Ounce for ounce, their batteries use the same chemistry as the equipment in your purse or pocket.
They lastuntil they don’t.
After a few years, that fancy phone won’t stay on as long or run as fast anymore.
That can make buying a used EV very appealing.
Overnight, the older EVs will be outdated in the market.
This doesn’t make them bad cars.
The Battery Age Factor
Age isn’t easy to accept for anyone.
That’s why you have to replace the starter battery on a conventional car every four to six years.
Once they weaken, they can’t be restored.
Imagine if your car’s gas tank started shrinking.
When you bought the car, you knew you could fill it up to 16 gallons.
What’s going on?
So the same car that could travel 100 miles when brand-new may now only last up to 70 miles.
This never happens to conventional cars.
Cold or hot weather can degrade an EV battery.
Batteries have a finite number of charge cycles.
Plus, the charging rate (the amount of electricity used to recharge) also has an impact.
Hows the Weather Where You Live (or Where the EV Came From)?
Cold and hot weather are a double-edged sword: They negatively affect long-term battery life and everyday driving.
When that happens, the car will reduce power when driving.
In California and the states that follow its Zero Emissions Vehicle mandate, the warranty is 10 years/150,000 miles.
Read the warranty carefully.
Other states have adopted the same regulations.
Whats Your Driving Style and Distance?
Some EVs claim to travel more than 370 miles per charge, while others may not even crack 100.
Do you often visit family?
Does your job require you to drive somewhere on short notice?
Do you take spur-of-the-moment road trips?
Keep in mind that you won’t always have a fully charged battery when you should probably go somewhere.
And trust us, that situation will get old fast.
Another thing to consider is your driving style.
If you accelerate gently, you’ll use less energy.
If you live in a flat area, you’ll get more range than if you drive up hills.
Any time that you press that right pedal down, you’re directly affecting how far you might travel.
Leadfoots, take caution.
Home or Work Charging: What’s Your Situation?
You’ll absolutely need a charging station at your home or officeideally, both.
An EV works best when it’s charged overnight so it’s ready at peak performance the next morning.
Some EVs have their own dedicated charging internet, while others can use a variety of stations.
Some cars will automatically route to the nearest public charger in the navigation system.
Many stations charge at different speeds, which can affect how long you’ll need to park and wait.
The more electricity an EV can handle at once, the faster its battery will recharge.
Is This Your Second or Only Car?
Now, the most important question: Is a used EV going to be your only car?
If so, you gotta accept the limitations and potential concerns we’ve discussed.
These are constraints that face any EV owner, regardless of the vehicle’s price.
