Buying used EVs in Canada can be overwhelming if it’s your first time buying an EV; however, buying used is a great way to test out EVs and save money. Compared to purchasing pre-owned gasoline vehicles, buying used EVs requires some different thinking. There are a few extra factors to consider when purchasing used EVs in Canada to ensure you get the right one at a fantastic price.
Used electric vehicles can be very costly, because they are typically more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts. Buying a used electric vehicle can help you save money, but make sure you are aware of some important things to look for first.
Where can you get excellent deals on used EVs in Canada? An electric vehicle doesn’t have to cost a fortune to purchase! With Carnex, you may locate the best EV for you at a price that fits your budget. Search through Carnex inventory for the EV you’re interested in, and feel confident in the price and the quality you pay.
Here are a few things to consider when buying a used EV in Canada.
Battery Reliability
Like the battery in your mobile phone or laptop, the battery in an electric car gradually degrades over time, regardless of how often it is used. This process tends to be accelerated by high temperatures and repeated charging.
The range of a used EV can play a crucial role in determining its value because the battery range can affect how far you can drive. Because a battery can hold a reduced charge as it ages, your battery range might be affected. Therefore, when you purchase a used EV, generally do not expect a 100% battery life.
Many factors, including operational temperature, the way the battery charges, and overcharging, can cause the battery of an used EV to degrade. As a result, it’s difficult to determine all of these details by merely glancing at the vehicle. Typically, the service professionals at an EV dealership can give you a comprehensive battery health evaluation. Not all EV batteries, however, are made equal; some automakers make stronger batteries than others. Take Tesla as an example. Battery deterioration won’t be as much of an issue if you choose a used Tesla because the batteries can preserve more than 90% of their capacity even after 500,000 kilometers.
Battery Warranty
Consider looking for a pre-owned electric vehicle with a valid manufacturer’s warranty. In most cases, battery warranty coverage expires after eight years or 250,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, from the date of purchase. In many cases, used EVs in Canada still come with warranties. But not all warranties are transferable to new owners. The automaker can be contacted by giving them the VIN (vehicle identification number) to find out when the warranty expires and whether it can be transferred.
Maintenance History
It’s recommended that you always inquire about the maintenance history of a vehicle from the previous owner or the dealer, just like when you buy a used gasoline automobile.
Since EVs require far less maintenance, you can notice that there aren’t many records when it comes to buy a used EV in Canada. Even the brakes on electric cars usually last a lot longer since they recover energy that would otherwise be lost and use it to recharge the batteries.
EV Inspection
Although EVs have fewer moving parts, require less maintenance, and have one large and expensive component that draws attention and instills dread—the battery pack—that doesn’t mean you should skip having a prospective purchase inspected by a trained mechanic. Generally, it’s preferable to choose a mechanic that has been trained to operate on electric vehicles, which may limit your options and raise the cost of the inspection. Though it may cost a few hundred dollars depending on the mechanic and region, this step can save you a lot of money in the long run by ruling out stinkers, and it should give you a sense of how much life is left on wear items like brakes and suspension components, even if they’re now adequate.
EV Depreciation
Depreciation is usually one of the major cost factors, whether for EVs or conventional cars. The fact that the initial owner of a used electric vehicle has already taken the heaviest hit from depreciation is one benefit of doing so. The amount of range a used electric car can hold is the most important factor that influences its value. The data show that the typical used EV loses value more slowly than traditional cars. The top-tier EV models produced by Tesla and Mercedes can hold their value even longer than other electric cars.
EV Charging
Here is what you need to know about EV chargers:
Level 1: Three-prong plugs that you can find in your home, including those that are utilized by your phone and computer.
Only a small portion of EV owners charge their vehicles with a level 1 charge because it takes so much longer. For instance, a level 1 charger increases the range of a Tesla Model 3 EV by about 10 km per hour. A level 1 charger might be adequate if your daily mileage is only 30 to 40 km.
Level 2: EV owners prefer Level 2 charging. These chargers need an external, 240-volt source of power, such as an electric dryer that plugs into a wall outlet. For instance, Level 2 may boost a Tesla Model 3’s charging rate by 60 km/h.
Level 3: A Level 3 charger, also referred to as a DC fast charger, has the fastest charging speed. These fast chargers can add 250 kilometers to a Tesla Model 3’s range in just 30 minutes, and they can charge the vehicle to 90 percent capacity in 40 minutes. Level 3 options, however, are only accessible at public charging stations, which often charge a fee.
Whether you buy a new or used EV, you will undoubtedly need a charging station to power it. You can use public chargers if your region allows it; if not, you can connect your electric car directly to a power outlet, although it will take substantially longer. These aren’t the best options because they take longer to recharge. Even though there are fewer public charging stations than gas stations, you must consider if you actually need to install a charger at home. However, you may probably only make use of public chargers if you leave your electric car in a parking garage that is connected to an apartment or on the street.
Accessories for Charging
Once you’ve decided on the secondhand electric car you want to take home, make sure the seller includes the charging cord and required accessories. The cost of charging accessories might be high. In Canada, the cost typically falls between $400 and $700. A brand new Level 2 charger should cost at least $600, you might ask the seller if they are willing to sell you their Level 2 charger at a discount price if you have a 240-volt outlet.
Government Incentives for EVs in Canada
The Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles Program (iZEV) of the Canadian government provides consumers with $2,500 to $5,000 in incentives to buy electric cars. Depending on where you live, a number of provincial incentives are also available. Although certain EV incentives also include used EVs, the majority of EV incentives only apply to completely new EVs. In Ontario, for example, a non-profit organization called Plug ‘N Drive is providing a rebate of up to $2,000 for used fully electric vehicle purchases when combined with a scrap-page incentive. Make sure you do your homework and find out how much of an incentive you can get before making a purchase.
Where can you get excellent deals on used EVs in Canada? An electric vehicle doesn’t have to cost a fortune to purchase!
With Carnex, you may locate the best EV for you at a price that fits your budget.
Search through Carnex inventory for the EV you’re interested in, and feel confident in the price and the quality you pay.
Our professional EV experts perform a thorough diagnostic on each and every one of our electric vehicles at Carnex since we value your trust. Shop EV online from Carnex easily from the convenience of your own home in one spot!
Carnex is your go-to internet source for used EVs in Canada.
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