£17,500 EV for commuting
Discussion
I've been back and forth on this a bit and could do with some direction and help from the lovely PH community as EVs are completely new to me.
Background: I've worked from home for 10 years and will soon be starting a new job that requires a commute. My current daily kid lugging car is a C63 estate (W204) which probably has a value of £20k-£25k and only does 4,000 miles a year if that.
In my new job I'll be doing about 100 miles a day (3-4 days a week) commute, so my initial thinking was to sell the C63 for c£22,500 ish (as the mpg just wont work) and put another £17,500 into the pot and get an EV for £40k. However I've started having a look and I'm surprised at how much EV car £17,500 will get you. Given the big depreciation on EVs, I'm now thinking of sticking the C63 in my garage as it won't depreciate and keep it for fun times, and get a perfectly adequate EV for £17,500, rather than the full £40k.
So here's the ask. If you had £17,500 to spend on an EV for commuting duties, what would you get? I'll still want it for family duties in and among so cant be a small car (and i just dont want a small car).
Must haves are:
1). Preheat (don't want to get up at 6am and scrape the ice, must be ready to go when i want it...is this just all EVs?)
2). Good sized car (no Corsa etc)
3). Comfy for mile munching
4). Android Auto (music/podcasts for commute)
5). 200+ mile range (at least in summer as im lazy and would rather charge ever 2nd day than every day)
Nice to haves:
1). Adaptive cruise (+ lane departure etc)
2). Heated steering wheel, heated seats, vented seats
3). Looks good, but if I'm keeping the C63, this is less of an issue.
As I say, im surprised I can get Polestar 2, Tesla 3, Jag iPace, Merc EQA (too small?), XC40, ID.4....probably lots more I haven't thought of.
Where would your money go and why? Link to specific cars would be appreciated, along with details about why you'd choose that.
Many thanks in advance.
Background: I've worked from home for 10 years and will soon be starting a new job that requires a commute. My current daily kid lugging car is a C63 estate (W204) which probably has a value of £20k-£25k and only does 4,000 miles a year if that.
In my new job I'll be doing about 100 miles a day (3-4 days a week) commute, so my initial thinking was to sell the C63 for c£22,500 ish (as the mpg just wont work) and put another £17,500 into the pot and get an EV for £40k. However I've started having a look and I'm surprised at how much EV car £17,500 will get you. Given the big depreciation on EVs, I'm now thinking of sticking the C63 in my garage as it won't depreciate and keep it for fun times, and get a perfectly adequate EV for £17,500, rather than the full £40k.
So here's the ask. If you had £17,500 to spend on an EV for commuting duties, what would you get? I'll still want it for family duties in and among so cant be a small car (and i just dont want a small car).
Must haves are:
1). Preheat (don't want to get up at 6am and scrape the ice, must be ready to go when i want it...is this just all EVs?)
2). Good sized car (no Corsa etc)
3). Comfy for mile munching
4). Android Auto (music/podcasts for commute)
5). 200+ mile range (at least in summer as im lazy and would rather charge ever 2nd day than every day)
Nice to haves:
1). Adaptive cruise (+ lane departure etc)
2). Heated steering wheel, heated seats, vented seats
3). Looks good, but if I'm keeping the C63, this is less of an issue.
As I say, im surprised I can get Polestar 2, Tesla 3, Jag iPace, Merc EQA (too small?), XC40, ID.4....probably lots more I haven't thought of.
Where would your money go and why? Link to specific cars would be appreciated, along with details about why you'd choose that.
Many thanks in advance.
On pre-heat, there are two arrangements, scheduled pre-heating (be warmed up ready to go at 07:00 every morning) and on-demand via an app on your phone. Any £17k EV will support both, however the latter depends on a reliable connection from your phone, to the company's servers, to your car; some brands are better than others in this regard. (Stellantis is a bit hit-and-miss, for instance).
I have a '21 plate Polestar 2 LRDM. It hits all of your points, as long as you get one with the Plus and Pilot packs, which were on all the first-year cars, optional extras after that. The ride is a bit firm but the seats are really comfy so it doesn't bother me. Very happy with it. Winter motorway range (steady 70mph, zero degrees) is only about 190 miles, but enough for my use. Google nav is good at finding working chargers en route for longer trips.
Something like this https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512208... has the Plus and Pilot packs and a reasonable mileage.
This is higher mileage but has 2 years warranty as approved used
https://www.polestar.com/uk/preowned-cars/product/...
