarily getting better across the board. The iSeeCars study found that average used EV prices have climbed nearly $2,900 over the past year, suggesting buyers are beginning to recognize the same value opportunities we’ve been noticing. Some models are moving particularly quickly, including the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, Toyota bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Polestar 2. Anyone considering a pre-owned EV should also pay close attention to battery health, remaining factory warranty coverage, charging compatibility, and the condition of the tires and suspension. Having reliable access to home charging can make ownership considerably more convenient and affordable, especially compared with relying exclusively on public fast chargers.
From our perspective, there aren’t many compelling reasons to pay full new-car pricing for certain EVs when such attractive pre-owned alternatives are available. That’s especially true for performance enthusiasts who want something genuinely quick without spending $60,000, $70,000, or more. The Ioniq 5 N remains near the top of our personal shopping list, but the Kia EV6 GT is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore at its current used-market prices. We still love a great combustion-powered performance car, and that’s not changing anytime soon. However, with gasoline prices where they are and used electric performance cars offering this much capability for the money, we’d encourage anyone shopping for their next vehicle to give the pre-owned EV market a serious look. You might be surprised at just how much car your money can buy.
Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
