1. The Battery Is Everything
When buying a petrol car, you check the engine. When buying an electric car (EV), you check the State of Health (SoH) of the battery.
Batteries degrade over time. A car that had 250 miles of range when new might only have 200 miles today. Most modern EVs lose about 2% capacity per year, but rapid charging and poor maintenance can accelerate this.
Pro Tip: Ask the seller for a recent battery health certificate. If they can't provide one, check the dashboard range at 100% charge and compare it to the original manufacturer's spec.
2. The "Battery Lease" Trap
This is unique to older EVs (specifically older Renault Zoes and Nissan Leafs). Some of these cars were sold where you owned the car but rented the battery.
If you buy one of these without realizing it, you could be liable for a monthly fee (often £50-£80) to the finance company that owns the battery. If you stop paying, they can remotely disable the battery charging.
3. Check the Charging Cables
Replacement charging cables are expensive (£150+). Ensure the car comes with two cables:
- Type 2 Cable: For public charging stations and home wallboxes.
- "Granny" Charger (3-pin): For plugging into a standard domestic wall socket.
[Image of electric car charging connector types]
4. Inspect the Tyres & Brakes
EVs are heavy due to the battery weight. This puts extra strain on tyres and suspension components. Check the tyre tread depth carefully.
Conversely, because EVs use "regenerative braking" (using the motor to slow down), the actual brake discs often get used less. Ironically, this can cause them to rust and seize up from lack of use. Check the discs aren't pitted with heavy rust.
5. Software Updates
Just like your phone, modern cars need updates. Check the settings menu to ensure the vehicle is running the latest software version, as updates often improve range and charging speed.