Used Electric Cars Long-Term Test: How Well Do 2018 EVs Hold Up in 2025?
Buying a used electric vehicle can save you thousands — but it also comes with questions few tests ever answer. While automakers keep releasing flashy new EVs every year, very few publications take the time to examine what happens to older models after 5 or more years on the road.
In this long-term comparison, we explore how early-generation EVs like the 2018 Tesla Model 3, 2018 Nissan Leaf, and 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric are holding up in 2025 — with a focus on battery degradation, charging port condition, and thermal management performance.
1. Why Long-Term EV Tests Are So Rare
Most electric vehicle reviews online focus on the excitement of new features: range boosts, software updates, or new charging speeds. What’s missing are independent, data-driven reviews of used EVs — cars that have already lived through real-world charging cycles, heatwaves, and winters.
Understanding how these older EVs age is essential for anyone buying second-hand. Battery chemistry, cooling systems, and even firmware updates all influence how much real-world range remains after years of use. Yet, reliable data is still surprisingly hard to find, even in English-language markets like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
2. Battery Degradation: The Hidden Cost of Age
Battery degradation is the number-one factor that separates a great used EV from a disappointing one.
While manufacturers often claim a 70–80 % capacity retention after 8 years, real-world results vary dramatically depending on driving patterns and climate.
2018 Nissan Leaf (40 kWh) – Without active liquid cooling, the first-gen Leaf shows the fastest degradation, often losing 15–20 % capacity after 5 years in warm climates. Fast-charging repeatedly in high temperatures accelerates wear.
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric (64 kWh) – Its liquid-cooled battery system performs far better, typically retaining 90 % or more of its capacity. Drivers report stable range even after 100,000 km.
2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range – Tesla’s advanced thermal management keeps degradation impressively low. Data from real-world fleets (like TeslaFi and Recurrent) show an average of 7–10 % loss after 5 years.
For buyers searching “how much range do used Teslas lose” or “used Nissan Leaf battery degradation,” this data directly answers that pain point.
3. Charging Port and Cable Wear
A detail rarely discussed in used-EV reviews is the charging system’s physical condition. After thousands of connections, even a premium CCS or Type 2 port can loosen slightly. Signs to check include:
- play or wobble in the charging socket,
- visible corrosion on metal pins,
- slower-than-expected charging speeds on DC fast chargers.
4. The Importance of Thermal Management History
Every electric vehicle relies on its thermal management system to regulate battery temperature. Over time, cooling fluid levels drop, pumps weaken, and firmware may fail to calibrate correctly — especially if maintenance is skipped.
When evaluating a used EV, request service records for the thermal system, including coolant changes and firmware updates. These details are often overlooked but can prevent serious degradation or sudden shutdowns.
For example:
- A Model 3 with updated thermal firmware runs cooler during Supercharging sessions.
- A Kona Electric without proper coolant replacement may trigger derating warnings.
- A Leaf simply has no active cooling — so its degradation is baked into the design.
5. Real-World Range Comparison (2018 vs 2024)
| Model | Original Range (EPA) | Typical Range in 2025 | % Capacity Retained |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 LR | 310 mi | 275–285 mi | ~90 % |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 258 mi | 230–240 mi | ~92 % |
| Nissan Leaf (40 kWh) | 151 mi | 120–125 mi | ~82 % |
These numbers highlight why battery cooling and software updates matter more than initial range ratings when buying a used EV.
6. Maintenance Costs and Software Support
One reason buyers choose EVs is the promise of low maintenance — but that’s only true if software updates are still available. Some early EVs are now losing over-the-air update support, especially from smaller manufacturers.- Tesla: Still delivers OTA updates to 2018 cars, improving charging curves and UI.
- Hyundai/Kia: Offer dealer-installed updates, but at inconsistent intervals.
- Nissan: Limited updates; older Leafs often run outdated firmware that impacts charging logic.
7. The Real Value of Used EVs in 2025
As EV technology stabilizes, the used market is becoming the entry point for many first-time electric drivers. A 5-year-old Tesla or Hyundai Kona Electric can still offer excellent range and performance — if the battery and charging systems were properly maintained.
The key is verification:
- Get a professional battery health report (like from Recurrent or Scan My Tesla).
- Test both AC and DC charging speeds.
- Inspect the charge port and request thermal system service records.
Final Thoughts: Why This Kind of Test Matters
EV journalism has been dominated by new-car excitement, but long-term data is what builds real consumer trust. Comparing a 2018 EV’s condition with a 2024 model reveals how far technology has come — and where it still struggles.
For English-speaking markets like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, the lack of comprehensive long-term EV tests is a missed opportunity. Buyers deserve transparent insights into how these cars age, not just how they perform when new.