Essential Tips for Buying a Used Electric Vehicle

Buying a used EV is a bit different to buying a used petrol or diesel car. There are different things to consider.

Interest in second-hand EVs is soaring across the UK, with searches for ‘second-hand EV’ up 49% nationwide over the past year and 44% over the last quarter, while queries for ‘used EV’ have grown 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 think about switching to electric vehicles at a lower price point, expert Alan Lee has warned that purchasing a pre-owned EV requires a different checklist to petrol and diesel cars. Alex, from Dick Lovett, has set out his top six tips for buying a used electric car, helping drivers avoid costly mistakes 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, every EV battery loses some of its capacity, which means they can’t travel quite 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 purchasing, as this indicates how much usable life the battery still retains. An SoH above 80% is generally regarded as healthy. It’s also worth checking 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 that protection in place can offer real reassurance.

Replacing a degraded battery is costly, often running between £4,000 and £16,500 depending on the make and model, so ensuring it’s in good condition before buying could save you thousands later on.

Look at the service history and software updates

Alex said: EVs usually have fewer moving parts than conventional cars, which means there’s less to fail and lower maintenance costs over time. However, they still require correct upkeep. Brakes, tyres, and suspension should all be inspected, and, as with any vehicle, a complete service history gives confidence that the car has been looked after.

Another aspect to consider, which is often missed, is software. Many EVs receive updates that can boost efficiency, range, or functionality. Some of these updates are fitted during servicing, while others are delivered ‘over the air’ directly to the car. When buying a used EV, ask the seller whether the car is running the latest software version and whether servicing has been carried out at manufacturer-approved centres.

Understand charging options before you buy

Alex said: Not all EVs charge at the same rate, and this can greatly affect convenience. Older or entry-level models may only support slower charging speeds, which means longer waiting at public chargers. For buyers who don’t have the option to plug in at home overnight, this could quickly become annoying.

Before purchasing, check what charging speeds the car supports and ensure they’re compatible with the infrastructure you’ll rely 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 reduce this expense.

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

Charging is a major consideration.

Consider the range and your driving habits

Alex said: Range is usually one of the most frequent considerations when buying an EV, whether new or second-hand. While newer electric cars often deliver ranges of 250–300 miles or more, many older or more budget-friendly models only offer 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 suitable if you often drive long distances on the motorway.

It’s also important to remember that the range of a used EV can be influenced by battery degradation over time. As the battery ages, it loses some of its original capacity, which can cut 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, carefully consider your daily driving patterns. If most of your journeys are short, a smaller-battery model could save you money. But if you need 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 trips 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 higher risks. Cars sold by private sellers are typically offered ‘as-is’, with no formal inspections, no refurbishment, and no warranty if something goes wrong. Once you drive away, the burden for any hidden faults lies entirely with you.

Purchasing from a reputable dealership, by contrast, provides additional safeguards. Many certified pre-owned EVs undergo comprehensive checks and refurbishment before sale, and buyers usually receive a detailed battery health report as part of the handover. Dealers often include warranty cover on key components, giving you financial protection if problems occur later. Crucially, dealership purchases are also protected under UK consumer rights law, something private sales don’t offer.

For these reasons, it is strongly advised to buy from a respected dealership. While the upfront price may be slightly higher, the extra peace of mind and legal protection could save buyers significant costs and stress further down the line.

Costs are different to petrol or diesel.

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, meaning second-hand buyers won’t benefit from the discount directly. However, these schemes can still influence the market indirectly.

As more people take advantage of schemes to buy new EVs, more nearly-new models are likely to filter down into the second-hand market. This should mean greater choice and potentially better prices for buyers prepared to shop pre-owned.

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