Buying a 2012 Nissan Leaf: MoveEV Co-Founder Kate Harrison's Journey to an Insanely Affordable Electric Vehicle

We often talk about electric vehicles (EVs) trends in a general way, but actually finding and buying the right electric vehicle for your family is an extremely personal decision. When looking at EVs, all of the regular vehicle considerations you might think about still apply (aesthetics, price, safety rating, features, etc.) with an added layer of electric vehicle-specific considerations (range, charging setup, tax incentives, etc.). As an EV enthusiast and co-founder of an EV-related company, I really wanted to “walk-the walk” (or “drive-the-drive”?) as a family. My husband bought a used Tesla in 2021, which he absolutely loves, but I was still driving our family’s Chrysler Town & Country.

I used to love the Town & Country, and part of me still does. It is BIG, and I live in a rural area with kids and a dog. When we travel, we never pack light - we know we can get four suitcases or more easily in the back and still have tons of room for snack bags and entertainment backpacks. We have folded the seats into the floor more than once to move furniture for ourselves or friends. It really is a wonder. But a funny thing happened when my husband got the Tesla. I started feeling like every time I drove the van, I was burning a hole directly into the earth behind me. It sounds dramatic - but that was really the feeling I had, and it was worse when I was alone in the car or just had one or two kids with me, which was most of the time.

So, earlier this year, I began searching for an inexpensive EV that I could use for daily driving with the thought that I would also keep the van for a year and see how often I really needed it. A low-risk experiment. I scoured the internet for a good deal and came upon an adorable 2012 blue Nissan Leaf, with these cute buggy eyes, listed for less than $8,000.

I thought the car was perfect. I liked that I was buying the first mass-market affordable EV model made this century. When it came out, it had a range of approximately 73 miles. Eleven years later, that range was down to 44, but it was just the right fit for my daily needs. With the ease of charging it overnight using a trickle charger and the upcoming tax credit saving that would cut my final investment down to about $5,600, plus the $3,000 I expected to save annually on gas and repairs, it was clear this investment would quickly pay for itself.

I’m pleased to report that I love the “scuttle bug.” I added a few beachy, hippy touches to make it clear it was a playful car for just shuttling things around. It’s not fast and sexy like the Tesla. It’s just cute and highly functional - and every time I get in it, I smile.

There's a profound joy in driving the Leaf. It's not just fun, but the eco-friendly aspect brings a sense of pride with every ride. What I discovered is that for 95% of my days, I can use this car. In fact, the van sat untouched for so long in our driveway, the battery died! I have not resold it yet because I think my parents may want it, but I am now confident that I don’t need it. Bikes can go on the back of scuttle. For the longer journeys, our Tesla or a rented vehicle does the trick, and because I have so much extra cash, those splurges are no problem at all.

I am not suggesting that a car that drives 44 miles is right for everyone, but when I hear about range anxiety for shoppers looking at cars that go 250 miles, I do raise an eyebrow. I encourage anyone thinking about an EV to try one out - and to clock your real mileage for a few months. You will likely be surprised at how little you really need in terms of space and range, and that opens up so many EV options that are better for the planet and will save your family a ton of money.