Hey there, Dr. Bob! I'm thrilled to dive into your question about finding the cheapest electric vehicle (EV) in Australia with a minimum range of 120 km. It's an exciting journey, especially considering the recent article I wrote about the evolving landscape of second-hand EV prices.
To guide your search, I've compiled a comprehensive list of all official and manufacturer-imported second-hand battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Australia. This list, available at aeva.asn/fact-sheets, provides an overview of each model, along with individual fact sheets that highlight known issues and offer tips for assessing potential purchases.
Now, let's talk about EVs that fit your criteria. To be frank, options for cheap EVs with a 120 km driving range are limited. The oldest and most affordable options are the 2011-12 ZE0 Nissan Leaf and the 2010-13 Mitsubishi iMiEV. You can snag these for well under $10k, but it's unlikely they'll have retained that level of range. Unless, of course, the battery has been replaced or upgraded, in which case, expect to pay closer to $17k-$20k.
For instance, my trusty second car, a 2010 Mitsubishi iMiEV with its original battery, manages a reliable 70 km range. Not bad considering its original range was 110 km, but it falls short of your desired 120 km.
Stepping up a notch, you could consider a private import AZE0 2014-2017 Nissan Leaf from Japan, priced between $10-$15k. While Nissan officially stopped importing the ZE0 Leaf in 2013, many have since been brought in by private importers from the Japanese second-hand market. These models feature the later Leaf battery chemistry, reducing the risk of battery degradation, but it's not entirely eliminated. So, while an AZE0 might currently meet your 'reliable 120 km' range specification, it's likely to drop to an 'unreliable 120 km' range in the coming years.
You might also find a later (2017) AZE0 Leaf with a 30 kWh battery, offering a potential range of 170 km, for the top-end price of an AZE0. However, it's important to note that the Japanese market AZE0 Leaf has certain issues, including features and parts that were not included in Australian-delivered models from Nissan Australia. This can make sourcing parts more challenging, and many Nissan dealers won't work on these vehicles. You'd need to find a private BEV-trained mechanic, which can be tricky, especially outside major cities, due to the current shortage of EV-trained mechanics outside the dealer system.
Now, let me introduce you to an early BEV that's my top pick for a solid 120 km range: the original BMW i3 (60Ah version, built between 2013 and 2016). These vehicles have retained their range well and boast a highly innovative design. However, they come with a price tag starting around $17k, which leads us to a crucial decision point.
For that amount, you're stepping into the modern EV era. BEVs from 2018 onwards offer comparable technology, battery performance, and features to many current models, and they've depreciated nicely, considering they're now up to 8 years old. (Although, from an early adopter's perspective, these cars have lost a significant amount of value due to the mass-market rollout of BEVs and the arrival of much cheaper new competition.)
So, my long-winded advice is this: perhaps it's worth avoiding the allure of ultra-cheap EVs, as they might not meet your range requirements. Instead, consider increasing your budget to $18-$20k, where you'll find a range of good second-hand 'modern era' BEVs. (Especially if you're open to buying from major vehicle auction houses like Manheim's or Pickles.)
My top recommendation from this category is the 28 kWh or 38 kWh battery Hyundai Ioniq. These should provide a reliable 200 or 280 km range, well exceeding your 120 km spec. There are plenty of ex-lease Ioniqs available at these auction houses, and you should be able to snag one for around $18k on the right day.
Next in line is the early (2020/1) MG ZS EV, starting around $19k in the general market (less at auction, where a few ex-lease models are also available). It's a solid EV, but for the same money, the Ioniq might offer a better overall package. It's a matter of personal preference; the Ioniq is a sedan with a smaller boot, while the ZS is a higher-riding hatchback/SUV, so it depends on your needs for body style and boot access.
A dark horse option is the 2017-2019 Renault Zoe. While not many made it to Australia, those that did still retain a reliable 280-300 km range. Zoe's sell for around $20k on the general market. (You can find them for even less at auction, as they're not a highly sought-after brand.) My partner has had one since new, and she absolutely adores it!
Another option is the current model ZE1 Leaf. You can pick up an earlier year model at auction for well under $20k. Just ensure it's an Australian or Japanese second-hand market model, as the 40 kWh Japanese version has a slower built-in charger than the Australian-delivered version.
It's also worth noting that Pickles provides vehicle battery state-of-health (SoH) reports for many of the BEVs they auction. These reports offer valuable insights into how much range the battery has retained since new.
Similarly, if considering a private or dealer BEV purchase, don't forget that SoH reports can be included in a pre-purchase inspection report, providing peace of mind regarding battery longevity.
I hope this helps, Bob!
Cheers,
Bryce
P.S. Feel free to reach out with any further questions or for more tailored advice!
Bryce Gaton is an EV expert and contributor for The Driven and Renew Economy. With a decade of experience in the EV sector, he currently works as an EV electrical safety trainer/supervisor at the University of Melbourne and provides EV transition support through his consultancy, EVchoice.
