Have you thought of buying an electric vehicle for your daily use? However, the higher price rate often prevents you from making a purchase. Right? But, the best way to fulfil your dream is to invest in used cars. Buying a used EV is a cost-effective choice. Of course, there are both merits and demerits to choosing a second-hand EV. A comprehensive guide will allow you to choose the best pre-owned electric vehicle.
What are the advantages of buying second-hand EVs?
Save money- The operating costs of EVs are low when compared to gas-fueled vehicles. There is no need to buy fuel for running electric cars. You may also save costs on regular maintenance.
- Energy efficiency– EV motors are more efficient than gas vehicle motors. The electric energy is converted to power the car efficiently.
- Quiet driving– EVs run smoothly without making sounds. You will get the best driving experience as an EV owner. You will have no concerns about the engine sound. Due to the instant torque delivery, you will hear only a minimal noise.
- Government incentives– You can take advantage of tax credits if you buy an electric car. Many local and state governing authorities provide incentives and rebates to cover the EV operation cost.
- Innovative technologies– Even if you buy a used EV, you will find integrated technologies. It allows you to leverage benefits from electric vehicles equipped with innovative features.
Are there demerits of buying a pre-owned EV?
- Charging infrastructure– It is quite easy to access charging stations in populated regions, including office parks and shopping centers. But, if you have no charging station at your home, you need to rely on public chargers. Installing a home charging station for EVs will be a costly option.
- Driving range issues– Most EV owners are concerned about how long they can travel with a fully charged vehicle. If you want to run the car for regular trips, it needs more frequent refueling.
- Battery lifespan– The overall driving range and performance of your EV batteries slowly degrade. If the driving range is reduced, you must replace the battery.
- Charging time– It takes a couple of minutes to refuel a gas-powered car. But, you need a longer time to recharge an electric vehicle. It takes a number of hours to recharge the EV battery with a Level 2 charger. Fast charging allows your battery to get 80% charged within 20 minutes.
Different factors important for buying a used EV
Before buying a second-hand electric car, you should focus on these factors.
Your location
Your current location will help you choose between a used or new EV. Ensure you can easily access the charging station to recharge your vehicle. You must not overlook the climatic factor. Do you regularly experience extreme temperatures? Too hot conditions may affect the charging station’s quality and performance. On the contrary, frigid temperatures on winter days cause an impact on the battery. You will find it challenging to maintain good battery health if there is severe weather.
Battery warranty
Many electric cars are available with at least an 8-year battery warranty. So, check the warranty provision before buying the used vehicle. Franchise dealerships often sell certified pre-owned electric cars. Some warranties cover only battery failure. There may not be any warranty about battery capacity degradation.
Learn about the EV maintenance history
You can contact the previous dealer or owner about past maintenance activities. He should show service records during the purchase. However, electric vehicles need only minimal maintenance. Owners need to replace windshield wipers and tires occasionally. The electric car’s brake systems also last longer as the motor slows the vehicle.
Not every EV will charge at a particular rate
The charging speed of every EV is different. The bigger ones take more time to recharge. For instance, some early Nissan Leaves EVs have a 6.6-kW onboard charger. If you do not use this charging station, Level 2 charging stations will take a longer time to charge the battery. The batteries of newer EVs will regain the charge within a shorter time.
So, you can look for EVs that allow quick charging. If you have a home charging station, you can charge the vehicle’s battery overnight.
You must not overlook this factor while buying a used electric car.
Access to charging stations
Is the charging station easily accessible? You may need to recharge your vehicle regularly. So, if the charging station is far away, it will cause inconvenience. You can then choose an alternative to EV.
But, the charging infrastructure in Canada is developing rapidly.
Level 1 charging involves using a 120 V electric outlet. It will charge your EV battery slowly. At least 40 hours are needed to boost the EV battery. That is why daily EV users may not find it the right choice.
Level 2 charger uses a 240 electric outlet and provides a faster charging solution. Most EV owners like to have this charging station. If you like to install a Level 2 charging station at your home, you may call a certified electrician.
However, to get the fastest charging solution, there are DC fast chargers. It is the best choice for powering your vehicle during a long drive.
Maintenance charges
Your second-hand EV needs maintenance. But, as there are fewer moving parts, the maintenance charge is low. There is no need to deal with a combustion engine. Although the propulsion battery degrades slowly, it needs minimal maintenance.
The regenerative braking system will reduce deterioration on the disc and make the brake parts long-lasting.
Conclusion
The brief guide to buying a used EV will help you make the right decision. Check the pre-owned vehicles of the available brands and compare their features. As these are second-hand vehicles, you must check the maintenance records. Ensure there are no aesthetic and functional issues with the used electric vehicle.