How to Score a Great Deal on a Used Electric Car

Act Fast: Tax Credit Available Until September

Buying a used electric vehicle (EV) is a smart move right now. There's a tax credit of up to $4,000 for qualified buyers, but it's only available until the end of September. This means you'll have to act fast and be smart about your purchase.

First Things First: Check the Battery

The battery is the most important part of an EV and can be pricey to replace. Start by researching online. Many car sales websites have tools that predict battery health and range. This can give you a good idea of what to expect from the vehicle.

Take the Car for a Test Drive

This is a great way to see how the battery performs in real-world conditions. Pay attention to:

Range estimate
Outside temperature
Odometer
Efficiency

These numbers can change if the car has been sitting idle for a while.

After the Drive: Check the Range

Compare the range estimate with what you experienced. If there's a big difference, it could be a sign of battery trouble. Remember, range can vary based on:

Temperature
Driving style
Speed

Test the Battery's Charging Speed

Another way to test the battery is to see how it charges. First, make sure the car's connector matches the charger. There are three main types in the US:

CHAdeMO
CCS
NACS

Once you've found a compatible charger, plug the car in and see if it charges at the expected speed. If it's much slower than advertised, there might be an issue with the battery.

Don't Fear Battery Problems

Recent data shows that EV batteries are lasting longer than expected. Ideally, you should look for a car with 90 to 97 percent of its original range.