Buying Your First Used EV – What to Check Before You Buy
Buying a used electric vehicle (EV) can be one of the smartest moves for anyone wanting to switch to electric driving without spending a fortune on a new model. Prices for second-hand EVs have become much more reasonable in recent years, and battery technology has proven to be far more reliable than early critics expected.
However, there are still some key things you should check before signing the papers. Unlike a gasoline car, an EV has a few unique components — mainly the battery and the charging system — that require a slightly different kind of inspection. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the right choice.
1. Battery health – the heart of the EV
The battery is the single most important (and expensive) part of any electric car. It can represent up to 40% of the car’s total value. Most EV batteries last many years, but they slowly lose capacity over time — typically around 2–3% per year depending on driving habits and climate.
Before buying, always ask for a battery health report (sometimes called “State of Health” or SOH). Many service centers or even mobile diagnostic apps can generate this data.
If the seller cannot provide it, that’s a red flag.
A car with 85–90% battery health is generally in great shape. Anything below 80% may mean reduced range and a need for battery servicing sooner than you’d like.
2. Range reality – know what to expect
When new, every EV comes with an official range estimate (WLTP, EPA, or NEDC). In real-world driving, however, the range can vary — especially in used cars.
A three-year-old EV that originally offered 400 km may now realistically deliver 330–360 km depending on battery wear, tire type, and temperature.
Check online owner forums (like My EV Discussion!) to see what other drivers of the same model report in terms of daily range. That’s a far better indicator of what you’ll actually get.
3. Charging history and habits
Charging habits affect long-term battery life. A car that was charged slowly at home most of the time usually has a healthier battery than one that spent its life on DC fast chargers.
Ask the seller:
- How often was the car fast-charged?
- Was it kept plugged in for long periods?
- Was the battery often charged to 100% or left near 0%?
If the car includes a charging log (some models like Tesla or Hyundai record this data), review it carefully. It can tell you a lot about how the previous owner treated the car.
4. Warranty and service records
Most EV manufacturers offer long battery warranties — typically 8 years or 160 000 km. Verify if the original warranty is still valid and whether it’s transferable to the next owner.
Also, ask for the service history. Even though EVs have fewer moving parts than combustion cars, they still require maintenance — brake fluid changes, cabin filters, and software updates.
A full, documented service record shows that the car has been looked after properly.
5. Charging equipment and compatibility
Make sure all charging cables and adapters are included. A missing home charger or Type 2 cable can cost several hundred euros to replace.
Visually inspect the cables for damage or corrosion. Test them if possible.
If you’re in Europe, confirm that the vehicle supports CCS (Combined Charging System), which is now the most common fast-charging standard. Older cars like early Nissan Leafs use CHAdeMO, which is less common today.
6. Software and updates
Electric cars rely heavily on software — not just for infotainment but for performance, range optimization, and charging efficiency.
Always check:
- Is the software up to date?
- Does the manufacturer still provide over-the-air (OTA) updates?
- Are there any known bugs or recall campaigns for that model?
For example, Tesla, Polestar, and Volkswagen frequently release updates that improve charging times or add features. A car that hasn’t received updates for years might be missing important improvements.
7. Real-world efficiency and cost
Don’t focus only on range — look at efficiency, usually measured in kWh/100 km.
This tells you how much energy the car consumes and how much you’ll pay to drive it.
For comparison:
| Model | Typical Efficiency (kWh/100 km) | Average Real Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf (40 kWh) | 16–18 | 200–230 km |
| BMW i3 (42 kWh) | 15–17 | 220–250 km |
| Tesla Model 3 SR+ | 13–15 | 400–430 km |
he lower the number, the more efficient the car. Over a few years, this difference can save you hundreds of euros in electricity costs.
8. Signs of accident or water damage
EVs handle collisions differently because of their battery placement. Ask if the car has ever been involved in an accident or suffered water damage. Flooded EVs can have hidden electrical issues even if they appear to run fine.
Look for:
- Unusual corrosion on metal parts near the battery pack.
- Replaced panels or mismatched paint.
- Moisture or condensation inside lights or connectors.
If possible, have a professional EV mechanic inspect the car before purchase.
9. Test drive and diagnostics
Take the car for a proper test drive. Pay attention to:
- Smooth acceleration and regenerative braking.
- Any unexpected noises from the drivetrain.
- Sudden range drops or battery fluctuations on the display.
If you can, connect a diagnostic app (like OBDLink, LeafSpy, or Scan My Tesla) to check the battery temperature, cell balance, and error codes.
A quick 15-minute test with these tools can reveal issues that aren’t visible from the outside.
10. Ownership costs and incentives
Finally, calculate the total cost of ownership. Even a cheap used EV can have hidden costs if you need to install a home charger or replace worn tires.
Check local government websites for EV incentives or used EV grants — many countries in Europe offer reduced registration fees or free parking for electric cars.
Factor in charging costs: home electricity is usually the cheapest, public DC charging is more expensive, and subscription networks may have monthly fees.
Final thoughts
Buying your first used EV is an exciting step toward cleaner, cheaper, and quieter driving. With the right research and inspection, a pre-owned electric car can be just as reliable as a new one — and much more affordable.
The key is to focus on battery health, charging history, and software support. Once you’ve done your homework, you’ll enjoy the benefits of electric mobility without the stress or the new-car price tag.