I had an S203 C55 wagon previously, tbh I wouldn't go back for my daily driver.
The Model 3 is perhaps the obvious pick if you don't need a hatchback, although not to everyone's taste. I-Pace has a bit of a rep for poor reliability, and is quite wide, but apparently drives the best. As you say there are plenty of good options around.
I have a '21 plate Polestar 2 LRDM. It hits all of your points, as long as you get one with the Plus and Pilot packs, which were on all the first-year cars, optional extras after that. The ride is a bit firm but the seats are really comfy so it doesn't bother me. Very happy with it. Winter motorway range (steady 70mph, zero degrees) is only about 190 miles, but enough for my use. Google nav is good at finding working chargers en route for longer trips.
Something like this https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512208... has the Plus and Pilot packs and a reasonable mileage.
This is higher mileage but has 2 years warranty as approved used
https://www.polestar.com/uk/preowned-cars/product/...
I had an S203 C55 wagon previously, tbh I wouldn't go back for my daily driver.
The Model 3 is perhaps the obvious pick if you don't need a hatchback, although not to everyone's taste. I-Pace has a bit of a rep for poor reliability, and is quite wide, but apparently drives the best. As you say there are plenty of good options around.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025101070...
Best part of 2 years manufacturers warranty left, 200+ miles all year round, super practical.
SWoll said:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025101070...
Best part of 2 years manufacturers warranty left, 200+ miles all year round, super practical.
itz_baseline said:
As I say, im surprised I can get Polestar 2, Tesla 3, Jag iPace, Merc EQA (too small?), XC40, ID.4....
Might be OK for you if you keep the C63 as backup but all of those, apart from the Tesla, can have horrible technical issues. Tesla doesn't natively support Android auto. Ride is poor.People rave about iPace - a mate has one and it's been fine. But if they go wrong the dealers are terrible. Insurance was oddly expensive - he's in his 40's and ended up with a black box!
For a similar use case to you, and needing a medium size SUV type EV for our daughter, I wanted something that would just work without me thinking about it for 5yrs/100K so got a Hyundai Kona Ultimate. Bought it new through a broker but used Gen 2 models should be around £20K now. I recognise that choice would be unacceptable to those who need to have an Audi/BMW/Mercedes badge though.
Sheepshanks said:
itz_baseline said:
As I say, im surprised I can get Polestar 2, Tesla 3, Jag iPace, Merc EQA (too small?), XC40, ID.4....
Might be OK for you if you keep the C63 as backup but all of those, apart from the Tesla, can have horrible technical issues. Tesla doesn't natively support Android auto. Ride is poor.People rave about iPace - a mate has one and it's been fine. But if they go wrong the dealers are terrible. Insurance was oddly expensive - he's in his 40's and ended up with a black box!
For a similar use case to you, and needing a medium size SUV type EV for our daughter, I wanted something that would just work without me thinking about it for 5yrs/100K so got a Hyundai Kona Ultimate. Bought it new through a broker but used Gen 2 models should be around £20K now. I recognise that choice would be unacceptable to those who need to have an Audi/BMW/Mercedes badge though.
https://buy.jaguar.co.uk/approved-used/vehicle/-i-...
2 year warranty, checks all your boxes.
I moved from C63 estate to a similar (HSE spec) and wasn't disappointed.
2 year warranty, checks all your boxes.
I moved from C63 estate to a similar (HSE spec) and wasn't disappointed.
I'd say a Tesla 3 LR, built after March 2021.
They don't support Android Auto but you won't need it as it has excellent satnav, support for podcasts, spotify etc
This one is a bit over your budget, but is under 4 years old and < 50,000 miles so will have some warranty left. Note battery/motor warranty is 8 years/120K miles.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512138...
They don't support Android Auto but you won't need it as it has excellent satnav, support for podcasts, spotify etc
This one is a bit over your budget, but is under 4 years old and < 50,000 miles so will have some warranty left. Note battery/motor warranty is 8 years/120K miles.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512138...
Edited by gmaz on Sunday 4th January 14:52
Similar circumstances, similar budget but I wanted something that feels premium inside so went with an Audi e tron. I don’t drive it with any consideration to range and even in the worst winter conditions it’s returned 100miles no issue. It is a soulless box but I balance with with a couple of interesting cars instead.
I'd go for an Ioniq 5. We loved ours - sadly only had it for 7 months but I'd get another if it suited my requirements!
e.g. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512128...
e.g. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512128...
