Latest news with #usedEV
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Used EV expert addresses common question after putting Tesla with 225,000 miles to the test: 'Most people don't realize this'
A new test has challenged a big myth about electric vehicle performance, proving that even after 225,000 miles, a Tesla Model 3 can still hold its own in terms of efficiency. Used EV specialist Richard Symons, of the UK-based car dealership R Symons (@RSEV), tested two Tesla Model 3s, InsideEVs reported. One had 225,000 miles on its odometer, while the other had 18,000 miles. The car with fewer miles logged an efficiency of 4.55 miles per kilowatt-hour. Meanwhile, the 225,000-mile Model 3 still achieved 4.51 miles per kilowatt-hour, representing a less than 1% difference. The results provide a sharp contrast to the efficiency of gas-powered cars, as InsideEVs pointed out, "Because while most people don't realize this, internal-combustion engines get less efficient as time goes on." The test results offer another reason to consider going electric, especially buying used. The Model 3 was the top used EV in May, with prices down 1.6%, according to Cox Automotive's latest EV Market Monitor. At the same time, demand for new vehicles has slumped, with Tesla experiencing lower sales in the first quarter of 2025, while demand for used EVs has surged. As Cox Automotive detailed, the market's growth is driven by customer confidence and affordability. Choosing used EVs is becoming a smart option. It saves consumers money, reduces heat-trapping pollution created during manufacturing by minimizing the need for new production, and keeps older cars out of recycling centers. For those looking to sell their EVs, Recurrent makes it easy to show buyers that the battery is in excellent condition. This free tool can help sellers earn about $1,400 more by sharing data that builds trust. Alternatively, for those who already own or plan to purchase an EV, solar power can help lower charging costs and make EV ownership even more affordable. EnergySage lets consumers compare quotes from local installers and can help you save up to $10,000. R Symons' road test drew mixed reactions. Do you think a majority of Americans will have EVs in 20 years? Absolutely Only in some states No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. One YouTube commenter wasn't sold, saying: "I'd love to see some sort of range test on older 5/8/10-year-old Tesla with average/high miles vs how they stacked up new. Showcasing whether age plays a major impact on battery degradation." For another user, however, the test confirmed they could count on their Tesla for the long haul: "My M3 LR is [the] ~ same age (Dec 21) but with 200,000 less miles so I'm pretty sure I'll be driving happily well into the future." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
ArabGT
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
The Complete Guide to Buying a Used EV
While the price tags on brand-new electric vehicles keep inching higher, this trend isn't exclusive to EVs—new car prices across the board are climbing. As of March, Kelley Blue Book reported that the average new car transaction in the U.S. hovered just under $48,000. With global tariffs rising and economic uncertainty lingering, the forecast suggests prices will only continue to rise. 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.
Motor Trend
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Should You Buy a Used EV?
While the prices of new EVs are continuing to climb on average, so are the costs of new cars in general. As of March, the average new car transaction price in the United States was almost $48,000, according to KBB sales data. Things are only predicted to go up from there thanks to the current state of the global tariff situation and other economic uncertainty. Buying a used EV can be beneficial due to high depreciation, reduced maintenance, and affordability. Key concerns include battery health, which can be assessed with tools like Recurrent Reports. Checklists for evaluating battery, connectivity, and accessories are recommended. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next That's pushing more and more people to shop for used cars, and an increasing number of those buyers are looking to go emissions-free. Used EV sales are climbing even faster than new EV sales. "In May 2025, used EV sales jumped 32.1 percent year-over-year, far outpacing the new EV market," Stephanie Valdez Streaty, Cox Automotive's director of industry insights, says. So used EVs are popular, but is buying one really a good idea? Are there more inherent risks in buying a car built around a big battery? Like any used car purchase, buying a pre-owned EV has its benefits and risks. Let's start with the positive. Beating Depreciation One complaint we hear often from buyers of new EVs is about how quickly they can depreciate. The EV market is moving so quickly, with bigger batteries and better technologies every year, that cars are losing their value. "EVs tend to depreciate faster than gas-powered vehicles in their early years, but that actually benefits used EV buyers," Valdez Streaty says. "You're often getting a relatively new vehicle—frequently coming off lease—with modern technology and low mileage at a significantly reduced price." That's not great news if you're buying new, and it's one of the reasons most EV buyers choose a lease over an outright purchase. But if you're buying used, high depreciation should be music to your ears. Newer Vehicles That steep depreciation curve has another benefit: