In NZ you can get a Leaf for $1-2k, about 50km range remaining.

50k is equivalent to driving around with a low fuel warning constantly on your dash

That was the norm when I was a student..

Not if your commute is a few miles.

I'm guessing distances in NZ are shorter, or you're only planning to use that vehicle in the urban city core. Here in the US, 50km range barely gets me to the ferry terminal to get into Seattle, and that's assuming 50km is at 55mph rural highway speeds and isn't assuming I'm driving 25mph in the city.

Put otherwise: if the battery is so degraded you only get 30mi/50km range out of it, I see why it's selling for $2000.

Fwiw, electric cars are more efficient the slower you're going because inefficiency mostly comes from air resistance.

Definitely only as a secondary/ runabout car. You’d need a proper one occasionally. Shame car share isn’t well established yet cuz that would be viable alternative.