Edited by rfn on Sunday 4th January 16:39
If we're voting then a Model 3.
Am strongly negative re Elon, but it's hard to get away from the efficiency and `reasonable mass' of the Model 3. Access to the Superchargers, the numerous vehicles on the used market from which to choose, the few well known issues (very little aside from bushes), the aftermarket, etc. I am not a fan of basing a car buying decision on aesthetic and for something as fundamental as every day commuter transport, it's function over form every time. If you're thinking of an aspirational car to tour the Alps or you feel it important to have something `appropriate' on the drive, then it's a bit different.
Am strongly negative re Elon, but it's hard to get away from the efficiency and `reasonable mass' of the Model 3. Access to the Superchargers, the numerous vehicles on the used market from which to choose, the few well known issues (very little aside from bushes), the aftermarket, etc. I am not a fan of basing a car buying decision on aesthetic and for something as fundamental as every day commuter transport, it's function over form every time. If you're thinking of an aspirational car to tour the Alps or you feel it important to have something `appropriate' on the drive, then it's a bit different.
ShortBeardy said:
If we're voting then a Model 3.
Am strongly negative re Elon, but it's hard to get away from the efficiency and `reasonable mass' of the Model 3. Access to the Superchargers, the numerous vehicles on the used market from which to choose, the few well known issues (very little aside from bushes), the aftermarket, etc. I am not a fan of basing a car buying decision on aesthetic and for something as fundamental as every day commuter transport, it's function over form every time. If you're thinking of an aspirational car to tour the Alps or you feel it important to have something `appropriate' on the drive, then it's a bit different.
Had one for 2 years and never understand why they always get suggested in every EV thread regardless of requirements. Not very comfortable or refined, no android auto.Am strongly negative re Elon, but it's hard to get away from the efficiency and `reasonable mass' of the Model 3. Access to the Superchargers, the numerous vehicles on the used market from which to choose, the few well known issues (very little aside from bushes), the aftermarket, etc. I am not a fan of basing a car buying decision on aesthetic and for something as fundamental as every day commuter transport, it's function over form every time. If you're thinking of an aspirational car to tour the Alps or you feel it important to have something `appropriate' on the drive, then it's a bit different.
Unless you're doing a lot of daily miles the efficiency means little and the supercharging network is irrelevant.
SWoll said:
Had one for 2 years and never understand why they always get suggested in every EV thread regardless of requirements. Not very comfortable or refined, no android auto.
Unless you're doing a lot of daily miles the efficiency means little and the supercharging network is irrelevant.
I've had one for 3 and can understand why it is. I find it perfectly comfortable, refined and don't miss android auto. Particularly for the price of a second hand one. Unless you're doing a lot of daily miles the efficiency means little and the supercharging network is irrelevant.
But all of that's subjective, so certainly worth test driving before committing, Tesla are pretty accommodating with that.
Europa Jon said:
SWoll said:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025101070...
Best part of 2 years manufacturers warranty left, 200+ miles all year round, super practical.
I ve had a few EV s now, commuting around 60 miles a day for work / 20,000 miles a year. My experience of cars pre EV was quite vanilla, consisting of Astra s, Fiesta s etc so you may want to take any of my views of drive ability with a pinch of salt.
21 Hyundai Kona Ultimate
Good car to drive, got up to speed quick enough and surprisingly nimble in corners.
Very good efficiency and still probably the only EV I ve had that gives a reliable range indicator.
Supports wired Android Auto but found the rest of the Hyundai infotainment system abit rubbish.
Reasonable spec for the money
Really limited storage in the boot due to the battery. One of the main reason I got rid as packing a car for 2 with a dog became challenging.
21 Tesla M3 LR
Straight line speed was impressive.
So easy for commuting with the adaptive cruise control as standard.
Great level of tech.
So much space!
Bit of a boring place to sit.
Ride a bit bumpy.
Supercharger network is honestly so good. It s ok saying you don t use it that often (which is true), but now when I m on holiday in the arse end of nowhere trying to connect to an EV charger that doesn t want to play ball I really do miss the simplicity (and speed!) of the superchargers.
21 Peugeot e2008
Just don t.
Drives terribly, no poke, software is rubbish, can t get above 150 miles in the winter whilst having the heating on (which was also rubbish). This was my partners car, until I upgraded mine and she inherited the Tesla. Her justification for buying it was it looks like a Range Rover , so unless that s your thing don t bother.
