Summary
If you’re wondering whether a second-hand electric car is worth buying, the answer is yes! Purchasing a used EV can be a smart way to switch to electric driving without the higher prices, long waiting times and limited availability sometimes associated with new models.
Here are some key steps to help guide your decision:
- Decide which type of electric vehicle suits your needs (BEV, PHEV or REx)
- Create a shortlist of models that fit your driving habits
- Speak to EV owners and communities for advice
- Carry out the usual checks before buying a used EV
- Arrange a home charging solution
1. What type of electric car? BEV, PHEV, or REx
Electric vehicles generally fall into three main categories:
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REx)
Each type offers different benefits depending on how you drive and where you can charge.
BEV
Battery electric vehicles run entirely on electricity and provide the full benefits of electric driving. They have no petrol engine and produce zero exhaust emissions.
One thing to consider when buying second-hand is that earlier EV models typically have smaller batteries and therefore shorter ranges compared with newer versions.
For example, early Nissan LEAF models with a 24kWh battery offer around 80 miles of range, while newer versions with larger batteries can exceed 200 miles. For many drivers this still covers daily travel comfortably, but longer journeys may require planning.
BEVs are generally best suited to drivers who can charge regularly at home or at work.
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PHEV
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles combine electric driving with a traditional petrol engine.
These vehicles can be charged from a charging point and used in electric mode for shorter journeys, while the petrol engine provides backup for longer trips.
For some drivers this can be a useful transition into electric driving. However, the combination of a battery and petrol engine adds weight and complexity, which can affect efficiency and performance.
Electric-only range on many PHEVs is typically around 20-30 miles.
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REx
Range-extended electric vehicles are a less common type of EV. They operate primarily as electric vehicles but include a small petrol generator that recharges the battery when needed.
Unlike a PHEV, the petrol engine does not drive the wheels directly. Instead, it generates electricity to extend the vehicle’s range.
Because the generator is smaller than a traditional engine, these vehicles can sometimes be more efficient than standard plug-in hybrids, although they still do not match the efficiency of a full battery electric vehicle.
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Tip: Demand for fully electric vehicles continues to grow, and the second-hand BEV market has remained strong in recent years as more drivers make the switch to electric.
2. Choose a model
Once you’ve decided which type of EV suits your needs, the next step is researching specific models.
Vehicle guides can provide useful information on range, charging speed and real-world performance. It’s also worth reading reviews and owner feedback to understand how different models perform in everyday use.
3. Ask the EV Community!
To paraphrase a mean-spirited joke:
“How do you know someone’s an EV driver? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you.”
EV owners are often passionate about their vehicles and are usually happy to share advice with prospective buyers.
Online forums and owner groups can be extremely useful sources of information about reliability, charging habits and common issues to look out for when buying used.
Some popular EV communities include:
Then there are brand/model specific forums:
Tip: Many EV forums and owner groups are very welcoming to newcomers and can provide valuable insights when researching a used vehicle.
4. Things to look out for…
When viewing a second-hand electric vehicle, it’s worth checking a few key areas.
Model specific issues to check
Just like petrol or diesel vehicles, each EV model may have its own common issues. Owner forums and community groups can often highlight what to check for when inspecting a specific model.
Battery degradation
Battery health is one of the most important considerations when buying a used EV.
Electric motors are extremely reliable and contain far fewer moving parts than combustion engines. However, batteries can gradually lose capacity over time.
Fortunately, battery degradation has generally proven to be lower than many early estimates suggested. Different models may show different patterns of degradation, so researching the specific vehicle is important.
In some vehicles, battery health can be estimated from the range indicator or battery health display. In other cases, a diagnostic check may be required from the manufacturer or a specialist service centre.
On-going maintenance
One advantage of electric vehicles is that they require less routine maintenance.
Fully electric vehicles do not have components such as cam belts, exhaust systems, clutches or spark plugs. Brake wear is also reduced because regenerative braking handles much of the slowing down.
Typical maintenance usually involves tyre replacement, topping up washer fluid and occasional servicing checks.
Plug-in hybrids are more complex because they include both electric and petrol systems, so maintenance requirements can vary.
Tip: Some EV manufacturers and communities track battery performance over time. For example, crowd-sourced data from Tesla vehicles has shown around 7% battery degradation after approximately 250,000 miles in many cases.
5. Get yourself a home charger
To get the most out of an electric vehicle, it’s ideal to charge it while you’re doing other things, and especially overnight at home.
Having a home charger installed allows you to conveniently recharge your vehicle and start each day with a full battery.
Workplace charging is another useful option for many drivers, and public charging networks continue to expand across the UK, providing additional charging opportunities when needed.