The used 2013 Nissan Leaf is a good choice. This all-electric vehicle has a comfortable interior and costs very little to own. In addition, its regenerative braking system is uncharacteristically smooth. The Leaf has decent range for an electric car: 75 miles.

A 107-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery propel the front-wheel-drive Leaf. It uses a single-speed transmission and can travel up to 75 miles on a full charge, according to the EPA. That distance is comparable to the 2013 Ford Focus Electric’s 76-mile range estimate. Like other hybrid and electric vehicles, the Leaf uses a regenerative braking system. Unlike many competitors whose systems are often grabby, the Leaf’s brakes are smooth and linear. The car’s ride and handling are good, and it is insulated against outside noise.

The Leaf can be charged to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes at a DC fast charger when equipped with a quick charge port. Charging at home via a 220-volt outlet takes about four hours with the 6.6-kW onboard charger and about seven hours with the standard 3.6-kW charger.