Fuel crisis drives impulse buying: six EVs under $30k in New Zealand

With gasoline prices soaring, check out six used EVs up to $30k in NZ and find out if the switch pays off over time.

With fuel costs rising following international tensions, many are already considering migrating to electric vehicles (EVs), especially used options that promise cheaper home charging. At the time of writing, the fuel hike has increased the average price of 91 octane gasoline by 37% in the last month, to about $3.30 per litre. The government warns that the situation could worsen before it gets better.

It is natural to be tempted to trade in a combustion car for a used EV, especially when demand surges among sellers and auction sites. The logic is simple: home charging usually costs much less than filling a tank. And, in case of fuel disruption, only an EV can keep you moving.

If you were already thinking about this change, it is worth doing the math before acting in panic mode. Suppose a common gasoline car achieves about 8 litres per 100 km and travels 15,000 km per year. With February's price, fuel cost around $3,000 annually; with the current rise, it is around $3,900. Even so, this represents less than $20 per week, but a 30%+ increase in fuel could mean about $1,800 more per year, or approximately $40 per week.

Furthermore, switching to an EV involves upfront costs, such as the potential need for a wall charger at home, the installation of which ranges between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on how you intend to install it and the state of the electrical grid.

It is a long-term game: the return on investment might take time, but in the long run, you become less exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices. Data released by Kiwi manufacturer Evnex suggests that EV owners save almost $35,000 on fuel over the average lifespan of a vehicle in NZ (approximately 14.8 years).

Which used EVs are worth the money?

Here we have gathered six used EVs that usually deliver good value for money within a $30,000 budget. After all, it is possible to find solid options below $20,000 for those who want to enter the electric universe with less financial leap.

• Nissan Leaf: For those looking for the EV benchmark, the 2022 Leaf e+ option with a 62 kWh battery, 38,300 km, appears around $29,950.
• MG ZS: The 2023 Essence version, with 38,300 km, is found for about $25,000.
• Hyundai Kona: Kona Electric 2021 (facelift) with a 64 kWh battery, 67,000 km, for approximately $29,980.
• BYD Dolphin: For those who prefer a more compact option, a 2024 Dolphin with only 4,000 km is listed for about $29,990.
• Kia Niro: Niro EV 2022 with 77,000 km, in the $29,950 range.
• BMW i3: The 2021 full-electric i3 with a 120 Ah battery, 87,990 km, for $26,680.

Note: The list above presents used options within the $30,000 budget, maintaining a focus on robustness, parts availability, and residual warranty. Actual pricing and mileage may vary depending on local stock.

If the idea of migrating to an EV is still in your plans, tell us in the comments: would you consider buying a used EV now to escape fuel price volatility? What factors weigh most heavily in your decision: initial cost, range, or home charging infrastructure?