Interest in pre-owned electric vehicles is on the rise nationwide, as searches for ‘second-hand EV’ have increased by 49% across the UK in the past year and by 44% in the last quarter alone. Moreover, ‘used EV’ queries have surged from 17,000 to 27,000 monthly searches, marking a 59% rise during this period, as per Google trend data analyzed by an industry expert.
With more drivers considering the switch to electric vehicles at a lower cost, expert Alan Lee has advised that buying a used EV requires a specific checklist compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars. Alex from Dick Lovett has outlined six essential recommendations for purchasing a pre-owned electric vehicle to help drivers avoid costly mistakes and choose a model that suits their needs.
According to Alex, the most critical component of an EV is not the engine but the battery. Over time, all EV batteries experience some capacity loss, affecting the driving range. Therefore, it is crucial for buyers to request a battery State of Health (SoH) report before making a purchase to assess the battery’s remaining usable life, with an SoH above 80% generally considered healthy. Additionally, checking if the car is still covered by the manufacturer’s battery warranty, lasting up to 8 years or 100,000 miles for many brands, can provide peace of mind against potential high replacement costs ranging from £4,000 to £16,500.
Alex emphasized that while EVs have fewer moving parts than conventional cars, regular maintenance is still essential. Components like brakes, tires, and suspension should be inspected, and a complete service history can reassure buyers of the vehicle’s upkeep. He also highlighted the significance of software updates in improving efficiency and features, urging buyers to confirm if the car is running the latest software version and has been serviced at manufacturer-approved centers.
Moreover, Alex pointed out the importance of considering the charging speed of the EV, as older or entry-level models may support slower rates, leading to longer waiting times at public charging stations. Understanding the car’s charging capabilities and ensuring compatibility with the preferred charging infrastructure, whether at home or public locations, is crucial to avoid inconvenience and additional expenses.
Regarding the vehicle’s range, Alex advised buyers to evaluate their daily driving patterns before choosing an EV. While newer models offer greater ranges, older or more affordable EVs may have reduced mileage due to battery degradation over time. Therefore, selecting a model with an appropriate range based on individual driving needs is essential to optimize cost savings and convenience.
In terms of purchase options, Alex recommended buying from a reputable dealership for added safeguards, thorough checks, refurbishment, warranty coverage, and protection under UK consumer rights laws, unlike private sales that lack formal inspections and warranties. While government incentives like the ‘Electric Car Grant 2025’ target new vehicles, the increasing adoption of new EVs through such schemes is likely to expand the availability and affordability of nearly-new models in the second-hand market, offering buyers more choices at potentially better prices.
In conclusion, keeping abreast of new government incentives can lead to favorable outcomes for those seeking used EVs, as newer models entering the second-hand market post-incentive launches are often in better condition with fewer issues, providing buyers with improved options.