Guide to buying a used electric car

Interest in owning an electric car is increasing. But did you know that there are barely 425,000 electric cars in Sweden today? That makes up 8 percent of the total number of passenger cars. The number is rising rapidly as more and more people choose to switch to electric. Here, if you are thinking about buying a used electric car, you will get a clear guide for your purchase.

The share of electric cars is growing – and fast

The total share of electric cars in Sweden remains relatively low, but in terms of new sales, electric cars account for just over 35 percent, and the number of electric cars is increasing by approximately 10,000 per month. On the used market, approximately 15,000 electric cars change hands per month.

Keep an eye on the resale value

"The price level among used electric cars has stabilized. This is because the market has matured and the mix of cheaper and more expensive models is good," says Karl Wahlin, an analyst at our sister company Bilpriser . There are even models that are rising in price, he says.

But there are also many electric cars that have stable resale values, and even models that are rising in price, he says. Examples of models that are currently rising in price are cheaper models that are starting to get a little older, such as the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf .

An electric car is often more expensive to purchase than a fossil-fueled car, but the total cost of ownership is often lower for electric cars compared to fossil-fueled models, thanks to lower mileage. So how do you choose the right used electric car? Here are some tips!

Consider this before choosing a car:

1. Start with size

As always when choosing a car, the first factor to consider is how big a car you need. Just the right size, is our advice! How many passengers do you need to accommodate, and how much luggage do you need to carry? It all boils down to which body style is best. Sedan or hatchback for those who travel lightly loaded, station wagon or SUV for those who carry more.

Traditionally, the size of a car has been closely associated with its safety. Today, extensive safety systems and driver aids are standard equipment in most cars sold new in Sweden, and even small cars receive top ratings in crash tests.

We recommend that you choose a car that is sufficient for 80 percent of your transportation needs. It is generally better to rent a car for those times when extra cargo space is required, rather than driving around in a car that is too big for everyday use.

2. How and where do you drive?

The next choice concerns driving style and accessibility. Should the car be four-wheel drive ? If you drive a lot on country roads in winter conditions, four-wheel drive may be worth the cost. Do you want to get into the car? Here it also becomes a question of comfort, as a higher car often has easier entry and a better overview of the traffic.

3. Consider options

What options are desired? Panoramic glass roofs are often in demand, but it is important to remember that the roof is not covered by glass insurance. Stone chips in the glass roof are instead regulated by vehicle damage insurance, and the deductible can be very high. Do you need a towbar ? Again, the 80 percent rule is worth considering. Maybe it is more profitable to order home delivery on those occasions when a trailer is needed?

Reading tip: Options that increase resale value

4. Does the brand matter to you?

People often also have preferences about which car brands they prefer. In recent years alone, about ten new car brands have entered the Swedish market. Establishment is achieved through attractive pricing, which also spills over to the cars as used cars. But how many of these brands will still be around in a few years, and what will the availability of service and spare parts be like then? It is safer to choose a car model from one of the established car brands. It is also wiser financially, as it is easier to sell a well-known car model on the day it is time to change cars again.

5. Other costs related to the car

Speaking of finances, maintenance costs also need to be factored into the equation. Vehicle tax is always 360 SEK for electric cars, but the insurance premium is individual and can vary greatly. Compare! And even electric cars need service, especially the brakes require regular maintenance. Different models have different pricing for the service plan.

6. Consumption

Just like with fossil-fueled cars, we need to think about consumption. One reason why people may be hesitant about electric cars is concerns that range will be a problem. But there are currently over 40,000 public charging points in Sweden, and with the reservation that they are still mainly located in the more densely populated parts of Sweden, even cars with a shorter range can be used well on long journeys. The charging speed is all the more important. A modern electric car can charge the battery from almost empty to around 80 percent in around 20 minutes.

For older electric car models, it can instead be a matter of hours, and such cars are best suited for shorter trips and for those who have the opportunity to charge at home at night. Older models may also in some cases have a different charging technology than that which is standard today. Compare the declared range between the car models you are considering. However, remember that the range stated is rarely the one that is actually achieved. Instead, consider the range figure as a way to rank car models against each other.

The range is affected by the temperature. In winter, it is not unusual to have a range that is at least 20 percent shorter than on a summer day. However, the car's built-in trip computer is good at estimating the range, and there are also mobile apps that help plan charging stops on long trips. To save on electrons, it is wise to choose an electric car model that is equipped with a heat pump. The heat pump in an electric car works in a similar way to an air heat pump in a house, and is an effective way to heat the car without drawing too much energy from the battery.

7. Review service history

Finally, as always, it is important to review service history, mileage, and whether the car has been involved in any accidents. It is also important to inspect tires, brakes, rust, and take a test drive to detect mechanical problems, as well as ensure that any debts are settled upon transfer of ownership.