11 tips for buying used EVs in Canada

11 tips for buying used EVs in Canada

With today’s high gas prices, driving a car that runs on fuel can be quite inconvenient, not to mention the increased awareness of the environmental harm caused by automobiles that run on gasoline or diesel.

If you desire to switch to an electric vehicle but are concerned about the large price tag, you may enjoy all of the benefits of having an electric vehicle without the high initial costs by just investing in a used electric vehicle.

Used electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular with Canadians because they are a terrific way to save money on gas while commuting without creating any emissions. However, while buying a used car in Canada can be very tempting these days, some Canadian EV purchasers still have some concerns about buying used EVs. Indeed, purchasing a used electric vehicle differs from purchasing a used gas vehicle. As EVs rely so heavily on their batteries and software, it may be challenging to find the right used EV, especially if you are new to EVs.

There are a few additional factors to consider when buying a used electric vehicle, in addition to the standard used car inspection checklist that applies to all used cars. In this blog, we will look at the 11 most crucial tips for buying used EVs in Canada.

Determine the battery range you need

When looking for a used electric car, keep the vehicle’s range in mind. It’s critical to choose a vehicle that fulfills your everyday driving requirements and makes your life easier, not more difficult.

The electric car industry has expanded quickly over the last decade. Some early electric vehicles could only drive 160 kilometers on a single charge, but the Tesla Model 3 now has a range of 423 kilometers.

Most electric vehicles currently have a range of 200 to 400 kilometers on a single charge. If you drive 60 kilometers or less on a daily basis, like the majority of Canadians, you don’t need to worry about the range of a used EV. If you have a long commute or need to drive for several hours every day, you might consider purchasing a more powerful EV.

Before making a purchase, you must determine the range that is required for your needs. While 400 kilometers may appear to be sufficient, if you want to use your EV for commuting, an electric car with a range of 150 kilometers may be enough. Calculating how much range you actually require is a practical tip for buying used EVs because it will help you save money and reduce your EV options.

Evaluate the battery’s condition

Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, regardless of how frequently they are used. The age of a used electric car’s battery will affect its range. The lower the capacity of a battery, the less charge it can hold, and as a result, your battery range may decrease. 

Expect a used electric vehicle to have a battery life report that is less than 100%, but if you’re looking for a used electric car for commuting, a reduced battery range shouldn’t be a concern. An important tip for buying used EVs is to keep in mind that the battery on every EV will need to be replaced at some point throughout its lifespan. Fortunately, EV batteries are expected to last 10 to 20 years. When the time comes to replace one, however, the expense of changing and installing an EV battery can go into the thousands of dollars. As a result, the battery condition of a used EV is an important factor to consider.

Look into the vehicle’s maintenance history

Not only is this a useful tip for buying used EVs, but also for all used cars. You should always examine the EV’s car history record, as you would do for any used vehicle, before proceeding with the deal. Any prior write-offs, manufacturer recalls, or a seller or dealership attempting to deflect your attention away from the EV’s service history report are all red flags. However, don’t be surprised if the EV hasn’t received much prior maintenance. Electric vehicles require less maintenance than gasoline-powered vehicles. The fact that electric vehicles require less maintenance than gasoline-powered vehicles implies that EV owners save money at the repair shop as well as at the gas pump.

Purchasing a used electric vehicle not only saves money, but it also benefits the environment. Visit Carnax today to find the best used EV offers in Canada. 

Carnex, your EV specialist, is here to assist you in finding the best used electric vehicle for you.

Inquire about the EV’s service history

Although EVs require less care than gasoline vehicles, we recommend checking with the dealer or the owner about the vehicle’s maintenance history and service documents.

Aside from tire rotations and windshield wiper replacements on a regular basis, electric vehicles require little maintenance and may only have a few receipts to validate. EV brakes often last significantly longer since they replenish the batteries by recovering otherwise lost electricity.

Investigate battery warranties

Battery degradation may be an issue when purchasing a used EV. The good news is that many major automakers offer extended warranty coverage for battery packs, so many used electric vehicles will still be covered.

Most EV battery packs in Canada are guaranteed to last 160,000 kilometers or eight years, whichever comes first. While not all warranties are transferable to new owners, you can use the VIN to contact the manufacturer to find out when the warranty expires and whether it is transferable.

Understand the charging rates for used electric vehicles

The rate at which an electric vehicle charges is determined by its brand, model, and charging method. Electric vehicles may not always charge at the same rate, and larger battery packs require more time to charge. The Nissan Leaf, for example, has a 6.6-kW internal charger as an optional extra on the base S trim level. Level 2 top-off can take twice as long without this charger.

If you’ll be charging an EV overnight from a home charger, you probably don’t need to worry about the charging rate, and you might be able to save money by acquiring a less expensive used electric car. If you expect to rely on fast charging while driving or at work, make sure you buy a used EV that charges quickly enough for your needs.

Know what questions to ask

If you’ve never had an electric vehicle before, it may be difficult to know which questions to ask. Make sure you inquire about the services performed on the car during its maintenance history, paying specific attention to important repairs. If you are buying an older model EV, you should also inquire whether the EV still maintains a charge for the same mileage as it did when new.

Fortunately, there are also electric vehicle specialists who can guide us to the essential questions to ask when looking for an electric vehicle.

Carnex is your online EV expert who can help you find the best used electric vehicle in Canada. Our EV specialists are here to help you select the best EV! Our specialist team inspects each Carnex electric vehicle to make sure you enjoy a worry-free purchase. 

Consider your accessibility to EV charging stations

Whether you buy a new or used EV, you’ll need a charging station. If your region allows it, you can use public chargers or connect your EV directly to a power outlet, which will take much longer to charge. However, these are not practical solutions, and the charging time is longer. While public charging stations aren’t as common as gas stations, you should consider whether you need one at home. If you have to park your electric vehicle on the street or in an apartment garage, you will almost certainly be restricted to public charging.

Verify charging devices

If you decide to buy a used electric vehicle, make sure the seller includes all of the charging supplies you’ll need. Charging devices can be costly. In Canada, the typical cost is between $300 and $600. When trading it in for a new vehicle at a dealership, the previous owner may have misplaced it or left it at home. Check the charging accessories thoroughly to ensure that nothing is missing.

Consider your driving style as well as the weather

When purchasing a used EV, it is critical to evaluate your driving style as it will have a direct impact on the range of your EV. Slowing down when you drive an EV, for example, will use less energy.

Furthermore, excessively cold or hot climatic conditions have a negative impact on battery life. For electric-car batteries, the optimal temperature range is roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Electric vehicle batteries, for example, are less effective and have a reduced range in cold weather in Canada, where most areas have a long winter. Furthermore, EVs are not the same as gasoline-powered vehicles; an EV cannot be driven if the battery is low. To put it another way, charging your EV takes time. This is a constraint for all EV owners, and it necessitates advance planning of journeys.

Determine your eligibility for a used EV incentive

Considering used EV incentives may assist you in purchasing the desired used EV. Some provinces in Canada provide tax breaks and monetary incentives to buyers of new and used electric vehicles. Ontario, for example, offers a $1,000 used electric vehicle incentive and a $500 used plug-in hybrid credit. Do your homework before making a final decision, and figure out how much incentive you can get.

Carnex is the top online EV expert in Canada for buying and selling used EVs. Visit Carnax today and discover the best deals on EVs.

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.