Electric SUVs used to be a luxury purchase. That’s changing fast on the used-car lot. The supply of used electric vehicles is growing, and that is pulling prices into range for many everyday drivers. In a recent review distributed by The Associated Press, the car-shopping site Edmunds named four used electric SUVs it recommends for buyers with a budget of about $25,000. That’s good news for drivers, but it also raises a question every new EV owner eventually faces: where am I going to park and charge this thing?
At Spot Check, parking is what we think about all day. Whether you’re shopping for your first EV, already own one, or have a driveway you could share with EV drivers, here’s what the Edmunds picks tell us, and how to plan your parking and charging before you sign the paperwork.
The four used electric SUVs Edmunds recommends
According to the Oct. 28 review by Edmunds’ Bradley Iger, these four models stand out for buyers shopping around $25,000:
- Chevrolet Equinox EV (2024 and newer). A small but roomy SUV with up to 319 miles of EPA-estimated range. Edmunds suggests the 2LT trim, which adds heated front seats, synthetic leather, a hands-free liftgate and driver aids.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E (2021 and newer). Sporty performance, an upscale interior and physical controls. Edmunds says a 2021 to 2023 model should fit the budget, and the Premium trim with the extended-range battery offers the most range in the lineup.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2022 and newer). Quick, comfortable and distinctively styled, with fast charging and standard driver assistance features. Edmunds suggests 2022 to 2024 models and recommends skipping the base SE Standard Range trim, which is rated at 220 miles. Rear-wheel-drive versions with the larger battery are rated at 303 miles.
- Volkswagen ID.4. A comfortable, roomy family SUV with up to 275 miles of range. Edmunds points to a 2023 Pro S trim, which has a larger touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof and synthetic leather.
Edmunds’ bottom-line advice is worth repeating: the cheapest EV isn’t necessarily the best fit. Buyers should weigh their everyday needs, and for most people, parking and charging are near the top of that list.
Range is only half the story: where will you charge?
The range numbers above are impressive, but they matter less than you might think if you have a reliable place to charge. The drivers who are happiest with their EVs tend to be the ones who can plug in where they park overnight. Before you buy, answer these questions honestly:
- Do you have a garage or driveway? If so, home charging is usually the most convenient option. Many owners start with a standard outlet and later add a faster home charger installed by a licensed electrician.
- Do you park on the street or in a shared lot? Apartment and condo residents should check whether their building offers charging, or plans to, and what the rules are for using it.
- Where do you park during the day? A workplace or commuter garage with chargers can make up for limited options at home.
- How far do you drive in a typical week? Knowing your real mileage helps you decide whether a shorter-range trim will work or whether the extra miles are worth paying for.
It’s also smart to test your routine before you buy. Look up the chargers near your home, office and the places you visit most, and note how many spaces each one has and whether they sit in a garage, a surface lot or on the street. Pay attention to parking fees, too. A charger inside a paid garage may cost more overall than one in a free shopping center lot, even if the electricity price looks similar. A few minutes of research now can save a lot of frustration later.
If your answers point to limited access to charging, an EV can still work, but you’ll want a clear plan for public charging and parking before you commit.
Parking an EV in the city
City drivers face a few extra wrinkles. Charging spaces in public garages and lots can be limited, and they are often in demand. A few habits make life easier:
- Reserve ahead when you can. Booking a garage space before you arrive saves time circling the block. Many large parking operators, including LAZ Parking, let drivers find and reserve spaces in advance in the cities they serve. If charging matters for your trip, confirm what the facility offers before you go.
- Mind the time limits. Many charging spaces are meant for active charging. Moving your car once it’s charged is good etiquette and can help you avoid fees or tickets where rules apply.
- Know your vehicle’s size. Electric SUVs can be heavier and larger than the compact cars they replace. Check garage height and space dimensions, especially in older structures.
- Watch cold-weather range. As temperatures drop this winter, many EVs lose some range. Leave yourself a cushion when planning a city trip that depends on a charger at the other end.
Shopping tips for a used EV
The Edmunds picks are a strong starting point, but every used car is different. When you shop, pay attention to:
- Battery health. Ask whether the seller or dealer can provide a battery health report, and find out how much of the original battery warranty remains.
- Trim and battery size. As Edmunds noted with the Ioniq 5, the same model can have very different range depending on trim and battery. Confirm exactly which version you’re looking at.
- Charging connector and speed. Find out what kind of charging port the vehicle has and how fast it can charge, so you know which public stations will work for you.
- Software and recall history. Check whether any open recalls or software updates still need to be completed.
Financing, insurance and tax questions vary by buyer and location, so talk with a qualified professional before making a big purchase decision.
For driveway hosts: an opportunity worth watching
If you share your driveway or parking space with other drivers through Spot Check, the growing number of affordable used EVs is worth noticing. More EV owners on the road means more drivers looking for convenient, safe places to park, and some of them may be looking for places to charge.
A few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about offering EV-friendly parking:
- Be clear in your listing. Say plainly whether charging is available, and if so, what type. Don’t advertise charging you can’t reliably provide.
- Talk to a licensed electrician before adding any outdoor charging equipment, and check local permit requirements.
- Check your insurance and any HOA or lease rules before offering charging to guests.
- Keep the space accessible. Make sure cords and equipment don’t create a trip hazard and that drivers have room to maneuver larger SUVs.
Even without a charger, a well-lit, easy-to-find driveway is valuable to EV drivers who simply need a reliable place to park.
What to watch
- Used EV prices. If the supply of used electric SUVs keeps growing, more affordable models may reach the market.
- Charging access in your area. New chargers at garages, workplaces and shopping centers can change whether an EV makes sense for you.
- Winter driving. The coming months are a good real-world test of range for new EV owners. Plan trips with a buffer.
Park smart, charge smart
Affordable used electric SUVs are opening the door to more drivers, and Edmunds’ picks show there are solid options around $25,000. Before you buy, think about where you’ll park and charge every day, not just how far the car can go on a full battery. And whether you’re looking for a spot or have one to share, Spot Check is here to help you find the right place to park.
Source: Edmunds, distributed by The Associated Press (via News4JAX)
Quick check
How much did you catch? Tap a question to see the answer.
1. Which of the four Edmunds picks offers up to 319 miles of EPA-estimated range?
Answer: The Chevrolet Equinox EV (2024 and newer).
2. Which Hyundai Ioniq 5 trim does Edmunds recommend avoiding?
Answer: The base SE Standard Range trim, rated at 220 miles.
3. What should driveway hosts do before offering EV charging to guests?
Answer: Consult a licensed electrician, check permits, insurance and any HOA or lease rules, and describe charging accurately in their listing.
