How do I check the battery on a used electric car?

Compare the range on a full charge with what the car offered new, look at the car’s own battery readout if it has one, and check for battery warnings. Ask how much of the manufacturer’s battery warranty is left.

What goes wrong on used hybrids?

Tired hybrid batteries, inverter cooling problems, corroded brake discs from regenerative braking, and catalytic converter theft on some models. A plug-in hybrid’s engine can also miss servicing if it’s rarely used.

Is a used EV battery covered by warranty?

Most manufacturers cover the battery for eight years with a mileage limit, and the cover usually passes to the next owner. Check the car’s first registration date and mileage against the terms.

Which inspection should I book for a hybrid or electric car?

We recommend our Ultimate inspection. It includes the advanced electrical and battery checks, transmission and drivetrain checks and our longest road test.

Are used electric cars reliable?

They have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, so there’s less to wear out, but the battery, charging kit, brakes and tyres need checking. Every car is different, which is why it’s worth having the one you’re buying inspected.

Buying a Used Hybrid or Electric Car: What to Check

Short answer: check the battery, the charging, the brakes and the tyres, and make sure the hybrid or electric system works properly on a proper drive. Hybrids and electric cars have fewer of the classic wear items, but the parts that do go wrong cost a lot. For these cars we recommend our most thorough inspection, Ultimate.

Why hybrids and EVs need a different check

A petrol or diesel inspection focuses on the engine, clutch and gearbox. On a hybrid you have two drivetrains to check, an engine that may hardly ever run and a battery system that switches in and out. On an electric car there’s no oil or clutch, but there is a high-voltage battery worth thousands, a motor, charging equipment and brakes that are used far less than you’d think. Faults are often electrical, can be intermittent, and some only show on the road.

Battery health and range

Range on a full charge. Every battery loses some capacity with age and use. Compare the range shown on a full charge with what the car offered new, remembering cold weather and driving style reduce it.
The car’s own battery readout. Some cars show battery health in their menus or app. Ask the seller to show you.
Warning lights and messages. Any battery, charging or hybrid system warning needs explaining before you buy.
On a hybrid: watch how often the engine starts. If it runs almost all the time, or economy is poor, the hybrid battery may be tired.
Warranty. Most manufacturers cover EV batteries for eight years with a mileage limit, and some, such as Toyota, extend hybrid battery cover when the car has a yearly hybrid health check at a dealer. Check what’s left for the car you’re buying.
Who owns the battery. Some older electric cars, notably early Renault Zoes, were sold with a leased battery that costs a monthly fee. Check the battery is owned outright.

Charging

Check the car actually starts charging, and that the charge port opens, locks and releases the cable.
Check which cables come with the car. A missing home or public charging cable can cost a few hundred pounds to replace.
On a plug-in hybrid, check the electric-only range on a full charge, as it shrinks with battery wear just as on a full EV.

Brakes, tyres and suspension

Brakes that rust. Regenerative braking slows the car using the motor, so the discs are used less and often corrode. Corroded discs are a common MOT advisory on hybrids and EVs, so check the free MOT history for them.
Tyres. Electric cars are heavy and deliver their power instantly, so tyres, especially the inner edges, can wear faster than on a similar petrol car.
Suspension. The extra weight works suspension parts harder. Listen for knocks and creaks over bumps.

Things specific to hybrids

Servicing the engine. A plug-in hybrid driven mostly on electric still needs oil changes. Check the service history covers both the engine and the hybrid system.
Catalytic converter theft. Some hybrids, particularly older Toyotas, are targets. Make sure it’s there and properly fitted.
Cooling. Hybrid batteries and inverters have their own cooling. Blocked battery cooling vents or inverter coolant problems can cause warnings and poor running.

Things specific to electric cars

The 12-volt battery. Electric cars still have a small 12V battery, and a weak one can stop the car powering up even with a full main battery.
Heating and air conditioning. Check the heating and air conditioning work properly. On many EVs they also affect the battery’s temperature and range.
Software and recalls. Some EVs have had battery-related recalls and important software updates. Check the recall status, which our free MOT check shows when it’s on record.

The road test matters more than usual

Many hybrid and EV faults only appear when the system is working: the engine and motor handing over, regenerative braking, the car under load on a hill, or a warning that appears after ten minutes. A short drive round the block isn’t enough. Drive at different speeds, brake gently and firmly, and use the car’s different drive modes.

Which inspection to choose

For hybrids and electric cars we recommend our Ultimate inspection. It includes the advanced electrical and battery checks from Premium, adds transmission and drivetrain checks, and gives the longest road test of any package, so we can see the system working in every mode. You also get the diagnostic scan for stored and recently cleared fault codes, the HD video walkthrough and repair cost estimates. Our electric car and hybrid car inspection pages list what we look at on each.

Buying a hybrid or electric car that’s been an insurance write-off? Read our guide to Cat S and Cat N cars as well.

Book an inspection

We inspect cars at the seller’s address, the dealer or your home. When you book, tell us the car is a hybrid or electric, or let the booking form look it up from the registration, and we’ll suggest Ultimate. See a sample report or book an inspection.

Buying a Used Hybrid or Electric Car: What to Check (UK Guide)