Many of the rules that apply to buying conventional second-hand cars also apply to EVs. For example, the lower the mileage the better. You can find a real bargain if you target former test fleet vehicles, which come off service with as little as 20,000 miles on their clocks. You’ll also want to find a car with a fully stamped up service history, sound electrics, and no major faults. Ask questions about its service and accident history, suspension, and overall performance.
In general, an electric vehicle will typically have covered fewer miles and been driven more gently than its petrol or diesel counterpart.
If possible, it’s worth asking the previous owner about their charging habits, as this affects battery performance. Look for a car that has received plenty of long, slow, overnight charges on an ev home charger electric car charging at home over one that has received two rapid charges per day for a year. Rapid charging – although a useful stop-gap if you need to top up on the go – can degrade the battery if used excessively.
We recommend buying from a trusted EV specialist dealer. They will have diagnostic tools and tests to check the general health of your second-hand car.