If you look at the current automotive landscape, you see two unstoppable trends. On the one hand, the rise of SUVs. These bodies are already offered in several ways. From small urban to large and luxurious. On the other hand, electrification. Hence, in the new car market they do not stop appearing every month and another also plug-in hybrid SUVs and electric SUVs.
Little by little, these types of elevated bodies with all-electric power are beginning to reach the used car market.
It is true that the range of units is not very large, especially of models that are now not sold as new, but we found all the ones we mentioned … quite cheap compared to their price before they were registered.
The Best Used Electric SUV
Below we summarize the main characteristics of used SUVs. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the battery, one of the most expensive parts of this type of vehicle and which easily degrades if the given use is not correct:
BMW iX3 (2020-2021)
The BMW iX3 was the brand’s first electric SUV. The first units hit the market in early 2021 with shapes very similar to the 2018 X3, albeit with distinctive elements such as the absence of exhaust pipes, a side socket or some blue trim.
Most interesting is the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology that powers the vehicle. Under the hood we find a electric motor with 286 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, which is sent to the rear wheels via a direct drive. It is powered by a battery with 80 kWh gross capacity, which translates into a autonomy of 460 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. It can be recharged at points up to 150 kW, so in 34 minutes it would be 80% charged and in just 10 km it would gain 100 km of autonomy.
With a consumption between 19.5 and 18.5 kWh/100 km, it stands out more in terms of performance. The BMW ix3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds (close to the X3 xDrive30i), with a top speed limited to 180 km/h.
The interior is what you expect and the equipment is complete from the entrance finish Inspirational. There is an optional equipment pack called Impressive with 20-inch alloy wheels, glass with greater acoustic insulation, sports seats, leather upholstery … The capacity of the luggage compartment is correct, from 510 litres, only 40 less than an X3 with combustion engine. When the rear seat backs are folded down, the volume reaches 1,560 litres.
Citroen e-Mehari (2016-2020)
The Citroen Mehari was a mythical model for the chevron brand and therefore decided to bring it back to life in an original way. The Citroën e-Mehari was a reinterpretation of the classic electric motor. Its arrival was anticipated by the prototype Citroën Cactus M and Blue Summer, which were sold in France. Its main feature is the absence of a roof and doors similar to those of the original.
The raised body is made with thermoformed plastics, a material that is lighter than steel and resistant to minor bumps and scratches. One of the keys is the color on the outside (you can choose in Yellow Submarine, Clockwork Orange, Grand Bleu Blue or Nautilus Beige) and on the inside (there are Blue Summer Beige or Blue Summer Orange fabrics). The interior consists of two independent front seats and a fully folding rear seat.
The Citroën E-Mehari styled by Courrèges was a prototype made with the collaboration of the fashion company. In this model, white engulfs practically everything, with the body, wheels and interior painted in this color. It was of higher quality thanks to the white leather covering the passenger compartment, while the distinctive accent was provided by the suitcase set that sits next to the concept.
The mechanical part was moved by a electric drive that delivers about 68 hp. Power came from 30 kWh batteries (such as the Nissan Leaf we tested) with an advertised range of about 200 km, and they took 8 to 13 hours to fully charge, depending on whether the charge was performed in a 16 or 10 A outlet (home). The maximum speed is estimated at about 110 km/h.
Hyundai Kona EV (2019-2021)
The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric is the Korean brand’s answer to those who want a Zero emission small SUV. In fact, it’s the first of its kind in its segment and expectations around it are high. In the aesthetic part it is easy to recognize, because the front has its own personality with its streamlined grill or the purest lines. The rear has remained virtually unchanged, with its narrow taillights and unique bumpers.
Inside are also kept the keys of the model it starts with. That includes the same technology and quality standards. The main novelty is the new silver center console with the gear lever, a new storage compartment and redesigned controls for the air conditioning. As for habitability, the levels are maintained, although the luggage space is reduced to 332 liters by the charging cable (373 liters without).
There are two trim levels for the Electric Kona in our country. Party with him Techno, which already comes with 17-inch wheels, Full LED headlights, mixed-cover seats, 8-inch touchscreen navigator, rear parking camera or Head Up Display. The top of the range is Style, which adds to the above, among other things, the leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats and more driving aids.
