Even These 3-Year-Old Used Electric Cars Can Handle the Average Day Trip
For many potential owners in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, range is one reason they won’t take the leap away from ICE or hybridized platforms. However, after decades of evolution, even used electric cars have the potential to cover enough range to handle day trips and commutes. Better yet, some EVs, like the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, and Chevrolet Bolt EV, are popular enough that owners ramp up thousands of annual miles. Check out a few of the most popular used EVs from the last three years with the potential to crush your day trip reservations.
Can electric cars be used for long distances?
Despite harrowing terms like “range anxiety,” some used electric cars are up to the task of handling day trips.
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Model 3
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
Moreover, some of these popular used EVs have average odometer readings of around 10,000 miles, suggesting owners drive their electrified rides comparably to gas-powered alternatives. According to iSeeCars’ “Most and Least Driven Electric Cars” study, Tesla owners racked up five-figure averages in their Model 3, Model X, and Model Y EVs.
However, even with Tesla’s segment-leading odometer readings, none of the popular EV models hit the ICE average. American owners drove their gas-powered vehicles an average of 12,758 miles annually. Still, EV popularity has exploded over the last 10 years, and many electrified options will cover over 200 or 300 miles on a single charge.
The Tesla Model X is the most-driven used electric car in the EV market, despite its hefty price tag
The Tesla Model X and its 340+ mile range was the most-driven EV of the past three years. According to iSeeCars, the used Tesla SUVs covered an average of 10,378 miles annually.
Still, a Model X constitutes the priciest option in the automaker’s used electric car lineup. A used 2021 Tesla Model X Long Range has a typical listing price of around $74,442, per Kelley Blue Book. In comparison, a Model X Long Range is around $31,000 more than an entry-level 2021 Tesla Model Y.
However, the automaker says the latest dual-motor Model X boasts a range of around 348 miles and the ability to recover 80% charge in 30 minutes on a Level 3 Supercharger. That’s more than sufficient to tackle day trips like the 250-mile round trip jaunt from LA, California, to Coronado Island and back.
What is the range mileage of a Tesla Model Y?
Depending on the model year and trim, the Tesla Model Y has an average range of 326 miles. For instance, the 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range will cover around 326 miles on a single charge, while the Standard Range trim boasts a more conservative 224-mile range, per TrueCar.
Moreover, iSeeCars says the wildly popular Tesla EV racked up an average of 10,199 miles annually over the last three years. As a result, the Model Y is high-voltage proof that owners use their EVs for more than weekend shopping.
Is a Tesla Model 3’s range enough?
The Tesla Model 3 has consistently offered long-range electric car options with the ability to cover over 300 miles. For instance, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range had a single-charge range of 353 miles and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD). That’s more than enough range to tackle day trips.
How far can a Hyundai Kona go on a full charge?
A Hyundai Kona Electric has the potential to cover around 258 miles on a full charge. Moreover, with average odometer readings of 8,260 miles, Kona owners drove nearly 2,000 miles more than comparable Nissan LEAFs.
Better yet, used Kona Electrics are quite a bit more affordable than the Tesla models at the top of iSeeCars’ study. For instance, the average used price for the lifted electric car is $29,961, around $8,000 less than a comparable base Model 3.
Can a used Chevrolet Bolt EV compare with other electric cars in the single-charge range?
Although General Motors (GM) is discontinuing the Bolt EV and EUV after the 2023 model year, the diminutive Bolt is the most popular GM EV of recent years. The Bolt EV’s range, as much as 259 miles, is enough to tackle commutes and short day trips.
Moreover, owners drove an annual average of about 7,753 miles over the last three years. As a result, the used Chevrolet electric car saw more miles on American roads than the Nissan LEAF, Kia Niro EV, and Audi e-tron Sportback.
