Buying a second-hand electric car

Thinking about buying a second hand electric vehicle? Here's EV-specific checks we recommend adding to your tick list before you drive your new EV home.

Batteries tend to have warranties of 8 or more years, depending on the manufacturer. So, a battery could still be under warranty – even if other parts of the car aren’t. That means you should be able to get any battery repairs done for free, or get a replacement, should anything go wrong.

If the battery is out of warranty, a more in-depth diagnostic health check is good idea, to check everything is working well. The main local dealer for each brand of electric car should be able to help you. They may charge, but it could save you some serious money if the battery needs replacing soon. 

Like any second-hand vehicle, it’s always best to buy from a well-established dealership. If you’re lucky you may even have an EV specialist dealer in your area. Of course, you can buy through private individuals selling their used EV, but you won't always get a guarantee or warranty like some dealerships may provide. 

As electric cars hold their value much better than petrol of or diesel, it’s worth comparing the cost to buy. You may find it’s better value to buy or lease a new car instead. 

The upfront cost of buying a new electric vehicle is higher on average than the engine-based alternatives, but it could lead to some savings over the lifetime of the car. Charging is significantly cheaper than refuelling, which helps offset the higher price tag. If leasing is an option that works for you, then you won’t be responsible for most maintenance costs and what you could save may increase further still. 

Working out the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over the time you expect to drive the car will give you a clearer and more detailed picture of the real cost. TCO costs include road tax, MOT, servicing and charging. 

If a used electric car doesn’t come with the right type of charging cable (preferably the original one), it could make it harder to charge away from home. You’ll need to have one because many public chargers require you to supply your own, so don’t forget to add that to the cost. Or ask for a discount to cover it.

Don’t forget to to check the usual things before buying.

• Overall condition
• The state of the tyres
• Brakes and suspension
• That the basic electric functions work, such as the windows in the front and back
• How many previous owners it’s had and if it’s been in any accidents
• When the MOT is due 

Once you’ve spotted a great deal on a used electric car, get a quick quote and find out how much it’d cost you to insure.