What to know about buying a used electric vehicle as more hit the auto sales market
A 2019 pre-owned Nissan Leaf SV on the lot in 2022 during the chip shortage that depleted stock of new auto inventory.
Boston Globe | Boston Globe | Getty Images
Affordable EVs have been on sale in the U.S. well over a decade and the data analytics company Experian says about 2.2 million were on the road at the end of last year. Electric vehicle sales keep growing, too. As recently as 2021, total battery-powered electric vehicle sales in the U.S. were under 450,000, but Kelley Blue Book says sales surpassed 800,000 in 2022 and are expected to top one million this year. While the used EV market is still very small, the growth trajectory of EV sales means shopping for a used electric vehicle will become more common and get easier over time, and encompass more make and model choices.
In many ways, shopping for a used electric vehicle is the same as looking for any other used car or truck. Does it meet your budget and fit your lifestyle? Is it reliable and comfortable? But, beyond those criteria, there are some specific considerations EV shoppers have to make related to charging options and range.
Here are some of the key EV-specific issues to consider.
Charging remains limited in many areas
There are currently about 145,000 gas stations in the U.S., but only 53,000 public charging stations. Though charging infrastructure is improving, it’s still limited in many parts of the country, which could be be an issue for someone looking to go electric. While this is an issue for any EV purchase, new or used, it’s fundamental to understand before getting into how it informs a used EV purchase decision.
Consumers should determine what kind of range they need, then research EVs that meet it, said Tom McParland, a writer for Jalopnik who runs the vehicle-buying service Automatch Consulting. They also need to account for what sort of charging infrastructure is available in their area and if home charging is feasible, he said.
Chris Harto, the senior energy policy analyst for Consumer Reports, noted that shoppers should set realistic expectations. “Ask yourself where and when you’ll be charging,” he said. “If your answer is that you have no place to charge it while at home or work, you may want to consider a broader range of car types, including hybrids, which can offer outstanding fuel economy and low maintenance costs.”
Your driving, mileage habits matter
Some expensive EVs boast such impressive range that charging infrastructure may never be an issue, such as the Lucid Air (EPA range estimate: up to 516 miles) and the Tesla Model S (up to 405 miles). More affordable electric vehicles tend to have shorter ranges, though.
Battery electric vehicles with list prices under $35,000, such as GM‘s Chevy Bolt EV and the Hyundai Kona Electric, have EPA ranges of nearly 260 miles but are unlikely to make it that far in real-world driving conditions. This is especially true in cold weather, which can interfere with the electrochemical reactions inside batteries.
EV range will decline
This is where the general battery considerations in going electric become a more specific concern. A EV’s range is likely to degrade over time.
Batteries can lose 5% to10% of their power in the first five years and keep degrading after that due to a variety of factors, including age, exposure to temperature extremes, and use of fast charging. If the degradation is excessive, you might need to repair or replace the battery, which can get costly.
Batteries also are one of the most expensive parts of an EV and can cost over $10,000 to replace, but federal rules mandate that they’re covered under warranty for at least eight years or 100,000 miles, so shoppers looking at a lightly used BEV probably still have some coverage left. Plus, even a well-used battery may still have enough capacity to meet your needs.
Precise battery life is hard to measure
Determining the exact condition of a used BEV’s battery can be tricky – the U.S. auto industry does not have a standard set of metrics to measure it. But there are still ways to get a general idea of a battery’s health.
Recurrent, a Seattle startup which has teamed with the automotive site Edmunds, offers EV and plug-in hybrid consumers a free prediction of remaining battery life based on statistics it’s gathered on mileage, age, climate, and other factors.
A long test drive can also give you an idea of a battery’s health because you can monitor how quickly it loses charge. This is especially true if it includes sustained cruising at highway speeds, which tends to drain batteries much faster than stop-and-go driving.
As with all used-car purchases, getting a professional inspection can be worth the cost. “I generally recommend consumers visit service departments at dealerships that sell [EVs]” said Ronald Montoya, Edmunds’ senior consumer advice editor. “Compared to independent mechanics, you can be certain that dealership mechanics have been trained on [EVs] by the manufacturer,” he said.
Electric vehicles lose value faster, but upkeep is less
EVs generally depreciate faster than ICE vehicles, according to Kelley Blue Book. The automotive research company says that three-year-old EVs hold 63% of their value compared to 66% for vehicles using internal combustion. Depreciation at five years is even more pronounced, with EVs holding 37% of their initial value and ICE vehicles 46%.
This depreciation can make used EVs a good deal compared to buying new, but don’t be surprised if the price is still high – many electric vehicles are expensive to begin with.
The average used EV sold for $42,895 in March, noted Kelley Blue Book executive editor Brian Moody. That’s down 1.8% from February, but still significantly higher than the used vehicle market overall, where prices averaged a little over $27,000 in the first quarter.
Low maintenance and upkeep costs can help make up for the higher purchase price, though. Consumer Reports found that EVs cost about half as much to repair and maintain as gas-powered vehicles. “[EVs] don’t have fluids to change, and electric motors are less complicated than gasoline and diesel engines” noted Benjamin Preston, an autos reporter for the organization. “Simply put, there’s less that can wear out.”
