When it comes to snagging an electric vehicle (EV) for under $5,000, you'll likely have to settle on a runabout rather than a road-tripping companion. At this price point, you can expect the range to be limited - we're talking 50 miles or so.
The good news is that EVs are great at sitting in traffic because they don't have an engine to idle, making them perfect for short commutes or running errands around town. Plus, they're cheaper to run than a gas-powered car.
However, it's essential to note that these affordable options aren't exactly designed for long-distance driving. You won't be able to take advantage of the latest fast-charging infrastructure, which is a significant consideration if you plan on traveling far from home.
If you do find yourself in the market for an EV under $5,000, there are some decent options out there. The first-generation Nissan Leaf is probably your best bet, but be aware that its battery degradation will be more significant than most other modern EVs. You can snag a used Leaf for less than $2,000, and it's often economical to strip the car for spares - particularly the battery packs.
Other contenders in this price range include the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (a compact city car with a 16 kWh battery pack), the Chevrolet Spark EV or Fiat 500e (compliance cars that are essentially stripped-down versions of more popular EVs), and even some Volkswagen e-Golfs or electric Ford Focuses.
Just keep in mind that buying an EV far from home, especially at this price point, will likely require more frequent charging stops than you'd like. And if you're not already familiar with the car's systems, diagnosing issues can be a real headache - so choose something popular and well-supported, and don't hesitate to reach out to online forums for help.
Overall, while an EV under $5,000 won't be a road-tripping companion, it's still a great option for running errands or commuting short distances. Just be aware of the limitations and do your research before making a purchase.
The good news is that EVs are great at sitting in traffic because they don't have an engine to idle, making them perfect for short commutes or running errands around town. Plus, they're cheaper to run than a gas-powered car.
However, it's essential to note that these affordable options aren't exactly designed for long-distance driving. You won't be able to take advantage of the latest fast-charging infrastructure, which is a significant consideration if you plan on traveling far from home.
If you do find yourself in the market for an EV under $5,000, there are some decent options out there. The first-generation Nissan Leaf is probably your best bet, but be aware that its battery degradation will be more significant than most other modern EVs. You can snag a used Leaf for less than $2,000, and it's often economical to strip the car for spares - particularly the battery packs.
Other contenders in this price range include the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (a compact city car with a 16 kWh battery pack), the Chevrolet Spark EV or Fiat 500e (compliance cars that are essentially stripped-down versions of more popular EVs), and even some Volkswagen e-Golfs or electric Ford Focuses.
Just keep in mind that buying an EV far from home, especially at this price point, will likely require more frequent charging stops than you'd like. And if you're not already familiar with the car's systems, diagnosing issues can be a real headache - so choose something popular and well-supported, and don't hesitate to reach out to online forums for help.
Overall, while an EV under $5,000 won't be a road-tripping companion, it's still a great option for running errands or commuting short distances. Just be aware of the limitations and do your research before making a purchase.
. Now we've got some solid options popping up under $5k, like that first-gen Nissan Leaf.
but for short commutes or running errands, they're actually pretty great because they don't use fuel and all that. Plus, cheaper to run = win in my book 
these cars just ain't made for it. No fast charging, no way to make it far without stopping every 5 miles... that's so frustrating 
and used ones can be super cheap, but like, you gotta strip them down to get parts and all 
]
! I mean, we all know EVs are gonna save our planet, but they're still not as mainstream as gas cars yet... still, 50 miles range is super reasonable for short commutes or running errands around town 
. Plus, who doesn't love saving cash on gas prices? 
Anyway, I'm loving the idea of stripping old Leafs for spares and making them more affordable 
. Anyone else stoked about affordable electric options? 
. I mean, 50 miles max range? That's not gonna cut it if you wanna hit the open road 
, an EV is actually a pretty sweet deal. No engine to idle means you can just chill in there and go, which is awesome for short commutes. But let's be real, these tiny cars aren't exactly built for road trips 
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I mean, sure, they might not have the range you'd expect from a brand new car, but hey, who's gonna be using those for road trips? It's about getting around town and saving on fuel costs, right? Plus, with fast-charging infrastructure getting more common by the year, it's only a matter of time before we see some serious upgrades. The Nissan Leaf might have some battery degradation issues, but that's just part of its character 
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u can get some decent milage out of it, but dont expect to be off griding anytime soon - idk how ppl expect 2 drive from ny 2 la in 1 day lol. but for short trips and errands its perfect 
. I guess it's all about knowing what to expect and doing your research before buying... just don't be surprised when the battery starts to degrade after a while 
.
I think its awesome that affordable electric vehicles are finally hitting the market! I had an experience with an old Nissan Leaf once, and it was so cool to see how far you could get on a single charge 
. And yeah, idling is a thing of the past with EVs! 
But if you're planning on using it long-term, make sure to research the car and charging infrastructure beforehand 
. You're basically sacrificing range for the sake of saving cash, which is just gonna stress you out in the long run. Like, 50 miles or less? That's not even a full tank of gas anymore! And don't even get me started on charging stops - it's just too much hassle. But I guess if you're only using your car for short commutes, an EV under $5k might be doable... as long as you're okay with the battery degradation and DIY repairs