The Complete Guide to Buying a Used EV
That's one reason more buyers are shifting toward used cars—and increasingly, toward used EVs. In fact, pre-owned electric vehicles are now selling faster than new ones, with used EV sales in May 2025 rising by 32.1% compared to the same month in 2024.
Why Buy a Used EV?
Buying a used EV comes with its own set of upsides and potential pitfalls. Let's explore the advantages first.
High Depreciation, Big Savings
Electric vehicles tend to lose value faster than traditional gasoline-powered cars, especially in their early years. While that might be frustrating for original buyers, it's a big plus for used car shoppers. Thanks to frequent technological leaps—like better batteries and improved range—new EVs can quickly make older ones seem outdated, driving prices down. But that also means shoppers can pick up modern, low-mileage used EVs at significantly discounted prices, often fresh off a lease.
This is also why many opt to lease new EVs rather than buy outright. For used EV buyers, that rapid depreciation translates into better value.
Newer Cars for Less
Because of the steep depreciation curve, you can often buy a more recent model-year EV than you could an equivalent gasoline car for the same price. According to Valdez Streaty, in May 2025, 43% of used EVs were listed for under $25,000. And Recurrent Motors reports that nearly half of all used EV listings were from model years 2023 through 2025.
Lower Maintenance Costs
EVs generally have fewer mechanical issues than ICE vehicles. They don't need oil changes, have fewer moving parts, and regenerative braking reduces wear on brake components. This not only makes maintenance cheaper but also simplifies the service history—less complexity means fewer things that could've been overlooked by the previous owner.
The Big Concern: Battery Health
Battery condition remains the most common hesitation for used EV buyers. Fortunately, modern EVs come with federally mandated warranties covering the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles. In most cases, that warranty transfers to the next owner—but always verify with the dealer.
To ease concerns, services like Recurrent Auto offer battery condition reports, much like CarFax, providing a current range estimate compared to when the car was new. These reports are often available through dealers like CarMax. Cox Automotive's Manheim also provides VIN-specific battery data, which appears automatically on Autotrader listings.
Some dealers take things further with hardware tools like Voltest, giving detailed battery diagnostics. If that's unavailable, you can still perform your own basic check during a test drive. Liz Najman from Recurrent Motors recommends photographing the instrument cluster before and after your drive to observe changes in range and mileage. It's also smart to ask the dealer not to charge the battery above 80%, allowing you to test charging capabilities at both Level 2 and DC fast charging stations.
Used EV Inspection Checklist
Here's what to check before buying a used electric car:
High-Voltage Battery
The most valuable component in the car. If possible, get a professional battery health report, or test the car's estimated range during a drive—just remember that range can fluctuate with driving habits and temperature. 12-Volt Battery
Like gas cars, most EVs still use a 12V battery for accessories. Test HVAC systems, infotainment, and smartphone integration (e.g., CarPlay/Android Auto) before turning on the vehicle. Weak performance could signal a dying 12V battery—ask for a replacement if needed. Rust and Corrosion
Many EVs use rust-resistant materials, but they still contain steel. Look for rust, especially if the car came from cold or coastal areas. Connectivity Features
Modern EVs rely on internet access for software updates and app features. Ensure the car can connect, and that you can control functions like locking or charging remotely through its app. Tire Condition
Due to their torque, EVs can wear tires quickly. Inspect tread depth and check for even wear, which also hints at proper maintenance like tire rotations. Included Accessories
Confirm that essential items like key fobs, a portable charger (usually 120V), and any vehicle-to-load adapters are present. These can be costly to replace if missing.
With the right checks and information, buying a used EV can be a smart, eco-friendly investment that delivers both value and peace of mind for years to come.
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