There are more electric vehicles to shop pre-owned than ever before. From small SUV and hatches to medium SUVs and sedans, these are the best used electric cars and SUVs to buy.
Electric
What to know about buying a used electric car
Buying a second-hand electric car can be a cost-effective option, but there are important factors to consider before taking the plunge on a used electric vehicle (EV).
The second-hand market for electric cars is growing fast in Australia as EVs become more established and buyers take their first leap or upgrade from an earlier model.
More than 91,000 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were sold in 2024 alone, taking the number of BEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on Australian roads to more than 300,000 – a figure that will continue to rise with the influx of new Chinese brands offering EVs, and as more all-new or updated models from established carmakers become available.
This gives buyers the opportunity to find second-hand EVs that are cheaper and within their budget range from various passenger car and SUV segments.
There are, however, important considerations to make when buying a used electric car, including:
- the emergence of new brands
- different powertrain options
- warranties
- battery condition
- driving range
- charging port and cables, and more.
RACV Head of Policy James Williams encourages motorists – especially first-time EV buyers – to consider the different driving experience and extra responsibilities that come with electric car ownership.
“Motorists transitioning to EVs may not be aware of the safety risks of the increased power and acceleration of quieter vehicles, how to safely apply one-pedal driving, and how to maintain electric vehicle battery performance and lifespan,” he says.
“We encourage motorists to do their research, to look for features such as an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) and to test-drive the EV to fully appreciate the differences compared to an internal combustion engine car.”
What to look for when buying a used EV
New and familiar brands to consider
Electric cars are today available from a broad range of mainstream and prestige brands, some familiar and others less so, but almost all of them have models in popular segments – most notably hatchbacks, family sedans and small and medium SUVs.
Tesla has been the biggest-selling EV brand in Australia in recent years, so the Tesla Model 3 sedan and Tesla Model Y medium SUV are both well represented on used car classified listings. Fast-growing challengers include BYD (Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, Sealion), MG (MG4, ZS EV) and GWM (Ora), while sought-after EVs from long-established brands include the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Among the second-hand EVs on the market from premium marques to consider are the Polestar 2, Genesis GV60, BMW i4 and Mini Cooper SE.
This is just a snapshot, given more than 40 brands and 90 individual EV models were represented among national used car listings early in 2025.
More: RACV electric vehicle reviews
Choosing the most suitable powertrain
Just as engine performance helps separate traditional combustion-engined cars, EVs are often available with a choice of single-motor (driving the front or rear wheels) or dual-motor (driving all four wheels) powertrain layouts.
Dual-motor and some single-motor electric cars tend to be higher-powered, so buyers are advised to note the total power output (where available) and take the car for a test-drive. What’s more, if you're a probationary driver or have a P-plater in the household, check whether the EV is restricted. In Victoria, the VicRoads probationary vehicles database has a list of banned EVs, which include some single-motor variants of the top-selling Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, for example.
More: The best used electric cars and SUVs to buy
Vehicle and battery warranty status
When purchased new, electric cars tend to come with two main warranties – one for the basic vehicle and another that covers the high-voltage battery (usually including the drive unit as well). The warranties should be fully transferable between owners during the period of cover, so it’s important to seek out these details when purchasing an EV second-hand.
As with any used car purchase, an EV that’s still under warranty can provide important peace of mind. However, warranty terms differ across the various car brands and models. Tesla, for example, only covers the basic vehicle for four years or 80,000km (whichever comes first), while the battery and drive unit for 2025 models have an eight-year/192,000km warranty.
BYD’s vehicle warranty is a more generous six years/150,000km but its battery warranty is limited to eight years/160,000km. MG goes a step further by offering a 10-year/250,000km warranty on both the vehicle and battery, while GWM covers the car and battery for seven and eight years respectively – with unlimited kilometres travelled over each period.
It is common for EV manufacturers to guarantee that the battery will retain a certain percentage of its original capacity – often around 70 per cent – over the warranty period. But not all brands offer a ‘state of health’ (SoH) percentage threshold in Australia, so it’s advisable to contact the carmaker or an authorised dealer for details.
Battery condition and driving range
The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles lose capacity over time. This degradation is normal and occurs as the battery goes through charge and discharge cycles and will impact its driving range – that is, how far the EV can travel on a single charge.
The battery capacity (and therefore the maximum driving range) varies between electric cars, so it’s advisable to do some homework on different EVs to ensure the manufacturer’s driving range claims align with your requirements.
