The search for an affordable electric vehicle (EV) with a decent range is a challenging quest, as Dr. Bob Rich is about to discover. But is it even possible to find a cheap EV with a minimum 120 km range in Australia?
Dear Dr. Rich, your quest for a second-hand EV with a 120 km range has led us down an intriguing path. Bryce, our EV expert, is here to shed some light on the matter.
The cheapest options: The 2011-12 ZE0 Nissan Leaf and 2010-13 Mitsubishi iMiEV are the oldest and most affordable EVs in Australia. However, their original batteries may struggle to provide the desired range, and replacements are costly. For instance, Bryce's 2010 iMiEV has a reliable range of only 70 km, a significant drop from its initial 110 km.
The private import route: If you're willing to explore private imports, the AZE0 2014-2017 Nissan Leaf from Japan offers a potential solution. Priced between $10k and $15k, these models have improved battery chemistry, but battery degradation is still a concern. An AZE0 might meet your range needs now, but its reliability could diminish over the next few years.
The 30 kWh battery upgrade: You might find a 2017 AZE0 Leaf with a 30 kWh battery, offering around 170 km of range. However, this option comes with a catch. These models have features and parts not included in Australian-delivered versions, making sourcing parts and finding mechanics willing to work on them more challenging.
The BMW i3, a hidden gem: Bryce's 'pick of the bunch' is the original BMW i3 (60Ah, 2013-2016). These innovative designs retain their range well, but they come at a cost of $17k and above. This price point raises an interesting dilemma...
The modern EV era: For a similar price, you can enter the modern EV era with BEVs from 2018 onwards. These vehicles offer comparable technology, battery performance, and features to many current models and have depreciated significantly, making them excellent value for 8-year-old cars. However, this might not be the best deal for early adopters who paid a premium for these cars, which now face cheaper new competition.
The auction route: Bryce suggests increasing your budget to $18k-$20k to access a range of excellent second-hand 'modern era' BEVs. His top pick is the Hyundai Ioniq with a 28 kWh or 38 kWh battery, offering a reliable range of 200-280 km. These can be found at vehicle auction houses like Manheim's or Pickles, where ex-lease models are available.
Other contenders: The MG ZS EV (2020/21) and the Renault Zoe (2017-2019) are also worth considering. The Zoe, in particular, retains a reliable 280-300 km range and can be found at auctions for even lower prices, despite being less sought-after. However, it's essential to ensure you're buying an Australian or Japanese second-hand market model to avoid compatibility issues.
Battery health checks: When buying at auction, services like Pickles provide vehicle battery state-of-health (SoH) reports, offering valuable insights into the battery's condition. Similarly, private or dealer BEV purchases can include SoH reports as part of pre-purchase inspections to ensure battery longevity.
There you have it, Dr. Rich! The cheapest EVs might not meet your range needs, but with a slightly higher budget, you can access a world of modern, reliable BEVs. And this is the part most people miss: the sweet spot between affordability and performance might just be found in the second-hand market. But here's where it gets controversial – is it worth paying a premium for the latest models, or should we embrace the cost-effectiveness of slightly older EVs? What do you think, readers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