He pointed to a recent study showing that EVs cost less to own over time than gas vehicles. The study found that used EVs can save even more than new ones. That’s because depreciation takes a bite out of the EV price premium, but used buyers still get the same fuel and maintenance savings.
Tax credit qualifications for used EVs
In addition those benefits, a used EV can qualify for state and federal incentives.
Used EVs (plus plug-in hybrids and fuel-cell vehicles) purchased for up to $25,000 from a licensed dealer can qualify for up to $4,000 in federal tax credits. Learn more from the IRS.
Many states also have their own tax credits. See what each state offers at Kelley Blue Book.
Where the used EV deals are
Higher-priced models are often the better value in the used car market.
“The luxury [EV] space is where buyers will find the best value for their dollar, especially in the sedan segment,” McParland said. “If you look at models like the Audi e-tron GT or Volvo S90 T8 PHEV you can really take advantage of some depreciation.”
Luxury vehicles often depreciate faster than the mainstream market, he said, adding that the changes in federal tax credits are also impacting the luxury EV market. (Among other requirements, federal tax benefits for new plug-in hybrids, fuel cell and full battery powered EVs only apply to SUVs under $80,000 and cars under $55,000.)
Another attractive option is Tesla’s Model 3, which boasts plenty of room for a family of four and up to 358 miles of range. Used Tesla prices have been dropping since 2022, and pre-owned Model 3s were selling for less than $43,000 in the first quarter.
For shoppers on a budget, the best deals are models including the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV, which offer a good mix of range and relative affordability, according to Montoya.
“The best values are the electric cars that are either old and out of warranty and those that were inexpensive – relatively – when new,” Moody said.
Environment
EcoFlow members can save up to 65% on power stations while supporting disaster relief during the 2025 Member’s Festival
Portable power station specialist EcoFlow is kicking off its third annual Member’s Festival this month and is offering a unique new rewards program to those who become EcoFlow members. The 2025 EcoFlow Member’s Festival will offer savings of up to 65% for its participating customers, and a portion of those funds will be allocated toward rescue power solutions for communities around the globe through the company’s “Power for All” fund.
EcoFlow remains one of the industry leaders in portable power solutions and continues to trek forward in its vision to power a new tech-driven, eco-conscious future. Per its website:
Our mission from day one is to provide smart and eco-friendly energy solutions for individuals, families, and society at large. We are, were, and will continue to be a reliable and trusted energy companion for users around the world.
To achieve such goals, EcoFlow has continued to expand its portfolio of sustainable energy solutions to its community members, including portable power stations, solar generators, and mountable solar panels. While EcoFlow is doing plenty to support its growing customer base, it has expanded its reach by giving back to disaster-affected communities by helping bolster global disaster response efforts the best way it knows how– with portable power solutions.
EcoFlow and its members look to provide “Power for All”
Since 2023, EcoFlow has collaborated with organizations worldwide as part of its “Power for All” mission. This initiative aims to ensure access to reliable and timely power to disaster-affected communities across the globe, including rescue agencies, affected hospitals, and shelters, to support rescue and recovery efforts.
This fund most recently provided aid for communities affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires, assistance to the Special Forces Charitable Trust (SFCT) in North Carolina following severe hurricanes, and support for non-profits engaged in hurricane preparedness in Florida and the Gulf Coast. Per Jodi Burns, CEO of the Special Forces Charitable Trust:
In the wake of devastating storms in Western North Carolina, reliable power was a critical need for the families we serve. Thanks to EcoFlow’s generous donation of generators, we were able to provide immediate relief, ensuring these families and their communities had access to power when they needed it most. We are so impressed with EcoFlow’s commitment to disaster response through their ‘Power for All’ program. It has made a tangible impact, and we are deeply grateful for their support and partnership in helping these families recover and rebuild.
In 2024, the US experienced 27 weather and climate events, each causing losses exceeding $1 billion, marking the second-highest annual total on record, according to National Centers for Environmental Information. The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters underscore the critical need for reliable and timely power solutions during emergencies, much like EcoFlow and its members are helping provide through the “Power For All” initiative.
To support new and existing EcoFlow members, the company is celebrating its third annual Member’s Festival throughout April to offer a do-not-miss discount on its products and donate a portion of all sales to the “Power for All” fund to provide rescue power to those in need in the future. Learn how it all works below.
Save big and give back during the 2025 Member’s Festival
As of April 1st, you can now sign up to become an EcoFlow member to participate in the company’s exclusive 2025 Member Festival.
As a member, you can earn “EcoFlow Power Points” by completing tasks like registration, referrals, and product purchases and tracking your individual efforts toward disaster preparedness and recovery.
Beginning April 4, EcoFlow members will also be able to take advantage of exclusive discounts of up to 65% off select portable power stations, including the DELTA Pro Ultra, DELTA Pro 3, DELTA 2 Max, DELTA 3 Plus, RIVER 3 Plus, and more. However, these sale prices only last through April 25, so you’ll want to move quickly!
