Used EVs from $6500! The state of the used electric car market

There’s nothing like surging petrol and diesel prices to generate interest in owning an electric car. Servos are advertising unleaded and diesel at $2 a litre, so now could be a mighty tipping point.

The cheapest brand new EV on sale in Australia is the MG ZS EV, yours for $46,990 drive-away.

For many Aussies this is still too high, so let’s take a look at the used market.

$6500 for a Blade Electron

Does an electric car for just $6500 pique your interest? A 2008 Blade Electron could be yours for this piffling sum, its range of between 60 and 80 kilometres more than enough for many commutes or as an emissions-free city runabout.

This Blade Electron is up for sale in Canberra, with owner Myall listing it on CarSales as “the cheapest EV you’re going to find.” Hard to argue.

It’s based on a 2008 five-door Hyundai Getz and was professionally converted by Blade Electric Vehicles that same year. They retailed for a chunky $47,000 back then.

Let’s just say it’s not rivalling a Porsche Taycan for electric sophistication, but it’s Aussie-built (well, converted) in Castlemaine, VIC; was one of only 54 produced; charges from a domestic 10A plug and has regenerative braking. Oh, and did I mention it’s $6500?

A HPEVS AC34 electric motor – good for just 40kW and 90Nm – has been mated to the Getz’s original four-speed manual gearbox. Battery is a 16kWh lithium-ion phosphate ’56 Thundersky’ effort, which once gave a range of about 100 kilometres.

Myall told EVCentral the battery is now reduced to between 11 and 12kWh, so range is now between 60 and 80 kilometres “depending on speed, route and temperature.”

Myall says he pays no registration in the ACT (although $400 CTP still needs paid) and it comes with all the required engineering documentation. It’s been registered in VIC, NSW and ACT during its lifetime, so is a well accepted and recognised vehicle.

If you’re interested you best be quick. “I’ve got a few offers at my asking price and am just working through rego and transport details so it’ll likely be sold very soon,” Myall told us.

Current used prices

We last reported the state of the used EV market back in June 2020. We all know pre-loved car prices have skyrocketed since then due to a range of factors, but you can still pop your EV cherry for under $20,000.

Here are indicative prices of used EVs based on the current classifieds:

Nissan Leaf – from $14,900

There are a number of first generation Leafs up for grabs under $20k, with the cheapest a 100,000km 2012 model with roadworthy certificate for $14,990. Second-generation ‘ZE1’ Leafs start from around the $37,000 mark.

BMW i3 – from $36,000

A couple of these little carbon fibre funsters on for this price, both 60Ah versions with about 75,000km travelled. They travel about 190km between charges.

Hyundai Ioniq Electric – from $41,500

Hard to believe these are now three years old. Ioniqs have held their value very well as they were $45,000 plus on-roads from launch. Cheapest now is a 40,000km version for just over $40,000.

Hyundai Kona Electric – from $47,000

Entry price is for a 44,000km MY19 Elite, while a well-equipped Launch Edition is up for $49,900.

Tesla Model S – from $59,000

The big dog. A 2016 S 70 offering 420km range is in the classifieds for a tempting $59k, but it’s been well used. There’s over 200k on the clock but the owner says battery health is exceptional. It also has grandfathered free supercharging which transfers to the new owner as a little bonus.

Tesla Model 3 – from $64,000

Unless you really can’t stand waiting lists, you’ll pay pretty much the same for a brand new one. Cheapest up for grabs is a 59,000km 2019 Model 3 Standard Range. There are a fair number with only a few thousand on the clock trying to be moved on for around the $70k mark. Are owners trying to make a quick buck or have they discovered EV life isn’t for them?

Either way, with your sensible hat on it’s best to jump on the Model 3 waiting list and get the benefits of a brand new car.