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Buying a used electric car: battery health and what to check

The most important check on a used electric car is the battery. Ask for a battery health (State of Health) report, check how much of the battery warranty is left, and test the range and charging yourself. The Electric Car Grant does not apply to used cars.

1. Battery health

A battery health report shows how much of the battery's original capacity remains, often given as a State of Health percentage. Ask the seller for a recent report from a dealer or an independent test. Batteries usually lose capacity slowly, so an unusually low figure for the car's age and mileage is worth questioning.

2. Battery warranty

Most battery warranties run for around eight years or 100,000 miles to a minimum capacity, often about 70%. Check the start date, whether it transfers to you, and any servicing conditions. See how long do EV batteries last?

3. Range and charging

• Check the range the car shows when fully charged, bearing in mind cold weather lowers it
• Test both AC charging and, if possible, rapid charging
• Check the charging port, the cable supplied and any charging app or account

4. History checks

• Check the MOT history and mileage on GOV.UK
• Check whether the car has any outstanding recalls, including software recalls
• Get a vehicle history check for outstanding finance and write-offs

5. Your rights

Buying from a dealer gives you full rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, judged against the car's age and price. Buying privately gives you much narrower rights. See used cars from a dealer and buying from a private seller.

Frequently asked questions

What should I check when buying a used electric car?

Ask for a battery health (State of Health) report, check the remaining battery warranty, test the range and charging, and check the MOT history, recalls and finance history.

What is battery State of Health?

It is how much of the battery's original capacity remains, usually shown as a percentage. It is the best single indicator of a used EV battery's condition.

Does the battery warranty transfer to a new owner?

Often yes, but not always. Check the warranty terms, the start date and any servicing conditions with the manufacturer or dealer.

Can I get the Electric Car Grant on a used car?

No. The Electric Car Grant only applies to eligible new electric cars.

Official sources

• GOV.UK: Check the MOT history of a vehicle
• GOV.UK: Check if a vehicle has been recalled
• Be Consumer Wise: Used goods and used cars bought from a dealer
• Be Consumer Wise: Buying from a private seller
• Consumer Rights Act 2015 (legislation.gov.uk)

Related

• How long do EV batteries last?
• EV battery types: LFP, NMC and sodium-ion
• Buying a new electric car: your rights
• The Warrantywise Reliability Index explained

Page reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check and our sources. General information, not financial, legal or technical advice.