Are used EVs a good option?
Used EVs can be a great way to take advantage of all the benefits of EV ownership without the typically higher cost of buying a new vehicle. However, there are some factors to keep in mind before pulling the trigger on your new-to-your vehicle, and they're not what you might immediately expect if you're used to buying a used vehicle that is gas-powered .
That being said, there are a lot of ways that a used electric vehicle is like any other vehicle, regardless of how it's powered. And, while we won't cover the entirety of points to look out for, it's important to note that general used car buying advice does apply to electric vehicles as well.
EVs aren’t that different from other cars in many respects. For example, higher mileage means more wear and tear on tires, suspension components, etc. Obvious damage to the car should be treated very carefully, as should rust, or a history of accidents. The importance of those things doesn't change because a vehicle is electric. Strange noises, rattles, or smells are all signs of trouble.
Like with their gas and diesel counterparts, it’s good to have a mechanic look the vehicle over to check the brakes, suspension, tires, wheels, and steering components. Any mechanic, or an experienced friend, can look those systems over... so for those, you shouldn't need an EV specialist.
That being said, there are a lot of ways that a used electric vehicle is like any other vehicle, regardless of how it's powered. And, while we won't cover the entirety of points to look out for, it's important to note that general used car buying advice does apply to electric vehicles as well.
EVs aren’t that different from other cars in many respects. For example, higher mileage means more wear and tear on tires, suspension components, etc. Obvious damage to the car should be treated very carefully, as should rust, or a history of accidents. The importance of those things doesn't change because a vehicle is electric. Strange noises, rattles, or smells are all signs of trouble.
Like with their gas and diesel counterparts, it’s good to have a mechanic look the vehicle over to check the brakes, suspension, tires, wheels, and steering components. Any mechanic, or an experienced friend, can look those systems over... so for those, you shouldn't need an EV specialist.
But... what about the battery pack?
If there is one thing you do need to be really aware of when buying a used EV it would be the health of the battery pack. There are two things that can go wrong in a battery: degradation and major failure. Worried about battery longevity? Sure, that's a realistic concern, eventually.
Over time, the chemicals in the battery cells break down and can’t hold as much energy as they once did. This is something that is common will all batteries, and therefore all EVs. Degradation happens to EV batteries (some more than others), no matter how well the vehicle has been cared for. Most EVs will experience the greatest degradation in the first couple of years of the cars life before leveling out into a period of very little change for many years. Check with the vehicle manufacturer on existing battery warranties, many are eight years or longer.
Battery degradation doesn’t happen the same for all vehicles, however. For those with active cooling systems (also known as temperature management systems, liquid cooling, or TMS), the degradation is a much slower process. If you live or drive in an area that is very hot or very cold for significant amounts of time, it is wise to choose an EV with this active thermal management.
One quick way to see the battery’s condition is to look at the “guess-o-meter”. On the dashboard, the vehicle often gives an estimate of the car’s remaining range, in miles or kilometers. By looking at this range at 100% battery charge and comparing it to the range the car was supposed to come with from the factory, you can get a rough estimate of lost range.
This isn't a perfect method, but it's the simplest way of getting a rough idea. Keep in mind that the range shown is often based on how the vehicle was driven most recently and may not be accurate of the range you would get when driving. Many circumstances will affect real-world range.
To get a more exact measurement of lost range, you’ll need a diagnostic tool or take it to the dealership. There are also apps for smartphones that can do this with a Bluetooth adapter to connect to the car yourself.
Over time, the chemicals in the battery cells break down and can’t hold as much energy as they once did. This is something that is common will all batteries, and therefore all EVs. Degradation happens to EV batteries (some more than others), no matter how well the vehicle has been cared for. Most EVs will experience the greatest degradation in the first couple of years of the cars life before leveling out into a period of very little change for many years. Check with the vehicle manufacturer on existing battery warranties, many are eight years or longer.
Battery degradation doesn’t happen the same for all vehicles, however. For those with active cooling systems (also known as temperature management systems, liquid cooling, or TMS), the degradation is a much slower process. If you live or drive in an area that is very hot or very cold for significant amounts of time, it is wise to choose an EV with this active thermal management.
One quick way to see the battery’s condition is to look at the “guess-o-meter”. On the dashboard, the vehicle often gives an estimate of the car’s remaining range, in miles or kilometers. By looking at this range at 100% battery charge and comparing it to the range the car was supposed to come with from the factory, you can get a rough estimate of lost range.
This isn't a perfect method, but it's the simplest way of getting a rough idea. Keep in mind that the range shown is often based on how the vehicle was driven most recently and may not be accurate of the range you would get when driving. Many circumstances will affect real-world range.
To get a more exact measurement of lost range, you’ll need a diagnostic tool or take it to the dealership. There are also apps for smartphones that can do this with a Bluetooth adapter to connect to the car yourself.
Extreme cases can occur...
In the most extreme cases, when the battery pack is very worn down, or due to defect or accident, a battery pack can become completely compromised. In most cases, this would render the vehicle undrivable and would be immediately noticeable in person.
One big sign of this is physical damage to the battery. If you look under the car and see leaking chemicals, dents, or other damage, the pack may have been damaged. It is generally not a good idea to buy a vehicle with visible damage underneath. Other signs of a damaged pack include low performance (low power), warning lights on the dashboard, or unusual heat under normal conditions. If you see any of these signs, don’t buy the vehicle unless you can get it looked at by a certified independent technician.
All that being said, it is very rare to see a used EV with a battery pack that is in this significantly damaged condition. One, because it wouldn't likely be for sale if it were, and two, because electric vehicle batteries are lasting a lot longer these days and the advancement of newer technology makes this occurrence a very rare sight indeed.
Used EVs on the market today, with very few exceptions, are some of the best vehicles available. Good option? You bet!
One big sign of this is physical damage to the battery. If you look under the car and see leaking chemicals, dents, or other damage, the pack may have been damaged. It is generally not a good idea to buy a vehicle with visible damage underneath. Other signs of a damaged pack include low performance (low power), warning lights on the dashboard, or unusual heat under normal conditions. If you see any of these signs, don’t buy the vehicle unless you can get it looked at by a certified independent technician.
All that being said, it is very rare to see a used EV with a battery pack that is in this significantly damaged condition. One, because it wouldn't likely be for sale if it were, and two, because electric vehicle batteries are lasting a lot longer these days and the advancement of newer technology makes this occurrence a very rare sight indeed.
Used EVs on the market today, with very few exceptions, are some of the best vehicles available. Good option? You bet!
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