When buying a used electric car, it’s then a case of considering the battery’s ‘state of health’ (SoH), which is an important factor but difficult to assess. Some older Nissan Leaf models had a dash display that indicated battery health status, but the vast majority of EVs sold in Australia do not show SoH directly on the dashboard. That still leaves a few options when buying a second-hand EV:
- Use a diagnostic tool or app – with the seller’s permission, plug in a Bluetooth OBD2 (onboard diagnostics) scanner and use a third-party app to display the battery SoH, charge cycles, cell health, etc. The best apps to use will vary according to the EV make/model.
- Get a battery diagnostic report – this can often be performed by an authorised dealer of the brand of car you’re interested in buying, showing SoH, charge history, error codes, etc. Polestar, for example, offers battery SoH certificates for second-hand Polestar 2 EVs sold through its retail network.
- Do a full charge and range comparison – fully charge the EV and check the displayed driving range at 100 per cent. Compare this number to the manufacturer’s original claimed range (based on the WLTP testing cycle) to get a rough idea of capacity loss. Note that this is not a precise measure due to variables like recent driving style and temperature.
As mentioned in the previous section, check the status of the warranty and whether the manufacturer covers capacity loss under a certain threshold (usually 70 per cent).
During a test-drive, check for signs of battery issues – for example, a sudden drop in range, warning lights and, if it’s possible to charge the car, unexpectedly slow charging.
Also try to get a sense of how well the owner treated their EV’s battery. Ask about their charging habits – the types of chargers used, charging frequency and fast-charging practices. A high use of DC rapid chargers at public charging stations can have a detrimental impact on the lifespan of the battery, for example, whereas using a lower-powered source, such as an AC electric vehicle charger at home, generally preserves the battery at a greater rate.
A well-maintained battery with a consistent charging routine at lower voltages is a more attractive proposition than one that’s been subject to more extreme conditions over time.
While on the subject of charging, it’s also important to consider how you’ll keep your EV charged once you’ve bought the car. For many people, the most convenient and efficient way for everyday use is to invest in a dedicated home EV charging unit.
EV charging port and cables
Most, but not all, new electric vehicles come with a standard charging cable that can be plugged into a regular household power point (nominally 230V AC), so check this is included with the car when purchasing second-hand.
This is an important accessory in case of emergency when you’re on the road and will also ensure you’re able to plug the EV into a power point when you get home if you don’t have a dedicated charger in place.
The owner might have also purchased other adapters and cables that are no longer wanted, such as a Type 2 to Type 2 cable for charging at some smaller public AC outlets where a bring-your-own cable is required. (All major public EV charging stations with rapid DC chargers have cables included.)
Inspect the charging cords and connectors for damage and take a good look over the charging port (usually located behind a flap) to check for signs of wear and tear. Poor charging practices, especially at public charging stations where heavy cables and connectors are used, can lead to damage. RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance patrols also receive callouts for charger plugs getting stuck in the socket of EVs.
More: Guide to electric vehicle charging, plug types and cables
Other issues to consider
As with any used car, when purchasing an EV it’s important to undertake a thorough examination and check issues such as routine maintenance and whether any debts or other security interests are hanging over the vehicle. A pre-purchase inspection at an RACV-accredited Auto Care Centre is recommended.
Here are some common checks to make and other issues to consider:
- Closely examine the car’s exterior – look for any signs of damage or wear, such as dents, scratches or paint chips that may indicate previous accidents or neglect.
- Have a thorough look inside the car – check for any signs of excessive wear and tear, such as worn-out seats, damaged dashboard components or malfunctioning controls. Also consider the layout – some EVs don’t have a conventional driver’s display and might relegate oft-used functions to a central touchscreen rather than using traditional switchgear.
- Consider the safety features fitted – look for an EV with a high level of safety equipment, including an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) that emits an external sound when travelling at low speeds. A maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating is also recommended.
- Check logbook servicing has been carried out – EVs tend to require less maintenance compared to combustion-engined vehicles but they all have a routine servicing schedule based on a set time period and kilometres travelled (whichever comes first). Always ensure these have been carried out by checking the logbook in the car.
- Do a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) search – easily performed online, this will show you if the vehicle you want to buy is recorded as free from debt. It may also tell you if the car is recorded as stolen or written off.
- Check for any safety recalls issued on the car – you can search by make/model on the national Vehicle Recalls website to determine whether any safety recalls have been issued. If they have, make a note of the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and check with the manufacturer via its Australian website or customer service centre whether rectification work was carried out.
When it comes to financing, you may be able to apply for a novated lease for a second-hand EV through your employer, provided the vehicle meets specific conditions such as age, value, and registration dates. Otherwise, you can consider financing the vehicle with a secured car loan.
More: How to buy a used car with confidence using our checklist
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
