With electric cars on the rise, we thought we'd take a look at some of the best EV cars on the used market.
Tesla Model S P85D, £45,990: One consequence of the petrol and diesel supply issues that gripped parts of the UK recently was that it gave electric cars another shove into the public consciousness. A survey of 1100 What Car? readers at the start of October indicated that 23% of drivers are now more likely to consider electric or hybrid power for their next car as a result of those supply problems, and 10% said they’re now more likely to buy an EV.
Of course, you don’t have to buy a fresh-out-of-the-box EV, and a used Tesla Model S might be ideal. This large premium saloon has been with us since 2012 and was the model that symbolised Tesla’s intention to become a world-leading car manufacturer. The Model S also entered the fray at a time when the ideal combination of range, refinement and performance for an EV had yet to be perfected and very nearly mastered it.
The car has been through many powertrain and specification changes over the past nine years, but we’ve decided to go all out with the P85D. This was the first juiced-up Model S to be introduced, driven by twin electric motors instead of the singular units on other variants. All together, the four-wheel-drive P85D produces a colossal 682bhp and 687lb ft for a Ferrari-rivalling 0-62mph in 3.2sec. That’s enough to properly pin you in your sports seat.
That’s performance covered, then. As for range, 300 miles and access to Tesla’s nationwide network of Superchargers should quell any feelings of anxiety you might have about switching to electric power. While some questionable interior materials are present, features such as Tesla’s trailblazing 17in tablet infotainment, leather seats and a huge boot with up to nearly 1800 litres of space more than make up for that. The big airy cabin is imbued with a sense of calm, even with Insane driving mode engaged.
The P85D cost £79,080 at launch, but we’ve found a 2016 example for just over half that price. It has driven 46,000 miles and comes with some additional sporty options, including a carbonfibre spoiler, 21in wheels, Pirelli winter tyres, a glass panoramic roof and smart air suspension (originally a £2100 option). It also has a full service history and, of course, that all important road tax exemption.
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What's going to happen to these BEV after 8 years of age when the battery warranty has run out?
Same as what happens to diesel car after 3 years when the engine warranty runs out
end up being scrapped becuase batteries are so expensive to replace
Not really helping the environment much!
Future, 10 years time looks bleak for your 17/18 year old just passed his test and has 2 to 3 grand saved from granny gifts and shifts at Maccies and wants some wheels, a clapped out Twitzzy with 20 miles of battery life left, no back seat for a bit of country lane passion with the girlfriend. No first roadtrips to the coast with a couple of mates and music blaring. Sad
Don't get a twizzy then, highly unlikely too anyway as so few sold.
So 2035, what used EV 4 seater with affordable insurance (so no 0 to 60 in less than 9 seconds) do you imagine will be available for 2500 quid? Serious question, I can't imagine what.
Its just a bit sad that our grandchildren won't experience the freedoms we had, pass your test, get a cheap car, try to keep it out the ditch. Cruise around town on an evening, pick up your mates and go to the cinema, they will be priced out of driving until they start work and their careers reach a much higher level.
Zoe, LEAF, Mini etc
Indeed. The other good thing about the EV bangernomics of 2035 is repair and servicing costs: A 14 year old Golf has lots more moving parts and potential points of failure than a 14 year old ID3 will. When a 14 year old engine or gearbox fails the car is essentially written off, when a 14 year old battery does, it will just not hold its charge very well any more, but likely still well enough to get young Kevin and his mates to and from college etc.
Wish you'd provide links to these cars for sale... Or at least a clue as to where to find them... Pistonheads? Autotrader? Ebay?