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“What’s it wish to buy and personal a second hand electrical automotive?” I requested Pat Pheeney at one in every of our current EV proprietor meetups. He’s the proud proprietor of the 9-year-old Nissan LEAF that stood out within the carpark. We met on the Cake & Espresso assembly on the Pelican Waters Powerboat Membership a couple of weeks in the past. He graciously accepted my request to share his story with CleanTechnica readers.
Having paid the going price of AU$15,000 for it in 2023, he thinks it’s most likely solely price round AU$10,000 these days, “if that.” He blames the cheaper Chinese language EVs (with longer vary and extra tech) getting into the Australian market (see our newest stats right here) for the depreciation. Outdated tech depreciates quickly. “The discharge of $35,000 to $40,000+ Chinese language EVs has made the older LEAFs much less helpful I feel.”
A fast Google search tells us {that a} 2016 Mannequin LEAF may be had for about AU$10,000–15,000, so Phil is correct on the cash. In fact, “costs range based mostly on trim degree, situation, mileage, and battery well being. For instance, a fundamental mannequin is likely to be round $10,000, whereas higher-end variations might be nearer to $15,000 or extra. The 30 kWh battery fashions can have points, so checking the battery well being report is essential earlier than shopping for.” Carsales.com lists 63 on the market, so there may be loads of selection.
Anyway, sufficient from me — let’s hear Phil’s story in his personal phrases:
By Pat Pheeney, as advised to David Waterworth
“Why did I select to go electrical? I’d like to say it was environmental issues, nevertheless it was extra fundamental than that. As I’ve aged, I’ve been having hassle engaged on my vehicles, as my arthritis & basic getting old made it tough to do something main. And as a mechanic from the ’60s & ’70s, once I look beneath the bonnet of present vehicles, I don’t recognise a lot. So, I assumed that if I obtained an EV, I wouldn’t even be tempted to fiddle with it. And possibly the truth that I might gas it up for nearly nothing from the home solar energy might need had some bearing on the choice. And it was my probability to play with a brand new (to me) toy!

“I’d had 4WD traybacks [utes] for round 50 years, however after coming to reside on the town, had no want for one. In 3 years, I had solely clocked up 2,000 km, so I assumed I’d promote & get one thing slightly smaller. I had been studying about EVs for a lot of years. In 2021, I had been watching with anticipation the build-up to the discharge of the BYD Atto 3, which was supposedly going to be launched beneath $40,000, which I assumed might be foremost automotive for us to exchange our related sized turbo diesel SUV. The Atto 3 was lastly launched in 2022 at a value of $47,000, which was too costly for us, so, as a result of the one different EV various (in our value vary) was the MG ZS EV, which we dismissed due to the driving vary, we changed our previous SUV with a brand new Chinese language petrol SUV. (And up to now, no regrets).
“In 2023, I used to be scheduled for a coronary heart operation, so I once more began trying to changing the truck with one thing smaller that I didn’t must climb into, so I began taking a look at EVs once more. As my finances solely ran to purchasing a second-hand automotive, it was a toss-up between one other ICE automotive of which there have been lots or a Mitsubishi i-MiEV (scarce) or a Nissan Leaf (not scarce).

“So, because the Leaf was the one automotive in my value vary, I check drove a pair and was fairly amazed on the smoothness & energy. I dismissed two due to both age or battery degradation and bought a 2016 mannequin with a 24-kWh battery nonetheless with 77% battery life (SOH). It had completed 85,000 km. The Leaf reveals the SOH (State of Well being) on the dashboard in a sequence of bars, which could be very helpful. You may get a extra correct studying of the SOH utilizing a reasonable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth OBD dongle & a cellphone app.

“Due to the restricted vary of the automotive (possibly round 120 km), it was at all times going to be a automotive for simply driving across the Sunshine Coast, [north of Brisbane in Queensland]. And it suits the function of procuring trolley and taxi admirably. And, sure, since you actually wish to know, with the again seats and passenger seat down, it’ll match 2.4m lengths of 70mm x 35mm timber wall studs inside. (A Tardis on wheels.)
“Pals have been impressed with the quietness and roominess. I as soon as stopped at an intersection and I used to be requested if it had stalled! A few individuals have mentioned they’re desirous about an EV for his or her subsequent automotive, however I’ve additionally had questions on what occurs to the batteries once they get previous, which I can’t reply, but in addition statements by individuals who have by no means even pushed an EV, ‘Yeah however they catch fireplace simply!’
“I cost at dwelling with a granny charger that simply wants a standard family 10 amp energy level. As a result of it solely has a small battery, it doesn’t take lengthy to place in a 20–30% cost. I solely cost when the solar is shining to make the most of my photo voltaic panels, and until a cloud passes over, it doesn’t use any energy from the grid.

“It has been and continues to be a terrific little automotive for a neighborhood runabout, and has exceeded my expectations. However as a result of I’m beginning to discover it slightly tough to climb up out of the seat at instances, I’ll quickly be wanting round for a second-hand SUV EV within the close to future, and since an SUV has larger seats, it ought to be simpler to slip out and in of. There are a couple of beginning to trickle onto the market now, however they’re nonetheless retaining their value. However no matter it’s, it’ll positively be an EV, as a result of I can’t see myself going again to an ICE car.”
I requested in regards to the execs and cons.
“Execs: Can cost at dwelling for little value; goes like a rocket (not the explosive sort); fairly roomy; clean & quiet; and, brings a smile to my face.
“Cons: Restricted driving vary; and … no, that’s about it!”
Thanks for sharing, Phil. I’d counsel you share along with your sceptical pals the EV fireplace information at EV firesafe and the various tales in regards to the reuse of EV batteries. Right here’s one instance from an enterprising engineer in Brisbane.
With one in six new vehicles being offered in Australia having a plug, and the pending firm and authorities vehicles coming off lease, there may be positive to be a wider number of second-hand EVs accessible for value-conscious patrons like Phil in our brilliant and electrical future.
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