What to look for before buying a used electric car: the key points

Electric cars have only recently entered the market, but it is already easy to find several used models that, for one reason or another, have ended up in the used or second-hand car market. This can be an attractive option for anyone who wants to get started in electric mobility without wanting to spend the money a new electric car costs. For that reason, we are going to review the key points to check if you are thinking of buying a second-hand electric car.

What to check before buying

Before deciding to buy a second-hand electric car, you should check several important aspects of the vehicle. It is essential that all of them are in good condition so that the chosen vehicle is in perfect condition.

The battery

The battery of an electric car is one of the main elements to check when buying a used car. A battery has a maximum number of charge cycles, after which it begins to lose efficiency. This means that the battery of the used car may not charge fully and its range may be considerably reduced.

This may not be a problem, since the loss of range may not be excessively alarming and may be just as useful depending on what is expected of it. But even so, you need to know its condition. It is important to test the car and find out what range it has and what it can offer.

To do this, you would need to arrange an appointment with the seller, whether a private individual or a professional dealership, and find out the condition of the battery. A route similar to the one you would normally take with the car, with the battery charged, can be very useful for detecting problems and knowing what to expect from the car.

There is also something important to know about the battery. It may be leased or owned outright. In the first case, a fixed monthly amount is paid, but in return the company that owns the battery takes care of all its maintenance and replaces it in the event of any problem arising from use, loss of storage capacity or an unexpected fault. If the battery is owned outright, this will considerably increase the price of the second-hand electric car, and the battery will also have to be replaced once it stops being efficient.

As for the warranty on an electric car, manufacturers usually offer 8 years, although for the first models this is reduced to 5 years. This means that in the second case the manufacturer will probably no longer guarantee its correct operation, so this must be taken into account. This could affect the final price of the second-hand electric car, so it is important to know details such as the date of manufacture and first registration.

Purchase costs

The costs of buying a second-hand electric car are the same as those for cars with combustion engines. What is important is to know how the car will be used and whether the advantages of owning an electric car will be useful to you, such as the ability to drive into city centres with restrictions or free parking in regulated parking zones.

Prices of second-hand electric cars

Second-hand electric cars are priced considerably lower than new electric cars. The difference can range from as little as 1,000 euros for cars withdrawn with little use to several thousand for older, more heavily used ones. In November 2020 we saw a Citroën C-Zero Seduction for 5,490 euros, compared with the 12,900 euros it costs new.

You can also find a TESLA Model S P100D 4WD 5p priced at 90,990 euros, compared with the 96,990 euros it costs new. Obviously, prices vary depending on the condition of the vehicle, its range and the model. We recommend that before buying a second-hand electric car you check it thoroughly and obtain all the relevant information about it in writing and with the corresponding warranty. Avoid surprises!