Interest in used EV vehicles is surging across the UK, with searches for ‘second-hand EV’ up 49% in the UK over the last year and 44% within the last quarter, whilst queries for ‘used EV’ have risen from 17,000 to 27,000 monthly searches – a 59% increase in that timeframe, according to Google trend data.
As more drivers consider switching to electric vehicles at a lower cost, experts warn that buying a second-hand EV requires a different checklist compared to petrol and diesel cars.
Alex Lee, automotive expert at Dick Lovett, has outlined his top six tips for buying a used electric car, ensuring drivers avoid expensive mistakes and choose a model that suits their lifestyle. Six tips you must consider when buying a used EV:
Check the battery condition and warranty
“Unlike petrol or diesel cars, the most important component of an EV isn’t under the bonnet, it’s the battery. Over time, all EV batteries lose a little of their capacity, which means they can’t travel quite as far between charges. For example, a model that originally promised 250 miles of range when new might realistically deliver closer to 220 miles after several years of use.
“Buyers should always ask for a battery State of Health (SoH) report before purchase, as this shows how much usable life the battery still has. An SoH above 80% is generally considered healthy. It’s also worth checking whether the car is still covered by a manufacturer’s battery warranty, which for many brands lasts up to 8 years or 100,000 miles. Having this protection in place can give real peace of mind
“Replacing a worn battery is expensive, often costing between £4,000 and £16,500 depending on the make and model, so making sure it’s in good condition before buying could save you thousands later on.”
Look at the service history and software updates
“EVs typically have fewer moving parts than traditional cars, which means there’s less to go wrong and fewer maintenance costs in the long run. However, they still need to be properly maintained. Brakes, tyres, and suspension should all be checked, and like any car, a full service history provides reassurance that the vehicle has been looked after.
“Another factor to consider, that is often overlooked, is software. Many EVs receive updates that can improve their efficiency, range, or features. Some of these updates are installed during servicing, while others are delivered ‘over the air’ directly to the car. When buying a used EV, ask the seller whether the car is running the latest software version and whether servicing has been carried out at manufacturer approved centres.”
Understand charging options before you buy
“Not all EVs charge at the same speed, and this can have a big impact on convenience. Older or entry-level models may only support slower charging rates, which means longer waiting times at public chargers. For buyers who don’t have the ability to plug in at home overnight, this could quickly become frustrating.
“Before buying, check what charging speeds the car supports and make sure they’re compatible with the infrastructure you’ll rely on most. For those planning to install a home charger, costs usually range from £800 to £1,200, but there are government grants available that can help reduce this expense.
“If home charging isn’t possible, look into local on-street charging schemes or whether your workplace provides facilities. Understanding your charging routine before buying is crucial, as relying on public charging alone can make EV ownership more costly and less convenient.”
Consider the range and your driving habits
“Range is usually one of the most common things to consider when buying an EV, whether new or used. While newer electric cars often offer ranges of 250–300 miles or more, many older or more affordable models only deliver between 100 and 150 miles. That’s fine if you have a short commute, drive in a city, or do school runs, but it’s less practical if you often drive for long periods on the motorway.
“It’s also important to remember that the range of a used EV can be affected by battery degradation over time. As the battery ages, it loses some of its original capacity, which can reduce the distance you can travel on a full charge compared with when the car was new. This means an older EV that originally had a range of 150 miles might only achieve 120–130 miles, depending on how it has been used and maintained.”
“Before committing to a used EV, think carefully about your daily driving patterns. If most of your trips are short, a smaller-battery model could save you money. But if you need longer-range flexibility, you may want to consider a newer EV or even a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which can run on electricity for short distances but still use petrol or diesel for longer trips.”
Buy from a trusted dealer, not just the cheapest option
“While buying privately can sometimes look like the cheapest route, it often comes with much higher risks. Cars sold by private sellers are usually offered ‘as-is’, with no formal inspections, no refurbishment, and no warranty if something goes wrong. Once you drive away, the responsibility for any hidden issues falls entirely on you.
“Buying from a trusted dealership, on the other hand, brings additional safeguards. Many certified pre-owned EVs undergo thorough checks and refurbishment before sale, and buyers usually receive a detailed battery health report as part of the handover. Dealerships often include warranty cover on key components, providing you with financial protection if issues arise later. Crucially, dealership purchases are also protected under UK consumer rights law, something private sales do not offer.
“For these reasons, it is strongly recommended to buy from a reputable dealership. While the upfront price may be slightly higher, the added peace of mind and legal protection could save buyers significant costs and stress further down the line.”
Keep an eye on government support
“Currently, schemes such as the ‘Electric Car Grant 2025’, only apply to brand-new vehicles, not used ones, meaning second-hand buyers won’t benefit from the discount directly. However, these schemes can still have an indirect impact on the market.
“As more people take advantage of schemes to buy new EVs, more nearly-new models are likely to filter down into the second-hand market. This should mean greater choice and potentially better prices for buyers who are happy to shop pre-owned.
So, if you’re looking for a used EV, keep an eye on new government incentives. When a scheme launches, newer models tend to enter the second-hand market after, and those vehicles are often in better condition, with fewer issues to look out for.”
