A cheap used EV in Norway is turning heads for a reason. It has a tiny battery, a modest range, and still managed to pull 65 kilowatts at a Tesla Supercharger.
That combination could make the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric a budget-friendly EV option for drivers with short daily commutes.
Here's what to know
In a YouTube video, creator OutOfSpecRoaming (@OutofSpecRoaming) took a close look at a used 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric with the smaller 28-kilowatt-hour battery, priced at about 8,000 to 9,000 euros (~$9,287-10,448 USD).
To evaluate the car, the creator verified that DC fast-charging worked, pulled battery information with an OBD2 reader, and inspected condition items such as the tires and paint.
Efficiency is a major part of the appeal here, not just battery size.
"These are one of the most efficient cars ever made," OutOfSpecRoaming said. "They're super efficient."
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That helps the car travel farther than many shoppers might expect from an older EV. Near a full charge, the car showed about 117 miles (188 km) of range, demonstrating that distance is the main compromise.
"If you can cover your daily driving with around 200 km of range, a little bit less that you have, then it's amazing," the creator suggested.
What stood out most was how quickly it charged. The video showed that at 68% state of charge, the Ioniq was still taking in 65 kW.
More background
EVs can help drivers save money through lower fuel costs and reduced routine maintenance. They don't require oil changes, and regenerative braking can reduce wear on brake components over time.
Along with reviewing the interior condition and tire age, OutOfSpecRoaming also looked at battery cell balance, charging behavior, and the air conditioning.
One commenter added a cautionary note: "Very first thing to do before buying is listen very carefully to motor and reduction gearbox noises."
Another commenter who said they had the vehicle touted the model's efficiency and charging performance.
"Charges full speed, when it is cold or hot, almost no rapidgate," they wrote. "Legendary efficiency, 9-12kwh summer, 11-15kwh winter."
For shoppers willing to accept the limited range, that kind of efficiency could translate into lower running costs.
What can be done?
The Ioniq appears to fit drivers whose actual use is daily errands, commuting, and school pickups rather than longer-range travel.
Whether a bargain stays a bargain can depend heavily on factors like battery health, fast-charging performance, tire age, and the condition of the 12-volt battery.
"This car is surprisingly great," OutofSpecRoaming assessed. Ironically, he preferred the smaller-battery version, saying it charged faster and made a road trip more palatable.
One commenter wrote: "Great review! I'm happy with my Ioniq 28 kWh and I hope your friend should be too."
Where can I learn more?
If you're considering a used Ioniq like this one, it helps to look beyond the car itself. Hyundai's charging access, newer EVs, ownership costs, and the home charging setup that can make a short-range model much easier to live with.
• Hyundai's new three-row Ioniq 9 targets families, even as price questions remain.
• Across the EV market, misunderstood myths about costs still shape what buyers expect.
• For homeowners, Level 2 charger installation can make a small-battery EV far easier.
• In Sweden, neighbors use the cars to power homes and cut electric bills.
A cheap used EV can be a great find, but the day-to-day experience depends on more than the price tag. Charger access, your home setup, and a clear sense of real ownership costs all play a big role.
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