The idea of purchasing used electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming more appealing, given their rapid depreciation compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Although concerns about battery life and technological obsolescence persist, this depreciation means high-priced EVs are accessible to buyers at a fraction of the original cost. Today, we delve into the options available for those with a budget of $5,000 or less.
While you shouldn't expect extensive range from such budget-friendly EVs, they still offer practicality for those driving less than 40 miles daily. EVs shine in traffic situations because they don't have idling engines, making them suitable for short commutes or errands. Moreover, they are cheaper to operate than gasoline cars.
However, it's important to note that you should only consider an EV if you have a dependable place to charge it overnight. For these vehicles with smaller batteries, a standard 120 V AC level 1 charger is adequate. But do not expect to use the latest fast-charging infrastructure, such as Electrify America's or Tesla's Superchargers.