The electric vehicle (EV) market has grown rapidly in recent years, with more manufacturers introducing electric models and improvements in battery and charging technology. As we enter 2023, there are more second-hand EVs available than ever before, giving buyers an opportunity to switch to electric for less than the cost of a new model.
But is buying a used electric car in 2023 a wise decision?
A used electric car can offer lower running costs, quiet performance and access to EV technology at a more affordable price. However, there are also important factors to consider, including battery condition, charging and the car’s remaining warranty.
In this guide, we’ll look at the main pros and cons of buying a used electric car in 2023 to help you decide whether an electric vehicle is right for you.
One of the biggest advantages of buying a used electric car is the potential saving compared with buying new.
Electric cars can be expensive when purchased new, particularly larger models with bigger batteries and higher specifications. Buying second-hand means you can potentially get an electric car for considerably less than its original list price.
For buyers who want to make the switch to electric without paying new-car prices, a used electric car can therefore be an attractive option.
Depreciation is another factor worth considering when looking at a used electric car.
A new vehicle generally loses value as soon as it is registered and can continue to depreciate during its first few years. Some electric cars have experienced significant depreciation, although depreciation varies considerably between individual models.
For a buyer, this can mean finding a relatively modern used electric car at a substantial discount compared with its original price.
It’s important to research the specific model rather than assuming every EV depreciates at the same rate.
An electric car can be cheaper to run than a comparable petrol or diesel vehicle, depending on electricity and fuel prices and how the car is charged.
Charging at home can be particularly convenient and may be cheaper per mile than using public rapid chargers. Electric cars also have fewer conventional mechanical components than petrol or diesel vehicles, meaning there are fewer engine-related servicing requirements.
A used electric car can therefore combine a lower purchase price with potentially lower day-to-day running costs.
If you’ve never driven an electric vehicle before, the driving experience can be one of the biggest attractions.
Electric motors deliver power almost instantly, while the absence of a conventional engine and gearbox makes electric cars particularly quiet and smooth.
This can make a used electric car an appealing choice for both town driving and longer journeys, depending on the model’s range and charging capability.
By 2023, electric cars had been on UK roads for many years, meaning buyers weren’t limited to the earliest generation of EV technology.
There was already a wide choice of models available, from small city cars to family hatchbacks, SUVs and premium vehicles. Improvements in battery capacity, charging speeds and driving range also meant that newer used models could be considerably more practical than some of the earliest electric cars.
For many buyers, a used electric car from the previous few years can provide a good balance between modern technology and a lower purchase price.
Battery condition is one of the most important things to consider when buying a used electric car.
Lithium-ion batteries naturally lose some capacity over time and with use. Battery degradation doesn’t necessarily mean that an older EV has a bad battery, but a vehicle with reduced capacity may not achieve the same driving range it had when new.
When buying a used electric car, ask whether battery health information is available and check the manufacturer’s warranty conditions. You can also check the vehicle’s MOT history on GOV.UK before buying.
A specialist inspection or battery health report may also be worthwhile for some vehicles.
The advertised range of an electric car doesn’t necessarily represent the range you’ll achieve in everyday driving.
Cold weather, high speeds, heating, air conditioning, driving style and other factors can all affect range. An older battery may also have less usable capacity than when the vehicle was new.
Think about how you normally use the car rather than choosing a used electric car based solely on its official range figure.
If you regularly travel long distances, make sure the vehicle’s real-world range and charging capability are suitable for your journeys.
Charging an electric car is very different from refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle.
If you can charge at home, an electric car can be extremely convenient because you can plug it in when parked and start the day with a charged battery. However, drivers who rely heavily on public charging may need to plan their journeys around available charging points.
Before buying a used electric car, check what charging equipment it supports and investigate the charging options available where you live, work and regularly travel. GOV.UK’s electric vehicle chargepoint guidance can help you find public chargepoints across the UK.
Home charging can be relatively inexpensive, but public charging costs vary between operators and charging speeds.
Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers can be particularly useful on longer journeys, but they can cost more than charging at home.
This is an important consideration when calculating the real running costs of a used electric car. Don’t assume that every mile powered by electricity will cost the same.
A used electric car may still have manufacturer warranty cover, but the exact terms and remaining duration depend on the vehicle.
Battery warranties can be particularly important because they may provide protection against excessive loss of battery capacity for a specified period or mileage.
Before buying, check what warranty remains and whether it transfers to a new owner. You should also confirm whether any servicing requirements need to have been met for the warranty to remain valid.
As with any second-hand vehicle, it’s important to investigate how the car has been used and maintained.
Ask for the vehicle’s service history and check its MOT history. You should also look at the condition of the charging cable, charging port, tyres, brakes and interior.
A comprehensive vehicle history check can help identify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, mileage discrepancies and other potential problems.
If you’re buying a used electric car privately, take your time and arrange an appropriate inspection before handing over any money.
For more general advice, see our guide on how to buy a used car safely.
If you’ve decided that a used electric car is right for you, there are several important checks to make before buying.
Find out as much as possible about the battery’s condition and remaining warranty. Ask whether the seller has any battery health information or documentation.
Make sure the charging cable is present and inspect the charging port for signs of damage. Check which charging standards and speeds the vehicle supports.
Consider whether the car’s expected range will comfortably cover your normal journeys, particularly during colder weather.
Review the vehicle’s MOT history and servicing records. Don’t assume that an electric car doesn’t require maintenance simply because it doesn’t have a conventional combustion engine.
A vehicle history check can provide useful information about a used electric car before you commit to buying it. It can help identify issues that aren’t immediately obvious during a viewing or test drive.
Buying a used electric car in 2023 can make sense for the right driver.
The combination of lower purchase prices, potentially lower running costs and increasingly mature EV technology makes second-hand electric cars an interesting option. However, buyers need to pay particular attention to battery condition, real-world range, charging requirements and remaining warranty cover.
A used electric car is likely to make the most sense if you have suitable charging available and your normal journeys fit comfortably within the vehicle’s practical range.
If you’re considering making the switch, don’t just compare the purchase price. Look at the total cost of ownership and think carefully about how the vehicle will fit into your everyday driving.
A used electric car can offer an affordable way to experience electric driving without paying the price of a brand-new vehicle. There are clear advantages, including potentially lower running costs, quiet performance and access to increasingly mature EV technology.
However, battery condition, charging infrastructure, range and warranty cover all need to be considered before buying.
Ultimately, the best used electric car for you will depend on your budget, driving habits and access to charging. Take your time, check the vehicle carefully and make sure the EV you choose suits your needs.
If you’re ready to start looking, you can browse used electric cars for sale on MotorHype and find a vehicle that matches your requirements.
You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy.
You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
