- EVs save up to $1,000/year in fuel costs.
- Older EVs have reduced range; newer models travel farther.
- Battery degrades with heat, cycling, mileage, aggressive driving, and DC fast charging.
- Battery warranties cover eight years or 160,000 km.
The used electric vehicle market in Romania is booming, but for many buyers it’s still uncharted territory. Although the popularity of these vehicles is steadily increasing, few know the crucial aspects to monitor when considering purchasing a second-hand electric car.
Purchase decisions in this segment require a different approach compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, with unique challenges and benefits. From evaluating battery health to verifying charging infrastructure, there are numerous technical and practical considerations that influence the value and usefulness of such an investment.
Why investing in a used electric car is worth it
In the context of rising fuel prices, electric vehicles offer an efficient way to save in the long term. While electricity costs are not negligible, expert estimates indicate savings of up to $1,000 per year for electric vehicle owners.
Although the prices of electric vehicles remain higher than those of conventional cars, this cost gap often reflects a higher build quality. Industry analyses show that used electric vehicles are often in better condition than traditional vehicles of the same age, thanks to fewer moving parts and lower wear of mechanical components.
Fewer moving parts mean fewer potential failure points — there is no internal combustion engine with hundreds of moving components, no complex gearbox with gears and synchronizers, and no complex exhaust or cooling system with liquids.
Limitations of older electric vehicles
However, older electric vehicles have a significant drawback: limited battery performance, translating to reduced range. The rapid technological evolution in electric vehicle battery technology means that newer models can travel considerably farther on a single charge.
This can force owners of older vehicles to recharge more frequently, reducing usability flexibility and increasing time spent at charging stations.
Battery life and degradation
Regardless of vehicle type, batteries lose performance over time in an irreversible process. For electric vehicles, this degradation is influenced by several critical factors:
Battery degradation factors:
- Extreme temperature fluctuations
- Repeated charging–discharging cycles
- Total mileage
- Driving style (sudden accelerations, aggressive braking)
- Frequency of using DC fast charging
Most automakers offer battery warranties for eight years or 160,000 km. Once this threshold is passed, the probability of reduced battery performance increases significantly compared to a new vehicle.
Impact of climate on batteries
Li-ion batteries used in electric vehicles are sensitive to extreme temperatures, especially heat. A vehicle used in hot climate regions may exhibit reduced battery capacity, while vehicles operated in cooler climates typically maintain performance better.
High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions inside the battery cells, leading to faster degradation of electrolytes and active materials.
Checking the battery health
Before purchase, obtaining a detailed battery health report is essential. Replacing a battery for an electric vehicle can cost between €10,000 and €20,000, often representing a significant proportion of the vehicle’s value.
Modern diagnostic reports can provide information about:
- Current capacity vs. initial capacity
- Number of charging cycles performed
- Operating temperature history
- Presence of defective or degraded cells
Charging infrastructure – a decisive factor
Before buying an electric vehicle, assessing the local charging infrastructure is crucial for the user experience.
Challenges of the current infrastructure
Most cities in Romania still lack adequate charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. This situation creates significant frustration for owners who want to travel outside their home locality.
Homeowners living in single-family houses have a clear advantage, being able to install private charging stations in their garage or on the property driveway. This solution eliminates dependence on public infrastructure for daily charging.
Limitations of public charging
Common problems with public charging stations:
- Locating functional stations takes time and planning
- Charging duration can be 4–8 hours for a full charge
- Queues form at busy stations
- Prices vary and are often unpredictable
- Limited compatibility with certain connector types
Although progress has been made in developing portable chargers for electric vehicles, they remain a limited solution, providing only partial charging and being suitable only for emergency situations.
Vehicle history check – mandatory
Two identical vehicles from the same model and year can be in dramatically different condition depending on previous use.
Factors influencing the vehicle’s condition
Critical aspects to check:
- Previous owner’s driving style
- Accident and repair history
- Actual mileage versus the stated mileage
- Storage and usage conditions
- Adherence to the maintenance schedule
Most owners do not voluntarily disclose all issues. Accidents significantly reduce value and can create safety issues or future mechanical failures.
VIN check importance
Using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) enables a full vehicle history check:
- Accident history: Detecting major damage or costly repairs
- Mileage verification: Identifying odometer manipulation
- Stolen status: Confirming vehicle legality
- Registration history: Number of previous owners
- Recalls and services: Verifying performed mandatory repairs
These insights also provide a significant advantage in negotiating the final price.
Technical aspects specific to electric vehicles
Braking system
Electric vehicles use regenerative braking to slow down, significantly reducing wear on brake pads and discs. This system recovers kinetic energy and converts it back into electrical energy to recharge the battery.
An electric vehicle with high mileage can have braking components in much better condition than a conventional equivalent vehicle.
Software updates
Unlike traditional vehicles, electric cars benefit from periodic software updates that:
- Fix errors and bugs in control systems
- Improve energy efficiency
- Introduce new features
- Optimize battery performance
- Update safety systems
A vehicle without recent updates may indicate neglect by the previous owner and may pose security vulnerabilities or suboptimal performance.
Specialized maintenance
Specialized auto shops for electric vehicles are still rare in Romania. Finding qualified technicians for diagnosis and repairs is essential for long-term ownership.
Service recommendations:
- Preference for official dealers using original parts
- Check technician certifications for electric vehicles
- Confirm warranty on performed work
- History of prior repairs at a trusted workshop
Purchase considerations
Before finalizing a purchase, check:
Electrical components:
- Operation of the climate control system (major energy consumer)
- Condition of original charging cables
- Functionality of displays and infotainment systems
- Testing all available drive modes
Documentation:
- Presence of manuals and warranty certificates
- Complete service history
- Evidence of software updates performed
- Conformity certificate for charging stations
Investing in a used electric vehicle can be highly advantageous, but it requires careful technical assessment and a clear understanding of the peculiarities of this technology. With proper preparation and the necessary checks, buyers can reap all the benefits of electric mobility at a lower cost than new vehicles.
