The Octopus Guide to Evaluating Used Electric Cars

Electric cars are different.

Everyone knows that the more miles on the odometer a gas car has, the worse it will drive. 

The more miles a gas car has, the more maintenance is needed, there’s a higher risk of expensive repairs and that’s not to mention that the drive quality will get rougher - more noise and vibration with less power.

Electric cars are different. And we want to introduce you to how to think about age and odometer on an electric car. 

There’s 3 key things to keep in mind with electric cars:

1. Electric motors run smoother for longer than gas engines.

Did you know there’s 100-year old electric motors still in use in power plants?  You don’t have to worry about an electric car motor from 2021.

2. Batteries degrade more slowly than you expect, lasting 200,000+ miles.

They typically lose a bit of range in the first 10,000 miles or so and then hold relatively steady for many years, losing only a fraction of a percent per year. (Want proof? Here it is.)

3. Fewer moving parts means a quiet, smooth ride with less maintenance.

Just about 20 moving parts to be exact, vs. 2,000 for a gas car. That’s less to shake and rattle, and less to break.  

What does this mean for shopping for a used electric car?

All of these things add up to a different way to evaluate a used electric car.

Odometer matters less, period.

It’s a good bet that an electric car with 50,000 miles on it is going to drive and feel just like a car with 5,000 miles on it, even if it has been driven a lot in a short period of time.

Range won’t dry up on you.

If an electric car that’s 2-3 years old has 90% of its range, it’s a good bet it’ll have 85%+ after another 10 years.

Drive quality depends on suspension and tires.

Shocks and struts are the same as on gas cars and may need replacement at higher odometers.  Tires may wear more quickly on EVs due to weight and acceleration, but replacing them will maintain good handling. (And of course, with an EV from Octopus tire replacements are included in your monthly payment).

What’s left?  Cosmetic condition. 

Things like upholstery, car exterior, and wheels are the same no matter what’s under the hood.  So cosmetic condition matters as much as ever with a used electric car.  But if you like how a pre-owned electric car looks on the outside and especially if you can rely on a solid warranty (like the one Octopus provides for your entire lease) you can feel great about how it’s going to drive.