Should I Buy a Used EV?

Since the introduction of the General Motors EV1 for the 1996 model year, EVs have been criticized for numerous reasons. Range anxiety, charging infrastructure, lack or driving experience or "soul", and the long term reliability and high-cost of replacement of EV batteries are just a few. While many of these gripes aren't without merit, modern EVs are far more reliable and battery technology has improved a great deal. Used EVs can be a great alternative to gasoline powered cars for many reasons.  

According to MarketWatch, about 1.7 million EVs were sold in the U.S. in 2024 — a 21% increase from the 1.4 million sold nationwide in 2023. The U.S. accounted for 10.2% of all new EV registrations worldwide in 2024. 

What this means for the used car buyer is that there are a bunch of lightly used EVs available on used car lots.  According to iseecars.com, "Used electric vehicle prices have fallen between 15% and 20% each month over the last six months. This puts the average 1- to 5-year-old used EV price at $32,198, or $917 above the price of the average gasoline vehicle at $31,281, according to the latest iSeeCars study that analyzed over 1.9 million used cars sold in February 2024 and February 2025 to identify used car pricing trends."

With used EVs becoming very affordable, what should I look for if I'm shopping for a used EV? According to GEOTAB.com, modern EV batteries should last 20 or more years. "When we analyzed EV battery health in 2019, we found that EV batteries degraded, on average, at a rate of 2.3% per year. However, a new 2024 analysis reveals a significant improvement: EV batteries now degrade at an average of 1.8% per year. This improvement highlights ongoing advancements in battery technology and durability."

Many EV myths, including rumors that EVs catch on fire easily, or that EVs don't work in cold climates, or that electricity is more expensive than gas have been largely debunked. USNews.com discusses many of these issues and reasons why an EV might be a good choice for many commuters.  

My take on EVs are that if you have a daily commute less than 150 miles round trip and have a garage capable of installing a stage-2 charger, a used EV could be a fantastic option.