Very cool, now if he could get the cheap one sub 15k I would consider one as a 2nd vehicle for commuting.
That is actually a perfect use case for an EV. Take it to work (or your commuting rail station) and then back home again. Charge it up overnight at home while you sleep.
If I wasn't so close to retiring, I would be looking into buying one for my NYC commute. I'll leave the Subaru Outback for my wife at home and for longer road trips when we are together.
No new car is sold for less than $17K. Looks like you can't afford a second vehicle.