Even if you’re experienced in buying second-hand cars, purchasing a used electric vehicle is a brave new world. While traditional standards like mileage and age still apply to EVs, battery health matters the most. The quality of a high-voltage battery pack can make or break the EV ownership experience, affecting everything from purchase price to range and charging performance.

Here you can explore everything you need to know about battery life and health so you’ll be ready to hit the used EV market confidently.

Why Battery Health Matters in a Used EV

Think about your cell phone’s battery, which holds less charge over time and use. The same applies to an EV’s high-voltage propulsion battery. Every time the battery is charged and discharged, it undergoes a chemical transformation that reduces how much energy it can store. This is called degradation and is a significant consideration for used EV shoppers. This loss of battery capacity directly affects range and performance.

Some EVs are especially vulnerable to degradation. For instance, early examples of the Nissan Leaf had a range of 84 miles. However, time, excessive high-speed charging, extreme temperatures, and use often mean these cars today have a range of less than the original capability. As such, you can readily find a 2011 or 2012 Leaf for a few thousand dollars. Newer EVs are less susceptible to these problems.

Ultimately, battery health affects value. So, you can’t judge an EV by more traditional measures like mileage and age. An EV is only as good as its battery cells. It’s also vital to understand that swapping out an EV’s battery often doesn’t make financial sense. For instance, replacing the battery pack in an older Leaf with a reconditioned unit can easily run $8,000 to $10,000, which is hardly worth the effort or expense.

How to Review a Used EV’s Battery Health Report

A detailed battery health report is the best way to determine the condition of an EV’s power cells. Depending on the vehicle, this information can be obtained through on-board diagnostics or from an authorized dealer. For example, Tesla offers different report levels through its app or Service Mode. Other EVs may have similar functions, or you’ll need to pay for a comprehensive battery check through the dealership service department. Expect to pay $150 to $300 for a battery health report from a dealer, which includes a physical inspection of the battery and related components.

Here’s what to look for:

Alternative Methods of Checking EV Battery Health

While a comprehensive battery health report is a must before buying any used EV, other resources can be helpful before paying a dealer.

• Onboard Diagnostics: Depending on the vehicle, you may be able to gather significant battery health information from an onboard diagnostic system. These details may not be as informative as a comprehensive report, but they can help determine whether the vehicle you’re considering is worthwhile.
• Third-Party Apps: Numerous smartphone apps are available to assess EV battery health. These services require connecting a small device to the onboard diagnostic (OBD-II) port and may involve a subscription. Be sure the app is compatible with electric vehicles.
• Recurrent Report: EV firm Recurrent offers battery health reports on the most used electric cars. The information is gathered from actual data if the Recurrent monitoring service has been installed or provides an estimate based on similar vehicles in the program. The report offers a battery health score, estimated range projections, and other vital factors. While this information may not be as accurate as other resources, the report is a good starting point. Many retailers provide Recurrent reports at no cost.

Checking the Remaining Range and Charging Capacity

If the battery health report is positive, assess the EV’s real-world range and charging efficiency. Ideally, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible with the vehicle. A dealership might let you take it for a day or overnight, but private sellers may not be so generous. Regardless, maximize your available time.

Start by assessing the EV charging capability. Fully charge the vehicle’s battery and note the estimated range on the display. If possible, charge the car using Level 1 (120-volt), Level 2 (240-volt), and Level 3 (DC fast charging) systems to gauge the functionality of all options. Does the vehicle charge as quickly as the automotive manufacturer estimates? Delayed charging may indicate a degraded battery or circuitry issue. However, different charging stations may have varying current output rates.

With the vehicle charged, you’re ready for a test drive. Plan a route that incorporates your typical driving habits, but be sure to include city and highway driving to assess the range fully. Take notes on how the car performs (range-wise) on specific loops and overall. If possible, drive when there are temperature extremes—cold mornings and warm afternoons—to check for range variations. Compare your results to the original estimated range, remembering that non-standard driving (such as temperature variations and rapid acceleration) may reduce capacity.

Understanding Battery Warranty Coverage and Replacement Costs

Depending on the age of the used EV you’re considering, the manufacturer’s battery warranty may still be applicable. Here’s an overview of electric car battery warranty coverage from major brands:*

• Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Honda, Lucid, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo: 8 years or 100,000 miles
• Hyundai / Kia: 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Rivian: 8 years or 120,000 to 150,000 miles (mileage is based on battery pack size)
• Tesla: 8 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles (mileage is model-based)

* Based on 2024-2025 model years. Older vehicles may have different coverage terms.

Many manufacturers — such as Lucid, Polestar, Porsche, Tesla, Toyota, and Volvo — also have a battery capacity threshold during the warranty period. A covered battery that drops below 70% capacity may be eligible for free replacement. This protection underscores the importance of getting a battery health report from an authorized dealer for an applicable EV.

At a minimum, the manufacturer warranty covers the main propulsion battery, but some automakers also protect the electric drivetrain for an extended period. So, it’s essential to research what safeguards might apply to an EV in order to make an informed decision.

If a used EV’s battery is no longer covered under warranty, the cost of replacing it can be substantial. According to Recurrent, replacing the high-voltage cells in a Tesla can cost $15,000 to $22,000. Other reports state that a new battery for the Chevrolet Bolt runs from $16,000 to $17,100. Expect similar costs for other mainstream brands, while luxury EVs will have higher battery replacement costs.

How Endurance Warranty Can Help You with EV Repair Bills

While some used EV cars may have coverage for the high-voltage battery, other components may not have these safeguards. That’s when an Endurance Warranty plan can help. America’s most trusted direct-to-consumer provider of vehicle service contracts (also called auto protection plans) has options that can protect against breakdowns and surprise repair bills. Endurance has exclusive plans that can deliver peace of mind to Tesla owners and their electric batteries.

Customers with hybrid vehicles can also take advantage of Endurance protection. Hybrid owners can add safeguards for the electric drive motor, power controller, inverter assembly, generator, electronic air conditioning compressor, and electronic power steering pump. The traction battery, however, is excluded.

Learn how electrification and Endurance Warranty go hand-in-hand for hybrid and EV owners. Request a FREE quote or explore the Endurance online store for instant plan and pricing information. Plan advisors are also available by phone at (800) 253-8203.

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