With an influx of new electric cars entering the market year after year, a delayed issue is now beginning to emerge: the growing used EV market. With over two million electric vehicles now registered on UK roads, it’s becoming more and more likely that the next car you buy will be a used EV.

After years of buying used cars, most of us know what to look for and, if you don’t, you usually know somebody who does. However, if you’re going out to buy yourself a used EV, are these checks the same? Is there anything you should be looking out for that differs from a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle?

Read on to find out what you should be looking out for, what to avoid, and how to tell if an EV is in good condition.

What Consumers Should Look Out for When Buying a Used Electric Vehicle

✅ Battery Health History

One of the most important things to check is the battery’s State of Health (SoH) percentage. This indicates how much energy the battery can still hold compared to when it was new.

Think of it like a battery health check on a smartphone, just on a much larger and far more expensive scale.

✅ Charging Cable & Software Updates

Always inspect the charging cable carefully. Check the entire length for cuts, cracks, bulges, or crimping, and examine the charging socket for signs of wear or damage.

EVs also operate like rolling computers, so ensuring the software is up to date is equally important. Outdated software can lead to slower charging times, reduced efficiency, and system bugs.

✅ The Usual Vehicle Checks

As with any used vehicle, a thorough inspection is essential. Look over the bodywork for scratches, dents, rust, or signs of poor repair work.

Tyres and brakes should also be checked carefully, along with making sure that electric windows, infotainment systems, lights, and all other electronic features are functioning correctly.

✅ Warranty 

Another important factor to consider is whether the vehicle is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, particularly the battery warranty.

Although electric vehicles have fewer moving mechanical parts than traditional petrol or diesel cars, that doesn’t mean things cannot go wrong. Repairs to EV components, especially batteries and electronic systems can be costly once outside of warranty coverage.

If the vehicle is no longer under the manufactures warranty and you are worried about incurring costs if things go wrong, there is the option to buy an external EV extended warranty much like our own AutoElectric. 

✅ Servicing and MOT history

Check the vehicle’s MOT history for any previous failures or advisories, and ensure that any issues highlighted have since been properly resolved. Repeated advisories or recurring faults could indicate underlying problems that may become costly in the future.

It’s also important to confirm that the vehicle has a full-service history. A well-maintained EV should have documented servicing records, including inspections of the battery system, brakes, tyres, and software updates where applicable.

Purchasing a Used EV

Hopefully, you now have the information you need to make a more informed decision when purchasing a used EV.

Ultimately, the decision is yours, but it's important to pay close attention to the vehicle's battery health, charging port, and charging cable, checking for any signs of external or internal damage, scrapes, or scuffs. You should also review the vehicle's service history and MOT records to ensure it has been properly maintained.

Taking the time to carry out these checks can help you avoid unexpected costs and give you greater confidence in your purchase. However, if you're still concerned about potential repair bills, an external extended warranty provider such as ourselves can help provide added peace of mind by covering a range of electrical and mechanical faults that may occur with a used vehicle.