A decade-old electric vehicle with 157,000 miles on the clock might not sound like a bargain, but a recent YouTube experiment has proven that even a high-mileage EV can still be practical and incredibly cheap to run.
EV enthusiast and YouTuber RSEV has purchased a 10-year-old Nissan Leaf for just £500, showcasing how electric cars can remain useful even with significant mileage. The numbers behind the running costs make for an eye-opening comparison to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.
£3,000 in Electricity for 157,000 Miles
One of the most remarkable aspects of this budget-friendly Leaf is its charging costs. Home-charged at 7p per kWh, the total energy expense for 157,000 miles amounts to just under £3,000—a fraction of what a petrol or diesel car would consume over the same distance.
For context, a small petrol car averaging 50mpg would require 3,140 gallons (14,300 litres) of fuel to cover that distance. At an average UK fuel price of £1.50 per litre, that’s a staggering £21,450 in fuel costs alone. Even with a more fuel-efficient diesel, the savings from going electric remain enormous.
Minimal Maintenance Costs
Beyond cheap running costs, the Leaf has also required minimal maintenance. Over its lifespan, servicing has cost just £1,000, with an additional £500 spent on suspension arms and bushes—routine wear-and-tear items for any car. The only other expense noted is a £100 replacement for the 12V battery.
Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, EVs have far fewer moving parts, meaning no oil changes, timing belts, or expensive engine-related repairs. Over 157,000 miles, an ICE car could easily rack up £4,000 to £6,000 in maintenance costs, making the Leaf’s total spend of around £1,600 look exceptionally low.
What About the Battery?
One of the biggest concerns with high-mileage EVs is battery degradation. While the original range of this Nissan Leaf would have been around 84 miles when new, some degradation over 10 years is expected. However, for city driving, commuting, or local errands, even a reduced range is still useful.
Many older EVs are now being repurposed for local use, as their lower purchase prices make them an excellent option for those looking for a cheap, reliable runabout. The video stated that the battery is down by 25% since the new real-world range is now around 60 miles.
The Verdict: An Unbeatable Bargain
While tyres haven’t been mentioned, it’s safe to assume they’ve been replaced multiple times—just as they would be on any other vehicle at this mileage. Even factoring in tyre replacements, the overall ownership costs remain staggeringly low.
With a total spend of under £5,000 over 157,000 miles, this 10-year-old Nissan Leaf proves that EVs can be both long-lasting and cost-effective.
For those hesitant about high-mileage electric cars, this real-world example shows that they can still be practical, cheap to run, and an excellent alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles—especially as the second-hand EV market continues to grow.
Would you consider buying a high-mileage EV? And watch the video below:
