Make sure to test drive the car thoroughly

If you’re buying an electric car for the first time, it’s especially important to take a thorough test drive before you buy it. This means taking as much time as you need, as well as trying it out in different types of driving, such as city and highway driving.

Consider what charging options you have near your home

Access to a charging station near your home is crucial for an electric car to be as stable and reliable a means of transport as a petrol or diesel car. Therefore, it’s important to find out if there are public charging stations close to your home or what the possibilities are to have one installed in your house. It’s important to know that installing a charging solution in your home cannot be done by yourself, but must be done by an authorized electrician.

Be aware of the car’s range (battery durability)

The battery is one of the most crucial parts of an electric car, which is why you should make sure you know the condition of the battery when buying a used electric car. The battery’s durability decreases over time, and so does the car’s range, so if you’re buying from a dealer, make sure you know what the real range is on a charge, and if you’re buying from a private seller, you may want to fully charge the battery and run it flat to make sure you know the real range.

Know your real driving needs

The range and battery ratio of your car will undoubtedly play a role in the price of a used electric car. If you already know that you’ll only use your car for short trips, it may make sense to buy a cheaper used electric car with a shorter range. However, if you’ll be driving more, you’ll need to make sure that the range meets your needs. At the same time, it’s often easier to resell a used electric car with a long range.

Check the car’s service history and warranty agreements

If you buy a relatively new used electric car, there’s a good chance it will still be covered by warranty. However, this often depends on both the mileage and whether or not the service agreements have been fulfilled on the car. It is especially important to pay attention to any warranties on the battery. Here it is also very important to make sure that the car has received all the necessary software updates before purchase.

Will you buy the car from a private seller or a dealer?

Used electric cars are sold by both dealers and private sellers, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. If you buy a used electric car from a dealer, you can be more confident that everything is in order, but the price is slightly higher and there’s often less room for negotiation. Conversely, you can probably get a better deal from a private seller, but you’ll need to be prepared to go the extra mile to make sure everything is in order – both with the car itself and with the paperwork.

Inspect the car for minor damage and noises

With the engine running, listen for any noises or rattles that could indicate a problem with the mechanical parts.

Check what accessories come with the used electric car

Winter in Denmark can be tough on an electric car, which can significantly reduce the battery’s range. It’s therefore extremely important to have a heater in the car to help keep the battery reasonably stable during the winter period. You’ll also probably appreciate a fast charger plug that can save you a lot of time when charging the car.