How to choose the right used electric vehicle in 6 steps.
Buying a used EV can be a good move in exploring the world of electric vehicles. As new electric cars typically have a higher price tag than their gasoline counterparts, buying a used electric vehicle can save you quite a bit of money. However, it’s important to check something out before you buy. Here are some essential steps to follow for choosing the right used electric vehicle for being a savvy buyer.
1. Think about your needs
There are all sorts of used electric vehicles out there. To choose the right used electric vehicle for you, you’d better think about what type of EV that fixes your lifestyle the best.
Ask yourself these questions to choose the right used electric vehicle for you:
- Is this my second or only car?
- What’s my plan to use this vehicle every day?
- Hom many passengers will I have?
- What is my driving style?
- Do you have a 120-volt exterior outlet?
- What battery range do I really need?
By asking those questions ahead, you will be able to narrow down the EV options and start your research.
2. Compare the cost
Buying a used or new electric vehicle costs more than buying a gasoline-equivalent. But the most obvious benefit of buying an electric car is the saving on fuel. In general, electricity is cheaper than gas no matter where you plug in across the country. In addition to the savings you’ll save from gas expenditures, you’ll also benefit from the savings in maintenance costs and even in insurance costs. Since electric cars have fewer moving parts and battery EVs have no gasoline engine so no need for oil changes. In a long run, you will save money over time by spending less on fuel and maintenance.
3. Check the battery’s health
Lithium-ion batteries tend to degrade over time no matter how much the battery got used. For a used EV, the battery age will affect how far you are able to drive. The more a battery degrades, it can hold less charge, your battery range could be affected as a result. Don’t expect a 100 percent battery life report on a used electric car, but if you are buying a used electric car for commuting, a shorter battery range should not be an issue.
Although a car dealership’s service department can give you a detailed report on battery health, a used EV’s battery degrades based on a number of factors. That includes the operating temperature, the way the battery charges, or overcharging, you can’t really know all these factors just by checking the car. In addition, not all EV batteries are the same, some automakers make better batteries than others. Take Tesla as an example, its batteries still can hold more than 90% of their full capacity after driving 320,000 kilometers, which means the battery degradation is less an issue if you go with a used Tesla.
4. Ask about battery warranty
While battery degradation might be a problem for buying a used electric vehicle. The good news is, extended warranty coverage for battery packs is included by all mainstream automakers, so many used electric cars will still be under warranty.
You can try to find a vehicle that still has a valid manufacturer’s warranty. Most of the battery warranty coverages run for 160,000 kilometers or eight years after the initial purchase, whichever comes first. While not all warranties are transferable to subsequent owners, you can contact the automaker with the VIN (vehicle identification number) to confirm if the warranty expires and if it’s transferable.
5. Consider charging your EV at Home or Public
Whether you go with a new or used EV, you will absolutely need a charging station for recharge. You may use public chargers if your location allows you to do so, or plug your EV directly into a wall outlet which will take significantly longer to recharge. These aren’t the most convenient options or it takes longer to recharge time. While the public chargers aren’t as common as gas stations, you need to decide if you need to install a charger at home. However, if you park your EV on the street or in an apartment garage, you probably can only go with public chargers.
6. Find the right used car dealer
There is more and more used electric vehicle inventory available on the market. Buying a used EV from a dealership or privately are both worth looking into. However, buying directly from the owner means you will need to find your own financing. Shop smarter and choose the right online at Carnex.ca, an online electric cars dealership that opens for online shopping 24/7.
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