What should you pay attention to when buying a used electric car?

On the used car market, the question comes up more and more often: is it worth buying an electric car? And if so, how does the experience differ compared to a diesel or petrol vehicle?

The construction of electric and traditional powertrains is fundamentally different. A conventional petrol or diesel car has an internal combustion engine, gearbox, exhaust system, clutch, cooling system, and many moving parts. This means more wear and more potential points of failure. An electric car, by contrast, has a simpler structure. There is no gearbox, no need for oil changes, and no exhaust system.

Because of this, traditional cars require regular servicing and often more expensive major repairs, while electric vehicles generally need less maintenance. The most important component of an EV is the battery pack, and its condition is critical for usability. A used electric car may have a reduced driving range, which should be considered at the time of purchase.

Buying a used EV requires a different focus than buying a petrol or diesel car. Here are the most important points to consider:

Battery condition Since the battery is crucial in an electric car, when buying a used EV you should, if possible, ask for a diagnostic report or have the car inspected at a specialist EV service center. Make sure to pay attention to battery capacity degradation (also known as SoH, or State of Health). Compared to the factory-rated range, a 10–30% reduction can be normal for an older vehicle.

Charging cycles and habits The habits of the previous owner can affect battery health. Frequent fast charging (DC charging) can accelerate battery aging over time, so it is preferable if the seller mainly used AC (slow) charging.

Software updates and warranty When choosing a model or brand, the vehicle’s software and the manufacturer’s warranty can also be important factors. For example, Tesla or Nissan offer software-based range updates or unlockable extra features. Also check how long the factory battery warranty is still valid. This is usually 8 years or 160,000 kilometers, but it may vary by manufacturer.

Charging options at home and nearby How much you can use and enjoy your electric car largely depends on how you can charge it. Before buying an EV, make sure you have access to charging options, such as a home charger (possibly connected to solar panels), or public charging stations nearby. If you plan to commute to work with an electric car, check whether charging is available at your office building or workplace, and whether you are allowed to use it.

Previous accidents, water damage, battery damage As with any used car, it is strongly recommended to request a professional condition check when buying an electric vehicle. EVs can also be involved in accidents or have faults that are not obvious to an untrained eye. Buying from a reliable source, such as a trusted vehicle dealer who offers a warranty, can also help you make a safer choice.

Usage habits Before switching to an electric car, think about whether electric driving fits your lifestyle and your planned future trips. For example, when looking at the total cost of ownership, will you be able to operate the car in a cost-effective way?