Electric cars are gradually becoming a familiar sight on the Ukrainian car market, and the number of models from the US, Europe and China is constantly growing. However, buying a second-hand electric car has its own particularities: it is not enough simply to check the bodywork, the suspension and the accident history. The condition of the traction battery, the charging system and the high-voltage equipment are of great importance. Before choosing a car, it is worth comparing offers from specialist companies, for example https://elcars.ua/, where electric cars of various makes are on display and maintenance services are available.
The condition of the battery is more important than the mileage
When buying a conventional car, buyers often focus primarily on the mileage. For an electric car, this figure is also important, but the actual condition of the high-voltage battery is far more significant.
Over time, a battery gradually loses some of its original capacity. The rate of degradation depends on temperature conditions, operating conditions, the frequency of rapid charging, and the specific characteristics of the model in question.
Before making a purchase, it is advisable to carry out a computer diagnostic test and check the following:
- remaining battery capacity;
- the voltage difference between individual cells;
- the presence of faults in the battery management system;
- the temperature of the modules during operation;
- actual range;
- a history of fast charges, where such data is available.
Low battery degradation is often a more important advantage than a low odometer reading.
Check how the car is charging
Another important step is testing the charging system. The electric car must be able to charge properly from both the AC mains and a fast-charging station, if the model is equipped with this function.
Problems may arise due to a damaged charging port, worn contacts, a fault with the on-board charger or the high-voltage wiring.
Particular attention should be paid to cars imported from different parts of the world. American, European and Chinese models may use different connector standards. Sometimes the owner will need an adapter or to have the charging port modified.
Therefore, before buying, you should find out in advance where and how you will be able to charge the car in everyday life.
The car’s history is also important
There are many on the Ukrainian market electric cars, which were previously used abroad. Some of the vehicles arrive following insurance claims or road traffic accidents.
The mere fact that a car has been repaired does not necessarily mean it will be problematic. It is far more important to understand the extent of the damage and the quality of the repairs.
Avoid subjecting the base of the device, where the battery is located, to heavy impacts. Even if the external damage appears minor, deformation of the battery’s protective casing may cause problems in the future.
It is also worth checking the body alignment, airbags, the battery cooling system and the high-voltage cables.
Not all electric cars are equally practical
Before buying, you need to decide exactly how the car will be used.
For daily journeys around town, a range of 200–300 km is more than enough for many drivers. However, if the car will be used regularly for journeys between towns, it is worth paying attention not only to the battery capacity but also to the maximum fast-charging power.
The following may also be important:
Heat pump. It helps to heat the passenger compartment more economically in winter and reduces the loss of range.
Radiator heating. A useful feature for driving in cold weather.
Charging speed. Two cars with the same battery may take very different lengths of time to charge at a charging station.
Availability of spare parts. A rare model may be cheap to buy, but more complicated and expensive to repair.
An electric car also needs servicing
You sometimes hear that electric cars require no maintenance at all. In fact, they have fewer parts subject to wear and tear than cars with internal combustion engines, but that does not mean they are completely free from the need for servicing.
The suspension, braking system, air conditioning, battery cooling system, gearbox, charging system and electrical components all require regular checks.
Thanks to regenerative braking, conventional brakes need to be used less frequently. On the one hand, this reduces wear on the brake pads; on the other, the brake discs and mechanisms need to be checked periodically for possible corrosion.
What to do before making a final decision
The best way to avoid unexpected costs is not to buy an electric car based solely on photographs and the figures on the dashboard.
Before finalising the sale, it is advisable to carry out a full inspection of the battery, the electronics and the chassis, check the vehicle’s history and take it for a test drive.
A well-maintained second-hand electric car can provide economical and comfortable transport for many years. However, it is only by carrying out a thorough inspection before buying that you can distinguish a good deal from a car that will soon require costly repairs.
