The Best New and Used EVs for Younger Drivers

The Best New and Used EVs for Younger Drivers

Are you looking for the right starter EV for a young driver? Whether you’re buying a car for your kid or they’re saving up for one on their own. Most people consider cost and affordability to be the top factors.

Electric vehicles are becoming a compelling choice for a first car due to their fuel efficiency and low operation cost. Electric vehicles are also a perfect choice for young drivers who want to lessen their impact on the planet while enjoying the freedom of the open road.  

However, with plenty of options on the market, choosing the right EV for a young driver can feel overwhelming. This article explores the factors to consider when choosing a starter EV, the top contenders on the market, and other options such as leasing and used electric vehicles.

How To Choose the Perfect Starter EV for Younger Drivers

Several factors come into play when selecting the ideal starter EV for a young driver. Here are the key considerations:

Budget: Cost is often a primary concern. Whether you’re purchasing the car or your teen is saving up, consider both the upfront cost of the car and ongoing expenses. Thankfully, the used EV market in Canada offers budget-friendly options.

Driving Range: Consider how far your teen typically travels. Do they need a long-range car for highway commutes, or is a shorter-range model sufficient for local errands and school runs? EVs require charging, so an EV with a good range is essential, especially for teens still learning responsible driving habits. 

Needs and Preferences: Think about your teen’s lifestyle. Do they need a spacious car for sports equipment, or is a compact commuter car more suitable? Features like spacious interiors, user-friendly infotainment systems, and readily available charging infrastructure can make a big difference in everyday driving.

Safety: Equip your teen with the best possible protection. Look for a starter EV with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning.

To put it simply, just like any car purchase, choosing an EV for a teenager boils down to their needs, lifestyle, and driving habits.

EVs for Younger Drivers

Are Electric Vehicles Right for Your Teen Driver?

Electric vehicles can be a great choice for many young drivers, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Here are some additional considerations to help you decide:

Charging Infrastructure: Access to charging stations is crucial.  If you live in an area with limited charging stations, an EV may not be the best solution for your teen’s daily driving needs.

Driving Habits: Consider your teen’s maturity level and driving experience. If they’re prone to forgetting to charge the car or taking long road trips frequently, a gas-powered car might be a better fit for now.

Safety Features: Look for EVs with advanced safety technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features can provide an extra layer of protection for young drivers.

Teenager’s Interest: Involve your teen in the car selection process. If they are enthusiastic about driving an electric vehicle and understand the responsibility of charging and maintaining it, they are more likely to take good care of it.

Benefits of EVs for Younger Drivers

There are many advantages to teens getting behind the wheel of an electric car:

Lower Fuel Costs: Charging an EV is significantly cheaper than filling up a gas tank, especially when charging at home. Furthermore, electricity rates tend to be more stable than fluctuating gas prices.

Reduced Maintenance: Electric motors have fewer moving parts than gas engines, resulting in less maintenance. Teens will not have to worry about oil changes or complex transmission systems.

Budget-Friendly Used Options: The used EV industry is growing, providing more economical options. Look for used EVs at dealerships or from private sellers to locate a low-cost choice.

Packed with Technology: Many EVs come standard with advanced technologies such as touchscreen infotainment systems, emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance, which promote safety while also providing a tech-savvy driving experience.

Long-Range Options: Several entry-level EVs boast impressive ranges. Even if your teen doesn’t travel far, a larger battery pack allows for multiple days of driving between charging sessions, covering school, work, and extracurricular activities.

The Best New and Used EVs for Younger Drivers

The ideal starter EV is affordable has a good driving range, and is user-friendly. Here are some of the best options to consider, keeping in mind that prices mentioned may not include taxes, destination fees, or delivery charges:

Chevrolet Bolt

Known for its affordability and practicality, the Chevrolet Bolt is a fantastic starter EV choice for teen drivers. It boasts a range of over 400 KM, making it perfect for daily commutes and weekend adventures for teens who primarily drive in urban areas with accessible charging stations. The Bolt prioritizes safety with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist, giving parents peace of mind.

Nissan Leaf

Another great compact EV for younger drivers, the Leaf starts at $41,750 and offers up to 240 KM of range. Ideal for shorter commutes, the Leaf is comfortable and practical. As the pioneer in the electric car market, the Nissan Leaf is a reliable and affordable option for teen drivers. Its unique design stands out on the road, while its spacious interior offers ample room for friends and gear. With minimal maintenance costs and readily available charging options, the Leaf is a budget-friendly choice for environmentally conscious younger drivers.

Tesla Model 3

The popular Tesla Model 3 makes the list for its engaging driving experience and a base model range of around 438 KM. While it has a higher starting price of $50,990, it offers exceptional safety features, impressive acceleration, and a sleek design that’s sure to turn heads. The user-friendly technology suite keeps teens entertained and connected, while the driver-assistance features provide an extra layer of safety for inexperienced drivers.

Kia Soul EV

Don’t let the boxy design fool you; the Kia Soul EV is a surprisingly fun and practical car for teens. It offers a spacious interior with plenty of legroom and cargo space, making it perfect for road trips with friends or hauling sports equipment. The Soul EV boasts a good driving range and comes with a long list of standard features, making it a great value for the price.

Ford Focus Electric

The Ford Focus Electric is a practical and affordable option for teen drivers.  It comes equipped with Ford’s innovative MyKey system, which allows parents to set limitations on speed and audio volume for secondary drivers. This feature provides peace of mind for parents while giving teens a sense of responsibility behind the wheel. Additionally, the Focus Electric boasts blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, further enhancing safety.

Hyundai Ioniq Electric

The Hyundai Ioniq Electric strikes a perfect balance between affordability, safety, and range. This sleek hatchback boasts an impressive driving range of up to 320 KM, making it suitable for most daily commutes and even weekend getaways. The Ioniq Electric prioritizes safety with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and driver attention monitoring, making it a great choice for concerned parents. Additionally, the Ioniq Electric is known for its excellent fuel efficiency and low operating costs, perfect for teenagers on a budget.

Fiat 500e

The Fiat 500e injects a dose of Italian flair into the electric car market. This zippy and stylish hatchback is perfect for navigating city streets and tight parking spots.  While its range is shorter than some on this list, it’s ideal for teens with primarily short commutes. The 500e prioritizes safety with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, giving parents peace of mind.

Electric vehicles provide a fun, sustainable, as well as cost-effective way of transportation for younger drivers. By considering these factors and browsing the fantastic electric vehicle options available, you can help your teen find the perfect starter EV to navigate the road to freedom and independence. Remember, test-driving a few different models is a great way for your teen to get behind the wheel and experience the unique features of each electric car. Happy (and safe) driving!

Read More:

The Most Popular EVs In Canada for 2024

EV Charging Security: Is Your Electric Vehicle Charger Safe?

The 11 Best Car Apps and Tools For Car Buyers in Canada

Buy or Sell A Used Electric Vehicle in Ontario: Here Is What You Need To Know

As always, Carnex can provide you with detailed information about buying and selling used electric vehicles in Ontario.

Carnex is the top online EV expert in Canada for buying and selling used electric vehicles in Ontario.

Checking out the best selling electric vehicles from Carnex inventory today!

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