Fuel panic? Check out 6 used EVs under US$30k that are worth the investment

With rising gasoline prices, check out six used EVs under US$30k that promise to reduce driving costs in New Zealand.

The gasoline price scenario is unstable. At the time of writing, the effects of the war in Iran caused the price of 91 octane fuel to rise 37% in one month, reaching an average of $3.30 per liter (source: Gaspy, Sunday, March 22). The government warns that things might get worse before they get better.

It is tempting to replace a combustion car with a used EV. Sellers and auction sites report growing interest in zero-emission cars, and no wonder: a typical EV can cost between 10 and 15 to recharge at home overnight.

And if there is a fuel interruption, only an EV can keep you moving.

Before buying, do a quick check: if you were already planning this change, it is better to do it now, as demand is likely to increase as the fuel crisis worsens, which tends to push used car prices up.

If the scenario is one of panic, it is worth running the numbers. An average gasoline car consuming 8 liters per 100 km and 15,000 km/year cost about $3,000 in fuel in February; with the new scenario, it is around $3,900. This represents a relevant increase, although it is less than $20 per week today. If fuel prices rise another 30% or more, the extra cost could reach $1,800 per year, or about $40 per week.

But perhaps the initial cost of switching to an EV is high. When trading in a combustion car, you might end up losing money on the deal, especially if it is a relatively fuel-thirsty model.

To make the choice practical, you often need a home charging station (wallbox), especially when buying a used one with lower range. The investment is between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on how you want to handle the installation. In summary: it is a long-term game, and it may take time to recoup the initial capital. If you are persistent, you get ahead and are less exposed to future fuel prices. Data from Kiwi manufacturer Evnex suggest that EV owners save almost $35,000 in fuel costs over the average lifespan of a vehicle (14.8 years for NZ).

Still want to proceed? Then check out six used EV options that are worth the money, with a budget of $30,000 — and there are also several options under $20,000 for those who want to test the waters.

Six Used EVs that Fit Under US$30k

• Nissan Leaf: The Leaf is always part of the conversation, especially the second generation. What we found for $30k: 2022 Leaf e+ with 62 kWh battery, 38,300 km, for $29,950.
• MG ZS: Initial success in NZ, with the 2023 Essence version, 38,300 km, for $25,000.
• Hyundai Kona: 2021 Kona Electric with 64 kWh battery, 67,000 km, for $29,980.
• BYD Dolphin: Good used option; 2024, only 4,000 km, for $29,990.
• Kia Niro: Available in the old EV version; 2022 EX455 (455 km range), 77,000 km, for $29,950.
• BMW i3: The rare modern classic; 2021 full-electric with 120 Ah battery, 87,990 km, for $26,680.

Note: The list above includes options that fit the $30k budget and highlights choices with a good cost-benefit ratio, considering safe usage, warranty, and parts availability in the used market.

Which model would you consider? Share in the comments below: would you bet on a Leaf, a Kona, or perhaps the BMW i3 to escape the fuel crunch?