The SHOCKING length of time you’ll wait for a new EV – and how to avoid it

ELECTRIC cars continue to rise in popularity in the UK with vehicle registrations increasing year-on-year.

However, a recent electric car shortage in the UK has meant that motorists intending to purchase an EV may have to wait a minimum of twelve months.

Waiting times for Tesla's Model S and Model X are now up to two years.

And other manufacturers have even pulled the plug on production altogether, including MG Motor's ZS EV.

This is reflected in Google searches for “used EVs” increasing by a whopping 103% in the last year.

While buying a used EV is a great solution, but what should you know before you buy second-hand?

Here's everything you should check according to car experts

Battery range

This is one of the most important checks you can do as this will ensure the battery hasn’t suffered excessive degradation.

You can check the fully charged range by looking at the car’s charge display, as this will tell you how much the battery has deteriorated.

Make sure you don’t check this on a cool day, as cold weather temporarily reduces EV battery range by 10-12%.

Battery warranty

On the subject of battery, make sure you receive the battery warranty of your vehicle, as most EVs come with a separate warranty for their battery.

Previously, there was an industry-standard eight-year warranty on most models, however, this has been decreased to five years for more recent models.

Either way, the battery warranty should give you peace of mind that your battery will keep its charge.

Charging points

Checking how many charging points are local to you is one of the most important things to consider when buying an EV.

Consider when and where you’ll be charging your vehicle, as there's no guarantee a public charging station will be compatible with your chosen vehicle.

You should also research how much it will cost to install a home charger if you think you’ll need one.

Charging socket

Another important check for a used EV is the charging socket.

Check the charging socket is fully usable and in good condition as this can affect the functionality of your EV.

Also make sure the charging cables are included in the purchase of the car, as these are expensive to buy individually.

Accident damage

As with any used vehicle, checking for accident damage is very important.

Accident damage can affect the condition of the tyres and the bodywork of the car. '

A used electric car will also need regular servicing just like a petrol or diesel vehicle so it’s worth checking the service history too. 

Take a test drive

Make sure to do this wherever possible. Going for a test drive is the best way to see if you like driving the car, or highlight any problems.

It gives you a chance to check the steering and see if there are any dashboard warning lights.