You can get into a newer used car than you might be able to otherwise. "Used EVs are now priced, on average, less than $2,000 below comparable ICE vehicles," Valdez Streaty says. "And in May 2025, 43 percent of used EVs were priced under $25,000, making them an especially attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers." That means newer used EVs are more affordable than an equivalent vehicle with an internal combustion engine. They're easier to find than newer used ICE cars, too, according to Liz Najman, director of market insights at Recurrent Motors. "The great thing about used EVs is that you can get a much newer model EV than a gas car, for less," she says. "The used EV market skews toward newer model years. In fact, 45 percent of used EV listings are cars from 2023 to 2025." Reduced Maintenance When we list the benefits of buying an EV versus an ICE-powered car, one of the biggest is the reduction of running costs and overall maintenance. "[EVs] typically have lower operating and maintenance costs,' Valdez Streaty says. "EVs don't require oil changes, have fewer moving parts, and benefit from regenerative braking, which reduces wear on brake systems." That's definitely a nice thing to enjoy after you buy an EV, but it actually has a big benefit when you're thinking about buying someone else's EV, too. Simply put: If a given car has few needs from a service and maintenance standpoint, it stands to reason that there are fewer things that the previous owner could have forgotten to do. In other words, getting a comprehensive service history is easier because there's so much less service required. But that doesn't mean there aren't things to worry about when buying a used EV. Let's focus on the big one. Battery Fears Far and away, the biggest concern that most people cite when they say why they don't want to buy an EV, used or otherwise, is the health of the battery and the cost of a potential replacement. There are plenty of reasons why battery replacement isn't as big of a worry as some people make it out to be—not the least of which is the mandatory eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty on EVs sold in the United States. Verify with your dealer, but in the vast majority of situations, the remainder of that warranty will transfer to the new owner. Regardless, nobody wants to worry about dealing with a major replacement like that, even if it won't cost anything, so it's important to check the health of the battery when you're considering bringing home a used EV. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to do that. Recurrent Auto provides a battery health service called Recurrent Reports and Range Score. Think of it as a CarFax for batteries, and you're not far off. It's available directly through many dealers, including CarMax. "Battery health is one of the most critical factors in evaluating a used EV,' a CarMax representative told us. 'That's why CarMax provides an independent, third-party battery health assessment tool through Recurrent. EVs in CarMax's inventory include a battery range score, which gives an estimate of how far the vehicle may drive on a full charge today versus when it was new." Another option is provided by Cox Automotive's Manheim, a VIN-specific battery report. These are automatically included on Autotrader listings, making checking battery health there easy. If that's not enough, some dealers use hardware battery scanners like Voltest, which can provide a comprehensive report of a given car's battery; it's similar to how you might get an OBDII scan of error codes on a regular used car. Failing those options, there are ways to check the battery yourself during a regular test drive. Najman recommends starting every test drive by taking a photo of the gauge cluster with your phone. Then take another when you're through, and compare the rated range and odometer before and after your drive to get a feel for how the car's battery is performing. "Just make sure you are comfortable with the number you get," she says. She also recommends requesting that your dealer not charge the battery above 80 percent for your drive so that you can swing by a DC fast charger and verify the car can successfully charge at both Level 3 and Level 2 rates. That's just one thing you should check on your test drive. Below is a handy checklist you can use when you're at the dealership. Your Used EV Shopping Checklist 1 - High-voltage battery As mentioned above, this is probably the single most expensive component in the car, so its health is vital. If you can, use a battery health service. Or at the very least, take the car for a drive and make sure its estimated range matches what you'd expect. But keep in mind that estimated range figures can vary based on a number of factors, such as current temperature and how aggressively you're driving the car. If you're someone who really tries to sample maximum performance during your test drive, cut the car a little slack if its efficiency isn't quite up to the EPA's ratings. 2 - 12-volt battery Yes, believe it or not, most EVs on the market also have an old-school 12-volt battery (to power ancillary functions) of the sort that have probably failed you at some inconvenient time on a frigid evening when you just want to get home. The best way to test these is to access the battery itself with a multimeter and make sure it's putting out adequate voltage, but Najman says there's a way to get a sense for whether that battery is working otherwise. "Test all the HVAC and accessories to make sure they work,' she says. 