Buying a second-hand electric car is an alternative for those people looking for a zero-emission vehicle at a good price. The used car market offers more and more options to satisfy users who want a more sustainable option without having to spend a large amount of money, although it carries the associated risk of purchasing a vehicle with possible technical or maintenance problems.
The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) warns those who wish to buy a second-hand electric car that before purchasing the vehicle it is essential to carry out a thorough inspection and check its maintenance history. In general, this process is similar to that of purchasing a conventional car, but with the particularity of paying attention to aspects related to technology and the electric battery.
The aspects that should never be overlooked when buying a second-hand car are the kilometers traveled and whether it has passed the inspections. The vehicle history will provide us with precise information about the actual number of kilometers traveled by the car, thus avoiding possible deceptions that, unfortunately, still persist in this type of transactions.
The document also provides information on its use, possible previous accidents and important changes in its operation, as well as any other relevant data that may influence the purchasing decision.
It is also important to look at the condition of the tires, lights and shock absorbers. To the extent possible, it is recommended that a trusted mechanic check the general condition of the vehicle, including the electrical and electronic system, as well as possible leaks and the condition of the battery.
Precisely this component is considered the most critical part of an electric car because replacing the battery is an expensive operation. Depending on its load capacity, the change can entail an expense of between 5,000 and 30,0000 euros, which will undoubtedly cause the cost of the vehicle to skyrocket.
The OCU emphasizes the importance of considering the age and kilometers traveled when purchasing a second-hand electric car. We must not forget that the batteries of these vehicles suffer gradual degradation with use, resulting in a progressive loss of capacity. Manufacturers typically offer a warranty of 8 years or 160,000 kilometers, during which the battery capacity is expected not to decrease below 75% of its initial capacity.
Thus, the consumer association emphasizes, when purchasing a second-hand electric car you must ensure that it has not exceeded that warranty period nor has it traveled more kilometers than those covered by the coverage offered by the manufacturer. The more time left, the more certain that the manufacturer will take care of any problems related to the batteries and you will not have to replace them at your expense.
The batteries of an electric car are usually housed in the lower part of the vehicle, so it is important to check that the underbody has not suffered any damage. A blow in that area could force you to change all the batteries with the subsequent expense that entails. The OCU also recommends that, if you detect any damage to the underbody, ask an official workshop to inspect it and certify that the batteries are not damaged.
Finally, the OCU advises that you request a test drive to evaluate the autonomy in real conditions of use and that you make sure that the car charges well on both home chargers and fast chargers. You should also make sure that the charging cables are included and that they do not have any damage, concludes the OCU.
