'I bought cheapest EV in UK for £2.5k to prove you needn't spend a fortune'
A motor enthusiast has proven you don't need to break the bank to switch over to an electric vehicle (EV) - but is it worth the risk?
While many Brits are tempted by zero-emission vehicles, their price point remains a huge barrier. Research from Nimble Fins found the average price of an EV in the UK is around £46,000 - with costs widely ranging from £14,995 to a whopping £333,000.
Buying second-hand can of course help slash the cost, but comes with its own set of potential issues. So, following his travels around Asia, influencer Alex — who goes by the handle alexcarsmedia —bought a 2015 Nissan Leaf Acenta+ with only 61,000 miles on the clock to find out whether you actually need to spend a small fortune.
This is well below the average mileage for a 10-year-old vehicle, suggesting less wear and tear, as well as, potentially, a longer remaining lifespan. The car has no record of accidents or major issues either, a crucial factor in any used vehicle purchase.
Regular maintenance has been documented — it has had five or six services in its lifetime. This is particularly important for used EVs, as a well-maintained battery and electrical system can significantly extend the car's usability.
The car retains 11 out of 12 battery bars, indicating minimal battery degradation. For older EVs, battery health is a major concern, with Alex describing it as 'the most important thing when you look for a used electric car'. But most of all for Alex, he really likes its 'cool blue wheels'.
However, the car is not without its drawbacks. There are numerous small dents on the roof and a pretty significant one on the bonnet. While these do not affect drivability, they could impact resale value and aesthetics.
There's also rust on the suspension, which can be a concern for the longevity of its components. The brakes and tyres are worn and will need replacing soon, an added expense for the new owner. Also, the car wasn't clean when purchased — while superficial, this can be off-putting and could possibly be an indicator of neglect in other, more important areas.
Alex goes on to reveal that the price of the car was only £2,400. The other associated expenditures are detailed in the captions — the insurance costs £450 and the road tax just £20. So his total outlay came to just £2,870. This total is remarkably low for an EV, especially considering the car's good battery condition.
In a further video titled 'What it's Like Driving a Budget Electric Car After 30 Days' on YouTube, Alex describes his thoughts after a month with his new EV. He says: "The overall experience has been good with my electric car. It did take a bit of getting used to, but there are plenty of apps out there to find public charging spaces… I'm also prepared to plan a bit more ahead now with my journey to know exactly which charger I'll be using."
Alex's experience underscores the viability of buying a cheap used EV for those willing to accept some cosmetic imperfections and minor maintenance needs. However, prospective buyers should budget for immediate repairs and be realistic about range limitations, ensuring the car fits their daily driving needs.
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