'Check for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if advertised. Do this before turning the car on. If doing this makes the 12V seem funny, ask if they will give you a new one before you take the car." 3 - Corrosion Many modern EVs make use of corrosion-proof materials such as aluminum or even carbon fiber in their construction to save weight. Still, there's usually a significant amount of steel in there, as well, so checking for rust is still a crucial thing to do, particularly for cars that live in colder areas. 4 - Connectivity A modern EV is often only as good as its connectivity. If your EV can't get online, it won't be able to pull down over-the-air updates, and you won't be able to use the car's app to precondition the cabin or monitor charging remotely. Assuming the car has an app (like FordPass or the My BMW app), make sure the dealer has the right credentials and can sign you in so that you can verify everything works. Send a few requests, like locking or unlocking the doors, just to make sure everything here is copacetic. 5 - Tires Most EVs do a better job of protecting the environment than most internal combustion machines, but if there's one thing they put a hurting on, it's tires. EVs are notorious for their high wear, thanks, it turns out, to the high torque their motors can generate. So make sure to check the tread on all four tires to see how much is remaining and make sure the overall wear is nice and even. Tire rotation is one of those service items that even EVs need, and if it's not done regularly, they'll chew through rubber even more quickly. 6- Accessories Finally, take a run through all the accessories the car came with to ensure everything is there. This includes basic items like key fobs, which are painfully expensive to replace these days, and other EV-specific items like a 120-volt charger and vehicle-to-load adapter. Not all cars came with these when new, but if they did, you should get them. Check all those boxes, and you'll hopefully take yourself home a like-new machine that will give you years of motoring that's not only emissions-free but stress-free, as well.
Car and Driver
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Your Guide to Buying a Used Electric Vehicle in 2025
As the new-EV market continues to mature, your options for a used electric car are expanding as well. A used EV is a great option for anyone looking to sample the electric lifestyle at a buy-in reduced cost, as well as the EV-initiated who simply want a good deal. This guide will walk you through the necessary considerations when shopping for a pre-owned electric vehicle, and we'll lay out why, especially in the case of EVs, a used model can be more attractive. Why Consider a Used EV? You're likely reading this because you are at least EV-curious. There's one very simple reason why a used electric is a better deal than a new one: Just as with internal-combustion-engined vehicles, used examples cost less. Thank depreciation and other factors, which we'll get into later. Lower mileage is another potential perk. Compared to gas-engine vehicles, a larger proportion of new EVs are leased versus purchased outright. These leases tend to come with low-ish annual mileage limits, meaning you can find lightly used three-year-old EVs with less than 30,000 or even 15,000 miles on them. That's great news for anyone shopping for a newish vehicle that hasn't been used up or abused. Also, since EVs tend to have less range than their internal-combustion-engine counterparts, you're likely to find it with a smaller odometer tally. EVs, particularly those on the lower end of the range scale, are less likely to have been road-tripped or driven on long daily commutes. There are also deals to be had where the original buyer used the EV only occasionally, perhaps as a second car, or maybe they decided that the EV lifestyle or that particular model wasn't right for them. Their loss becomes your gain. Then there's the fact that, once purchased, EVs require less money for fuel—as long as you're charging at home—and upkeep. If you charge at off-peak times, your utility may give you a break on the electricity rate. And you're likely to need to visit the service bay less often, as there are no regular oil changes with engineless EVs. Althom | Getty Images Assessing Battery Health One factor that might scare a buyer away from a used EV is the unknown state of its battery. These black boxes can lose capacity over time due to charging and discharging, as well as the speed and frequency at which they've been topped up. And it's not obvious just by looking at or driving a vehicle what condition its pack is in. But there are ways to determine how a battery has been treated and what kind of life is left in it. The most basic check is to fully charge the vehicle and then look at its forecasted range. If it's near or within say 10 or 20 percent of the model's EPA range rating, that's a sign the battery still has plenty left to give. If, however, the car's range estimate is nowhere near what it was when new, you may want to keep looking. Note that this figure is calculated differently from model to model, and a driver with a lead foot may reduce the indicated range by wasting electrons accelerating from stoplight to stoplight, just as driving style is reflected in a gas-powered vehicle's fuel economy. We're not ones to judge, but you can sometimes tell from the seller's demeanor if they're a foot-to-the-floor type, more of a hypermiler, or somewhere in between. Buyers can get an idea of the general capacity loss for a particular model on several websites, such