Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Battery Bargains is back! It's been some time, but we are back to help you shortcut the search for your perfect electric vehicle.
In Episode 55, we’re hunting down incredible value in the used market and answering your specific EV buying questions:
The Avalon Successor: What do you buy when your 2004 Toyota Avalon finally reaches the end of the road? We find a "basically new" electric cruiser with 300+ miles of range and ultra-fast charging for under $25,000.
Tesla Software Alternatives: A Mustang Mach-E owner loves their car but misses the Tesla tech. We look at the best software-forward alternatives available for under $30k.
The Kia EV9 "Lemon" Gamble: Used EV9 prices are dropping fast, especially for manufacturer buybacks. We discuss the risks of the ICCU issue, warranty transfers, and whether these "lemons" are actually the best deal on the market.
Have a request? Email us your needs and budget, and you might be featured in a future episode!
00:00 – Introduction: Why used EVs are the ultimate bargain right now
01:25 – The Battery Bargains Reboot: 10 months in the making!
02:12 – Case #1: Craig’s Search: Tesla software for under $30k?
04:25 – Why the Polestar 2 is the best "non-Tesla" UI experience
06:55 – Is the 2024 Polestar 2 refresh worth the extra cash?
08:15 – Chevy Equinox EV: Finding "cash on the hood" deals
10:55 – EVs with issues to consider before buying: The "buggy" ID.4 and the BZ4X charging issues
15:15 – Pro Tip: Battery degradation tests and pre-purchase inspections
17:38 – Case #2: Matt’s EV9 Dilemma: Should you buy a "Lemon Law" buyback?
18:50 – What is an ICCU and why is it failing in Hyundai/Kia EVs?
20:15 – Dave’s "Exit Strategy" rule for salvage and buyback titles
23:25 – Finding a Certified Pre-Owned Kia EV9 for $42k
25:30 – Case #3: Dean’s 2004 Toyota Avalon replacement search
26:40 – The best electric sedans for value and reliability
30:00 – Is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 the "Electric Avalon"?
31:15 – The Ultimate Bargain: A $24k brand-new Ioniq 6 in Tallahassee?
33:30 – Budget alternatives: Used Chevy Bolts and the original Ioniq EV
36:10 – Final thoughts: Why 2026 is the "Golden Age" of used EVs
Episode hosts:
Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenick
youtube.com/@UCjiw6Jdf7DTiR_6m81XuNOw
Dave Conner from Out of Spec Dave youtube.com/@UC24YEMb6_pMxCjeRVNF3sEA
Battery Bargains is back! It's been some time, but we are back to help you shortcut the search for your perfect electric vehicle.
In Episode 55, we’re hunting down incredible value in the used market and answering your specific EV buying questions:
The Avalon Successor: What do you buy when your 2004 Toyota Avalon finally reaches the end of the road? We find a "basically new" electric cruiser with 300+ miles of range and ultra-fast charging for under $25,000.
Tesla Software Alternatives: A Mustang Mach-E owner loves their car but misses the Tesla tech. We look at the best software-forward alternatives available for under $30k.
The Kia EV9 "Lemon" Gamble: Used EV9 prices are dropping fast, especially for manufacturer buybacks. We discuss the risks of the ICCU issue, warranty transfers, and whether these "lemons" are actually the best deal on the market.
Have a request? Email us your needs and budget, and you might be featured in a future episode!
00:00 – Introduction: Why used EVs are the ultimate bargain right now
01:25 – The Battery Bargains Reboot: 10 months in the making!
02:12 – Case #1: Craig’s Search: Tesla software for under $30k?
04:25 – Why the Polestar 2 is the best "non-Tesla" UI experience
06:55 – Is the 2024 Polestar 2 refresh worth the extra cash?
08:15 – Chevy Equinox EV: Finding "cash on the hood" deals
10:55 – EVs with issues to consider before buying: The "buggy" ID.4 and the BZ4X charging issues
15:15 – Pro Tip: Battery degradation tests and pre-purchase inspections
17:38 – Case #2: Matt’s EV9 Dilemma: Should you buy a "Lemon Law" buyback?
18:50 – What is an ICCU and why is it failing in Hyundai/Kia EVs?
20:15 – Dave’s "Exit Strategy" rule for salvage and buyback titles
23:25 – Finding a Certified Pre-Owned Kia EV9 for $42k
25:30 – Case #3: Dean’s 2004 Toyota Avalon replacement search
26:40 – The best electric sedans for value and reliability
30:00 – Is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 the "Electric Avalon"?
31:15 – The Ultimate Bargain: A $24k brand-new Ioniq 6 in Tallahassee?
33:30 – Budget alternatives: Used Chevy Bolts and the original Ioniq EV
36:10 – Final thoughts: Why 2026 is the "Golden Age" of used EVs
Episode hosts:
Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenick
youtube.com/@UCjiw6Jdf7DTiR_6m81XuNOw
Dave Conner from Out of Spec Dave youtube.com/@UC24YEMb6_pMxCjeRVNF3sEA
