New EV and Hybrid Sales Remain Hot But Value Can be Found in Used Market

Sales of new electrified vehicle sales jumped more than 200% during the second quarter as gas prices remain high. 

With the prices of new vehicles rising across the board, potential EV or hybrid buyers looking for a deal need only wander over to the used car lot, says Kelley Blue Book. The website cobbled together what it views as some of its best deals on used electrified vehicles for less than $20K and $15K.

The average new vehicle sold for a little more than $42K in June and used vehicle prices topped $25,000 that month. Those numbers have been on the rise for all of 2021 and are unlikely to change anytime soon as the chip shortage is expected to continue through the end of the year.

So, if you want to save on gas and on the price of your EV or hybrid, “previously owned” is where its at, say the experts.

Finding a deal

“One of the most underrated deals is to buy a used hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric vehicle,” said Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book. “Alternative-power vehicles have been on the market for 20 years now, so these models are well-established and have proven reliability.

“There also are plenty of choices out there — an attractive option to consider, since currently there is a major shortage on new-car inventory across the board. Buyers of a used electrified vehicle certainly will save money at the pump, and some can even skip the gas station entirely.”

Most of the best deals are on hybrids because they are far more prevalent than EVs, which until recently accounted less than 3% of all new vehicle sales. However, the vehicles making the lists are solid performers in terms of reliability and fuel economy.

Best deals under $20,000

Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $20,000 for 2021 include:

1. 2017 Toyota Prius: Fuel Economy: 52 mpg combined and a range of 588 miles
2. 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Fuel Economy (LE): 40 mpg combined and a range of 680 miles
3. 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 32 mpg combined and a range of 474 miles
4. 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 28 mpg combined and a range of 482 miles
5. 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 47 mpg combined and a range of 602 miles
6. 2015 Lexus ES 300h: Fuel Economy: 40 mpg combined and a range of 688 miles
7. 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV: Fuel Economy: 119 MPGe combined and a range of 238 miles
8. 2018 Nissan Leaf: Fuel Economy: 112 MPGe combined and a range of 151 miles
9. 2017 Chevrolet Volt: Fuel Economy — first 53 miles: 106 MPGe combined; next 367 miles: 42 mpg combined and a range of 420 miles
10. 2019 Kia Niro Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 49 mpg combined for a range of 583 miles

Best deals under $15K

Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $15,000 for 2021, including: 

1. 2015 Toyota Prius: Fuel Economy: 48 mpg combined and a range of 571 miles
2. 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 40 mpg combined and a range of 680 miles
3. 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 44 mpg combined and a range of 581 miles
4. 2015 Chevrolet Volt: Fuel Economy — first 38 miles: 98 MPGe combined; next 342 miles: 37 mpg combined and a range of 380 miles
5. 2017 Nissan Leaf: Fuel Economy: 112 MPGe combined and a range of 107 miles
6. 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 37 mpg combined and a range of 636 miles
7. 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 37 mpg combined and a range of 684 miles
8. 2017 Toyota Prius C: Fuel Economy: 46 mpg combined and a range of 437 miles
9. 2015 Ford Fusion: Fuel Economy: 41 mpg combined and a range of 554 miles
10. 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 44 mpg combined and a range of 524 miles