Are you looking for a used electric vehicle? Are you looking to buy a ‘used’ electric two-wheeler or four-wheeler? So, before you make that enticing pre-owned electric car purchase, we’ve developed a list of things you should know.
The EV market in India is expanding at an unprecedented rate. Yes, it still has a long way to go before it can even compete with its internal combustion engine-powered equivalents in terms of raw sales volume. On the other hand, EV sales are greater than they have ever been.
It should also be mentioned that EV sales have been steadily increasing. The interest in EVs has also grown, and more purchasers are considering making a move. However, there is a minor issue: EV pricing is costly, which discourages some purchasers. The price difference between an electric car and its gasoline-powered counterpart is relatively significant. However, electric vehicles offer numerous benefits, and individuals aware of these advantages will undoubtedly consider purchasing an electric vehicle.
It seems inevitable that EVs will gradually find their way into the used vehicle market, and it appears that this is already occurring. If you are considering purchasing a used electric car, keep the following in mind:
Currently, used electric vehicles are not very popular. It is because most EVs are still relatively new to the market, and it also makes it more difficult to find a used electric car. You’re also keen to get your hands on an inexpensive EV as soon as possible due to sky-high gasoline prices. But let’s pretend that you have a few possibilities for the time being.
Advantages of Purchasing a Used Electric Vehicle
Some considerations will come into play while purchasing a used electric vehicle that will benefit you. We are all aware of the benefits of buying an EV, which include:
You’ll get a newer automobile, which means it’ll be in better shape.
Because EVs have only just been available, you will most likely discover an EV that is little more than two years old. It means you’d be able to get your hands on a reasonably modern automobile with fewer than 10,000 kilometers on the odometer for a reasonable price!
You may easily bargain with the original owner.
Consider this. Why would a car owner sell their vehicle within a year or so? Because the vehicle is inadequate for their requirements. Most individuals sell their electric vehicles because of the limited range of EVs, which they find difficult to live with. You may take advantage of this by haggling aggressively!
Furthermore, depending on the state you live in, India, you may be eligible for specific plans, subsidies, and incentives. Read more about why the Delhi government removed the EV subsidy in India.
They are gentle on the pocket in the long run.
It is not a secret. Let’s be honest: most of us want to switch to an EV not to be environmentally good but to save money on filling up with petrol/diesel, which is now at an all-time high. Buying a used electric car would be ideal in this situation, and it offers tremendous value when purchasing an automobile. It would be affordable to run as well, given that it must be charged and has far fewer mechanical elements that wear out.
EVs offer their own set of benefits.
Purchasing an EV, whether it’s a used or new electric vehicle, offers several advantages. Among characteristics include zippy performance, quiet rides, good NVH levels, a pleasant driving experience, environmental friendliness, etc.
The Drawbacks of Purchasing a Used Electric Vehicle
While buying used electric cars has numerous advantages, it also has many disadvantages. These are some examples:
Used EVs may have depleted battery performance, resulting in low range!
As we utilize electric vehicles, the performance of their batteries degrades over time. Just like traditional gasoline/diesel vehicles, hybrids lose power over time. However, in the case of EVs, battery performance degrades quicker than in conventional IC engine vehicles.
We can’t say much about this because EVs are so new to the market. However, when purchasing a used electric vehicle, you must be prepared to deal with lesser battery performance and a shorter range!
Also Read, What do you do when your Electric Vehicle battery dies?
The typical issues – Charging Infrastructure, Range
The usual issues with an EV have already been thoroughly discussed. That’s why we won’t be talking about it much. The two most typical issues with purchasing an EV are the EV’s limited range and the scarcity of charging outlets (especially in remote regions).
Before purchasing an EV (whether used or new), these two factors should be considered.
Owning an electric car necessitates the installation of charging infrastructure. The majority of electric scooters include charging wires. Some premium products, such as the Ather 450, can function with fast chargers, which the manufacturer offers. If you want to buy a used electric car, installing these chargers at home is a bright idea.
Because EV technology is still in its early stages, it is critical to ensure that the battery is protected by warranty.
This is a simple thing to perform, yet people frequently overlook it. When purchasing a used EV, be sure that it is adequately protected under warranty (since EVs technology is still new, and if you want to sort out any issues that might pop up, you better get a warranty).
On the other hand, the warranty is determined by the automobile brand and model you choose. If you go with the most popular EV right now – the Nexon EV – the battery guarantee is standard at 8 years! Check into it as well before purchasing a used electric vehicle.
Value at Resale – Buying a used electric car has advantages and disadvantages.
Electric vehicles depreciate quicker than gasoline and diesel vehicles. Although there aren’t many used Electric cars for sale, you can get one of the few for a great price! It would allow you to purchase an EV at a low cost, even if it is pretty new.
To give you an idea, a Tata Nexon EV with only 5k on the odometer and only 1.5 years old can be purchased for 12 lakhs! That’s 4 lakh rupees cheaper than the initial pricing!
The Technology of Electric Vehicles
EV technology has gone a long way since they were initially introduced. Firmware upgrades can be updated later, but hardware updates are more difficult to deploy. A newer EV will have better technology than an older one.
The Rapid Depreciation of Electric Vehicles
It is common knowledge that high-end automobiles and two-wheelers depreciate rapidly. Most electric vehicles in India are regarded as a luxury, and their value depreciates swiftly. This depreciation feature is why one seeks an EV in the used car market.
The Electric Motor’s Condition
Anyone with a good eye can determine the visual condition of a car. On the other hand, the powertrain is more sophisticated than meets the eye. Electric vehicle powertrains have few moving components and are thus very simple as opposed to internal combustion engines. It is impossible to harm the machine just by driving about.
Thoughts On What To Look For When Buying A Used Electric Vehicle
EVs are becoming increasingly popular in the Indian market, with more EVs being purchased each month. At the same time, more EVs are appearing on the used vehicle market. It will be a wise investment if one buys an EV with these considerations in mind.
Also Read, Electric Vehicles 101: Everything you Need to Know before you Buy
