Used electric cars are cheaper to buy than petrol and diesel models with experts urging drivers to take advantage of the cost-saving vehicles.
According to the latest data, average retail prices for EVs are cheaper than petrol and diesel vehicles by around 8.5 per cent in three years with the figure increasing to 14 per cent in four years.
While new EVs have been flagged as more expensive thanpetrol and diesel equivalents, the same is not said for theused EV market.
Experts stated that a used EV represents a “big saving” over the new price. For models such as the Jaguar i-Pace, Mercedes EQC and Tesla Model X, buying them second-hand can offer drivers “well over” £20,000 in savings.
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Electric cars can get cheaper charging points through energy providers
PAChris Plumb, EV specialist at HPI, said: “The growing availability of second-hand electric models is driving demand as motorists want to reduce their environmental footprint and make significant motoring cost savings due to high diesel and petrol prices.
“However, switching from traditional petrol and diesel motoring to electric isn’t a like-for-like swap, and certain factors should be taken into consideration before going ahead.”
One of the biggest factors includes whether the vehicle can be charged at home or nearby, Plumb explained.
He added: “Homeowners with off-street parking will almost certainly fall into this category because there is nothing to prevent them from installing a domestic charge point and topping up the battery overnight. It’s also the cheapest way to charge an EV.”
Other measures to consider when buying a used EV include the charger costs as installing a wallboxcould add to the overall budget for the car.
The charger costs between £800 and £1,000 but many energy suppliers offer EV-specific tariffs, which can include a home charger package deal.
Salary sacrifice schemes are another factor to consider as they could make the purchase of an EV cheaper in the long run.
Vehicle history should also be looked into when buying a used EV, with HPI warning that drivers should thoroughly check the vehicle information before looking to buy.
Plumb stated that for drivers considering the switch to electric with a used EV, “the HPI Check report is crucial”.
He said: “It arms motorists with vital information about the car they want to buy, not only offering protection from motor scams and fraud but also helping to understand the vehicle's running costs.
“An EV provides a reliable and enjoyable motoring experience that provides cost-effective ownership. Drivers looking to begin their EV journey with a used model should start with a HPI Check to ensure they are fully equipped with all the information they need.”
Plumb recommended that a thorough check should be taken before buying a used car, irrespective of it being electric.
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Motorists should test drive an EV before they buy
PAA final tip for motorists looking to purchase an electric car is to test drive it beforehand at a dealership.
The driving experience differs from petrol or diesel cars, with instant torque and quieter operation. Drivers should try and get the longest test drive possible to acclimatise themselves.
