Electric vehicles are getting cheaper and cheaper. In the past year or so, Tesla's electric vehicles have generally reduced prices, while BYD is crazy to push the Champion Edition and Glory Edition models, and it seems that it is going to carry out a technological upgrade.
But it's still hard to argue that electric cars are cheap, and buying a brand new car in the first place is a hurdle in itself for many consumers. According to Statista, used car sales accounted for about 74% of all car sales in 2022. While this number may change as electric vehicles become cheaper, the truth is that most car buyers prefer to save cash and buy a used car rather than a new one.
Buying a new car is prone to backstabbing?
With the transition to electrification, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly important in terms of software and autonomous driving technology, which is also creating a need for more powerful computing power. New technologies are being iterated at an increasing rate, and electric vehicles may become obsolete faster in terms of functionality than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, just as smartphones from four years ago could no longer compete with today's new ones. While new features are bound to be included, the pace of important feature updates is clearly accelerating.
At the same time, major automakers are actively optimizing the core performance of electric vehicles. Continued advances in battery and charging technology, with range as a key metric, are driving consumers to wait for a new generation of electric vehicles that can be expected to last 350, 400 or even 500 miles on a single charge. However, even if these long-range models start to hit the market, it will take some time for them to become a common choice in the used car market.
Battery lifetime warranty?
The evolution of battery technology isn't the only battery-related issue worth exploring when considering buying a used EV. Doubts about the battery life of cars are not unfounded. In contrast, the range of an internal combustion engine vehicle remains largely stable over the years, and a full tank of gasoline can still support the same range as the new car leaves the factory.
Electric vehicles are different in this regard, as the battery will gradually decay after a long period of charging and discharging cycles, storing less energy and reducing the range. In order to delay this phenomenon, it is recommended to take some maintenance measures, such as choosing slow charging instead of frequent fast charging. For example, if you have the conditions to charge overnight at home, your EV battery life may last longer than those vehicles that can't be charged at home and need to go to a charging station every time.
However, concerns about battery decay have been somewhat overblown. In an interview with Digital Trends, Stacy Noblet, vice president of transport electrification at ICF, said: "We are using data collection to gain a deeper understanding of battery degradation, and we currently estimate that capacity loss is only about 1% to 2% per year, which is a cause for concern, but it does not constitute a barrier for consumers to buy used electric vehicles. ”
Many countries require car companies to provide a minimum warranty period of 8 years or 100,000 kilometers for batteries, but this warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, which means that if the battery life decreases slightly, you cannot ask for a replacement every year. However, when the battery life is about to run out, depending on its condition, you may need to replace it to extend the life of the vehicle, even if it is beyond the warranty period.
Lithium-ion batteries are predicted to last 12 to 15 years under the right climate. In extremely hot environments, their lifespan can be shortened to 8 to 12 years. Therefore, when buying a used electric vehicle, it is crucial to understand the battery life. If the battery is replaced at a later date, it will not only extend the life of the vehicle, but also ensure that the battery is in optimal condition.
Also, make sure that the battery warranty is still valid and transferable to you. The warranty can be voided for a number of reasons, such as not using the vehicle as specified, such as towing heavy objects with a non-towed vehicle. Some manufacturers even stipulate that if the owner does not update the vehicle's software in a timely manner, the warranty will also be voided. Therefore, keeping the software updated not only ensures that the warranty is valid, but also that the battery is optimally optimized.
Assuming the warranty is active and transferable, the warranty usually covers repair or replacement when the battery capacity falls below a certain threshold. The specific thresholds vary by model. In the case of Tesla, if the battery capacity is less than 70% during the 8-year warranty period, Tesla will be responsible for repairing or replacing it, but this does not mean that you will get a brand new battery, but Tesla promises that the battery capacity will be higher than 70%, that is, replacing an old battery in better condition. Tesla also offers a 4-year or 50,000-kilometer battery warranty for some used cars, but only for used cars purchased from Tesla, not third-party channels.
Regardless of how the dealer or seller advertises it, it is important to have the battery life checked by a professional technician before buying a used electric vehicle. It is advisable to contact your local workshop first to find a qualified technician, as not all workshops are equipped to handle electric vehicles. Otherwise, don't buy any used car, and if the seller doesn't allow it to be inspected, you should decisively abandon the purchase. For electric vehicles, you should ask for a check of the remaining battery life and use this as a basis for negotiation.
Tram or petrol car?
There are a number of factors that need to be weighed before committing to an electric vehicle. Perhaps the first task is to calculate whether its actual cost is lower than that of a gasoline vehicle. Once you've done the math, you'll find that buying a used electric car is about the same as buying a new one, and it may even be more convenient.
"The detection of electric vehicles is much the same as that of conventional diesel locomotives, but the main difference is in the auxiliary system. "Buyers don't have to worry about trivial details like when the last timing belt was replaced, when the pump was replaced, how old the exhaust system is, or whether the cooling system has been cleaned." ”
But that doesn't mean buying a used electric car is something to be taken lightly. As Cheromcha said in an interview with Digital Trends, it makes sense to ask for an extended test drive in order to fully test battery capacity and charging efficiency. Although electric vehicles are less expensive than internal combustion engine vehicles in terms of inspection items, the time required for careful inspection should not be overlooked.
So, is it worth buying a second-hand electric car? Many experts agree that a second-hand electric car is a cheap option for electric vehicles, although the condition of the battery may be a concern for some buyers, but as long as the car is thoroughly tested before buying, and there is no objection to the vehicle in the application of advanced technology, second-hand electric vehicles are ideal.