Buying a Used Electric Car: 10 Things to Know Before You Buy

 By Andrew Ganz 06/23/2023 12:01pm

Quick Facts About Used Electric Cars

• Consider the total cost of ownership, including fuel and maintenance savings, when determining the vehicle’s value.
• Research the EV’s battery health and confirm the remaining warranty coverage before buying a used electric car.
• Determine your daily range needs and pay attention to the vehicle’s charging rate.

Buying a used electric car may seem intimidating at first, especially if you’ve never owned an EV. Electric cars require some different thinking compared to gasoline- or diesel-fueled vehicles. There are some extra things to consider when looking at a used electric vehicle.

Read through these pros and cons of buying a used electric car, and review our guide to purchasing a used EV below to help you determine if it’s the right decision for you.

Benefits of Buying a Used Electric Car

• Cost Savings: Electric vehicles typically have lower operating costs compared to their gas-powered counterparts. You’ll save money on fuel and regular maintenance expenses.
• Energy Efficiency: The motor in an electric vehicle is more efficient than those in gas vehicles since they convert electric energy to power your car more effectively.
• Government Incentives: The federal government offers tax credits when you purchase an electric vehicle. Many state and local governing authorities also provide rebates and incentives to help cover the costs of operating an EV.
• Quiet Performance: Electric vehicles offer a smooth and quiet driving experience. There’s no engine sound to account for, and instant torque delivery means you’ll accelerate with less noise.
• Newer Technology: New electric vehicles are popping up on the market each year, and they contain emerging technologies and innovative features.

Drawbacks of Buying a Used Electric Car

• Driving Range: Range is a consideration for all vehicles. In an EV, instead of understanding how far you can drive on a full tank, you’ll have to consider how long you can travel on a full charge. If you plan to use the vehicle for regular road trips, you may have to refuel more frequently.
• Charging Infrastructure: Charging stations are relatively easy to find in populated areas, like shopping centers, grocery stores, and office parks. However, if you don’t have a charging station established at home, relying on these public chargers may become more of a chore over time. Installing a home charger requires a dedicated outlet wired by a licensed electrician. This can be a costly upfront expense.
• Charging Time: Refueling at a gas station usually only takes a few minutes, but recharging an electric vehicle can take much longer. Level 2 charging stations take a few hours to fill an empty battery, which many owners to at home overnight. Fast chargers still take about 20 minutes to boost your battery from 20% to 80%. This can be inconvenient when you’re short on time.
• Battery Lifespan: The performance and overall range of EV batteries can degrade over time. If this happens, you’ll experience reduced driving range. Replacing the battery can be prohibitively expensive.

Here’s a look at some essential things to consider when purchasing a used electric vehicle.

Buying a Used Electric Vehicle: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Use the Battery Life as a Bargaining Chip

Just like a mobile phone, a laptop, or even a TV remote, an electric car’s battery begins to degrade over time, no matter how much the battery got used. Significant temperature swings tend to accelerate this process, as do repeated charges.

A car dealership’s service department can give you a detailed report on battery health. Alternatively, you can charge the used electric car to 100% and then see what the estimated range says. Comparing this to the original rating will give you an idea of what’s left.

Electric cars will also display the battery’s health at a glance, either in the instrument cluster or on the central display screen.

Nobody expects a 100% battery life report on a used electric car, but don’t be dismayed if the vehicle only offers three-quarters of its original range. Most drivers don’t add more than 40 to 50 miles to an odometer a day anyway. If you’re buying a used electric car for your commute, a shorter range may be just fine.

If nothing else, it’s a bargaining point if the battery is not new.

2. Find Out if the Battery Was Replaced

Battery failure may be rare, but it does happen. Higher-mile electric cars are more likely to have had their battery packs replaced entirely.

If this has happened — and the seller can provide documentation confirming the work — it’s a major coup. It means that someone before you went through the effort and expense of having this job performed.

Look at any documentation closely to ensure you’re being handed receipts for the car you want. Also, look at the estimated range on a full charge, and battery health reports the car’s computer can tell you.

Even if the dealer or seller doesn’t know if the battery got replaced, there’s a chance Carfax or AutoCheck vehicle history reports documented the service. Asking for one is always good practice.

TIP: Electric cars use conventional 12-volt batteries like those found in gas cars (though it is typically much smaller). Batteries power accessories such as the radio and power windows and might last four or five years before needing replacement. Fortunately, they are relatively inexpensive and can be replaced in a few minutes using basic tools.

3. Investigate How Much Battery Warranty Is Left

Yes, we’re still talking about batteries, but there may be some good news this time. All mainstream automakers included more extended warranty coverage for battery packs than they did for the rest of the vehicle. Many used electric cars will still be under warranty. But read the fine print.

Most battery coverage runs for eight years or 100,000 miles after the initial purchase, whichever comes first. However, not all warranties are transferable to subsequent owners. These warranties can vary from model year to model year, too.

Your best bet is to contact the automaker’s customer service department with the vehicle identification number (VIN). You can find this 17-digit number in several places on the car, and any dealer or previous owner can give it to you.

The customer service department can tell you when the warranty expires and whether it is transferable.

