Electric avenue: Why used electric cars are sparking interest

Statistics are clear. Used electric vehicles are gaining popularity. Data from the American platform Carvana indicate that the prices of used electric cars are becoming increasingly comparable to those of petrol cars. Customers are also deciding to purchase them more often.

Analysts in the USA have provided current data on the market for used electric vehicles. These analyses show that buyers are showing increasing interest in these types of vehicles. Should buying used electric cars raise concerns? Which models are currently the most popular on the second-hand market?

The increasing popularity of used electric cars is not particularly surprising. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in interest in new electrics, which naturally translates to their greater presence in the second-hand market offers as well.

Information from the first quarter of 2024 shows that the number of offers for the sale of used electric vehicles is larger, and their prices are steadily decreasing. Analyzing all the advertisements on the Carvana website, it turns out that 4.3% of the purchased vehicles are electric cars.

A year earlier, the average price of a used electric car was £ 14,000 higher than the average price of a petrol car. At the beginning of 2024, this difference had decreased to around £5,500. The prices of used petrol and electric cars have significantly converged.

The Nissan Leaf was the most popular electric car model on the secondary market in the first quarter of 2024. This economical compact is also frequently encountered in Poland, where a used model in good condition can be bought for around £8,000-£9,500.

Second is the Tesla Model 3, which is the basic model from the American manufacturer's offer. The next spots are occupied by the Chevrolet Volt, BMW i3, and the electric version of the VW Golf, the e-Golf.

Many purchasers wonder about the cost-effectiveness of buying a used electric car. Although the market for such vehicles is still relatively small, which may raise concerns, they offer certain benefits. The main advantages include lower operating costs and a significantly lower purchase price than new models.

However, considering potentially high repair costs, including replacing parts, is necessary. The problem is particularly serious with the battery – if it is heavily worn, the vehicle loses many advantages, including a decreasing maximum range. For example, an 11-year-old Nissan Leaf could only have a range of approximately 35 kilometres.

Everything depends on the condition and state of the found specimen. It is recommended to thoroughly check key components, including the battery wear level. Similar to traditional petrol vehicles, you can also hire a specialist who, for a small fee, will help evaluate the vehicle's condition, which significantly increases the chance of purchasing a fault-free and fully operational car.