Should you buy a Used Electric Car?

The revolution in electric cars has already begun. Rising fuel costs, the availability of government incentives, and increased awareness among the public about sustainability have led many Indian car owners to think twice before buying fuel-burning cars. Though the cost of a brand-new electric vehicle remains high, the pre-owned market for electric cars has opened many doors for first-time buyers.

When purchasing a pre-owned EV, buyers are accessing a whole new world of motoring. This has a substantially lower cost of use; very little needs to be repaired, and the torque delivery provides a smooth, silent drive. In the past few years, vehicles such as the Tata Nexon EV, the MG ZS EV, and the Hyundai Kona Electric have demonstrated the potential of electric vehicles in the Indian environment. Now that original owners are upgrading to newer vehicles, their vehicles are entering the pre-owned segment at very economical prices.

Of course, buying an electric vehicle is a slightly different process than buying a petrol or diesel vehicle. One has to consider the batteries’ health and charging requirements. However, with advancements in infrastructure development, longer-lasting batteries, and manufacturer warranties, the concern about buying a used electric vehicle has substantially decreased compared to the previous few years.

Well, suppose you’ve been wondering whether it’s finally time to switch to the world of used electric cars. In that case, the following in-depth buying guide will not only help you determine whether a used electric vehicle purchase suits your lifestyle requirements but also give you the confidence to make the purchase.

Why You Should Consider a Used Electric Car

Perhaps you’ve been considering buying an electric vehicle but are deterred from buying a new one because the price is too high. Here comes the exciting middle ground: the used market. As more people buy electric vehicles and newer models are released, many pre-owned electric vehicles, such as the first-generation Tata Nexon EVs, MG ZS EVs, and Hyundai Kona Electric, are now available at prices that compete with those of a premium hatchback. When a person purchases a used electric vehicle, the advantages include the same really cool experience of commuting in a future vehicle at a fraction of the price.

Here’s what a typical used EV has to offer:

Low Running and Maintenance Costs

The best thing about buying a used electric vehicle is the extremely low operating cost. This is because electric vehicles do not burn petrol or diesel, so the cost of replacing the clutch and air filter is lower in petrol/diesel cars. Here, one only needs to replace the brake pads and the filter. Here, the cost per km is approximately ₹1-₹1.5, compared to ₹6-₹8 per km in petrol vehicles.

Moreover, the companies that build EVs warrant their batteries for 8 years. This explains why many pre-owned EVs that are 3-4 years old still have a valid warranty remaining.

Instant Torque and Smooth Driving Experience

Electric vehicles deliver instant torque as soon as the accelerator pedal is pressed. This results in used EVs feeling quite swift despite their limited speed. An additional advantage of EVs is the lack of engine sound.

The driving experience in the car is smooth and silent. This makes the car perfect for commuting and long drives. Even when purchasing a used EV that is 2 or 3 years old, the mileage will be the same as in a brand-new car, since electrons do not affect longevity.

Eco-Friendly and Future-Ready

When buying a pre-owned electric vehicle in the Indian market, one also feels part of the country’s transition towards greener transport. This happens because, unlike other cars that produce harmful emissions when driven, the EV does not produce any emissions while it is driven.

Moreover, buying an EV offers the advantage of fuel efficiency. This prepares you for future fuel price hikes. Moreover, as a government ban on petrol and diesel cars looms due to their negative environmental impact, buying a pre-owned EV can help you avoid this ban as well.

Depreciation Advantage

Electric vehicles tend to depreciate faster in the early years due to technological advancements – and that is fantastic for used-vehicle buyers. This means that a nearly new EV can now be purchased at 30-40% less than the original purchase price, without compromising performance or safety.

For instance, the used Tata Nexon EV, which used to cost approximately ₹16 lakh, can now be purchased for ₹11-₹12 lakh. Moreover, because EVs have fewer components than petrol or diesel vehicles, their longevity and reliability are exceptional when serviced regularly.

How Old Should a Pre-Owned Electric Car Be?

When purchasing a pre-owned electric vehicle, the age and condition of the battery are more important than the mileage. This is because the vehicle’s mileage has very little effect on the longevity of an electric vehicle. In petrol and diesel engines, mileage affects longevity. This is because petrol/diesel engines deteriorate with use.

The best age for a used EV is 2-4 years old. In this phase, the vehicle has already passed the steepest depreciation phase and will still retain 85-90% of its capacity. The Indian-market EVs are available with 8-year/1,60,000 km warranties for the Tata Nexon EVs, Hyundai Kona Electric, and the ZS EVs; therefore, a 3-year-old EV can still enjoy the coverage.

When purchasing a used EV (4-6 years old), ensure the retailer/servicing center provides a health certificate for the EV’s battery. This health certificate indicates the remaining capacity of the battery and the charging system’s efficiency. Used EVs with a capacity below 80% are considered OK for road use. Below 80% capacity, the EV might have limited ranges during usage or slower charging.

In fact, it would be prudent to avoid the first generation of vehicles that entered the market before 2018. Earlier EVs typically featured smaller-capacity batteries (under 20 kWh), limited ranges below 200 km, and no fast-charging.

