Buying a used EV with over 100k miles: Deal or Dud?

So you’re thinking, “is it worth buying a used EV with over 100k miles?” It’s a smart question, and believe me, I’ve been there. As someone who’s been obsessed with EVs for years and has driven a few high-mileage ones myself, I can tell you there’s more to it than just the number on the odometer. Let’s break it down, shall we?

First of all, let’s address the elephant in the room: battery life. It’s the biggest concern, right? You’re probably picturing a rapidly depleting battery leaving you stranded. But here’s a reality check: EV batteries, especially newer ones, are built to last. In fact, many manufacturers warranty them for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, like Tesla’s warranty stated on their support page. However, that does not mean they will fail after that, it is the minimum expected life with full performance, many last much longer with reduced performance.

Secondly, consider this: mileage on an EV isn’t the same as mileage on a gas guzzler. With an EV, you’re skipping out on a ton of potential problems. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no timing belts – the list goes on. Fewer moving parts mean fewer things to break. In other words, a 100,000-mile EV might be in better shape mechanically than a 50,000-mile gas car.

Beyond the Battery: What Really Matters

Okay, so we’ve established that a high-mileage EV isn’t necessarily a ticking time bomb. But what should you be looking at?

• Battery Degradation: This is key. Instead of just asking about the mileage, ask for the battery’s current capacity. A healthy battery should still retain at least 70-80% of its original capacity, even after 100,000 miles. You can often get this information through a dealer diagnostic test, or some EVs even display it in the vehicle’s settings. For example, Nissan LEAFs have a battery health indicator right on the dashboard. Also, you can use a third-party app with an OBD-II scanner, you can get really granular details on the battery. Recurrent, a company specializing in used EV battery health reports, provides a free report service for some models that can estimate remaining range and battery condition.
• Charging History: In addition, how the car was charged is just as important as how much. Frequent fast charging can degrade the battery faster than slow, overnight charging. Ask the seller about their charging habits. Did they mostly charge at home on a Level 2 charger, or were they constantly hitting up DC fast chargers?
• Maintenance Records: Furthermore, just like any car, EVs need regular maintenance. Check the service history for things like tire rotations, brake fluid changes, and coolant flushes (yes, EVs have coolant, too!). A well-maintained EV, regardless of mileage, is always a better bet.
• Climate: Batteries don’t like extreme heat or cold. An EV that’s spent its life in scorching Arizona heat will likely have more battery degradation than one from a milder climate. One clear example is the noticeable difference in battery longevity between EVs in California’s Central Valley versus those on the coast. According to GeoTab, a telematics company that analyzed data from thousands of EVs, temperature differences can cause a variance in battery degradation of up to 10%.

The Untold Secrets of High-Mileage EVs

Here’s where we get into the nitty-gritty, the stuff most people don’t talk about when buying a used EV with over 100k miles:

• Battery Management System (BMS): This is the brain of the battery. It’s constantly monitoring and managing the battery cells to optimize performance and longevity. Moreover, a sophisticated BMS can significantly extend battery life. This is an area where Tesla excels, as documented by numerous independent studies and Tesla’s own Impact Report. Another point to consider is that some older EVs have less advanced BMS, making them more prone to degradation, especially when subjected to frequent fast charging or extreme temperatures.
• Cell Balancing: Over time, individual cells within the battery pack can become imbalanced. A good BMS will actively balance these cells. However, if the cell imbalance becomes too severe, it can reduce the overall capacity and performance of the battery. For instance, if a cell has significantly less capacity than its neighbors, it might limit the entire pack’s usable energy, even if other cells are still in good condition. This issue is difficult to be caught by regular car owner.
• Thermal Management: How well does the EV manage battery temperature? Some EVs, especially older models or those designed for budget markets, have less effective thermal management systems. This can lead to faster degradation in hot climates. For instance, early Nissan LEAFs lacked active liquid cooling for their batteries, which contributed to accelerated degradation in hot environments, as detailed in a [study by the Idaho National Laboratory.
• Software Updates: Just like your phone, EVs get software updates. In addition, these updates can sometimes improve battery performance, range, and even charging speed. Make sure the EV you’re considering has received all available updates.
• Warranty Transfer: Some manufacturers’ warranties are not transferable to second owners, while others will cover the remainder of the warranty period. It is essential to check the warranty details. Also, there is an option to buy an extended warranty from third-party companies.

The Price is Right: Finding the Sweet Spot

Obviously, a used EV with over 100,000 miles should be priced significantly lower than one with lower mileage. But how low is low enough? There’s no magic number, but here’s a good rule of thumb:

• Depreciation: EVs depreciate faster than gas cars in the first few years, but the rate of depreciation slows down after that. A high-mileage EV has likely already gone through its steepest depreciation curve.
• Market Value: Check online resources like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and Edmunds (Edmunds) to get an idea of the fair market value for the specific model and year you’re considering. Then, factor in the battery condition and mileage.

My Verdict: Is it Worth Buying a Used EV with Over 100k Miles?

In my view, it absolutely can be. In fact, buying a used EV with over 100k miles can be a fantastic way to get into the electric car world without breaking the bank. You can snag a great deal on a car that’s still got plenty of life left in it, especially if you do your homework.

To sum up, don’t let the six-figure mileage scare you off. Focus on the battery health, charging history, climate, and maintenance records. If you find a well-maintained, high-mileage EV with a healthy battery at a good price, go for it! You’ll be saving money and doing your part for the environment.

Finally, remember that buying any used car, electric or not, involves some risk. But with thorough research and a bit of due diligence, you can find a high-mileage EV that’s a reliable and affordable ride for years to come. You might even become a high-mileage EV evangelist like me! Good luck with your search, and feel free to drop any questions in the comments below. I’m always happy to chat about EVs.

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