These are the best used EVs for battery health per 10,000 miles

When shopping for the best used EVs, battery health is now a bigger priority for buyers than paint colors or wheel upgrades.

After all, a healthy battery means more range, better resale value, and fewer worries down the line.

Fresh 2025 state-of-health (SOH) data from telematics uploads, OBD scans, fleet reports, and auction disclosures show a clear picture: modern electric vehicles are holding their capacity better than ever.

Average battery fade has dropped to about 1.8 percent per year, which is an improvement over earlier EV generations.

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The Tesla Model 3 topped the list of best used EVs

To make comparisons fair, analysts normalized results to show capacity loss per 10,000 miles.

That method highlights which cars hold up mile-for-mile, rather than just rewarding newer packs.

Leading the pack is the Tesla Model 3 RWD, with its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry.

Similar cars like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV, Tesla Model Y Long Range, and Hyundai Kona Electric all fall in the 0.24–0.35 percent loss range, making them some of the best used EVs you can buy.

Their strong liquid cooling, efficient thermal management, and chemistry advantages explain why they retain more range over time.

At the other end, several familiar names show a faster decline.

The Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge, BMW i3, Audi e-tron (2019–2022), and Nissan Leaf (both early 24/30 kWh versions and newer 40/62 kWh packs) fade more quickly.

The reasons vary, ranging from older chemistries, heavier vehicle platforms, and most notably, passive air cooling that struggles in hot climates or during frequent fast charging.

Nissan’s early Leafs are often cited as cautionary tales, with SOH loss accelerating in places like Arizona or Florida.

However, this could very well change, given that the carmaker recently announced that the Leaf will be ditching its outdated air-cooled battery for a fully liquid-cooled system.

Avoid fast charging all the time to preserve vehicle range

So why do some used EVs age gracefully while others don’t?

Three big factors stand out.

Thermal management is critical: liquid cooling keeps packs in the right temperature window, while passive air systems lag behind.

Heat pumps matter too, not only for cabin comfort but for maintaining a stable winter range while reducing cold-weather stress on cells.

And finally, chemistry makes a big difference for battery health.

LFP batteries, like those in the Tesla Model 3 RWD, deliver longer cycle life and steadier performance than many nickel-based chemistries, and even their gasoline counterparts.

For aspiring EV owners, it’s recommended that you prioritize EVs with liquid-cooled packs and heat pumps, especially if you live in really warm places.

And while it may be tempting to use fast charging to charge your EV in just 10 minutes, this will generally cause a drop in long-term battery health, so keep that in mind.

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