With rising oil prices, car buyers in Ireland are turning to used electric cars to grab a bargain and enjoy lower running costs than a petrol or diesel car.
This is against a backdrop of a market for second hand electric cars that is already growing year on year. Sales of used EVs in Ireland rose by 31% in 2025 equalling about 15,425 cars, up from 11,754 in 2024.
The increased interest among Irish car buyers in used electric vehicles is thanks to increased public confidence in electric vehicles, better charging infrastructure and newer-generation EVs in the Irish used car market with better range.
There are more and more EV options across hatchbacks, saloons and SUVs, but some are better than others on the second-hand market.
Best Used Electric Cars Ireland (2026)
If you’re looking to buy a used electric car, which models should you be looking at?
In this article, we’ve picked out the best used electric cars for 2026.
Tesla Model 3
For a long time, the Tesla Model 3 has been the benchmark for electric cars. This sleek saloon offers excellent battery technology and impressive efficiency, along with access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network across Ireland and Europe.
The minimalist interior is dominated by a central touchscreen, and Tesla’s over-the-air software updates ensure the car continues to improve over time. With strong real-world range and broad appeal, the Model 3 remains one of the best used EV buys.
The Tesla Model 3 shines for its battery technology, charging and interior techKia EV6
The Kia EV6 arrived in Ireland in 2021 and immediately felt ahead of its time thanks to ultra-fast 800-volt charging, which makes charging stops on the motorway very quick.
It’s also a striking car to look at, with a spacious and high-quality interior. On the road, it strikes a great balance between comfort and agility, making it one of the more engaging electric cars to drive.
The Kia EV6 is a brilliant motorway companion thanks to ultra-fast chargingVolkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 has been a major success and consistently ranks among Ireland’s bestselling electric vehicles.
While the interior design is more minimalist than traditional Volkswagen models, the ID.4 excels in practicality, offering generous passenger space and a large boot. It’s also comfortable and refined on the road, making it a great choice for families and motorway driving.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is one of the most popular EVs to buy second-hand.Skoda Enyaq
The Skoda Enyaq is one of the most practical electric SUVs out there and has built up a great reputation among Irish buyers. Sharing its underpinnings with the Volkswagen ID.4, it offers similar range and performance but with a more plush interior.
It stands out for its comfort, space and practicality, making it an ideal family EV.
The Skoda Enyaq has a brilliant reputation as a practical electric SUVHyundai Ioniq 5
Like the EV6, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 features ultra-fast 800-volt charging, allowing for very quick top-ups on long journeys.
Its futuristic design gives it real road presence, while the interior is spacious and packed with technology. Early versions are also available with two different battery sizes for even more choice.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a high-tech choice of EVVolkswagen ID.3
The Volkswagen ID.3 is the brand’s Golf-sized electric hatchback and has become very popular in Ireland. There are various different battery options and trim levels available.
It’s compact on the outside but surprisingly spacious inside, with a comfortable ride and good efficiency. As a used buy, it offers a solid entry point into electric motoring.
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a great option if you’re looking for an electric hatchbackNissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf was one of the first mainstream electric cars to go on sale in Ireland and remains a popular choice on the used market.
The second-generation model arrived in 2018 with a 40kWh battery, but the later 62kWh version is more desirable due to its improved range. It’s a dependable and affordable way to make the switch to electric driving.
The Nissan Leaf is still a popular used buy if you’re looking for valueHyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric marked a turning point for the Korean brand when it first arrived in 2019, with range topping 400 kilometres. It’s become a popular EV on Irish roads and the second generation from 2023 onwards improved this car with even more range and passenger space.
It may not be the biggest SUV, but it’s well-equipped, easy to drive, and good value on the used market.
The Hyundai Kona Electric is a compact EV with great range for its sizeRenault Zoe
The Renault Zoe was another early success story for electric cars in Ireland and for a time it was one of the best small EVs on sale.
Over the years, Renault improved the Zoe with a larger 52kWh battery for instance, increasing its range and usability. One of its standout features is 22kW AC charging, which is particularly useful for faster charging at more plentiful streetside public chargers in Irish towns and cities.
The Renault Zoe is a great entry point into EVsMG4
The MG4 is one of a new generation of more affordable electric cars that arrived in Ireland in 2023 and quickly become very popular thanks to its sharp styling and practical hatchback design at an affordable price. Used examples are now appearing, with two different battery sizes available.
Inside, it’s well-equipped with a clean, modern cabin, and altogether offers good value for money on the used market.
The MG4 has done well in Ireland and there are plenty of used versions available nowBMW i4
If you’re willing to spend a bit more to get something more premium, the BMW i4 is a great choice. It delivers strong performance and impressive handling, staying true to BMW’s reputation for engaging driving dynamics. Inside, the cabin feels high-quality and modern.
There’s also plenty of range on offer along with fast charging capability, making it practical for everyday driving.
The BMW i4 is one of the nicest premium EVs you can buyTips for buying a used EV
1. Home charging
Before buying, make sure you have access to home charging as it’s much cheaper and more convenient than using the public charging network.
2. Check battery health
When buying a used electric car, the most important thing to consider is the battery health, or State of Health (SoH). Typically an EV battery should maintain 70%–80% SoH over its lifetime, depending on the model. Ask the seller for a battery information report, and you can also check the battery’s condition or remaining capacity directly through the car’s infotainment system.
3. Think about real-world range
Remember that official figures given for range can be over optimistic in real world driving, especially in winter. EV database is a great resource for checking the range. Reading electric car reviews online with first hand experience can also help.
4. Charging compatibility
Make sure the car supports fast charging and uses common connectors in Ireland. Also check the correct cables are included and not showing any signs of damage.
5. Check warranty coverage
Most electric cars come with an 8-year battery warranty, but check the details of this for whatever car you’re buying and what coverage remains.
6. Service history
Like any car, check the service and maintenance records to make sure that it’s been looked after properly and has had all available software updates, which can significantly improve the car over time.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year