What to know about buying a used electric car

Battery and range

When purchasing a used ICE vehicle, you always want to check the engine for faults.

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When purchasing a used electric vehicle, the same applies to the battery. The battery is a crucial component of an electric car, so it's essential to assess its health and lifespan before purchasing. Unfortunately, this can be a little tricky depending on the make and model.

Some models like the Nissan Leaf have a dash display that indicates the health of the battery. For the more technically savvy, you can use an OBD2 (on-board diagnostics) scanner with a smartphone app to obtain detailed vehicle systems information. However, this may not be available for every EV make and model. You can also go to some used car dealerships to get a reading from an on-board diagnostic device.

If that’s not possible, an alternative is to have the owner charge the vehicle to 100% and then compare the range stated on the dash display to the range stated by the manufacturer. Also, inquire with the owner about their charging habits, including the types of chargers used, charging frequency, and any instances of fast charging. Overuse of fast/rapid charging can negatively impact the lifespan of the car battery, whereas using a lower-powered source generally preserves the battery at a greater rate. This information can give you insights into the battery's health and potential longevity. A well-maintained battery with a consistent charging routine is more likely to be a properly cared-for used electric vehicle.

You may also benefit from looking for information on the battery's capacity and any degradation over time. Consider factors like the manufacturer's warranty, the number of charging cycles the battery has gone through, and the estimated remaining battery life.

However, don't hesitate to consult with a trusted mechanic or electric vehicle expert for a comprehensive inspection before finalizing your purchase.

Vehicle and battery warranty

It is important to find out about the warranty that covers the car and the battery, as these are often separate. The battery warranty usually guarantees the battery will maintain at least 70% of its original charging capacity for the battery warranty period.

The warranty term differs across the various car brands and models. Tesla cars usually come with a 4-year or 80,000km (whichever comes first) warranty, with the battery itself having a warranty of 8 years or 160,000km – 192,000km depending on the model.

Some other models, like the older BMW i3, only came with a 3-year manufacturer warranty, whereas other brands like MG come with a 7-year warranty. So it is essential to get the information on the warranty of the particular vehicle you are interested in buying.

Choice of electric vehicle

While Tesla remains the clear sales leader for EVs with its acclaimed Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, there are now over 60 different models of EVs in the Australian market, with more scheduled for release in 2024. Chinese brands BYD, MG, and GWM are among the fast-growing brands for electric car sales in Australia.

Families after an SUV might wish to consider second-hand EV models like the Kia EV6 or the BYD Atto 3. If you’re after something small and zippy, MG offers the electric MG4 hatch, which is perfect for city driving, while BYD offers Australia's most affordable EV, the Dolphin light hatch. Be prepared to search harder if you’re looking for a non-Tesla EV, however, or consider waiting a few years for more EVs to enter the second-hand market.

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