6 mistakes you should absolutely avoid

Not everyone can afford a new car, which is why used vehicles are a worthwhile alternative for many potential customers, even when it comes to e-cars. But the good old look under the hood of an electric car does not help to check whether everything is correct. Instead, you should pay attention to these six stumbling blocks.

New cars are all well and good, but they are also expensive. Used vehicles are also an alternative for e-cars, which are becoming more attractive as interest in e-mobility increases. In addition to the lower price, as a customer you can be happy that the Stromer has already run in a bit. Although the selection is not nearly as large as with petrol or diesel, you can already find a suitable, used e-car today. However, buyers should know what to look out for in particular when it comes to used electric cars.

1. Check the electric car’s battery and range

The battery is not only the most expensive component in an electric car, but also a wearing part. After a long period of use, the capacity decreases more and more – By the way, this doesn’t just apply to e-car batteries, you probably know it from older smartphones too. Depending on the age of the used Stromer, you should take into account that the manufacturer’s range information for new cars is no longer appropriate.

The current The condition of the battery should therefore be proven by the seller be, either through the classic checkbook or regular test reports. For electric cars that have been properly cared for and professionally maintained, the documentation should be available. If you buy used from a dealer, the state of health (SoH) of the battery can also be read there. If it is not given anyway, ask the retailer for the relevant information.

Who wants to be absolutely sure test it yourself during an extensive test drive: Once fully charged to 100 percent and drive the battery almost empty, the odometer is also running. This also gives you certainty as a buyer. Of course, with newer models, the seller has to get involved in a test drive several hundred kilometers long. In any case, the condition of the battery should be recorded in the purchase contract.

2. Note the warranty for e-car batteries

It continues with the battery: Manufacturers are now giving here proper guarantees. The minimum for current cars is usually a residual capacity of the battery of 70 percent after 150,000 km or seven years. Some manufacturers offer more. You should know the information that applies to the model and find out how old the used vehicle is.

Whether a warranty case can be asserted also depends on many factors specified by the manufacturer. This includes regular maintenance in a specialist company, there are also Specifications for correct “loading behavior”. In general, fast charging with high power puts more strain on the battery. The previous owner should have avoided deep discharge as much as possible.

3. Pay special attention to the brakes

You won’t find many of the classic wearing parts that cause trouble with some combustion engines over time in electric cars. That’s a real plus for used Stromer: no stress with spark plugs, V-belts and the like. You should get them for that Check the brakes very carefully – Of course, this also applies to combustion engines. However, modern e-cars increasingly use recuperation: If you do not actively brake and take your foot off the accelerator, the electric motor brakes down and feeds the resulting energy back into the battery.

Many e-car drivers like to use this for a small range boost. The less used ones But brakes can rust faster. Once the brake discs and pads have built up a layer, braking performance suffers. If you want to avoid this, you should also brake harder every now and then as an e-car driver – of course without affecting the traffic. Used buyers should therefore pay special attention to the brakes.

4. Examine charging cable and lines

The following applies not only to small children: knife, fork, scissors, light… Accordingly, you should not mess around with the high-voltage cables of an electric car without well-founded specialist knowledge. But a closer look is called for, which may reveal broken or damaged cables. Otherwise, subsequent repairs will be expensive.

Unlike today’s smartphones, unfortunately A charging cable is part of the basic equipment for e-cars. You fly through the HU without or with a defective charging cable and can then also dig deep into your pocket. Therefore, also check the cable and connections for possible damage or signs of age.

You can find out what speaks for buying an electric car today in our video:

5. VW, Renault, or BMW? Flexibility is required

There are now quite a few used e-cars on the market that But the selection is by no means as large as with combustion engines. Those who have committed themselves to a specific model can go away empty-handed. Instead, it is advisable to think carefully about what is important to you when it comes to the used Stromer. If you are looking for a practical city runabout, e-SUVs can fall through the cracks. If you need a longer range, you should look around for a larger model. If you are flexible with the brand, for example, you improve the chances of a hit.

6. Is it still possible to apply for a subsidy for used e-cars?

the Theoretically, the environmental bonus can also be paid for used e-cars. However, it is better not to take the discount of up to 6,000 euros into account when setting your price pain threshold. In addition to the mileage and the duration of the initial registration, there is a feature that decides whether you can apply for funding.

The environmental bonus is only paid once for each e-car. If the previous owner has already taken advantage of this, you no longer have a chance. The chances of finding a used electric car that has never been subsidized are likely to be very slim. After all, that would mean that the previous owner waived a price reduction of up to 9,000 euros. You wouldn’t do it either, would you?

Apart from the typical stumbling blocks for used e-cars, you should consider the basics of buying a used car: Don’t let yourself be rushed, take a test drive, examine the e-car extensively all around. Dealers are also obliged to give you information if the car has been involved in an accident. Be critical and as always, if an offer is too good to be true, it probably is.