Is It Worth Buying a Used Electric Car?

For many drivers, yes. Used electric car prices have fallen a long way, running costs can be low if you charge at home, and batteries are generally lasting well. The key is to check the battery's health, the remaining warranty and whether the car's range and charging speed suit how you drive.

Why are used electric cars cheaper than they were?

More electric cars have reached the used market as early lease and company cars come back, and new car prices have come down too. That has pushed used values lower, which is bad news for first owners but good news for used buyers.

How long do electric car batteries last?

Most modern EV batteries are designed to last many years, and real-world experience so far has been encouraging. Range does drop gradually with age and use. Many manufacturers give a separate battery warranty, commonly around eight years, so check how much is left on the car you are looking at.

Are electric cars cheaper to run?

They can be, especially if you charge at home on an off-peak tariff. Public rapid charging costs much more per mile, so your savings depend on where you charge. Servicing is often simpler because there is no engine oil, clutch or exhaust to maintain.

Electric cars have paid vehicle tax since April 2025, and some higher-value models also pay the expensive car supplement. The GOV.UK guidance has the details. Compare costs for a specific car with our cost comparison calculator.

Is charging practical?

If you can charge at home or at work, an EV is usually easy to live with. Without off-street parking, check the public chargers near where you live and work before you commit. For longer trips, a car with faster rapid-charging makes stops shorter.

What are the risks of buying a used EV?

• Battery health. Ask for a battery health report or state-of-health reading.

• Charging speed. Some older models charge slowly on rapid chargers.

• Charging cables. Check the right cables are included.

• Depreciation. Electric car values have been less predictable than petrol or hybrid cars.

• Software and recalls. Check that updates and any recall work have been done. You can check recalls on GOV.UK.

Our guide to overcoming the barriers to buying a used EV and our list of used electric cars worth a look go into more detail.

When is a used EV a good choice?

• You can charge at home or work.

• Most of your journeys are within the car's real-world range.

• You have checked the battery health and warranty.

• You have compared running costs with a petrol or hybrid alternative.

Common questions

Can I get finance on a used electric car?

Yes. Finance on used electric cars works in the same way as on petrol and diesel cars, subject to status and affordability checks. See our car finance page for more. We are a credit broker, not a lender.

Do used electric cars qualify for government grants?

No. UK government grants for electric cars have applied to new cars, not used ones.

What range do I need?

Look at your longest regular journey and add a safety margin, especially for winter, when range is usually lower. Our EV hub has more help.

Thinking about a used electric car in Barnsley?

anycolourcar.com is based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Browse our cars in stock, visit our EV hub, or call sales on 01226 574410.

This guide is general information, not financial advice. Updated October 2026.