Purchasing a secondhand electric vehicle might be frightening, primarily if you’ve never owned one. Electric cars need a different way of thinking than gasoline- or diesel-powered automobiles. When shopping for a secondhand electric car, there are a few more factors to consider. Used electric vehicles might be a great buy. However, studying ahead of time might help you make an informed selection. Here are some essential factors to consider when buying a secondhand electric car.
1. Make Use of The Battery’s Life as A Bargaining Chip
An electric car’s battery, like a mobile phone, a laptop, or TV remote, degrades with time, regardless of how often the battery is used. Significant temperature changes, as well as repeated charges, help to hasten this process. A car dealership’s service staff may provide you with a complete battery health report. Alternatively, you may fully charge the used electric car and check the anticipated range. When you compare this to the initial rating, you’ll indicate what’s remaining.
The battery’s health will also be displayed at a glance in electric vehicles, either in the instrument cluster or on the central display panel.
Don’t expect a used electric car to have a 100 percent battery life report, but don’t be disappointed if it only has three-quarters of its original range. In any case, most drivers don’t travel more than 40 to 50 miles daily. A shorter range may suffice if you’re looking for a secondhand electric car for commuting. If the battery isn’t brand new, it’s at least a negotiating point.
2. Check to See If the Battery has Been Replaced
Although battery failure is uncommon, it does occur. Higher-mileage electric vehicles are more likely to have had their batteries wholly changed.
If this has occurred, and the vendor can supply you with paperwork proving the work, you have scored an enormous victory. It suggests someone went to the trouble and money of having this job done before you.
However, scrutinize any papers to ensure you’re being issued invoices for the vehicle you want to purchase. Examine the predicted range on a full charge and battery health information provided by the car’s computer.
Even if the dealer or seller is unaware of the battery replacement, Carfax or AutoCheck vehicle history records may have documented the repair. It’s usually a good idea to ask for one.
Also read: Top 10 EVs for 2022 Under $50000
3. Check to See How Much Battery Warranty is Still Available
We’re still talking about batteries, but there may be some good news this time. Battery packs received better-extended warranty coverage than the rest of the car from big automakers. Warranties will still cover many secondhand electric vehicles. However, read the tiny print.
Most battery warranties last eight years or 100,000 miles after purchase, whichever comes first. Not all guarantees, however, are transferrable to succeeding owners. These warranties can also differ from model year to model year.
Your best chance is to use the vehicle identification number to call the automaker’s customer support department (VIN). You may find this 17-digit number in numerous places on the vehicle, and any dealer or prior owner can offer it to you. The customer care staff will be able to inform you when your warranty will expire and whether it is transferrable.
4. Inquire About Maintenance History
We usually recommend asking a prior owner or a dealer about maintenance history, especially if they have any service documents.
However, from routine tire rotations and windshield wiper replacements, electric vehicles require little maintenance. As a result, you may only receive a few receipts. Even brakes last significantly longer in electric cars because they recharge the batteries by regenerating otherwise wasted electricity.
Also, utilize Kelley Blue Book’s tool to learn about any recalls that may affect your used electric car purchase.
5. Locate the Charging Capacity of the Battery
Gas-powered automobiles are typically changed every few years, with a major overhaul every six years. What about electric vehicles? Not at all. Tesla, in particular, tends to make more modest modifications.
The most important change, and the one that might effect the battery of a used electric car, is an increase in battery capacity. Tesla does not utilize model years to update its vehicles; instead, you should read the information on the car’s touchscreen. For other automakers, the VIN contains configuration information that a dealer can supply.
It can supply the obvious, such as colors and upholstery options. The dealer can tell you if the automobile has quicker charging capabilities and can establish the original capacity of the battery.
6. Determine How Much Range You Require from Your Used EV
Over the last decade, the development of electric vehicles has accelerated significantly. Early electric vehicles could only travel 100 miles on a single charge, but today’s Tesla Model S can travel over 400 miles. Future electric cars are projected to outnumber them.
Determine how much range you require. While 400 miles seems reasonable, electric automobiles with this range are prohibitively expensive. Assume you intend to use your electric car for commuting; a vehicle with a range of less than 100 miles might suffice. You may also rent a vehicle for longer journeys. For many drivers, this smart method saves money in the long term.
7. Understand That Not All Electric Vehicles Charge at The Same Rate
Electric vehicles may not always charge at the same pace, and larger battery packs often require more time to charge. For example, previous Nissan Leaf electric vehicles included a 6.6-kW onboard charger as an optional extra on the base S trim level. Level 2 top-off might take twice as long without this charger. Newer electric vehicles and batteries will charge considerably more quickly.
Consider an electric vehicle that charges rapidly if you want to top off your electric car at work or if you anticipate frequent, brief visits to public charging stations. If you expect to charge overnight at home or all day at work, this may not be a big consideration, and you may be able to save money by purchasing a used electric car that is less expensive.
8. Think About Your Access to EV Chargers
When purchasing a used electric vehicle, you should research where you can locate EV chargers along your normal and unusual driving routes.
Here’s all you need to know about electric vehicle chargers:
Level 1: This level relates to three-prong domestic outlets, such as those used by your computer or a desk light. Because of how long it takes, few electric car owners charge their vehicles this way. A Chevy Bolt EV, for example, gains around four miles of range each hour in this manner. This is sufficient if you simply need to add 20 or 30 miles of charge while at work.
Level 2: The majority of individuals favor level 2 charging capabilities. These chargers operate at 240 volts and require an additional device that connects into a socket, similar to an electric clothes dryer. Level 2 charging, for example, can provide 25 miles of energy per hour to a Chevy Bolt EV.
A Level 3 charger, often known as a DC Fast Charger, is the quickest charging option. In an hour, these rapid chargers can provide 160 miles of range to a Chevy Bolt EV. However, only Level 3 choices are available in public charging stations, which are often fee-based.
That is why a Level 2 charger is the best option for your house. Even so, you should think about where you may charge your automobile at home. Assume you have access to a private garage or driveway. In such situation, having an electrician install the charger should be no trouble.
However, whether you park on the street or in an apartment garage, you will most likely be unable to charge your electric vehicle at home.
9. Look at Government And Utility Incentives
While the majority of electric car tax credits apply to new vehicles, some also apply to used electric vehicles. You should look into this on government or other sources. You may also inquire with your tax preparer or local motor vehicle office about any special offers that may be available to you.
Furthermore, some energy companies give cheap charging equipment as well as decreased prices for charging during off-hours.
10. Examine All Charging Accessories
Once you’ve decided on an electric vehicle, be certain that the vendor includes the charging wire. Charging devices may be rather pricey. Typically, costs range between $300 and $600. It’s conceivable that the previous owner misplaced it or left it at home when trading it in at a dealership for a new vehicle.
If you are purchasing an electric vehicle from a private party, it is worth asking if the seller would sell their Level 2 charger. Level 2 chargers are anticipated to cost $500-600 new and are simple to install as long as you have a 240-volt power outlet.
Also read: Why Can Challenger SXT be A Better Option Over Dodge Challenger Hellcat?
