With increased demand for personal mobility at a time when fuel costs and car prices are battling in their upward path, used automobiles are gaining a larger presence in India. While buying secondhand Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles has been a regular practice among car purchasers, the same cannot be said for electric vehicles. With electric cars still in their early stages of adoption, purchasing a used electric vehicle may appear scary at first, especially for those who have never owned an EV before.
Choosing the correct used electric car is a difficult task since it is not the same as purchasing a used Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle. Purchasing a used electric car necessitates a different set of considerations than purchasing a new petrol or diesel vehicle. Owning a secondhand electric car may be a great value for money, but the buyer must examine a variety of aspects.
Here are a few steps to take a look at some important variables to consider when purchasing a used electric car.
Determine your EV range requirement.
Always establish your vehicle's range need before purchasing an Electric Vehicle (EV). The majority of electric vehicles currently have the range to readily accommodate travelling in and around the city. Older cars, on the other hand, may have a limited range. As a result, always determine your personal range requirements and begin looking for used EVs appropriately.
Investigate government incentives.
To encourage electric mobility, both the federal and state governments have offered incentives to customers who purchase Electric Vehicles (EVs). While most incentives are available for new vehicles, you may check to see if there are any tax breaks available for used EV purchasers as well.
Discover the history of battery replacements.
EVs rely on batteries, and while battery problems are uncommon, they do occur. Battery replacement is more probable in high-range electric vehicles. It is usually a good idea to double-check whether or not the EV's battery has been changed. If you purchase it from a used car dealer, he or she may be able to give you with paperwork certifying the repair. Look for the predicted range on a fully charged battery as well as the battery health data recognized by the vehicle's computer.
Examine the charging capability of the EV battery.
Electric cars have varying charging capacity. Some EVs have a longer charging time, while others have a relatively quick charging time. Some EVs have a larger battery, which means they have a longer range, while others have a smaller battery, which means they have a lower range. Before purchasing a used EV, always verify the battery size and charging capacity.
Examine the battery's remaining warranty.
Manufacturers of electric vehicles provide warranties on both the motor and the battery separately. Always verify the remaining warranty duration before acquiring a secondhand electric car. Many pre-owned electric vehicles are covered by warranties. On average, an Electric Vehicle (EV) comes with a guarantee of eight years or 160,000 kilometers. Many guarantees are transmitted to successive owners; but, in other situations, they are not. The customer care department of the individual EV manufacturer will be able to inform you when the warranty expires and if it is transferrable.
Discover the history of maintenance.
Always investigate the pre-owned EV's maintenance history. This is comparable to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) automobiles. Knowing the vehicle's maintenance and repair history will provide you with information that will allow you to decide if purchasing it is a smart idea or not.
Examine the charging accessories.
Always look for charging accessories given by the dealer when acquiring a used Electric Vehicle (EV). Also, if you are purchasing it straight from the owner, make sure to thoroughly inspect the charger and any accessories before paying. Keep in mind that charging accessories might be costly.
How to Get the Best Deal on a Used EV?
Determine your EV range needs.
Investigate government incentives.
Discover the history of battery replacements.
Examine the charging capability of the EV battery.
Examine the battery's remaining warranty.
Discover the history of maintenance.
Examine the charging accessories.