Battery health and range
Every battery loses some capacity. The range at full charge, the car’s own battery readout and any warnings tell you how this one has aged.
Used Electric car inspection
Electric car pre-purchase inspection
A used electric car needs a different check. There’s no oil to look at, but there’s a battery that costs thousands, brakes that rust from lack of use and charging kit that may or may not come with the car.
We inspect used EVs at dealers and private sellers, and check the things that matter most on an electric car.
Known problems
What goes wrong on a used electric car
Common on Tesla, Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro and EV6, Hyundai Kona and Ioniq, VW ID.3, MG4, Renault Zoe and more. Not every car has these faults. They're what we look for.
Leased batteries on some older cars
Some older Renault Zoes were sold with a leased battery that costs a monthly fee. Check whether the battery is owned before you buy.
Brakes that rust
Regenerative braking means the brakes are hardly used, so discs often corrode. It’s a common MOT advisory on EVs.
Tyres
EVs are heavy, so tyres wear faster than on a similar petrol car.
Charging and cables
Check the car charges, the port locks, and the cables come with it. A missing cable can cost a few hundred pounds.
Recalls
Some EVs have had battery-related recalls, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric. Check they’ve been done.
Our inspection
What we check on every used electric car
On top of our standard checklist of up to 180 points.
- Range at full charge, battery readout and warnings
- Charging port, locking and cables
- Brake discs for corrosion, and braking on the road test
- Tyres and suspension, which work harder on heavy EVs
- Battery ownership and remaining warranty
- Recalls and software updates
Prices
Electric car inspection prices
Fixed prices, the same for every make and model.
Basic110-point · No road test£69.99
Full135-point · Road test up to 10 miles£99.99
Premium160-point · Road test up to 15 miles£139.99
Ultimate180-point · Road test up to 20 miles£169.99
Questions
Electric car inspection FAQs
What should I check when buying a used electric car?
Battery health and range, charging, brakes, tyres, whether the battery is owned, how much battery warranty is left, and recalls. Our inspection covers all of these.
How long is the battery warranty on a used EV?
Most manufacturers give eight years with a mileage limit. It usually transfers to the next owner. Check the start date and the car’s mileage.
How much does a used electric car inspection cost?
From £69.99 for Basic up to £169.99 for Ultimate. The price is fixed, with no travel charge, in London.
Can you inspect a used electric car at the dealer or a private seller?
Yes. The inspector comes to wherever the car is, on a forecourt or at the seller’s home or workplace. You don’t need to be there.
RevXpress is an independent inspection company. Faults listed are common patterns reported for these cars, not a sign that any particular car has them.
Other makes