Considerations when buying a used EV
Used EVs tend to need less maintenance than petrol vehicles of a similar age. They can offer good reliability and,
though used, their condition is often comparable to new EVs.
With new models coming into production all the time, there’s a growing market for used EVs.
There are also a lot of misconceptions about second-hand EVs.
Proven battery life
Research into the longevity of over 15,000 batteries from different types of EVs revealed that only 1.5% of them had ever been replaced. Most EV batteries should last up to a decade.
The Which? Car Survey conducted in 2022 found that the batteries in electric cars built in 2014 had lost only 9% of their charging capacity on average. You can check the charging health of the battery using your vehicle’s electronic display.
Brake-pad longevity
EVs have tyres with EV-specific tread patterns that are built to support the additional weight of the vehicle’s batteries. Double check with the dealer or owner that these have been fitted.
Similarly, as you would with any second-hand car purchase, you should double check the brakes. But because EVs require you to brake less frequently, the brakes have better longevity than petrol or diesel vehicles.
Range
In terms of mileage, any EV with under 200,000 miles is likely to be in good condition.
In part this is because there are fewer moving parts in an EV than a petrol vehicle, so they will demonstrate slower degradation overall.
Checklist
Consider the following before making your purchase:
- For older in-car sat nav units, check an SD card is included. The sat nav won’t work without one.
- Check the charging cables are compatible with modern charging ports.
- Aim for a model with heated seats for more comfortable winter driving.