The upfront cost of owning an Electric Vehicle is much higher as compared to ICE vehicles. If you have a budget constraint, you can opt for a pre-owned or used electric vehicle at a slightly cheaper cost. However, you have to keep some things in mind while buying a used electric cars and electric scooters.
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Why Buy a Used Electric Vehicle
Whether it is new or old, Electric Vehicle does not cause any pollution, the depreciation value of EVs is also slow, as compared to ICE vehicles.
According to reports, an electric vehicle loses about 20 percent of its value as soon as a consumer buys it, which is still less than an ICE vehicle. Unlike new purchases, there will be no long waiting period for a used EV.
Following are the Top Benefits of Buying a Used Electric Vehicle
- EVs depreciate faster
- Smoother driveability
- EVs are good for the environment
- Lower cost of ownership
- Government subsidy under FAME-II scheme
What to Check Before Buying a Second-Hand Electric Vehicle
When buying a used electric car and electric scooter, you should keep the following in mind:
- Battery Health or Remaining Battery Life
- Range on Offer
- Charging Infrastructure Availability
- Cost of Ownership
Tips #1 Battery Health / Remaining Battery Life
An important factor to consider when buying a used electric car or electric scooter is their battery health or the reaming battery life. Even old electric vehicles with good batteries are also available. But, you should check the remaining battery life before spending the money on a used electric Vehicle.
Because battery health is one of the key factors in any electric vehicle, electric vehicles with low battery health can cause problems with your Vehicle such as range problems and charging problems.
Tips #2 Range on offer
The range of an electric vehicle completely depends on the capacity of the battery. The bigger the battery, the longer range the EV can offer.
However, always test the vehicle according to your driving habits to see the difference between the actual range and the claimed range.
Tips #3 Charging Infrastructure Availability
Relying on 100% fast charging is not recommended. Always prioritize the charging setup in your home or office, so that the battery lasts longer.
Read More: Electric Car Charging Station apps
If you do frequent long drives, look for fast charging options and plan your route in advance. While some companies like Tata Power and Fortum are installing more and more fast chargers, the limited availability in the current situation may cause some delays in your trips.
Tips #4 Cost of Ownership
The cost of ownership includes the cost of purchase and the total cost of maintenance during the lifecycle of the EV. In the long run, the cost of ownership along with lower maintenance costs and lower power prices will make an electric vehicle value for money compared to an ICE vehicle.
If you are concerned about the high cost of battery packs, almost all-electric cars sold in India come with a warranty of around 8 years for the battery pack.
