Buying a used electric car can save drivers thousands of pounds, but knowing what to look for before signing on the dotted line is key. With used EV prices becoming increasingly affordable, Martin Miller, co-founder of specialist retailer EV Experts, has revealed the five checks every buyer should make before choosing their next car.
Miller said: "Buying a used EV shouldn't feel daunting. The technology is proving remarkably durable, but there are still a few things buyers should check before they commit. Focus on how you'll actually use the car, rather than chasing the biggest battery or the lowest price."
1. Buy the Battery Size You Actually Need
Many buyers assume bigger is always better, but that's not necessarily the case. Larger batteries make cars heavier, more expensive to buy and, in some cases, less efficient. As a rule of thumb, a 30kWh battery will typically deliver around 100 miles of real-world driving, a 50kWh battery around 150 to 200 miles, a 60kWh battery more than 200 miles and an 80kWh battery around 250 to 300 miles.
"Ignore the headline WLTP figures and think about the journeys you actually make," said Miller. "Most drivers don't need 300 miles of range every day, and buying a smaller battery can save you thousands."
2. Set a Realistic Budget
The used EV market now offers options across almost every price point. Around £10,000 can buy a smaller city car, with PCP payments from around £150 a month. Budgets of £15,000 to £20,000 open up a much wider choice of family cars, while spending £25,000 or more can secure a premium, long-range model with rapid charging. Drivers should also remember the running costs.
"If you can charge at home, fuelling an EV can cost around a tenth of what you'd typically spend on petrol or diesel," Miller said. "That saving can make a big difference to your overall motoring costs."
3. Check the Battery Health
Battery condition is one of the biggest differences between buying an electric car and a petrol or diesel model. Ask whether the car has a recent battery State of Health certificate and look for a full manufacturer or specialist service history. "As a guide, batteries typically lose around two per cent of capacity each year," said Miller. "A three-year-old EV should usually still have around 94 per cent battery health. If it's dropped below 90 per cent, it's worth asking questions or negotiating on price."
4. Remember It's Still a Used Car
An electric powertrain doesn't mean buyers can ignore the basics. Check the tyres for wear, listen for knocks or rattles from the suspension, make sure there are no dashboard warning lights and confirm that all the switches, screens and controls work properly. "The battery is important, but it's still a car," Miller said. "A thorough inspection should cover everything you'd check on any used vehicle."
5. Make Sure It Can Rapid Charge
Drivers planning longer journeys should check what charging standard the car uses. Models fitted with CCS rapid charging can use the vast majority of the UK's public rapid charging network, while some older cars either don't support DC rapid charging or use the older CHAdeMO standard, which is becoming less common. "If you'll mainly be charging at home, it may not matter," Miller added. "But if you're planning road trips, choosing a CCS-equipped car will give you far more flexibility."
Miller added: "A well looked after used EV can offer years of reliable, low-cost motoring. Taking a little extra time to check battery health, servicing and charging capability can give buyers real confidence that they're choosing the right car for their needs."
Toby Poston, Chief Executive, BVRLA, said: "The used EV market is maturing rapidly, giving motorists more choice than ever before. As with any used vehicle purchase, doing a few simple checks before you buy can make all the difference. Understanding battery health, charging capability and service history will help drivers buy with confidence and enjoy the lower running costs that make electric vehicles such an attractive option."