Click here to learn more about EcoFlow’s “Power for All” campaign. To register for EcoFlow’s 2025 Member Festival in the US, visit the EcoFlow website. To register as a member in Canada, visit here.
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Tesla is losing another top talent: its long-time head of software, David Lau, has reportedly told co-workers that he is exiting the automaker.
Tesla changed how the entire auto industry looks at software.
Before Tesla, it was an afterthought; user interfaces were rudimentary, and you had to go to a dealership to get a software update on your systems.
When Tesla launched the Model S in 2012, it all changed. Your car would get better through software updates like your phone, the large center display was responsive with a UI that actually made sense and was closer to an iPad experience than a car.
Tesla also integrated its software into its retail experience, service, and manufacturing.
David Lau deserves a lot of the credit for that.
He joined Tesla in 2012 as a senior manager of firmware engineering and quickly rose through the ranks. By 2014, he was promoted to director of firmware engineering and system integration, and in 2017, he became Vice President of software.
Lau listed the responsibilities of his team on his LinkedIn:
- Vehicle Software:
- Firmware for the powertrain, traction/stability control, HV electronics, battery management, and body control systems
- UI software and underlying Embedded Linux platforms
- Navigation and routing
- iOS and Android Mobile apps
- Distributed Systems:
- Server-side software and infrastructure that provides telemetry, diagnostics, over-the-air updates, and configuration/lifecycle management
- Data engineering and analytics platforms that power technical and business insights for an increasingly diverse set of customers across the company
- Diagnostic tools and fleet management, Manufacturing and Automation:
- Automation controls (PLC, robot)
- Server-side manufacturing execution systems that power all of Tesla’s production operations
- Product Security and Red Team for software, services, and systems across Tesla
Bloomberg reported today that Lau told his team he is leaving Tesla. The report didn’t include reasons for his stepping down.
Electrek’s Take
Twelve years at any company is a great run. At Tesla, it’s heroic. Congrats, David, on a great run. You undoubtedly had a significant impact on Tesla and software advancements in the broader auto industry.
He is another significant loss for Tesla, which has been losing a lot of top talent following a big wave of layoffs around this time last year.
I wonder who will take over. Michael Rizkalla, senior director of software engineering and vehicle firmware, is one of the most senior software engineers after Lau. He has been at Tesla for 7 years, and Tesla likes to promote within rather than hire outsiders.
There are also a lot of senior software execs working on AI at Tesla. Musk has been favoring them lately and he could fold Lau’s responsibilities under them.
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Kia’s electric SUVs are taking over. The EV3 is the best-selling retail EV in the UK this year, giving Kia its strongest sales start since it arrived 34 years ago. And it’s not just in the UK. Kia just had its best first quarter globally since it started selling cars in 1962.
Kia EV3 is the best-selling EV in the UK through March
In March, Kia sold a record nearly 20,000 vehicles in the UK, making it the fourth best-selling brand. It was also the second top-seller of electrified vehicles (EVs, PHEVs, and HEVs), accounting for over 55% of sales.
The EV3 remained the best-selling retail EV in the UK last month. Including the EV6, three-row EV9, and Niro EV, electric vehicles represented 21% of Kia’s UK sales in March.
Kia said the EV3 “started with a bang” in January, darting out as the UK’s most popular EV in retail sales. Through March, Kia’s electric SUV has held on to the crown. With the EV3 rolling out, Kia sold over 7,000 electric cars through March, nearly 50% more than in Q1 2024.
The EV3 was the best-selling retail EV in the UK in the first quarter and the fourth best-selling EV overall, including commercial vehicles.
Starting at £33,005 ($42,500), Kia said it’s the “brand’s most affordable EV yet.” It’s available with two battery packs, 58.3 kWh or 81.48 kWh, good for 430 km (270 miles) and 599 km (375 miles) of WLTP range, respectively.
With new EVs on the way, this could be just the start. Kia is launching several new EVs in the UK this year, including the EV4 sedan (and hatchback) and EV5 SUV. It also confirmed that the first PV5 electric vans will be delivered to customers by the end of the year.
Electrek’s Take
Globally, Kia sold a record 772,351 vehicles in the first quarter, its best since it started selling cars in 1962. With the new EV4, the brand’s first electric sedan and hatchback, launching this year, Kia looks to build on its momentum in 2025.
Kia has also made it very clear that it wants to be a global leader in the electric van market with its new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business, starting with the PV5 later this year.
Earlier today, we learned Kia’s midsize electric SUV, the EV5, is the fourth best-selling EV in Australia through March, outselling every BYD vehicle (at least for now). The EV5 is rolling out to new markets this year, including Canada, the UK, South Korea, and Mexico. However, it will not arrive in the US.
For those in the US, there are still a few Kia EVs to look forward to. Kia is launching the EV4 globally, including in the US, later this year. Although no date has been set, Kia confirmed the EV3 is also coming. It’s expected to arrive in mid-2026.
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