The benefits of a used electric or hybrid car

Many drivers steer clear of used EVs and hybrids for fear of the battery. The worry is understandable, but the data shows batteries generally last better than people think. With a proper inspection, a used car can be one of the best deals on the market.

Depreciation works in your favour

EVs usually lose value faster than petrol cars in the first years, partly because new models come with longer range. For the first owner that is a drawback; for you, as the second, it means a car a few years old at a much lower price than new.

Batteries last longer than people say

Data gathered by the US firm Recurrent on about 15,000 electric cars showed that only around 1.5% of batteries had been replaced because of a fault, outside recalls. For models from 2016 onwards, the figure was below 1%.

Capacity loss is moderate too: Geotab’s fleet analyses show an average drop of about 2% a year. That doesn’t mean every battery is fine. It means it is worth measuring rather than assuming the worst.

The battery warranty transfers

Most manufacturers give the traction battery an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty with a guaranteed minimum capacity, usually 70%. The warranty belongs to the car, not the owner, so a 4-year-old car in principle has 4 more years of cover. Always check the exact terms for the model.

For Toyota and Lexus hybrids, in many European countries the hybrid battery warranty can be extended year by year through the dealer health check. Ask whether the service history allows it.

Fewer things to go wrong

• No clutch, conventional gearbox, timing belt or exhaust on pure EVs.
• Brakes wear more slowly thanks to regenerative braking.
• Toyota and Lexus hybrids use a transmission with no clutch and no conventional automatic gearbox, known for its reliability.