Electric vehicles were first introduced in the mid-19th century. However, they did not become prominent until the 21st century. This is because more people have become conscious of carbon emissions and the damage they do to the environment. Between 2010 and 2016, over one million electric cars were sold. This means that today, buyers have a choice of buying used electric cars since those who bought the cars when they first came are already selling to get the newer models.
Compared to Gas-Powered Cars, Electric Vehicles are Cheaper to Buy and Maintain
Electric vehicles suffer from greater depreciation than gas-powered vehicles. When you buy a used electric car, you will be paying a much lower value than what the first owner did. Some electric cars, such as the Nissan Leaf or Fiat 500e, are bought at over $30,000 when new, but you can buy them used three years later at less than $10,000. You’d hardly find this drop in price in gas-powered vehicles that have covered the same miles.
There is a Constant Change in Technology
If you feel overwhelmed by the changes in gas-powered cars, technology in electric cars changes at an even faster rate. More and more manufacturers are venturing into the production of new cars. This means that you should expect frequent changes in the technology used to make these cars more efficient. When electric cars were first introduced, the batteries needed to be charged more frequently. Today, the batteries last much longer. This explains why the demand for electric cars has increased tremendously. This demand has also forced automobile manufacturers who had not considered the possibility of manufacturing electric cars to tap into this market.
Electric Cars are Quiet and Offer a Smooth Drive
The vibration you experience in some gas-powered cars is due to the internal engine combustion. When you buy a used gas-powered car that costs less than $10,000, it is likely to be an older small car fitted with a 4-cylinder engine. The stability of a used electric car when on the road cannot be compared to that of other cars of the same size. This has partially been attributed to the weight of the battery fitted in electric cars.
You Need to Have Charging Stations Near You
By the end of December 2018, the US had over 20,000 charging stations. It would be pointless to buy a used electric cars if you do not have somewhere to plug in. It is easy to get caught up on the benefits of driving an electric car but one of the first things you need to consider is where you will be charging the battery. If your locality has a plug-in area, this decision will be much easier and convenient to make.
Further Reading
- Is Buying a Used Electric Vehicle a Good Idea?
- The Low Down on Gas vs. Electric vs. Hybrid Cars
- What You Need to Know About Buying Used Electric Cars at Auction
- Choosing the Right Used Electric Cars for Sale at Auction
They are Environmentally Friendly
One of the significant factors that have boosted the sales of electric cars is the fact they are environmentally friendly. It has become necessary for nations to reduce their carbon footprint in order to combat global warming. Some power plants now use renewable sources of energy to charge the batteries in electric cars. This has further increased the ratings in favor of electric cars.
Used Electric Cars are Usually in Better Shape than Cars that Use Gas
If you compare two cars of the same age, one electric and the other gas powered, the electric vehicles will have covered fewer miles than the one that uses gas. This essentially means the wear and tear are much lower in an electric car. Electric cars also have fewer moveable parts than gas-powered cars. This makes maintenance cheaper and you also have reduced chances of frequent breakdowns. Electric vehicles do not need to be serviced as frequently as gas-powered cars.
Diminishing Battery Performance
Like any electronic that needs to be charged, the batteries of electric cars diminish over some time. This is especially true for the older models. When buying a used electric vehicle, it is essential for you to find out how long the battery lasts when fully charged. You may be required to plan your journey carefully when driving an electric car that has a battery that loses power faster. Otherwise, you will find yourself stuck far from a charging station.
Low Resale Value
The first owner of an electric vehicle bears more of the cost of depreciation when he chooses to sell it. However, this does not mean you are safe as the second buyer. The price of an electric car falls every time the car changes hands. You should, therefore, expect a significant drop in the resale value of an electric car when you choose to sell or trade in your car.
The Batteries in Electric Cars Have a Three Year Warranty
The person who buys a new electric car has a three-year warranty on the battery. If you buy this car from the first owner after three years, it means that you will be required to cover the cost of replacement. It is essential for you to find out what impact charging has had on the battery. The condition of the battery is an important consideration when buying a used electric car.
Before investing in electric cars, it is critical for you to understand their pros and cons. Although the number of electric cars are still quite low compared to the gas-powered cars, the numbers are growing significantly. Much progress has been made in the technology used in the production process. The battery covers the bulk of the cost of electric cars. This is why it is important for you to find out the condition of the battery before you commit to buying an electric car.
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