Buying an electric vehicle requires some different thinking compared to a traditional gasoline vehicle. When it comes to buying a used electric vehicle, there are also some extra things to consider.
In this blog, we will take a look at some common questions people have when buying a used electric vehicle to ensure you can get a great used electric vehicle that meets all your needs.
Battery Status
Battery longevity is typically the most common question people ask in the first place. The range of a used electric vehicle can be an important factor in determining the value of a used EV. Because the battery range will affect how far you are able to drive. The more a battery degrades, it can hold less charge as well as the shorter the battery range is.
Today’s electric cars use lithium-ion battery cells that are similar to what we have in our cellphone. EV batteries diminish their performance over time like any battery-powered device. Therefore, don’t expect a 100 percent battery life report on a used electric car. If you are buying a used electric car for commuting, a shorter battery range should not be an issue.
Actually, a used EV’s battery degrades based on a number of factors, which include the operating temperature, the way the battery charges, or overcharging. At Carnex, we do a full diagnostic on all our electric vehicles. From the high voltage battery pack that drives the car to the 12-volt battery that powers the electronics, everything is looked after and your EV purchase will be worry-free.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not all EV batteries are made the same, some automakers make stronger batteries than others. Take Tesla as an example, the battery degradation is less of an issue and a used Tesla can still hold up more than 90% of its full capacity on the batteries after driving 320,000 kilometers. In addition, most car companies offer extended warranties that up to seven or eight years.
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 up to eight years after the initial purchase, whichever comes first.
Carnex offers a variety of different electric vehicles and we specialize in Tesla! Want a worry-free buy? The powertrain warranty of our Teslas is taken care of for you!
EV chargers
Whether you go with a new or used EV, you will absolutely need a charging station for recharge. If you live in an apartment or a condo complex, you may use public chargers if your location allows you to do so. Alternatively, you can plug your EV directly into a wall outlet which is 120 volt and it will take significantly longer to recharge. A charger at the 240-volt circuit from 30 to 48 amps is recommended as it will be 10 times faster in most cases.
While the public chargers aren’t as common as gas stations, you need to decide if you need to install a charger at home. Having a charger installed at home can be the most convenient option in the long run. However, if you park your EV on the street or in an apartment garage, you probably can only go with public chargers.
Government Incentive
Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles Program (iZEV) offered by the government of Canada provides $2,500 to $5,000 incentives to encourage people to buy electric cars. Depending on where you live, there are also various provincial incentives available. While most of the EV incentives are applied to new EVs only, some rebates may apply to used electric cars. While you may not be able to benefit from the full amount, buying a used electric vehicle in Ontario is eligible for $1,000 toward the purchase of a used fully electric car that has a resale sticker price below $50,000 CDN. Make sure you do your search and check out how much incentive you could get exactly before making your purchase.
You may not get the longest range or the latest tech features with a used electric vehicle, but it can be a good tradeoff that is worth making. For more information, check out our full video below for “things to know before buying a used electric vehicle.”
Learn more about the benefits of buying from Carnex. We believe that all clients deserve to know the good and bad of what they’re buying. Because we wanted to know these when we bought cars. That’s why at Carnex.ca, we will proudly display every detail every step of the way. Browse all the best cars, automobile buying tips, auto insurance, young drivers, driving techniques, auto industry trends from Carnex Blog.
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