For this reason, the best option for someone looking to purchase a used model would be a 2-4-year-old driven mildly. This vehicle should come with a service history and should have the warranty of the batteries intact.

What to Look Out for When Buying a Used Electric Car

Used car purchase: In contrast to a petrol or diesel vehicle purchase, buying a used EV involves less complexity since the owner isn’t concerned with the myriad components used in the engine. In the case of a used EV purchase, the priority should be to check the status of the systems listed below. This is because the EV’s most expensive component is the battery.

Here are the important elements that must be considered before reaching a final decision:

Battery Health

The battery pack will remain the vital organ of every electric vehicle. In fact, replacing the pack is the most costly affair. Before making the purchase, the concerned person can ask the dealer/aggregator or service station for the health report/form that includes the pack’s diagnosis. This diagnostic document provides the State of Health (SoH), and the ideal percentage should remain above 80-85% at best.

If the vehicle still has a valid battery warranty remaining, find out how many years or km are left. Do not purchase a vehicle that has had the battery replaced elsewhere other than the manufacturer’s dealership. This could suggest that the vehicle has been degrading or overheating.

Charging Port and Cables

Examine the charging port for rusting, loose connections, or burning marks. All such signs can lead to charging breaks. Ensure the charging cable is in working order, as a replacement can cost between ₹25,000 and ₹50,000.

If available, charge the vehicle concurrently using the house (AC) charging unit and the DC Fast Charger at a station. A noticeably slower charging rate might suggest that the charging contacts are worn out or the cells are imbalanced.

Software and Firmware Updates

Software implementation has been a dominant factor in the functioning of most Electric Vehicles. Ensure the vehicle has the latest firmware installed from the manufacturer. This optimises battery efficiency and can increase mileage as well.

Cars whose software updates have been missed could have reduced charging speeds or inaccurate estimated ranges. This information can also be checked at the approved service centre. This should be confirmed before a final decision is made.

Tyres, Suspension, and Brakes

EVs are heavier compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. This causes faster degradation of components such as tyres, suspension systems, and brakes due to the additional mass. Inspect for unusual tyre tread wear, indicative of misaligned wheels. In addition, monitor for unusual knocking sounds when the suspension system operates.

In addition, check the braking system. In particular, check the regenerative braking system. The vehicle should slow down smoothly when the accelerator pedal is released. If the vehicle experiences jerks or grinding sounds during this process, the system may need calibration.

How Much Should a Pre-Owned Electric Car Cost?

The cost of a pre-owned electric vehicle varies based on factors such as model, variant, battery capacity, and whether the warranty is valid. As EVs depreciate faster when new, the used market offers a great option for someone looking to get their hands on one for less than ₹20 lakh.

Well-known electric cars like the Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric are now surfacing on popular resale websites like Spinny. Their cost has become more economical. Here are the approximate resale rates of such vehicles across the popular cities of the country:

Prices vary based on model year, mileage, and remaining battery warranty.

Tata Nexon EV, the country’s best-selling electric SUV, offers the best price-to-range balance in the pre-owned market. A thoroughly used Tata Nexon EV model between 2020-2022 can cost between ₹11-12 lakhs. This comes anywhere between 30-40% less than the original price and provides 250-300km per charge.

On the other hand, the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric are slightly higher in price but deliver more power and have longer ranges, sometimes exceeding 400km when the battery is full. They also retain their value very well for the first 4 years.

When you purchase the EV from a certified reseller like Spinny, the vehicle undergoes rigorous checks of the battery’s health, mileage range, and charging functionality.

Is a Used Electric Car Worth Buying in 2025?

In 2025, the answer is a definitive yes – purchasing a used electric vehicle can certainly be a great decision for Indian motorists. In recent years, the entire EV chain has undergone a remarkable transition. Charging points are increasing in cities, battery design has improved, and companies are offering longer warranties than before.

A used EV that has been properly cared for can offer many years of worry-free, cost-efficient motoring. This is because the simpler design goes hand in hand with fewer repair woes, and the cost per mile has been a fraction of that of traditional petrol/diesel cars. In fact, many early adopters of EVs in the 2020-2021 buying period are now looking to trade in their vehicles for newer models with greater capacity, thereby fueling a pre-owned market for first-time EV buyers.

Electric automobiles such as the Tata Nexon EV, the MG ZS EV, and the Hyundai Kona Electric have already proven their reliability on Indian roads. Now ranging from 250 to 400 km per charge, one can effortlessly complete their office and weekend trips. Moreover, the ever-growing availability of faster charging points has made living with the electric vehicle easier than ever.

Purchasing success, however, depends on a couple of wise steps: checking the battery’s health, the charging port’s condition, and whether software updates are up to date. Used cars should only be purchased if their batteries are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. Buying should also be done from reputable sources or websites like Spinny, where diagnostic tests for used electric vehicles are conducted.

In other words, buying used EVs in 2025 can not only save you money on the vehicle but also pave the way towards a sustainable future. In fact, buying a used electric vehicle in 2025 can save you thousands of dollars.

Frequently asked questions(FAQs)