BMW i4 40 M Sport
The best driving EV I ve had. Quick enough, responsive steering, good suspension.
Feels much more premium than the cars above.
Reasonable range but nowhere near advertised (circa 280-300 realistically which is plenty for me)
Great infotainment
They have BMW EV card you can get that combines all of the annoying EV chargers RFID cards into one place and is probably the closest thing to a supercharger network I ve encountered.
Lots of technology that s standard in the cars above is hidden behind paywalls / options. Notable omissions for me are electric seats, heated steering wheel, mirror sensors and adaptive cruise control.
Overall, I m happy with the current 2 car garage we have ended up with. There are days I just want to get from A to B and I don t think there s a better car to do that with than the Tesla (EV wise). If I want something that’s a bit nicer to drive the BMW is the one.
Hope my ramblings help - good luck!
You feel so much more in control. This is both good and bad. On days I just want to simply get from
21 Hyundai Kona Ultimate
Good car to drive, got up to speed quick enough and surprisingly nimble in corners.
Very good efficiency and still probably the only EV I ve had that gives a reliable range indicator.
Supports wired Android Auto but found the rest of the Hyundai infotainment system abit rubbish.
Reasonable spec for the money
Really limited storage in the boot due to the battery. One of the main reason I got rid as packing a car for 2 with a dog became challenging.
21 Tesla M3 LR
Straight line speed was impressive.
So easy for commuting with the adaptive cruise control as standard.
Great level of tech.
So much space!
Bit of a boring place to sit.
Ride a bit bumpy.
Supercharger network is honestly so good. It s ok saying you don t use it that often (which is true), but now when I m on holiday in the arse end of nowhere trying to connect to an EV charger that doesn t want to play ball I really do miss the simplicity (and speed!) of the superchargers.
21 Peugeot e2008
Just don t.
Drives terribly, no poke, software is rubbish, can t get above 150 miles in the winter whilst having the heating on (which was also rubbish). This was my partners car, until I upgraded mine and she inherited the Tesla. Her justification for buying it was it looks like a Range Rover , so unless that s your thing don t bother.
BMW i4 40 M Sport
The best driving EV I ve had. Quick enough, responsive steering, good suspension.
Feels much more premium than the cars above.
Reasonable range but nowhere near advertised (circa 280-300 realistically which is plenty for me)
Great infotainment
They have BMW EV card you can get that combines all of the annoying EV chargers RFID cards into one place and is probably the closest thing to a supercharger network I ve encountered.
Lots of technology that s standard in the cars above is hidden behind paywalls / options. Notable omissions for me are electric seats, heated steering wheel, mirror sensors and adaptive cruise control.
Overall, I m happy with the current 2 car garage we have ended up with. There are days I just want to get from A to B and I don t think there s a better car to do that with than the Tesla (EV wise). If I want something that’s a bit nicer to drive the BMW is the one.
Hope my ramblings help - good luck!
You feel so much more in control. This is both good and bad. On days I just want to simply get from
Edited by Dsdans on Sunday 4th January 18:46
I think the early Model threes are a different proposition to newer revisions, so both opinions may be well founded. Highland suspension just bolts up to the older models, so can be readily updated to address crashiness of earlier models.
Yes, I agree IF you can be absolutely certain you will only ever use it as a vehicle tethered to a local radius, the supercharging network is irrelevant but IMO the value proposition for such a car is very. However, with a model 3 you could go much further afield without any cause for concern about charging and without any of the hysterics and angst that seems to accompany EVs. An extreme analogy: would I buy a car with a 5 gallon fuel tank that burns methanol that (for some reason), I have at home? At a pinch I can buy it out and about but it's a pita... To me, the value of a radius limited grocery getter is minimal.
Yes, I agree IF you can be absolutely certain you will only ever use it as a vehicle tethered to a local radius, the supercharging network is irrelevant but IMO the value proposition for such a car is very. However, with a model 3 you could go much further afield without any cause for concern about charging and without any of the hysterics and angst that seems to accompany EVs. An extreme analogy: would I buy a car with a 5 gallon fuel tank that burns methanol that (for some reason), I have at home? At a pinch I can buy it out and about but it's a pita... To me, the value of a radius limited grocery getter is minimal.
df76 said:
Would struggle to look past the Hyundai. But our Cupra Born V2 has been great over the last couple of years and should tick your boxes.
Every time I see an Ioniq mentioned I can't see past the ICCU issues, especially out of warranty. https://www.reddit.com/r/electricvehicles/comments...
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