Buying a Used EV is a Risk: Myth or Truth?

You’d love to buy an electric car, but the models you like are pricey. Your second thought is, “I could buy a used one, they are so much cheaper!” At this point, many people remember what they have heard about battery degradation and give up on the idea.

We invite you to take a different path. Find out whether buying a used EV actually makes sense and what pitfalls might be there.

• EV batteries degrade slower than many people fear.

• When buying, check real-world range, battery state of health (SoH), and whether the warranty is still valid.

• Used EV prices vary widely, with city cars under £10,000, mid-range options under £20,000, and long-range or premium models at £30,000 and higher.

• The used EV market is growing fast, with rising demand and decreasing prices.

Both used and new EVs make sense, but in different situations. New vehicles offer the latest tech, like digital mirrors or hands-free tailgate access, and higher ranges, but are more expensive. Used EVs are more affordable and avoid steep depreciation, though they may have some battery wear and older features.

Let’s assume you drive 15,000 km per year, mostly commuting and errands. Do you really need a brand-new electric car with 400 km range, or would a 3-year-old model with 300 km range meet your needs just fine?

Total cost of ownership includes insurance, maintenance, charging costs and depreciation, not just the headline purchase price. You need to consider all of these factors as well.

• Insurance

When you buy a used electric car, insurance is often a bit kinder to your wallet than for a brand-new model. Since the replacement value has already dropped, comprehensive premiums are usually lower. For example, a five-year-old Tesla will generally cost less to insure than a shiny new one, because insurers anticipate a smaller maximum payout if anything happens. When it comes to mandatory liability insurance that covers potential damage to other people or their property, it usually costs about the same, no matter how old the car is.

• Maintenance

With no oil changes, no clutch, and fewer moving parts, maintenance is about 40% cheaper than for combustion cars. Sure, an older EV might need tyres, brakes, or a battery check, but even then, costs remain below those of ICE vehicles. The biggest concern for many buyers is the battery, as it’s the most expensive component, and a major defect could be costly to replace. Fortunately, serious failures are rare and can be easily detected during testing. That’s why you should never buy a used electric car without requesting a certificate showing the battery SoH report.

• Charging costs

No matter how old your EV is, charging keeps costs low. According to our calculations, driving 100 km in an electric car costs half (or sometimes even less) than driving the same distance in an ICE vehicle. This is especially beneficial for those who have a smart home wallbox, like our go-e Charger, installed, allowing them to control charging and take advantage of flexible energy tariffs or, even better, use surplus solar energy from their PV system.

• Depreciation

A new EV can lose 20-30% of its value in year one. So basically, a €50,000 car can drop to €35,000 within 12 months. If you buy used, you avoid the sharpest fall, and your annual depreciation is much gentler.

Yes, building an EV, especially the battery, creates more CO₂ upfront than a petrol car. For example, producing a Tesla Model 3 with an 80 kWh battery generates 2,400 to 16,000 kg of CO₂ during manufacturing.

But once you hit the road, EVs quickly make up for that “carbon debt”, especially if you charge with renewable electricity. For instance, in Germany, it usually takes just three years to break even compared to a new petrol car, while in Norway, it can take about one year. 

No, most electric car batteries don’t wear out quickly. Even after a few years of driving and accumulating many thousands of kilometres, tests and real-world experience show that EV batteries still keep most of their original capacity.

• ADAC has tested batteries of vehicles with significant mileage, and the results have proven that battery wear isn’t as big a problem as many people think. For example, a VW ID.3 with 160,000 km still had 91% of its original battery capacity. This is well above the 74% many warranties that guarantee up to 100,000 km.

• Most manufacturers guarantee 70-80% battery capacity up to 8 years or 160,000 km, offering significant peace of mind.

• EVs experience far fewer breakdowns than combustion cars, and, interestingly, high-voltage batteries are almost never the issue. Most ADAC roadside callouts for EVs are for 12V starter batteries or software issues, not traction batteries.

