Buying a used electric car: The practical guide before you start
Electric cars are entering the used market. Time to maybe get a good deal.
With fuel prices on the rise, are you considering going electric but are on a tight budget? Why not address the occasion? Before you begin, here are some tips from carVertical automotive experts.
1. Consider the charging infrastructure
Before buying an electric car, think about the local charging infrastructure. Homeowners can charge their electric vehicles in a garage or driveway, but apartment dwellers have fewer options.
Most cities don’t have adequate charging infrastructure, so finding a charging station can be a real nightmare. Refueling only takes a few minutes, charging an electric vehicle takes up to half a day. Drivers who live or work far from charging stations can waste a lot of time waiting for their car to charge.
Some companies are already offering portable electric vehicle chargers aimed at people without a power outlet. However, they only charge the batteries up to a certain level, which is the level at the moment
Chargers are not an option.
2. Pay attention to the battery life
Whether it’s a gas-powered car or an electric vehicle, the battery will start to deteriorate over time and there’s nothing you can do about it. Temperature changes, repeated charging, and high mileage are some of the factors affecting battery health. Most car manufacturers guarantee batteries for eight years or 100,000 miles. When a vehicle has crossed that threshold, there’s a good chance its battery’s performance will be worse than a new car, recalls carVertical.
Battery health also depends on climate. The lithium-ion batteries you find in electric vehicles don’t handle heat well. A used car from southern Spain should have autonomy
less, while a car from the Netherlands or Germany can offer the driver a much better battery.
Automotive experts recommend checking the EV battery health report before completing the purchase from the seller. Replacing the car battery is expensive, so it’s best to make sure it’s not worn out.
3. Take a close look at the vehicle history
It is important to check beforehand whether the vehicle has been in an accident or not as the vehicle may not be roadworthy and may cause future mechanical problems.
Obviously, attention should be paid to the braking system and software updates.
4. Buy according to your needs
Before taking the plunge, ask yourself the following questions, necessary to assess the vehicle’s autonomy needs: What do you use your used electric car for? Just trips from home to work? Sometimes medium and/or long distance trips? Sole or main car?
A city car is sufficient for short journeys.
A city car is sufficient for short journeys. And even for medium distances. In this game, the Renault Zoé seems to be the most versatile. Especially with 1 or 2 children. The need for autonomy must also be assessed according to the charging options available.
What second-hand electric cars can you find at a great price?
At 5,000 euros, which is the minimum for a used electric car, you still have the choice between the Renault Zoé and the “C-ZiMiOn” (Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero). If you go up to 7500 euros, you open yourself up to older generation Nissan Leafs. The Volkswagen e-ups! can now be found under the 10,000 euro mark. The Kia Soul EV will be accessible at 12,500 euros. The first Tesla Model S will be offered for around 35,000 euros. On the other hand, you will hardly find a Tesla Model X for less than 50,000 euros, details automobile-propre.com.
In use, the biggest advantages of these electric vehicles are of course the price combined with low maintenance and easy charging. At home, remember that a full power supply (from a reinforced outlet or wall terminal) costs less than €10 for a vehicle fitted with generously sized batteries. That’s five times less than a tank of fuel in a small city car with a combustion engine.
