It is already possible to have an electric car under R$ 100 thousand and without having a cucumber in your hands, we explain how the market is
Electric cars are no longer a niche and have become a reality in the Brazilian market. In 2025, they were responsible for 11% of registrations. But their gateway is still at R$ 100 thousand, with this popularization is it worth buying a used one?
The first modern electric car sold in Brazil was the Renault Zoe, in 2019. Until the arrival of the BYD Dolphin in 2023, this segment had a low volume and most of the options were luxury models.
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Therefore, the supply of used electric cars today is still limited. The easiest models to find are post-2023, which are treated on the market as used cars.
A survey by Data OLX Autos helps to illustrate how the Brazilian market is behaving in the face of electrified cars. The survey reveals that the main motivation for buying this type of car is the pocket:
Savings in supply and sustainability (reduction of emissions) were each cited by 61% of those interested as the main reasons for the switch.
The survey also pointed out that 91% of consumers interviewed in São Paulo intend to buy an electric or hybrid car. For electric vehicles, the rate is 77%, a sign that the fear of this type of technology is less.
The type of electric car that has been attracting the most consumers are compact hatches, such as the Geely EX2 and the BYD Dolphin Mini. Coriolano Lacerda, market intelligence manager at the OLX Group, comments on this trend:
On OLX’s portals, we observe this segmented trend, electric cars dominate hatches for urban use, while hybrids prevail in SUVs and sedans. This movement is driven by consumer desire, 91% of São Paulo residents are already considering the transition, motivated by the inseparable binomial of savings in supply and environmental awareness”
These are also the best-selling electric cars in the zero km market. In 2025 the Dolphin Mini was the leader, with the Geely EX2 reaching the end of the year with considerable volume. The expectation is to have more options in 2026.
When buying a used car, you need to look at the engine very carefully or take it to a specialist. Different sounds, vibration and even smell can denounce imminent problems.
An advantage of the electric car is that its motor does not require maintenance. The buyer only needs to worry about the condition of the suspension, the bodywork and the interior.
The battery can be something to look at if the mileage is high. At dealerships, it is possible to check their useful life and whether the warranty is still active.
As the cost per kilometer of the electric car is much lower than that of a combustion car, it is common to see them running as taxis or in apps. The most popular cars, such as the BYD Dolphin and Renault Kwid E-Tech are the most popular in this use.
To identify that the car has worked in this way, it is necessary to look at the wear on the rear seat lining, the rear seat belts and the door sealing rubbers.
The suspension also deserves attention. Many of the Chinese models came without a tropicalization, check the condition of the bushings, shock absorbers and connecting rods. As they wear out tires faster, pay attention to their condition.
It is common for new electric cars to come with a wallbox-type charger with it. The used one will not have this benefit, unless the owner already has one at home and has kept the one that comes as a gift.
If you are interested in buying a second-hand used car, study the wallbox options. For those who live in buildings, it is necessary to check with the administration if it is possible to install a charger in the space.
If you don’t have a garage at home or can’t have a charger in the building, consider buying it. Relying on public chargers can be risky, if you are going to use fast chargers frequently, the expenses will be higher.
The used electric car market seems to have its favorites: BYD’s models, the GWM Ora 03 and Renault’s cars. Peugeot’s e208 and e2008 models also seem to have good acceptance, but not as much as the most popular ones.
The risky thing is to take an electric car that sold little when new or premium models. These are often stranded in stores and receive deep discounts.
Models such as the Fiat 500e and Neta’s cars are some examples. The Chevrolet Bolt, despite having several predicates, got a bad reputation due to recalls. The Nissan Leaf, on the other hand, has low battery life due to their air cooling.
This scenario may change in the coming years with the arrival of new competitors. The Geely EX2 is selling well and Chevrolet brought the Spark EUV using the brand as ballast.
BYD’s entry-level electric cars are the best on the used market today. The brand has been a leader in the segment since the launch of the Dolphin in 2023 and since then the cars have not had serious problems, the critical point is the lack of parts in the authorized network.
As BYD works its sales aggressively, new cars come out with discounts and prices close to the value of used cars. As a result, the table of second-hand cars made them more favorable.
The Dolphin Mini GL, with a smaller battery, is sold new for R$ 99 thousand for PwD and CNPJ. A GS model, with more autonomy, can be found at R$ 90 thousand on the used market.
The used Dolphin GS is in the range of R$ 110 to 130 thousand. The Plus model, with a sunroof, 204 hp engine, independent rear suspension and ADAS package is sold below R$ 150 thousand. It is more advantageous than the new GS model.
BYD’s medium electric SUV, the Yuan Plus, is between R$ 150 and 175 thousand on the used market. It is cheaper than the smaller brother Yuan Pro zero km and serves as a more familiar alternative to the Dolphin.
Another advantage of used BYD is that they are still covered by the warranty. But it is necessary to pay attention to the concessionaires.
To have an electric car, you need to consider some details well: having a place to charge at home, if the car fits your routine and if it fits in your pocket.
If any of these factors do not cooperate, the alternative may be a used hybrid car. They have a lower cost per km driven and some benefits such as exemption from rotation in São Paulo (SP).
Our recommendation is to look for Toyota’s hybrids, the Prius and the Corolla. They are known for their robustness and periodic maintenance is the same as a combustion model, the only difference is having to change the air filter of the batteries periodically.
The batteries used by Toyota are nickel-metal hydride, with a lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries, but more durable and safe against fire. Hybrids that use lithium-ion batteries, such as the Ford Fusion, may require more care in the medium term.
The Toyota Prius and its brother Lexus CT200h can be found below R$ 100 thousand. The Corolla, on the other hand, is above this value, but has the advantage of being flex.
By researching well, it is already possible to buy a hybrid or a second-hand electric vehicle. The trend is that in the future it will be even easier.