• Tools like Aviloo Battery Diagnostics now let buyers measure the actual condition of the battery.

Yes, leasing used EVs is worth it, letting you enjoy electric driving without the long-term commitment or resale worries.

Going electric is not as expensive as many imagine. Used EVs in the UK are affordable and surprisingly reliable, though prices can change quickly and depend on the vehicle’s features. Here’s what’s worth your money.

This segment is ideal for city cars and short-range EVs. Many older models still deliver good value even with higher mileage. 

• Fiat 500e – £9,700 (9,981 miles)

• Volkswagen e-Golf– £8,505 (16,937 miles)

• Mazda MX-30 – £8,989 (36,734 miles)

• Vauxhall Corsa Electric – £7,250 (48,000 miles)

• Nissan Leaf – £10,000 (27,785 miles)

Mid-range EVs in this segment offer better range and features, often from recent model years.

• Polestar 2 – £17,500 (76,177 miles)

• Audi e-tron – £18,490 (43,500 miles)

• Volkswagen ID.4 – £17,795 (27,811 miles)

• Tesla Model 3 – £19,490 (27,308 miles)

• Kia Niro  – £17,699 (36,447 miles)

Higher-end or long-range EVs are available here, including family-friendly options and luxury models:

• Renault Megane E-Tech – £21,800 (3,960 miles)

• Mercedes-Benz EQC – £24,990 (27,500 miles)

• Skoda Enyaq – £24,999 (36,546 miles)

• BMW i4 – £29,795 (39,110 miles)

• Hyundai IONIQ 5 – £27,089 (9,730 miles)

Prices sourced from www.autotrader.co.uk in August 2025

In the UK, used EV prices have fallen by almost a third (31%) in the past year. That’s because more fleet vehicles (like lease returns) are hitting the market, boosting supply. Used electric vehicle sales are also growing rapidly. In Q1 2025, 65,837 EVs were sold, representing a 58.5% increase compared to 41,538 vehicles sold in Q1 2024

If you’re considering a used electric car, you’ll be glad to know that some models perform exceptionally well even after years on the road. Let’s go through three options you should definitely have on your radar: the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and VW ID.3.

Real-life data shows that even older Leafs maintain strong battery health. The new 40 kWh Leaf offers a real-life range of around 270 km — approximately 290 km in summer and 260 km in winter. The same Leaf at 3 years old still boasts around 240 km of real-world range, while a 5-year-old model can usually deliver over 210 km on a full charge, though smaller battery versions have less range. Running errands? Doing short commutes? The Leaf will handle it just fine. Longer trips, however, require precise planning, since the Leaf relies on a CHAdeMO socket, and compatible fast chargers are rarer and usually slower than CCS stations. 

The Tesla Model 3 is known for lasting a long time. The company says its car batteries can go 480,000-800,000 km and guarantees at least 70% capacity after 8 years (or up to 192,000 km, depending on the version). In real life, most batteries still hold around 90% capacity after 100,000 km, losing only about 1.8% per year.

If you want something modern and built for the long haul, take a closer look at the VW ID.3. In long-term endurance tests, one car driven for 160,000 km in just four years still had 91% battery capacity left, despite frequent fast charging. Another independent test confirmed 93% capacity after 100,000 km. Add to this VW’s software updates, which continuously improve charging speed and efficiency, and you get a car that actually gets better over time.

When buying or leasing a used electric car, look beyond the basics like service history and condition. Pay attention to charging power, warranty validity, real-world range, software, features, and above all, the battery SoH.

• Charging power

Not every EV can charge at the fastest speeds. Some older or smaller cars are fine for city driving, but can be slow to charge on long trips. Look at the maximum DC charging power and the connector type. For example, a Nissan Leaf can’t use CCS and relies on CHAdeMO, which now has very few fast chargers.

AC charging also varies. Some cars use single- or two-phase chargers, while others can handle three-phase AC at 11 or 22 kW. However, if you mostly charge at home overnight, it doesn’t make much of a difference.

