
Jaguar's pioneering EV is now a used bargain. Here's how to buy one
Prices of some used EVs have nose-dived in recent years, which means you can get your hands on a premium model for far less than you might think.So how does a luxurious, comfortable and handsome Jaguar I-Pace sound for less than a new Dacia Spring?That’s right: you can snap up the British brand’s sleek electric car from as little as £12,000, which is a steal when you consider that when new Jaguar’s first electric car cost as much as £80,000, once a few optional extras had been thrown in.Under the floor is a 90kWh lithium ion battery that has a claimed WLTP range of up to 292 miles (more than its Audi, Mercedes and Tesla rivals and still competitive today).Even if that’s more like 200-250 miles in the real world, depending on the conditions and driving style, it should be enough for a week dropping the kids off at school, commuting to work and then an extended motorway trip at the weekend.The I-Pace’s maximum charging speed of 100kW was fast when new, if slightly lethargic these days, and if you need to top up the battery en route then a 10-80% charge should take 40 minutes or so.You’ll seldom need to use a public charger if you’ve got a wallbox at home, though: a 7kW charger will replenish the battery while you sleep, and it will be much cheaper.Beyond its decent range, the Jaguar is an enjoyable EV to drive. Its precise steering, neatly tuned suspension and low centre of gravity mean it’s more agile than you might think, given its SUV styling.There’s a real sense of poise and precision on a fast, flowing road, with precision aided by its two driven axles and brake-based torque vectoring.Outputs from the two motors are a combined 394bhp and 512lb ft, giving a punchy sub-5.0sec 0-62mph time when conditions (and battery charge) allow, but just as impressive is how comfortable and quiet the I-Pace is when you dial things back.Its intuitive adaptive dampers soak up road imperfections well and isolate passengers from pothole-strewn roads, and the cabin’s high-quality materials and slick touchscreens make it feel every inch the new-age luxury saloon.It still looks almost as fresh as when it was first revealed almost 10 years ago. The Pivi Pro infotainment system is intuitive, and over-the-air updates ensure that all cars get the latest features.Despite the rakish roofline, there’s plenty of head and leg room for taller passengers in the back – and don’t worry about fitting in luggage or a buggy, because there’s a 505-litre boot, too.All versions are impressively well equipped – even entry-level S comes with comfort seats and LED headlights – but mid-rung SE is the sweet spot: it costs similar money to the S (from around £17,000) and gets extras such as 20in wheels, 10-way adjustable sports seats and extra safety kit, such as auto emergency braking.You could go all out on the range-topping HSE, which gets plusher leather, and a 360deg reversing camera, but you’ll pay more than £20,000 for a clean example with around 25,000 miles on the clock.Of course, there are rivals that will travel further on a charge or carry more stuff, but if you want an electric SUV that’s fun to drive, comfortable and trumps the likes of Tesla, Audi and Mercedes for luxury appeal, it’s the Jag you should bag.