Are used EVs a good option?
Used EVs can be a great way to get the advantages of an EV without the cost of a new one. However, there are some things to look out for.
A used EV is like any other vehicle in some ways. Many websites, and even whole books have been written telling people what to watch out for buying used cars. We can’t go over all of that here, but want to help you understand where general used car buying advice applies.
EVs aren’t that different from other cars in most respects. For example, higher mileage means more wear and tear. Obvious damage to the car should be treated very carefully, as should rust, or a history of accidents. None of that changes. Strange noises, rattles, or smells are all signs of trouble.
Like their gas and diesel counterparts, it’s good to have a mechanic look the vehicle over. They do have brakes, suspension, tires, wheels, and steering components that work just the same. Any mechanic, or an experienced friend, can look those systems over. For that, you don’t need any EV specialists.
A used EV is like any other vehicle in some ways. Many websites, and even whole books have been written telling people what to watch out for buying used cars. We can’t go over all of that here, but want to help you understand where general used car buying advice applies.
EVs aren’t that different from other cars in most respects. For example, higher mileage means more wear and tear. Obvious damage to the car should be treated very carefully, as should rust, or a history of accidents. None of that changes. Strange noises, rattles, or smells are all signs of trouble.
Like their gas and diesel counterparts, it’s good to have a mechanic look the vehicle over. They do have brakes, suspension, tires, wheels, and steering components that work just the same. Any mechanic, or an experienced friend, can look those systems over. For that, you don’t need any EV specialists.
How buying an EV is different
The thing you need to be really careful with when buying a used EV is the health of the battery pack. There are two things that can go wrong: degradation and major failure.
Worried about battery longevity? Sure, that's a realistic concern. 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 therefor 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 8yrs or longer.
Battery degradation doesn’t happen the same for all vehicles. 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 perfect, 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 more exact measures of lost range, you’ll need a diagnostic tool of some kind. The dealer of the vehicle can often connect to the car’s computers and get exact measurements. There are also apps for smartphones that can do this with a bluetooth adapter to connect to the car yourself.
Totally Dead Batteries
When very worn down, or due to defect or accident, a battery pack can become completely compromised.
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.
Worried about battery longevity? Sure, that's a realistic concern. 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 therefor 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 8yrs or longer.
Battery degradation doesn’t happen the same for all vehicles. 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 perfect, 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 more exact measures of lost range, you’ll need a diagnostic tool of some kind. The dealer of the vehicle can often connect to the car’s computers and get exact measurements. There are also apps for smartphones that can do this with a bluetooth adapter to connect to the car yourself.
Totally Dead Batteries
When very worn down, or due to defect or accident, a battery pack can become completely compromised.
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.
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