4. Ask About Maintenance History

We always suggest asking a previous owner or a dealer about maintenance history, especially for any service records they can provide.

But electric cars require relatively little maintenance outside of regular tire rotations and windshield wiper replacements, so you may receive very few receipts. Even brakes tend to last much longer on EVs because the electric motor helps slow the car and simultaneously brings a charge to the car batteries by regenerating otherwise lost power.

Also, be sure to use Kelley Blue Book’s tool to know what recall items may affect your used electric vehicle purchase.

5. Locate the Battery’s Charging Capacity

Gas-fueled cars tend to be updated by their manufacturers every few years, perhaps with a significant redesign every six years. Electric cars? Not so much. Automakers tend to make more incremental changes, especially Tesla.

The most significant change — and the one that can affect a used electric car’s battery — is an increase in battery capacity. Tesla doesn’t use model years for its updates; you’ll want to view the car’s information through its touchscreen. For other automakers, the VIN holds information that a dealer can provide regarding configuration.

It can provide what’s obvious, such as colors, upholstery choices, and the like. The dealer can tell you if the car came equipped with faster-charging capability and can determine the battery’s original capacity.

6. Determine What Range You Need From the Used Electric Car

Electric car development has sped up considerably over the past decade. Early electric cars were lucky to hit 100 miles on a full charge, while today’s Tesla Model S can reach over 400 miles according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates. Future electric vehicles are likely to surpass that number.

Figure out just how much range you need. While 400 miles seems right, electric cars with this range come with a hefty price tag. Suppose you plan to use your electric vehicle for commuting; a vehicle with a range of fewer than 100 miles may work. For longer drives, you can rent a car, too. This effective strategy saves money in the long run for many drivers.

7. Know That Not All Electric Cars Charge at the Same Rate

Electric cars don’t necessarily charge at the same rate, and bigger battery packs usually mean more time to charge. For instance, earlier Nissan Leaf electric cars offered a 6.6-kW onboard charger as an extra-cost option on the base S trim level. Without this charger, Level 2 top-off can take twice as long. Newer electric vehicles and their batteries will top off their charge much quicker.

If you plan to top off your electric car at work or bank on regular, brief visits to public charging stations, consider an electric vehicle that charges quickly. If you plan to charge overnight at home or all day at work, this may not be a significant factor, and it may mean you can save money with a cheaper used electric car.

8. Consider Your Access to EV Chargers

When buying a used electric car, you’ll want to find out where to access EV chargers along your typical and not-so-typical driving routes.

Here’s what you need to know about EV charging.

Level 1: This level uses household three-prong outlets, like those your computer or a desk lamp use. Few electric car users charge their vehicles this way simply because of how long it takes. A Chevy Bolt EV, for instance, adds about four miles of range per hour this way. This can suffice if you only need to add 20 or 30 miles of charge while at work.

Level 2: Most people prefer Level 2 charging capability. These chargers provide 240 volts of power and require an external device that plugs into a receptacle like an electric clothes dryer. For example, Level 2 can add 25 miles of charge per hour to a Chevy Bolt EV.

Level 3: Also called a DC Fast Charger, the fastest-charging option is a Level 3 charger. These quick chargers can add 160 miles of range to a Chevy Bolt EV in an hour. But you will only find Level 3 options in public charging stations that typically cost money to use.

That’s why a Level 2 charger makes the most sense to invest in for your home. But even then, you need to consider where at home you can charge your car. Suppose you can park in a private garage or a driveway. In that case, you should have no problem having an electrician install the charger.

But if you park on the street or in an apartment garage, you probably can’t charge your electric car at home.

9. Research Government and Utility Incentives

While most electric car tax rebates apply to new vehicles, some incentives apply to used electric cars. You can also check with your tax preparer or your local motor vehicle office about any specific deals that may apply to you.

Additionally, some utility providers offer discounted charging equipment and lower rates for charging during off-hours.

10. Check for All Charging Accessories

Once you’ve picked out the electric car you want to bring home, make sure that the seller includes the Level 1 charging cord that comes with many new EV purchases. Charging devices can be pretty expensive items. It’s possible the car’s previous owner misplaced it or left it at home when they traded it in for a new vehicle at a dealership.

If buying the electric car from a private party, it may be worth asking if the seller would include their Level 2 charger. Level 2 chargers cost an estimated $500-$800 new, and they are easy to install as long as you have a 240-volt power outlet.

Should You Buy a Used EV?

This decision depends on various factors. In today’s market, some used cars are priced higher than newer models, depending on the features and level of demand. Pre-owned electric vehicles are a good purchase if the previous owner took care of the car and practiced smart charging habits. If you’re unclear about the vehicle’s history, get a thorough inspection first and pay special attention to the battery quality. This is the most critical component of any EV, especially used ones. The condition of the battery directly impacts your driving range and overall performance.

Another consideration is the charging infrastructure. If you live in or commute to an urban or suburban area where charging stations are easily accessible, a used EV may be ideal. If you’re commuting in more rural areas with fewer charging options, it’s less practical and may also be inconvenient in the long run. Evaluate your area to determine if it makes sense for your driving habits.