How to Buy the Best Used EV
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and if you're considering going electric, now might be the perfect time to buy a used EV. Changes in US tax policies combined with advancements in vehicle and battery technology create an ideal environment for purchasing a pre-owned electric car.
The $4,000 used EV tax credit for qualified buyers is available until the end of September, so you'll be competing with other bargain hunters. But buying a used electric vehicle is not like buying a gas-powered car. There are specific factors you need to consider, starting with the battery.
Kick the Tires on the Battery
The battery is the most critical component of an electric vehicle, potentially costing between $5,000 to $16,000 to replace. Understanding its condition is paramount, as it determines whether the vehicle meets your needs, such as covering your regular commute.
Do thorough research online, as many car sales websites offer battery health predictors that can help you understand the EV's current range. Sean Tucker, lead editor for Kelley Blue Book, advises checking how cars degrade differently from brand to brand by entering a specific make and model. Then, take the vehicle for a test drive to gauge battery performance.
According to Jon Witt, a battery scientist at Recurrent, photographing the dashboard to record the range estimate, outside temperature, odometer reading, and efficiency can provide valuable insight. After test driving on various road types, these numbers will offer a clearer picture of the battery's health.
Recent studies show that EV batteries last longer than expected, with 90 to 97 percent of their original range being typical. However, sudden drastic drops in an EV’s range can signal issues.
Test the Charging
Another critical aspect is testing how well the vehicle charges. Begin by identifying the type of connector the EV uses. Unveil if the car uses connectors like CHAdeMO, CCS, or the increasingly popular NACS. Ensure the car connects properly regardless of the solution, and the charging time corresponds with automaker claims.
Plug the car into a level 2 charger or, if possible, a fast charger to verify its efficiency compared to standards. Differences in charging times can indicate battery issues.
Check the Warranty
Battery warranties often vary from those covering the overall vehicle. Confirm whether the warranty transfers to the new owner by consulting the automaker, using the car's VIN number for reference. Most warranties last eight years or 100,000 miles.
Test Drive Everything
EVs come with numerous features such as various driving modes, regenerative braking, and tech options like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Ensure all aspects function correctly. Experiment with unique capabilities such as vehicle-to-load technology, which allows users to run devices directly from the car.
Mind the Weather
The performance of an EV can vary significantly by environment. Consider your driving location when selecting a used EV, as specific models handle different climates better. For example, hot climates may not suit models like the Nissan Leaf without active thermal management.
Kick the Tires on the Tires
EVs demand special tire considerations, as their heavier design can wear tires faster. Verify if recent changes have been made, as some tire manufacturers now offer EV-specific tires to better accommodate the unique driving dynamics.
Mileage Matters
While mileage remains important, it reflects differently in EVs as opposed to internal combustion vehicles. Evaluate the battery's age and condition as EVs generally feature fewer moving parts, which equates to less wear and tear over time.
Check for Incentives
Once you've found your ideal used EV, look into potential incentives. While the $4,000 federal tax credit will soon expire, various states and cities offer their initiatives to assist secondhand EV buyers. Some incentives include programs to support charger installation.
Exploring these details will help ensure you make an informed choice in buying a used electric vehicle.
