Background car news Electric

An electric car (EV) does not have a fuel engine, clutch and traditional gearbox – components that are subject to wear and tear and whose condition you just have to estimate with a used car. An EV does have other essential systems, such as a large battery and charging systems. These determine how much range you have, how fast you can charge and how usable and future-proof the occasion is.

Electric powertrains are much less prone to wear and tear than a conventional powertrain. Therefore, an electric used car is less about mileage and more about battery condition, software support and charging speed. The market is also developing rapidly, making newer EVs noticeably more efficient and better than previous generations.

The battery: capacity, degradation and life span

The battery is an essential component of an EV. Over time, its capacity slowly decreases – this is called degradation. It varies from car to car and is related to driving style, outside influences and how the previous owner charged. Modern batteries have a long life and often last 300,000 kilometers without any problems, but some percent degradation is normal.

If you buy a used EV, it is wise to check the percentage of battery capacity remaining. Some brands provide official reports, in some models you will find that data in the on-board computer. A capacity loss of ten to 15 percent after a few years is common, but it also affects the range. For example, a car that had 400 kilometers of range when new may still have 340-360 kilometers of range after a few years.

When a battery needs replacing is difficult to predict. The charging habits of the previous owner play a role – did they often use fast chargers? – but the actual charging speed and practical range are difficult to check during a test drive. Newer EVs are equipped with (better) battery temperature control, which means that in practice the battery of recent occasion are healthier than those of older EVs.

Range and daily usability

The range largely determines whether an electric used car suits your use. The factory specification gives an idea, but in practice the range is almost always smaller. Especially with older EVs, the difference is significant, because the technology was less efficient at the time and the measurement method (NEDC) was less realistic until 2018. Newer models handle energy more carefully anyway.

A smaller battery creates limitations during longer trips anyway. But either way, it is wise to chart your daily usage. During the test drive, also pay attention to actual power consumption and whether you come out ahead with that. Software updates can have a positive impact on drive train efficiency. Manufacturers optimize their systems regularly, so check that the systems are up-to-date.

NEDC and WLTP: test method matters

With an older electric used car, you need to pay attention to which standard the range is set by. Until 2018, car manufacturers gave figures according to the NEDC test method. This yielded overly optimistic values because that test was poorly aligned with real-world use. EVs that offered 300 kilometers of range according to NEDC ended up with only 200-230 kilometers in reality.

As of 2018, the WLTP test method applies. With more realistic measurements, it is much closer to reality. As a result, WLTP values are closer to reality, although differences due to temperature, driving style, tires and loading remain. So if you want to buy an electric used car, it is important to realize whether the range given is an old NEDC value or the more reliable WLTP value. Then you can better assess how useful the car is for you.

Loading speed and loading capabilities

Not every electric occasion charges its battery at the same rate, and that very difference determines much of the ease of use. Some older EVs achieve charging speeds of up to 50 kW on a fast charger (DC, direct current), while newer electric cars can handle charging speeds above 200 kW.

AC charging (alternating current, charging point at home or in your residential area) also varies widely. In older EVs, 7.4 kW is common, while more recent models can usually charge at 11 and sometimes as much as 22 kW. The higher the AC charging rate, the more efficient charging will be. Also check which charging standard the car supports. CCS is the standard in Europe, CHAdeMO of older models is less future-proof.

Newer EVs also handle battery temperature better – which is important during charging – so they maintain the optimal charging rate. This makes a recent occasion much more practical if you need to charge during a long drive.

Can an EV pull a trailer or caravan?

Many older EVs are not approved to tow at all. Today, however, a growing number of EVs are allowed to tow a trailer of 500 to 1,600 kilograms. So if you want to buy a used EV to tow a trailer, you need to know whether the car can tow anything and how much. For one model, the towing weight may vary by version. Also keep in mind that towing a trailer requires extra energy and the range is much reduced.

Does buying an electric occasion have any disadvantages?

Buying an electric used car offers many advantages, but there are also points to consider. The resale value of older EVs is declining as new generations offer ever larger batteries and faster charging speeds. Rapid development is quickly making older models less attractive, but also more affordable to buy.

Furthermore, consumption is higher in older models and batteries are smaller, which limits the range. Fast charging is not always possible with older EVs and is also more expensive than charging at home. Still, the disadvantages get smaller the newer the occasion, thanks to rapid developments in battery technology and charging efficiency.

Financial advantages and disadvantages

The subsidy for individuals buying an electric used car has ended. However, there is ‘discount’ on motor vehicle tax. Fully electric cars were exempt from MRB through 2025. In 2026, a quarter rate applies – so you pay less road tax than for fuel-engine cars. From 2030, you pay the full rate – and note that EVs are much heavier than comparable conventional cars. For business drivers, the additional tax credit has expired; EVs are subject to the same rate as conventional cars.

Fast charging rates are higher than “regular” AC charging – at home, in your neighborhood or at work. Yet the daily running costs of an EV are usually lower than conventional cars.

So although subsidies are gone, electric driving remains financially attractive due to the favorable MRB rate and lower running costs. Those who pay close attention to battery health, charging options and usage needs can reap many benefits from buying an electric used car.