There’s no escaping the green agenda in this current time. With more and more of us conscious of our impact on the planet we live on, we all want to do our bit to ensure we reduce our carbon footprint so we can rest easy with our conscience. One of the biggest ways is with an electric car.

The good news is that electric car technology has never been this good. Better batteries with more range, improved driveability, and a change in attitudes means that an electric car is no longer left to the geeks and super-hippies. That increased reliability means more electric cars appearing on the used market, making them even more affordable. Here is our pick for the best used electric cars.

Tesla Model S

The gold standard when it comes to electric cars, Tesla have done more than most companies to make them a viable and perhaps preferred option to traditional engine vehicles. In huge demand with large waiting lists, getting a new model can be a struggle. Thankfully, more and more are appearing on the second-hand market.

The most commonly available is the Tesla Model S. This sleek saloon sums up everything that’s great about the company. An incredible driving range of over 200 miles on a single charge means you can do most long journeys without having to stop too often. Inside are a range of technology options and extras that would make James Bond’s mouth water. If all electric cars were like Teslas, then we would be moving away from petrol and diesel a lot quicker.

BMW i3

If money was no object, then we would be heartily recommending the BMW i8 as a choice. But the electric high-end motor is out of a lot of price ranges, so we’ll go for its smaller cousin instead – the BMW i3.

The best thing about this car is the BMW part. You get the efficient German engineering and attention to detail, so you’ll feel powerful and in control at all times. The touch controls and display screen give you everything you need to get from A to B with little fuss. And a range of 120+ miles means you can do most of your regular weekly driving without having to search for charging stations in advance.

Volkswagen e-Up

First off, no it’s not pronounced like a Yorkshire greeting. Instead, you have a smart little electric hatchback that handles and drives like a normal Volkswagen. Its range of around 66 miles means it’s a car suited for cities and short journeys. That’s not to say careful planning won’t take you further. But for urban driving, it’s one of the best on the market thanks to its nippy handling and ease of parking.

Hyundai Ioniq

Also available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid, the fully electric version of the Hyundai Ioniq is one of the best electric cars on the market. With a range of over 170 miles, you will find it suitable for most journeys. Comfortable over long distances or driving around town, it feels like a car of the future. What’s more, it’s much more affordable than the Tesla or high end Jaguars and BMWs, meaning you get the style and substance, without the substantial cost.