Used electric car: is it really the right time to buy?

In the face of the sustained rise in fuel prices, the used electric car is increasingly appealing to motorists thanks to declining prices and a now abundant supply.

As fuel prices remain persistently high, the used electric car is becoming an increasingly credible alternative for many drivers. According to data published by leboncoin, sales of second-hand electric models soared by 62% in April, a growth rate that has, for the first time, outpaced that of new electric vehicle registrations.

This momentum can primarily be explained by economic considerations. Searches for electric cars on the platform have increased by 81%, indicating that the French are looking to reduce their dependence on fuel. Buying used also allows access to models that are available immediately, while some new vehicles require several months of waiting.

The global context accelerates the shift

The market is also becoming more attractive due to a rapidly growing supply. Tripled since 2022, it now reaches around 40,000 listings on leboncoin. At the same time, the prices of used electric vehicles have fallen by 30% compared to 2022, due to the arrival of newer and more efficient models.

However, it is crucial to clearly define one’s needs before diving in. For daily or urban use, a range of 200 to 300 kilometers is more than sufficient and allows for finding models priced under 10,000 euros. Drivers traveling longer distances will need to pay more attention to charging speed and real range.

For the promise of electric vehicles can quickly show its limits depending on usage. A high-mileage driver enticed by an advertised range of 400 kilometers may be disappointed to find that it sometimes drops to just over 200 kilometers on the highway, especially at high speeds or in cold weather. Conversely, an urban driver without a home charging station loses much of the economic advantage: by mainly charging at public fast chargers, the cost of electricity can become nearly as high as a full tank of diesel on a per-kilometer basis.

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However, there is no need to fear electric vehicles. The majority of used electric vehicles are sold by professionals and still benefit from the manufacturer’s warranty on the battery, often valid for up to eight years. The SOH (State of Health) certificate also allows for precise evaluation of the battery’s condition before purchase. With good refurbishment, a used electric vehicle is undoubtedly more reliable today than a gasoline or diesel counterpart.

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