• How much warranty is left

Check whether the original manufacturer’s warranty is still valid and if it covers the battery. Most electric cars come with a separate warranty for the battery pack. For instance, the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive comes with an 8-year / 160,000 km warranty, with a minimum 70% retention of battery capacity over the warranty period.

• Real-world range

Official WLTP numbers look nice on paper, but they don’t always reflect reality. In colder weather, for example, range can drop by 20-30%. Before you commit, check real-world tests and owner reviews to see how far the car actually goes on a single charge. That way, you know whether it fits your daily driving habits.

• Vehicle history and condition

A used EV is still a used car, so we recommend that you don’t skip the basics. Take time to look into the car’s history. Has it ever been in an accident? If so, was the repair carried out properly? Ask for the full service record and check that regular maintenance has been done. It is also worth looking at everyday wear and tear items such as tyres, brakes and suspension. You won’t feel like you made a bargain by buying a used electric car if you have to replace the brakes and buy a new set of tyres right away.

• Software updates

Outdated software can be quite a headache. In some cases, it causes charging to be slower, reduces range, or annoys the driver with minor glitches. All in all, not the experience you’re looking for. Imagine getting the car home and finding your smartphone won’t connect. So, to avoid such disappointments, ensure the car is up to date with over-the-air or workshop updates to receive all the latest improvements.

• App connectivity

This feature adds +1000 to your convenience. Monitor your battery level, schedule charging sessions, and precondition the cabin so your car is cosy and ready to go. Sounds like something you’d like to have? We know it does. You’ll also enjoy smart trip planning, charging time estimation, and optimal routes based on your battery level and terrain.

• Features

A heat pump, heated seats, or advanced driver-assist systems can make a huge difference in comfort. For example, if you live somewhere cold, a heat pump can warm your car efficiently without draining the battery. If you often drive with the whole family, you might want a car with separate climate controls for the driver and passengers.

It’s crucial to know exactly how healthy the battery is. Insist on a certificate from the seller confirming that the battery condition has been tested. That’s where you will find information on SoH. In addition, you can check it yourself (both when buying and later if you want to monitor the battery or prepare to sell the vehicle) with a simple OBD2 adapter and an app:

• LeafSpy (great for Nissan Leafs and a few other models) shows SoH, voltage levels, and temperatures.

• TeslaScan does the same for Teslas, providing a clear overview of charging history and the current battery condition.

• CarScanner Pro works with a wide range of EVs and gives you battery stats plus general diagnostics.

• AVILOO offers detailed battery data for several EV models, including SoH, cell voltages, and charge/discharge history.

Spending a few minutes checking this data can save you from an expensive surprise later.

• Excellent SoH of 100% indicates a brand-new battery with no measurable degradation.

• High SoH (typically above 85-90%) suggests minimal degradation.

• Moderate SoH (70-85%) may still be fine, but could indicate reduced range.

• Low SoH (below 70%) often signals the battery is nearing the end of its usable life.

Even if the car looks perfect and the mileage is low, a degraded battery can drastically reduce range and performance. Replacing the battery is expensive. Fortunately, there are now more affordable alternatives.

• Cell replacement: Many newer EV models allow replacing individual battery cells rather than the entire pack. The main benefit is that it’s significantly cheaper.

• Battery refurbishing: Some service providers offer battery reconditioning. This involves software-level balancing of cell voltages and other techniques to restore some of the lost range.

• Warranty check: Check if the battery is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Warranties often protect against SoH dropping below a certain threshold, so you might get a free replacement.

The used EV market is only just beginning. In 2024, demand for used EVs in Austria surged 127% year on year, while in Germany, nearly a third of EV buyers in 2025 chose a second-hand model. In the UK, used EV prices fell 31% in one year as ex-fleet cars entered the market. Analysts agree: as more fleet vehicles hit the second-hand market, supply will rise sharply and prices will become increasingly attractive.