If you’re looking for a car, then you might be considering picking up an electric vehicle on the used market. Battery electric vehicles have now been with us for several years, and there are plenty of appealing second-hand options.
However, it’s worth entering this market with your eyes open. Let’s look at a few of the pitfalls and sticking points that might prevent you from getting maximum value from your purchase.
Assessing Battery Health and Performance
The battery is central to the performance and longevity of your electric vehicle. The bigger the battery, the further you’ll be able to travel – and the faster you’ll be able to charge.
But, over time, batteries will lose some of their capacity. It’s therefore important, when you’re buying used, to look at the state of the battery.
You can often get a report from the manufacturer, or the seller – or you can simply look at the vehicle’s range in the dashboard when the battery is fully charged.
Related: Used electric cars – should you worry about the battery?
Understanding Charging Options and Infrastructure
How are you going to be charging your new electric vehicle? There are a number of different options to consider, and many of them offer vastly different speeds for charging.
If the connector at your chosen charging station doesn’t match the one on your vehicle, you might have to invest in a special adaptor. For many, the best option will be charging at home – but bear in mind that you’ll need to pay a professional electrician to install the necessary charging point.
Further reading: Can I Get 3-Phase Power At Home? We Asked An Electrician
Evaluating Maintenance and MOT Requirements
EVs are less prone to maintenance issues than cars that are powered by an internal combustion engine because they have fewer moving parts. The battery and electric motor require no servicing, it’s mainly the brakes, tyres, and suspension that need attention.
Any mechanic can service an electric car and perform a health check on the battery during servicing. There is nothing unique about the process. It actually takes less time than a petrol or diesel car and should cost less, too.
Like other vehicles, EVs require an annual MOT test after their first three years on the road. An MOT history check can often reveal patterns of failure and neglect that might give you cause to hesitate before agreeing to the purchase.
Check the used electric car’s MOT history (when relevant) and ensure that it has received timely maintenance. Most services should be roughly one year apart.
Considering Depreciation and Resale Value
Some EVs depreciate slightly faster than traditional ICE cars, largely because of the loss of battery capacity over time. However, buying used actually means getting a great deal, since you aren’t buying a new car that’ll depreciate quickly.
It’s worth doing your research and determining what the price of your vehicle will be in a few years. That way, you can ensure that your investment retains its value in the future – or, at least, doesn’t lose its value as quickly as the alternatives.
