Why Used EV Prices Are Crashing in the UK, And What It Means for Buyers There was a time when used electric cars in the UK were almost absurdly expensive. During the pandemic-era car shortage, buyers were paying near-new prices for second-hand EVs simply because there weren’t enough vehicles to go around. Fast forward to 2026, and the market has flipped completely. Subscribe Used EV prices are falling fast in some cases dramatically. Cars that cost over £50,000 new are now appearing on forecourts for half that amount just a few years later. Some owners are discovering their electric car has depreciated far quicker than expected, while bargain hunters are suddenly finding premium EVs within reach. So what exactly is happening? The answer is a mix of oversupply, changing technology, government policy, battery anxiety, and plain old economics. And depending on whether you’re buying or selling, this EV price crash...
Renault 5 EV vs Micra EV. Read more…
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The Return of the Micra Now Fully Electric
After years as a simple petrol city car, the Micra has been reinvented as a fully electric hatchback. It’s no longer just cheap transport it’s now part of Nissan’s strategy to compete in the fast-growing affordable EV segment.
What makes it especially interesting: It shares its platform with the Renault 5 EV (same engineering, different personality).
Engines, Batteries & Performance
Unlike traditional petrol engines, the Micra EV uses electric motors paired with battery packs:
Battery & Power Options
40kWh battery
~121 bhp
~190–200 miles range
52kWh battery
~148–150 bhp
up to 260 miles range
Charging
DC fast charging:
80kW (small battery)
100kW (big battery)
15–80% charge in ~30 minutes
Driving Character
Quick acceleration (around 6–8 seconds 0–62 mph)
Light, agile ideal for cities
One-pedal driving (e-Pedal) available on higher trims
In simple terms: it’s designed for urban efficiency, not high-speed motorway power.
Trim Levels Explained
The Micra EV comes in three main trims:
1. Engage (entry-level)
40kWh only
18” wheels
7” driver display + 10.1” infotainment
Heat pump (great for efficiency)
2. Advance (mid-range)
40kWh or 52kWh
Google-based infotainment
Wireless charging
Parking sensors + camera
Ambient lighting
3. Evolve (top spec)
52kWh only
Harman Kardon sound system
Heated seats + steering wheel
Two-tone paint
ProPilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving)
The jump from Engage → Evolve is big from basic commuter to premium small car.
Colours & Design
While exact colour lists vary by market, typical options include:
Solid white / black
Metallic grey / silver
Bold colours (blue, yellow, red)
Two-tone paint (black roof) on higher trims
Design highlights:
Round “bug-eye” LED headlights
Chunkier, more SUV-like stance
Retro-inspired details referencing older Micras
Compared to older Micras, this one is much more lifestyle-focused and stylish.
Pricing (UK)
Starting price: ~£21,495–£22,995 (after grants)
Mid-spec: ~£24,995–£26,995
Top spec: ~£28,000–£29,800
Key point: It’s priced almost identical to the Renault 5 EV.
Main Competitors
The Micra EV sits in the small affordable EV hatchback class.
Direct rivals:
Renault 5 E-Tech Electric
Peugeot e-208
MINI Cooper Electric
MG4 EV
BYD Dolphin
Positioning:
Cheaper than MINI, Peugeot
Similar price to Renault 5
Slightly smaller/less practical than MG4
It’s all about value + style + efficiency.
Who Is This Car For?
The Micra EV targets:
Urban drivers
Daily commuting
Easy parking
Low running costs
Younger buyers
First EV
Stylish design matters
Small families
Enough space for 3–4 people
Good boot (~326L)
Downsizers
People moving from bigger petrol cars to EVs
Not ideal for:
Long motorway commuters
Large families needing space
Micra EV vs Renault 5 EV (Full Comparison)
These two cars are mechanically almost identical, but feel very different.
Similarities (Shared DNA)
Same platform (AmpR Small)
Same batteries (40kWh / 52kWh)
Same motors (≈120–150 hp)
Similar range (~250 miles max)
Same charging speeds
Essentially: same car underneath.
Key Differences
1. Design Philosophy
Micra EV
Rounded, friendly look
Inspired by older Micras
Slightly more conservative
Renault 5 EV
Retro-futuristic
Bold, trendy
More “cool” factor
Renault = emotional Nissan = approachable
2. Interior & Tech Feel
Very similar layouts
Same screens and software
BUT:
Micra uses Nissan styling + ProPilot system
Renault uses OpenR interface
Differences are subtle, not major.
3. Driving Feel
Micra: slightly sharper acceleration feel
Renault 5: slightly more comfort-focused
4. Brand Identity
Nissan → reliability, familiarity
Renault → design, innovation
5. Pricing
Almost identical pricing So buyers choose based on style preference.
Real-World Opinion (From EV Communities)
From Reddit discussions:
“It’s exactly the same as a Renault 5 EV”
“Aside from headlights… it’s all R5”
Translation:
Buyers know they’re twins
Decision often comes down to design + brand loyalty
Final Verdict
Why choose the Micra EV?
Better value perception Familiar Nissan brand Slightly more understated design Strong equipment levels
Why choose the Renault 5 EV?
Cooler, more eye-catching Strong retro appeal More “fun” image
Conclusion
The Nissan Micra EV is no longer just a cheap city car it’s a modern, tech-packed EV competing in one of the most important segments in Europe.
But the biggest twist?
It’s fighting its own twin, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric.
In the end:
Choose Micra if you want safe, smart, and practical
Choose Renault 5 if you want style and personality
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