End of Life EV's / EV Bangernomics - Still worth buying?

[Bikerjon]

Noticed that some of the older 10+ years "first gen" EV's are getting very cheap now and, allowing for the obvious drawbacks, I think they might still make a useful runabout for local journeys. I realise I would most likely be the final owner and I'd probably have to dispose after 2 or 3 years, but the simplicity and lower maintenance of an EV still appeals even in this rather limited capacity.

I'm mostly looking at Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, maybe a Kia Soul. Obviously these can't be compared to the newer models, but you can pick these up so cheap that I'm tempted!

Just interested in some opinions on buying at this end of the market. Mad idea or worth a punt?

[Bikerjon]

Agree about Tesla - but that's a completely different budget! I'm talking £3000 - £4000. Thermal battery management isn't a huge factor at this point because it's already going to be in steady decline and the car will most likely be scrapped at the end!

[Bikerjon]

Thanks for the replies

I like left-field suggestions and the Twizy looks like a great alternative to my bike in the winter months and I've got a good spot to park/charge it - if only it was a bit faster!

Reassuring to know about the Leaf as I think that's realistically the strongest contender at this point, but I hadn't realised the BMW is also creeping into this territory too - will research that one some more.

[Bikerjon]

Downward said:

Depends what you mean by cheap.
My 24kw 2015 leaf with 63k miles went for about £4k.
Range about 70 on a good day, 55 miles in winter.

Pretty much an ideal example, really. £4k for a 2015 EV runabout.

[Bikerjon]

I should say that my interest in buying *near* end of life EV's isn't purely down to the pence-per-mile fuel/energy cost. It's also to do with avoiding the increasingly high cost of local servicing and maintenance for even the most basic ICE cars. As an example, it doesn't take much for the annual service/MOT for our basic diesel car to get close or exceed £1000. I struggle with that. Fine if you have a decent performance or luxury car, but our one certainly isn't that!

Getting more interested in the i3. A little out of budget, but might be an option. Is the range extender model a good idea or is it best to keep it simple with pure battery power?

Edited by Bikerjon on Monday 17th June 19:39

[Bikerjon]

Biggles Flies Undone said:

For a local runaround (usually about 90% of journeys for most of us if we are honest) then a dirt cheap older EV is a great idea. I'd second the idea of an older Leaf, for the reasons mentioned. Simple, well built and they appear to be able to do mega mileages without the batteries dying completely.

There is no market for older, second hand EV's (not much market for any second hand EV's at all really) and so that means they fall slap bang into the Bangernomics sweet spot.

As long as you aren't trying to drive from Southampton to Aberdeen towing a horsebox full of anvils (which is the usual argument against EV's) then they fit the bill.

This is pretty much how I see it. 99% of the intended journeys will be local. If I need to fast charge it then something will have gone very wrong! These are cheapish runarounds and the cost of fast chargers negates the benefit, so will be home charged as much as possible.

Going to look at a Leaf tomorrow...