Pros and Cons of Buying an Electric Car for Sale Used

PROS: EVs are quiet, efficient, and often feature the latest safety technology. Plus, they lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. They can also be cost-effective to operate compared to vehicles powered by gasoline. And you can get a federal or state EV tax credit when you buy one new.

CONS: An electric car for sale may have outdated technology, and the battery may degrade over time. Plus, it can be challenging to find a used model that offers the range you need for your commute or weekend adventures. The good news is that more electric cars are entering the used market, and many of them are newer models with long-range batteries that can be driven farther than the EPA estimates.

In the Hunt: Electric Car for Sale Used

While a used EV’s battery may still be under warranty, you should be aware that most of the warranties are voided when a car is sold, which means it’s important to carefully inspect a pre-owned EV before buying it. Toprak says fear of battery degradation is a bit overstated, though, as EV batteries are designed to last a decade or more.

It’s also worth noting that resale values for most EV models drop after they’re two years old, which is partly due to the $7,500 federal EV tax credit that is available when you buy a new one. However, there are some exceptions: Teslas are the most commonly used EV in the US, and BMW’s i3 and 530e seem to hold their value well at auction.