Buying an EV - Is There Anything to Worry About?

Fewer than one in five UK drivers say they’re likely to buy a used electric vehicle. People who are absolutely fine buying a used petrol or diesel car think twice when the word electric is mentioned, especially if they’re making the switch for the first time.

They mention things like range, upkeep costs, battery quality and towing a horse box.

How do we know that? Easy. Because our Business Relationship Manager, Kath Dewhurst, sat down with us to talk about her thoughts on making the switch.?

If you’re in a similar position to Kath, her answers might sound familiar.

Hi Kath - so you’re in the market to replace your existing car. What are you looking for?

I’m in a position where my current car’s getting to the end of its life. As Cogent Hire’s Business Relationship Manager, I can’t really turn up to body shops in something that’ll have repairers giving me worried looks!

But I need a vehicle for personal use too. I have a hobby - horse riding - that requires a car that can do certain things, so there’s a lot to consider.

There are a lot of options to consider, but I need something that looks good for work, does a job in my personal life, and will last for at least four years.

Could that right option be an EV?

It’s a tough one. There’s a lot written in the media about EVs. There are positives and negatives, and obviously because of our industry I have to take a balanced approach. I’ve also spoken to repairers about EV and they’ve been realistic about the positives and negatives.

What are the positives?

Well for starters I have a new house with a charging point on the driveway! I’m not worried about charging it at home, and I’ve driven hybrids before. I’ve also driven everything from a hatchback to an 18 ton HGV, so nothing scares me about driving a full EV. I’m confident I could get behind the wheel tomorrow.

So what concerns you about EVs?

Range. Range, capabilities, space and general upkeep. It’s range that I keep coming back to. I’m one of those people who will keep driving a diesel car until it hits zero, and I appreciate you can’t do that with an electric car. But that’s not an unsolvable issue.

Are there EVs out there with the range you need?

Yes. If I opted for the longest range available, then that’d meet my needs for the mileage I’d need to cover for work. I’d have to change my driving habits, plan my journeys a bit more and make sure there were charging points en route and at my destination.

So you’d buy an EV?

Yeah, I’d definitely consider owning an EV!

What about a second hand EV??

I’m not sure the aftersales market is currently set up for EV. I’d need to be confident of the vehicle checks, battery range, general service history and manufacturer’s service history.

It comes back to the battery. I know that battery health data is usually locked down within the manufacturer’s remits, so that’s a real area of concern for me.

But if you could be assured of the battery’s health?

An actual, regulated process would certainly help. The dealerships and resellers need to know their stuff, and I’d need the full history, the battery data and transparency on the whole process.

I wouldn’t buy any vehicle outside its manufacturer’s warranty, and that goes for EVs too.

And what about if someone could offer a guarantee?

If someone could guarantee a battery’s health, offer an insurance policy covering the battery or offer an upsell with dealerships to extend a warranty, that’d definitely address all my concerns.

Like anyone making a big purchase, I just want some reassurance and the ability to make an informed decision on what my vehicle will look like in another three years. As it stands, if you buy a second-hand ICE vehicle in good repair, you know it could perform mechanically for another ten years or more. With electric vehicles, we just need that proof.

Thanks Kath!

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If you’re considering buying a second-hand EV, then Kath’s thoughts should ring a few bells with you. As are the questions you should ask the seller or dealership. Make sure you’re getting the reassurance you need before you buy any second-hand vehicle.

What are your thoughts? Would you buy a used EV? What more could sellers do to reassure you? Let us know, and we’ll put your questions to the EV experts in our network.

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