as that of Recurrent Auto. While this won't tell you about the exact vehicle you're considering, it's a useful guide for what to expect for an EV of a certain age. It will also give you an idea of how the pack will hold up after your purchase. Also, once you're the owner, Recurrent has a service to monitor your battery's life over time. Assuming that first check looks okay, or in the case that it's inconclusive, it's a good idea to get the EV's battery pack checked by a professional. Using special diagnostic equipment, a shop can read the battery's mind and check for issues with capacity across the pack and see if there are issues with any of the individual cells. There's a cost associated, of course, but it's cheap insurance against buying a vehicle that will soon need a battery replacement. It's also good to keep in mind that automakers cover battery systems for longer than most gas powertrains. This warranty coverage usually starts at eight years or 100,000 miles—whichever comes first—so a few-year-old EV without a ton of miles on it should still have some of that safety net left over to calm the mind of the worry-prone. Understanding Depreciation EVs tend to depreciate—that is, their value decreases over time—more quickly than a comparable internal-combustion or hybrid vehicle. There are a lot of reasons for this; first and foremost, EV sales have been supported by a variety of state and federal incentives that reduced the cost for the initial buyer, and in some cases subsequent buyers (more on that soon). It also comes down to how quickly the EV market is evolving. Automakers regularly tweak batteries, motors, and onboard chargers from one model year to another, often in a yearly cadence, even when the rest of the car looks and functions the same. There's also the fact that many EVs came with perks that reduced the initial owner's cost. These could include charging credits or free at-home charging equipment. Some automakers even cover part or all of the tab to install such hardware. While you likely won't get that $600 home charging equipment as part of the deal (doesn't hurt to ask!), the fact that it reduced the first buyer's investment means some of that savings gets passed on. Certified Pre-Owned vs. Private Sale Keeping in mind the already long warranty that an EV comes with from the factory, you might feel more comfortable with a used EV that's covered by a certified pre-owned, or CPO, program. CPO coverage varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, so be sure to research and understand their program before deciding whether the extra cost of a certified vehicle is worth it to you. In general, a certified vehicle comes with extended warranty coverage and meets certain requirements regarding condition, mileage, and age. We have a breakdown of every automaker's CPO offering to help you decide. As with any used-vehicle purchase, your other options are to buy something from a used-car lot without CPO coverage or to purchase from a private seller. As mentioned before, meeting the previous owner can have its advantages. At the very least, you'll get a better idea of how the vehicle was used, and you might get some helpful tips about an EV's quirks from a regular user. Available Incentives Just as there are tax breaks and incentives for the purchase of new EVs, the federal government and some states offer money to those purchasing a used electric. These often come with limitations on the value of the vehicle or the buyer's income, so know what you qualify for before making a purchase, as it may steer you into a different model. The IRS has a site explaining how the federal Used Clean Vehicle Credit works and what qualifies. Check with your state to see if there's any money to be had when purchasing a pre-owned EV where you live. Beyond a good deal, an EV may entitle its owner to use of an HOV lane, closer reserved parking at some locations, and the aforementioned lower electricity rates. All of these perks add value to your potential purchase. Financing and Insurance Like any other used-car purchase, an EV can be financed through an auto loan. There's nothing special you have to do to borrow money to buy one. Insurance rates are often higher for electric vehicles. EVs tend to cost more to repair after an accident, and the high price of battery packs plays a role too. Because there are multiple variables that determine insurance costs—such as your age, where you live, and how many miles you drive yearly—it's smart to get quotes for the vehicle or vehicles you're considering. Checking on insurance prices is recommended prior to any vehicle purchase, regardless of the powertrain. There's a little more homework necessary when considering an EV, but it's not too difficult. Be sure to assess the battery condition along with the vehicle's overall presentation, look at incentives that may lower the purchase price, and price out insurance before signing on the dotted line. A bit of careful research can yield a great deal and bring your motoring life into the electric age. David Gluckman Contributing Editor Ever since David was a wee Car and Driver intern, he has kept a spreadsheet listing all the vehicles he's driven and tested. David really likes spreadsheets. He can parallel-park a school bus and once drove a Lincoln Town Car 63 mph in reverse. After taking a break from journalism to work on autonomous vehicles, he's back writing for this and other automotive publications. When David's not searching for the perfect used car, you can find him sampling the latest in gimmicky, limited-edition foodstuffs.
