Buying a used EV
Why used EVs can be a bargain
EVs bought new have lost value faster than gas cars — we assume one keeps about 47% of its list price after 5 years, against 54% for a typical gas car. Some of that came from the old $7,500 tax credit and big new-car price cuts, which pulled used prices down. That loss is the first owner's, not yours. Used-EV prices firmed in 2026 as gas prices rose, but they're still often low for what you get.
The battery: what to check
- Ask for a battery health report. Many dealers can print one, and services like Recurrent estimate it from the car's data. A healthy Battery size (kWh)How much energy the battery holds — the size of the 'tank.' Bigger usually means more range, and a longer charge.All terms → loses about 2% of its range a year, so a 5-year-old car at around 90% is normal.
- Check the battery warranty. It runs 8 years / 100,000 miles (federal minimum; some makers offer 10/100k), and it usually transfers to the next owner. Find the car's original sale date — the clock started then.
- Look up recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Some models had battery recalls that ended with a free new battery, which is a plus.
Other things that matter more than on a gas car
- Winter range. Take about a quarter off the range for a cold day, then check it against your longest regular drive.
- Heat pump. Older and cheaper EVs often lack one and lose more range in the cold.
- Fast-charging speed and plug. Older EVs can charge slowly on road trips. Some use plugs that are becoming rare (CHAdeMO on older Nissan Leafs).
- Home charging. A used EV makes the most sense if you can plug in at home — see charging at home.
What should a used one cost?
We don't track used prices — they vary too much car to car. Instead, the household planner works backward: after it compares your options, it shows the most a used EV could cost and still come out ahead of a new EV or new gas car, for your driving. It assumes a used car loses about 12% of its value a year and costs the same to run as a new one.
Found one for sale? Choose Used in the planner and enter its price and rough mileage — it plans your household with that car. You can price the gas vehicle you'd compare it with the same way.