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Checklist for Buying a Used Electric Car or Two-Wheeler

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People’s interest in electric vehicles is on rising. Buyers wish to switch to an electric two-wheeler or an electric car but are often confused about what is the right choice for them as the prices of EVs are high. There is a significant price gap between EVs and petrol-run vehicles and people are still not sure about the performance of an EV in long run. So if you want to buy an EV but the price is a constraint. Consider buying a used EV at an affordable price to save money. Also, get two-wheeler insurance to cover your electric bike against any uncertainty.

Here is a guide to buying a used EV.

1. Check The Battery Pack:

The battery is the most crucial part of an EV. Battery conditions will determine the performance of the EV. So the first thing to check is the battery size. It is in kilowatt-hrs. The battery size tells how much electricity the battery can store and how far the EV can go on a single charge. If you are buying a used EV, get the battery properly checked. Following are the best ways to determine the battery’s condition.

● The battery’s SoH (State of Health) - Is a better indicator than an odometer reading. On-board diagnostics in a vehicle can provide information on SoH and how long the battery will last based on its usage to date. The SoH of a battery is reduced if it's overcharged, frequently fast charged, or has not been used for some time.

● Checking its charging time and a long test drive - Drain the battery completely and charge it again to its full capacity, you will get an idea of how long it is taking to charge. If the time is more than the manufacturer’s specification then the battery has lost its capacity. Go for a long test drive to check whether the vehicle is still able to cover its range or not and you will also get an idea of the build quality of the vehicle.

● Warranty - Also, check the warranty period left and the distance covered by the vehicle so far.

2. Check The Charging Ports And The Entire Charging System:

Check what kind of charging ports the vehicle has so that you can look for suitable charging stations in your locality and your commuting routes. In India, there are still not many charging stations available for EVs, so it would be best if you get a charger installed at your home. Find out whether the current charging system has fast-charging support or not. Check the charging cable as it is provided by the manufacturer. Check if it is in good condition and working properly.

3. Check For Software Updates:

EVs are computerized vehicles and many of their functions are controlled by software programs. These programs need to be updated regularly. Before finalizing an EV, check whether it has the latest software updates or not. EV technology is evolving, and every new vehicle comes with the latest technology features. So if you are buying a used EV, ensure that it is a recent model and not very old. The latest it is, the better it is.

4. Check The Motor Power Output:

Always check the motor power of your EV, it should match your requirement and should be able to deliver the range you need for your commute. Every EV has a different power output, therefore it is necessary to check that you buy an EV with the right power output so that it fulfils your purpose. An EVs power output translates into a vehicle’s mechanical efficiency. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to find out the actual output, also check what output it is actually giving as it may deteriorate with time and driving style.

5. Maintenance:

EVs do not require much maintenance as they don’t have as many moving parts as a petrol-run vehicle. As there is no internal combustion engine, a lot of money and time is saved on maintenance. However, you should consider the cost and availability of spare parts, especially in the case of a used EV. It should be within your budget and easily available when needed. It becomes even more important to buy suitable comprehensive bike insurance for your EV to cover the cost of damages in case of any unforeseen event.

6. Check The Battery Replacement Support And Cost:

Before finalizing a used EV, always check the battery replacement cost and battery replacement support by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers do not provide any support for battery replacement. Getting a battery replaced from a reliable source is very important as you might need to replace the battery after some time. Hence ensure that you get full support at an affordable price when you need to replace the battery.

7. Check the Network of Service Centres:

Before choosing a brand of EV, check the company’s network of service centres. Check whether you have easy access to a service centre or not. Having a network service centre near your home or workplace will save you a lot of time and will also ensure that you get your vehicle regularly serviced.

Conclusion

Buying a used EV is a good option for those who want to own an eco-friendly electric vehicle at an affordable price. It will also provide you with enough experience in maintenance and driving that you can switch to a brand new EV later. The above checklist will help you choose an EV easily. According to the specifications of your EV, get two-wheeler insurance to protect it against any mishappening.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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