EVs on eBay now: 2002 Toyota RAV4 EV and 1998 Ford Ranger EV
Once or twice a month, it seems, an old EV makes its way to eBay. Currently, there are two of the best-known electric vehicles of recent times are on the auction site (good luck finding an EV1 on there), with about a week left before each auction ends. Here's the skinny on each.
First, a 2002 Toyota RAV4 EV. The original buyer, who put about 40,000 miles on it, is selling the car (why? His family got too big for the RAV4 and they've moved into a Highlander). The seller is including two Toyota flat-panel inductive chargers, so you can install one at work if needed. The batteries still hold power for a range of 70-100 miles, and can still move the RAV4 at 80mph. Plus, this particular vehicle does have a CA HOV sticker. Current bid $35,000.
Second, the 1998 Ford Ranger EV. These trucks, with their lower range, always sell for less than RAV4 EVs. The current bid for this particular truck is $5,100. The seller has had it for a year (he thinks it was owned by the University of Michigan at some point). He thinks the batteries are original, and that it can get 50 miles on a charge. One charger comes with the vehicle.
[Source: eBay]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike z. 1:05PM (1/16/2007)
I consider myself concerned about the environment, but those who bid up RAV4 EVs beyond their fair market value are the worst type of environmentalist--the one that cares only about appearances.
Think about it: They bid up the price of the EV--there is one winner and all the losers likely just buy hybrids. The outcome is the same regardless of whether the price is pushed past its fair value or not. Given this, the only reason I can think of people bidding is so as to gain the appearance of being green regardless of the net impact of all of those who bid the price up.
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Phil L. 2:07PM (1/16/2007)
Those of us who can't consider any vehicle approaching $20K - let alone $35K+ EVs that still have too many limitations to be my primary family hauler - are left wondering when green motoring will get to the masses.
I'd love to find a small EV for commuting - but by the time I'd take care of batteries and other items for a Ranger EV (this one currently pushing $10K on eBay - and will surely need batteries soon), I'm still well over what my budget can handle for a vehicle that I can only use for short hops.
It's beginning to look like this end of the green automotive world is only a game for the wealthy to promote their image, or perhaps for tinkerers who have the time and resources to do it themselves.
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Andy 11:54PM (1/16/2007)
I saw a RAV4 EV here in California while going to a gas station off the I-605 freeway going to Downey. (How ironic.) I would love to own an EV, but the range and maintenance matters turn me off. I could never depend on a car or truck with a range of just fifty miles--especially for the prices it would go for on eBay Motors.
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Randy 3:24AM (1/17/2007)
I have been watching the EV game for a long time. I agree with most posters, specially post 1 and 2.
I am a "tinkerer" and know what to do, but still consider the componentes too expensive or too much work is required for the results, not to mention monitoring voltage, current, batteries etc (babysitting the EV while using it)
better batteries are suppose to be available to reduce monitoring etc, but WHEN.
I am of the sick and tired class.
Who are we going to blame?
you guess... let's star a revolution ;)
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