What I have suggested them to be, is a second car in the family.
Most folks don’t commute further than 20 miles or so. They can use an electric to commute, and drive off-site too if they need. They can go to the supermarket or pick up other supplies. If it doesn’t make sense for a family, they should take a pass. If it does make sense do it.
Marketing them to replace cars with 300-500 mile ranges, was a losing proposition IMO.
And for the second car, light drive vehicle you describe, any old car would do.
I’m blessed with a company car. My personal cars has almost 300,00 miles. My wife’s has almost 200,000.
She does drive mostly around town for errands, but hers is the one we take for vacations and family trips. I can use the company car for personal, but her and I are the only ones who can drive it. We’re researching a replacement now. Electric ain’t in any sort of consideration. Probably a small to medium SUV.
You are correct, as a second car, they almost make sense. I dive 3.5 miles, one way, to work.
The problem I face is at -20F, common here in Alaska, the Ecar is worthless.
My son purchased a used (2 Y/O) Nissan Leaf for 11K. New ones sell for **36K**. a 25K loss in 2 years isn’t something I’m interested in...
And cold climates. and very hot climates.
As an aside, I could have easily substituted one of the Zero series electric bikes for commuting to work. I had reduced that to 7.5 miles one-way between Clairemont Dr/Balboa Ave and Genesee/Campus Point Drive. The electric would have been unsatisfactory for my weekend rides to Julian or a late Summer round trip San Diego <--> Pocatello. The Fat Bob yielded 49.5 MPG over the 1800+ miles round trip.
Well I guess those over the road 18 wheelers they are beginning to make will be a mistake. 😎