Essential Guide to Checking EV Battery Health When Buying Used

Interest in pre-owned EVs is rising across the UK, with searches for ‘second-hand EV’ up 49% nationwide over the past year and 44% in the last quarter, while enquiries for ‘used EV’ have climbed from 17,000 to 27,000 monthly searches — a 59% rise in that period, according to Google trend data examined by an industry specialist.

As more motorists ponder switching to electric cars at a lower price point, expert Alan Lee has cautioned that purchasing a second-hand EV needs a different checklist than petrol and diesel vehicles. Alex, from Dick Lovett, has set out his top six tips for buying a used electric car, helping drivers avoid costly errors and pick a model that fits their lifestyle.

Six things to consider when buying a used EV

Check the battery condition and warranty

Alex said: Unlike petrol or diesel cars, the most crucial component of an EV isn’t under the bonnet, it’s the battery. Over time, all EV batteries lose a portion of their capacity, which means they can’t travel as far between charges. For instance, a model that originally promised 250 miles of range when new might realistically manage closer to 220 miles after several years of use.

Buyers should always request a battery State of Health (SoH) report before purchase, as this indicates how much usable life the battery retains. An SoH above 80% is generally viewed as healthy. It’s also sensible to check whether the car remains covered by the manufacturer’s battery warranty, which for many marques lasts up to 8 years or 100,000 miles. Having this cover in place can offer real reassurance.

Replacing a degraded battery is costly, typically ranging from £4,000 to £16,500 depending on the make and model, so ensuring it’s in good condition before buying could save you thousands down the line.

Look at the service history and software updates

Alex said: EVs usually have fewer moving parts than conventional cars, meaning there’s less that can go wrong and lower maintenance bills over time. However, they still require proper upkeep. Brakes, tyres, and suspension should all be inspected, and as with any car, a complete service history gives confidence that the vehicle has been cared for.

Another aspect to consider, which is often overlooked, is software. Many EVs get updates that can enhance efficiency, range, or features. Some of these updates are applied during servicing, while others are sent ‘over the air’ straight to the car. When buying a used EV, ask the seller whether the vehicle is running the latest software version and whether servicing has been done at manufacturer-approved centres.

Understand charging options before you buy

Alex said: Not all EVs charge at the same rate, and this can significantly affect convenience. Older or entry-level models may only support slower charging speeds, which means longer waits at public chargers. For buyers who can’t charge at home overnight, this could quickly become tiresome.

Before buying, check what charging rates the car supports and make sure they’re compatible with the infrastructure you’ll depend on most. For those planning to fit a home charger, costs typically range from £800 to £1,200, but there are government grants available that can help cut this expense.

If home charging isn’t feasible, explore local on-street charging schemes or whether your workplace offers facilities. Understanding your charging routine before purchasing is essential, as relying solely on public charging can make EV ownership more expensive and less convenient.

Consider the range and your driving habits

Alex said: Range is often one of the top considerations when buying an EV, whether new or used. While newer electric cars frequently offer ranges of 250–300 miles or more, many older or more affordable models only provide between 100 and 150 miles. That’s fine if you have a short commute, drive in a city, or do school runs, but it’s less practical if you frequently undertake long motorway journeys.

It’s also important to bear in mind that the range of a used EV can be impacted by battery degradation over time. As the battery ages, it loses some of its original capacity, which can reduce the distance you can travel on a full charge compared with when the car was new. This means an older EV that originally had a range of 150 miles might only achieve 120–130 miles, depending on how it has been used and maintained.

Before committing to a used EV, consider your everyday driving patterns carefully. If most of your trips are short, a smaller-battery model could be more economical. But if you require longer-range flexibility, you may want to look at a newer EV or even a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which can run on electricity for short distances but still use petrol or diesel for longer journeys.

Buy from a trusted dealer, not just the cheapest option

Alex said: While buying privately can sometimes appear to be the cheapest option, it often carries much greater risks. Cars sold by private sellers are usually offered ‘as-is’, with no formal inspections, no refurbishment, and no warranty if something goes wrong. Once you drive away, the responsibility for any hidden faults rests entirely with you.

Purchasing from a reputable dealership, on the other hand, brings extra protections. Many certified pre-owned EVs go through thorough checks and refurbishment before sale, and buyers usually receive a detailed battery health report at handover. Dealerships often include warranty cover on key components, giving you financial protection if problems arise later. Crucially, dealership purchases are also protected under UK consumer rights law, something private sales do not offer.

For these reasons, it is strongly advised to buy from a reputable dealership. While the upfront cost may be slightly higher, the added reassurance and legal protection could save buyers significant expense and stress down the line.

Keep an eye on government support

Alex said: At present, schemes such as the ‘Electric Car Grant 2025’ only apply to brand-new vehicles, not used ones, so second-hand buyers won’t receive the discount directly. However, these schemes can still affect the market indirectly.

As more people use incentives to buy new EVs, more nearly-new models are likely to filter into the second-hand market. This should mean greater choice and potentially better prices for buyers willing to shop pre-owned.

So, if you’re hunting for a used EV, watch new government incentives. When a scheme is introduced, newer models tend to appear on the second-hand market afterwards, and those vehicles are often in better condition, with fewer issues to watch out for.