Used Electric City Cars: A Budget-Friendly Option in Israel?
Tiny electric cars have been appearing on Israeli roads since around 2018, offering a unique, if somewhat limited, driving experience. With new car prices continuing to climb, the question arises: could these compact, used electric vehicles offer a practical and affordable alternative for city dwellers?
The initial wave of these vehicles, approved for sale by the then-Minister of Transport, Israel Katz, were technically quadricycles – essentially four-wheeled motorcycles. These small, often two-passenger vehicles, designed primarily for urban use, offered limited range and a maximum speed of around 80 km/h. Initially, they were met with some skepticism. However, with the cost of new mini cars now exceeding NIS 100,000, these used electric options merit a second look.
These city cars can be found for a fraction of the price of a new vehicle, like a three-year-old city car for less than the cost of an older Seat Ibiza.
Generally speaking, these tiny electric cars fall into two categories: those designed for institutional use and those for the private market. Commercial vehicles, like the Minicar L7E and the LV Tong, are used by local authorities and for urban deliveries, offering impressive payload capacity and surprisingly low maintenance costs.
The vehicles designed for private use are the focus of this article. Over the years, they’ve been sold under various names, including the Lichi, Today Sunshine, BAW Pony, and City Spirit. The common thread is four wheels, an electric motor, and a compact size, often accommodating only two passengers. Annual licensing and insurance costs are relatively low, typically under NIS 1,000.
The range of these vehicles, most of which have been equipped with lithium batteries, typically falls between 100 and 150 km. They can reach a top speed of up to 90-100 km/h in the stronger models. Safety features are basic.
While these cars never made much sense as new purchases – the price difference compared to mini cars like the Picanto wasn’t substantial – the used market is a different story. Prices for models like the Sunshine have dropped significantly. A 2019 Sunshine, with a sale price of NIS 58,000, now has a value of NIS 31,000 according to pricing guides. Even more recent models from 2023 are available for substantially less than their original selling price.
The BAW Pony, also offers compelling options in the used market, with models from 2023 and 2024 available at reduced prices and include the benefit of manufacturer warranties.
This highlights the potential for real savings, especially when considering the lower maintenance, licensing, and insurance costs compared to an older gasoline car. The used electric city cars offer an enticing proposition. However, prospective buyers should be aware of the safety limitations of these vehicles, which is an important consideration.
