Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Electric Car

With elevated gas prices, more buyers are showing a growing interest in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure battery electric vehicles. Tesla continues to dominate the EV market, but models by Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen and Volvo are gaining popularity. Experts forecast even stronger growth in the EV market in 2022, especially once EV pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T enter the marketplace.

The used car market is already starting to see more used alternative-fuel vehicles. Leading the iSeeCars.com list of January 2022 fast-selling used vehicles are nine hybrids and three fully electric vehicles. So is it worth buying a used electric car, as these cars obviously cost more than gas-powered engines vehicles?

Here are some things to consider:

• Used electric vehicles have lower maintenance costs because their battery-electric engines have few moving parts that can break, and they don't require oil changes. Edmunds says on average, used EVs cost 43 to 72 percent less than new ones.
• Commuting can be quicker and maybe less expensive if you live in a state that allows you to drive an EV solo in the carpool lane. Some states do not charge EVs for carpool access.
• EV vehicles are good for the environment because they don’t produce tailpipe pollutants that contribute to global warming.

On the other hand, you should consider the following when buying a used EV vehicle:

• The biggest obstacle to electric cars is there are not enough charging stations, and some stations don’t charge enough. This would be the downside, especially if you plan on taking your car on a road trip.
• Battery power is crucial to an EV. Make sure the EV battery holds a charge. Get the vehicle identification number and contact the automaker's customer service to make sure the warranty is transferrable.
• EVs can only travel a certain range. Early EV models have a short of range 90 miles at full charge. Long range EVs can travel between 100-300 miles at full charge.
• Check if the used EV has a charger so you don’t have to purchase one. With a charger you can charge your electric car battery at home.
• Check the charging time. Some cars might need up to 20 hours to fully charge their battery, but some might need only a few hours.
• As with any car, always test drive the EV before you buy the car. Listen for unusual noise or vibrations and check the car’s equipment and accessories. A good tip would be to test drive a new model of that particular EV and compare it with the used EV you plan to purchase.

When in the market for a used car, stop by Carousel Preowned. CarouselPreowned serving Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, North Liberty, Marion, and Coralville, IA, is proud to be an automotive leader in our community. We do our best to ensure your complete satisfaction every time you step into our car dealership. This is why we offer the widest selection of used and pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs and provide true ease of purchase in Iowa.