What to know before buying a used EV  

As fuel prices fluctuate and the cost of living continues its upward trend, many New Zealanders are looking for ways to save money. Buying an EV seems like an increasingly sensible option, but a new vehicle might be beyond the budget of many Kiwi. What about a second-hand option? What do you need to know before purchasing a used EV? 

Used EVs may seem like a great option for many New Zealand drivers, offering: 

• Lower upfront costs compared to new EVs 

• Reduced running costs compared to ICE vehicles 

• Sustainability benefits with lower emissions 

• Access to modern tech and safety features 

But buying a used EV is not the same as purchasing a typical internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle and comes with a unique set of considerations. 

Unlike ICE vehicles where engine wear is a key consideration, an EV’s battery condition is critical. 

EV batteries degrade over time and can be affected by things like heat, infrequent servicing or excessive fast charging, which impacts both range and vehicle performance. While most batteries are designed to last many years, the battery health can vary significantly between used vehicles.  

An AA Pre Purchase Inspection with an EV/Hybrid battery test add-on will help you make an informed decision when looking to purchase a used EV.

The main battery in EVs and Hybrid vehicles is expensive to replace, costing anywhere between a few thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars, so buying a used EV without understanding the battery health could become a costly mistake. 

Knowing the condition of your battery before buy could save you thousands in the long run. 

In New Zealand, comprehensive car insurance usually covers things like accidental damage, theft, fire, natural disasters and third-party property damage. But it won’t typically cover mechanical breakdowns. So, if something goes wrong with your used EV, how much could it cost to get it fixed?

Like any used vehicle, things can break on EVs. In addition to the high cost of battery replacement, some EV components like air conditioning systems, are more complex than those in petrol or diesel vehicles, which can increase repair costs.

AA Mechanical Breakdown Insurance can help with unexpected repair bills, covering things like parts and labour for a wide range of electrical breakdowns, helping you get back on the road again quickly.

While EVs typically have lower running costs than ICE vehicles, it’s still important to factor in ongoing or future costs so you don’t get stung by a nasty surprise down the track. If you’re planning to charge your EV at home, there may be initial costs in setting up home-charging infrastructure, and you should consider how much an EV is likely to impact your power bill each month. 

Road User Charges (RUC) are another cost to factor in for EV ownership in New Zealand. Light battery electric vehicles (BEVs) must pay RUC based on distance travelled, currently $76 per 1,000km, so a driver covering 15,000km a year would need to budget around $1,140 annually, plus any transaction fees. These charges can reduce the running-cost advantage of an EV, so it’s worth including them when comparing a used EV with a petrol or hybrid vehicle.

With no oil changes required and fewer moving parts, EVs have a range of benefits when it comes to servicing, but they do require some specialised services. 

An AA EV service includes a 32-point check designed specifically for EVs. Covering fluid levels for cooling systems, wheel bearings, brakes, air conditioning, filters, tyre condition and more, you can be assured your EV is in top condition and any issues that need attention will be quickly identified. 

As with any major purchase, doing your homework is essential. Find out more about the growing selection of used EVs available in New Zealand to see which model is right for you. Compare Used EVs in NZ

If you’re buying a used car, an AA Pre Purchase Inspection is a comprehensive 100+ point vehicle check by an experienced mechanic, which will help you make an informed decision.

AA Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) can help cover unexpected mechanical or electrical failures in your car. This can be particularly useful if you’re buying a used car, where the manufacturer warranty may have either already expired, or be about to expire.