Buying a Used Electric Car | Kia UK
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Buying a Used Electric Car – Tips and Questions to Ask
The EV industry is continuing to grow, with over 2,150,000 electric cars
now on the roads in the UK according to zapmap
. The market for used electric cars is also expanding as emission-free motoring becomes the standard for more drivers.
If you want to switch to more sustainable driving for a more affordable price, a second-hand vehicle is a great option. However, there are several things to consider before making your purchase.
We want to ensure you’re aware of everything you need to know when buying a used electric vehicle. By the end of this article, you should be able to approach used electric cars for sale with more knowledge and expertise.
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Are used electric cars worth it?
Used electric cars provide an affordable way to enjoy the advantages of emission-free driving.
EVs are a more sustainable alternative to petrol or diesel cars, reducing air pollution and offering greater all-around efficiency. As well as improved fuel economy and lower running costs, EV drivers can also enjoy tax benefits and parking exemptions. Used electric cars also deliver these benefits, albeit with a slightly higher mileage and a lower price tag.
However, as with any used car
, buying a used electric car comes with potential risks. To ensure long-term cost-effectiveness and value, there are a few things you must look out for. Some of these considerations are unique to EV technology
.
1. Battery Warranty
A key point to consider when buying a used electric car is the battery warranty. Electric car batteries are expensive to repair or replace, so having an EV battery warranty
is essential.
Most manufacturers provide a battery warranty that lasts around the lifespan of the average EV battery. If you’re buying a used electric car that’s younger than this, you probably won’t have to worry about it. However, you should always check that the battery is covered by a transferrable warranty. It will also be best to avoid any used electric cars with expired policies.
At Kia, our transferrable 7 year warranty
comes as standard for all cars. For EVs
and PHEVs
, this warranty also covers the batteries.
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2. Charging
The key difference between owning a petrol or diesel car and an electric car is how the vehicle is powered. EVs require plug-in charging, which can be done via public charging points
or with a home EV charger
.
The UK has an extensive and growing rapid charging network. There are currently more than 30,200 charging points
in the UK – and that number is rising every day.
If you’re looking to buy a used electric car, consider how this may impact your driving habits and whether investing in a home EV charger
would be economical.
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3. Charging equipment
Electric cars
come with plug-in charging equipment, like high-voltage cabling and internal and external sockets. These should be inspected for general wear and tear or any external damage to the rubber coating.
4. Bodywork, Tyres and Documentation
Alongside the technologies and systems that are unique to EVs, used electric cars should also be checked for many of the same elements as regular used cars. This includes checking the tread depth of the tyres as well as the bodywork for any scratches, dents or signs of poor repairs or maintenance.
When buying a used electric car, it’s also crucial that you check all the relevant documents. The most important of these is the V5C, which is the registration document for the vehicle. You should also ask for a full service history, so you can see how well the EV has been maintained. Additionally, you should ensure the car has a valid MOT by checking the MOT history online.
You can find out more about these checks and other things to look out for when buying a used car in our recent article.
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5. Test drive
Sometimes, it can be difficult to spot certain problems or faults until you’re behind the wheel. As such, you should always take an electric car for a test drive before you commit to buying.
Electric cars
tend to be silent, so if you hear any strange noises this may be a sign of a problem or fault. If this is the case, you should inspect further and question the seller. You should also check the lights, indicators, windows, and seats, to give yourself a general feel for how the car is running.
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Key questions to ask before buying a used electric car
While many used car checks still apply, EVs have a few additional considerations. Asking the right questions when buying a used car
can help you better understand the vehicle's condition and battery
performance which can influence its long-term value.
For a used EV, it would be beneficial to ask:
- Is the battery still covered by the manufacturer's warranty?
- Is any battery health information available?
- Has the battery ever been repaired or replaced?
- What range
does the car typically achieve in everyday driving?
- Are all the charging cables and accessories included with the vehicle?
- Has the car received all recommended OTA software updates?
- Does it have a full service history and valid MOT history?
- Has the vehicle been involved in any accidents or major repairs?
The answers to these questions can help you identify potential issues and compare different models to make a more informed purchasing decision. Combined with a thorough inspection and test drive,
they can provide greater confidence when buying a used electric car.
Kia-approved used electric cars
At Kia, we pride ourselves on creating generation-defining cars that are built to last. Our expert manufacturing standards mean that all our approved electric used cars are reliable and durable.
We demonstrate our confidence in our vehicles with our peace of mind package, which comes as standard with all our used cars
. This comprehensive package features a range of benefits, such as a transferable 7-year warranty, driveaway insurance, 2-year roadside assistance and more. Visit our dedicated page about used cars
to find out more.
We also have an exciting range of used electric cars for sale, as well as models available for leasing with our Personal Motor Loan
and PCP deals
.
With Kia, you can make the switch to electric today with absolute peace of mind and be confident in our promise of lasting value.
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Images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be to full UK specification. Features shown are not standard across the Kia model range and availability will vary dependant on model. For further details please refer to the individual model specification sheets.