The Hyundai Kona Electric could be chosen with two mechanical options:. The Access One has a battery of 39.2 kWh and develops a power of 136 hp. In this case, the autonomy was 289 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. The top of the range offered a 64 kWh battery, which develops 204 hp and can cover up to 449 kilometers on a single charge.
Kia e Niro (2019-2022)
The Kia e-Niro was the electric version of the Niro 2019. Very similar to the electric Kona in the technical part, it came on the market in early 2019 with two versions, a simple one with a 136 hp electric motor and a 39.2 kWh battery capacity. , which gives it a range of about 289 km and a more powerful one, with a motor of 204 hp (395 Nm of torque) and a battery of 64 kWh, which allowed it to travel up to 455 km without refueling.
It advertised remarkable performance (with the 204 hp version it is possible to reach 100 km / h from a standstill in just 7.8 seconds. The driver can choose how much retention (and regenerative braking) with the paddles behind the wheel. There are also four driving modes that vary the response of the car, more or less sensitive to the accelerator pedal.
Compared to the Niro 2017 (available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid), it had external differences. Most notably, the front grille has been omitted (fairing in this version because the engine does not require as much cooling), but also bumpers, moldings, LED optics or the wheels have been changed. The drag coefficient was lower, 0.29 versus 0.30 Cd.
Inside there were also minor variations. From the wall lamps to a switch button instead of the classic lever. There are no changes in the multimedia screen, but there are changes in the information it shows, adapted to mechanical singularities. The trunk advertised nothing less than: 451 liter capacity, the best of the whole Niro family. The technological and safety equipment was quite complete.
Kia Soul EV (2017-2020)
The Kia Soul EV received the news in 2017 from the rest of the second generation launched in 2014, when this electric version first hit the market.
Halfway between SUVs and compact minivans, the Soul EV has a quirky bodywork that has attracted more attention in the United States and Asia than in Europe. This electric variant has its own characteristics, such as the blind front. The interior is spacious and gives a good sense of quality, as we saw in our test. The trunk announces 281 liters capacity, similar to a utility.
The standard equipment was very complete in its two trim levels. The simplest offered everything you could possibly need in an urban vehicle. Above was the CHAdeMO variant, with a system that improved fast charging.
To move it a motor of 110 hp power and 285 Nm torque, which gave him interesting advantages for his 1,505 kg weight, although his maximum speed was limited to 145 km / h. This motor is powered by a 30 kWh (formerly 27 kWh) lithium polymer battery, with 206 cells grouped into 8 modules.
MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV It was a compact electric SUV made in China and destined to become a benchmark in the segment in Europe. Much of the development of the ZS EV took place in the UK, the company’s home country until it was acquired by the Asian manufacturer. SAIC engines in 2007.
With a length of 4,314 millimeters, a width of 1,809 mm, a height of 1,644 mm and a wheelbase of 2,585 mm, it is one of the smallest in the category. Of course, the space on board is somewhat generous and accommodates four occupants with comfort and a capacity in the 448 liter suitcase (1166 with folded second row of seats). We must not forget the payload on the roof, which can carry up to 75 kilos thanks to the rails.
The MG ZS EV has an electric motor of 143 hp Yes 353 Nm that moves the front axle. With a mass of 1,491 kilograms, it propels the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and to a maximum speed of 140 km/h (electronically limited). The battery has 44.5 kWh, which means 263 kilometers of autonomy (WLTP) and a charge time of 7.1 hours at a charging power of 7.4 kW (AC). With a 50 kW (DC) port you can charge 80% of its totality in 40 minutes. There are three driving modes:: Eco, Normal and Sport.
Looking for an almost unrivaled value for money, the MG ZS EV is offered in two finishes: Comfort Yes Luxury. The access variant already includes a multimedia system with an 8-inch screen, a browser and connectivity with Apple Car Play Yes Android Auto, while for a rear parking aid camera, heated front seats, pseudo-leather upholstery, panoramic roof or 17-inch wheels you have to go to the Luxury finish. The options are limited to paint and upholstery.
