Buying Tips for Purchasing a Used Electric Vehicle
Now is the time to buy an electric vehicle in Pueblo, Colorado. Used electric cars and SUVs are more affordable and available than ever before thanks to their surge in release over recent years. You will find pre-owned EVs for sale at Southwest Motors like the Nissan LEAF. Need guidance on buying your first electric vehicle? This is our expert advice.
Ensure you have daily access to charging outlets
You should be able to recharge your electric vehicle every day so it’s always at full capacity. Most EV owners plug their car into a Level 1 or Level 2 outlet at home every night, where they can recover 5-15 miles of range hourly depending on the voltage. Make sure your garage can be outfitted with this hookup before buying a rechargeable car.
Alternately, you could recharge your EV every day at your workplace if the parking lot provides charging stations for employees. What about public stations? While DC Fast Charging stations in Pueblo and beyond can be helpful in a pinch or when you’re traveling, they should not be your primary method of daily recharging; they can become costly and inconvenient when used daily or weekly.
Pick an EV model in your price range
A used electric vehicle is affordable, but that doesn’t mean any EV for sale is dirt cheap. Some electric cars and SUVs can still be expensive for shoppers in Pueblo on a budget. That’s why we at Southwest Motors recommend narrowing your list of EV candidates to the most financially feasible models.
For example, a used Chevrolet Blazer EV might fit your outdoorsy lifestyle here in Colorado. But, if it’s too expensive, consider a used Chevy Bolt EUV crossover. Owning an electric BMW or Audi is tempting, but a budget-friendly Hyundai EV or Kia EV could be more financially realistic.
Know the battery age and condition
Like any used car, a preowned electric vehicle’s condition is a major factor in whether it’s a smart buy or not. It’s important to look beyond the usual qualities like rust, body damage, wheel condition, and maintenance, though. Make sure you know the EV battery’s health, such as its charging capacity and age.
A used EV battery may need to be replaced soon, and that can be an expensive bill if you aren’t expecting it. Have the seller or a mechanic perform a battery health checkup so you can determine how soon it will need to be replaced or if it has recently been replaced.
Most EV batteries are made to last around 10 years, so this maintenance expense may be far into the future and shouldn’t deter you from purchasing the car. Just be sure that this doesn’t come as a surprise.
Make sure the actual range meets your needs
The distance that an EV can travel on a full charge can range from 350 miles to only 220 miles — or even shorter distances with a used battery that has lost some charge capacity. You need to know how far the EV you’re buying will travel on an actual full charge and that the distance is enough for your most common destinations in Colorado.
Don’t go by the original OEM specs and initial range estimate to determine this information; perform a real-life range assessment during a test drive. Take the EV through a variety of situations in Pueblo County, and use the test drive to calculate the actual range potential based on the distance driven and change in estimated range projection.
Ready to trade in your old gas-powered car for an electric vehicle or PHEV? Southwest Motors can help you find a used EV that meets your needs and budget in Pueblo, Colorado. Contact our used car dealership for assistance.