Electric Cars
Electric cars (EVs) have gone from a niche choice to a genuinely mainstream used-car option. The right questions to ask are different from a petrol or diesel car, so here's what actually matters.
Charging is the first thing to think through
If you can charge at home (driveway or garage with a wallbox), electric motoring is usually far cheaper per mile than petrol or diesel. Without home charging, relying on public charging can close much of that cost gap, so it's worth being realistic about your situation.
Rapid public chargers can top up most EVs to 80% in 20–40 minutes, useful for longer trips, while a home wallbox is generally used for a full overnight charge.
Range and battery health when buying used
Official range figures are a useful comparison but real-world range is usually lower, especially in cold weather or on motorways. Ask sellers about real-world range they've actually achieved.
Battery degradation is the main thing to check on a used EV — ask for a battery health report if available, and check what battery warranty (often 8 years/100,000 miles) remains.
EVs have very few moving parts compared to a petrol car, so mechanical wear is less of a concern than with combustion engines — battery and software are where the real differences lie.
Running costs beyond electricity
Servicing is typically cheaper (no oil changes, fewer moving parts), but tyre wear can be higher due to instant torque and extra weight from the battery.
Insurance can be higher than an equivalent petrol car due to battery repair costs, so it's worth getting a quote before committing.
Whatever you're looking at, it's worth reading our guide on what to check before buying a used car before you view anything in person.