Forbes
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Used Tesla Sales Are Booming As Resale Values Tumble
For better or worse, falling Tesla values are a used EV's shopper's gain. As has been reported previously, Tesla resale prices have been plummeting for a variety of reasons including CEO Elon Musk's controversial insertion into federal politics via the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency. Politics aside, the extreme loss of value being suffered by current owners is suddenly manifesting itself as a boom for used Tesla shoppers. Cox Automotive reports that the company's pre-owned EV sales got a whopping 27% boost last month as average transaction prices dipped by 1.8%. That's on top of the 10.1% average year-over-year drop in value for Tesla vehicles realized prior to that. Problem is, where Tesla used to more or less own the electric car market, it's now just one of many EV-selling brands. It's stuck with an aging inventory that's become difficult to sell, with only the Model Y SUV seeing a significant refresh of late. According to there are now 31% more EVs available to buyers than there were a year ago. Newer entries at the high end of the market from fresher brands like Rivian, Lucid and Polestar and can meet or beat Tesla performance. At the other end of the pricing spectrum, a wave of more affordable EVs on the market from mainstream brands like Kia and Hyundai are bringing in customers for which Tesla's wares were too expensive. And Tesla values are also being adversely affected by an additional wave of bad publicity. A recent survey showed that nearly half of all Tesla owners reported that their vehicles have been intentionally vandalized, presumably at the hands of Musk/Tesla-bashers. What's more, around three-quarters of respondents fear being targeted moving forward as adverse sentiments toward the automaker continue to foment. Plus, Tesla is reportedly sitting on $200 million worth of unsold Cybertruck models that can't seem to find buyers, most likely for its polarizing styling. In addition, it's been involved in multiple widely reported recalls, with the latest involving body panels randomly falling off the vehicle. Sales had slowed to the point where Tesla dealers reportedly stopped taking Cybertrucks in trade or buying them outright because they can't move the new models gathering dust. However, the latest reports suggest that situation is improving, albeit with lowball offers. Of course Teslas aren't the only EVs to drop in value. Cox Automotive says electric vehicle listing prices have fallen industry-wide by 2.8% in April, though that's actually better than the 3.8% drop recorded a year earlier. Upscale EVs (including Teslas) are among the biggest losers in this regard, and conversely are the best deals among pre-owned models these days. According to a study recently conducted by the five-year-old used EV that's suffered the biggest drop in resale value over the past five years is the Jaguar i-Pace sedan, which has lost a whopping 72% of its original MSRP to depreciation (a $51,953 loss). On the other hand, that makes it an outstanding value in the used-vehicle market. The next biggest EV loser according to the website's survey of 800,000 five-year-old vehicles transaction prices is the Tesla Model S which has lost $52,165 or a stiff 65.2% loss of value. That makes it another great deal among pre-owned EVs Also suffering a steep depreciation curve is one of the segment's veterans, the Nissan Leaf, which has dropped an average of $18,043 (a 64.1% loss) of its original worth over five years. Also on the biggest losers list is the Tesla Model X, which has seen its five-year value slide by an average $53,846 (-63.4%) and the Tesla Model Y, at an average $36,225 (-60.4%) drop. Another pricey EV for which an original owner's loss is a used EV shopper's gain is the red-hot Porsche Taycan, which on average has lost $59,691 (-60.1) to depreciation over the past half decade.
