Buying a Used Electric Car: 7 Things to Check First
Battery health, cables, warranty, service history: a checklist for buying a used EV with confidence.
The used electric car market offers real opportunities, but a few EV-specific checks are essential before you sign.
- Battery state of health (SoH): ask for a recent certificate or diagnostic report.
- Battery warranty: often longer than the vehicle warranty. Check how much is left and whether it transfers to you.
- Charging cables: are they included, and in good condition?
- Onboard charger: its power sets your AC charging speed.
- DC fast charging: check the connector is fitted and what the maximum power is.
- Service history and software updates.
- Battery: owned or leased? Some older models have a leased battery, with a monthly fee to budget for.
Always take a test drive
During the test drive, try a fast charge if possible and compare the displayed range at the start and at the end. A well-chosen used EV is often a great deal, with low maintenance costs.
Read next: Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric: Which Should You Choose?
