Should you buy a used electric vehicle?

Shopping for a used EV? Here are some things Brian Turner says to keep in mind.

As more automakers are getting into electrification, the interest in this alternative propulsion system is growing, as is the charging station infrastructure across the country. Between battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), there are now 40 different models available to Canadian consumers. While they still account for only a small percentage of the total fleet on the road today, their growth in sales can’t be ignored — more than 37,000 BEVs and PHEVs have been sold in Canada.

Consider that in all of 2013, just 1,600 BEVs and PHEVs rolled off dealership lots and at the end of the second quarter of this year, that number has grown to 4,659 (with the split between the two groups being approximately 50/50). Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia account for the lion’s share of the market.

As driving ranges increase for EVs, more consumers are considering them for secondary or primary transportation and some are looking to the pre-owned marketplace for their shopping. But along with the usual checklist for a gas-powered used vehicle, there are a few things to consider that only apply to EVs.

The first is any provincial purchase incentive or rebate. Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec offer these rebates with Ontario providing the biggest ones, up to $14,000. However, they are only available on new purchases or leases.

Ranges on EVs can degrade with battery age and usage. All of the several different types of lithium and nickel drive batteries used in EV design have a finite number of recharge cycles before their performance drops off dramatically. When you start with a range under 300 kilometres and factor Canadian winter temperatures, you want to be sure the batteries are in good condition.

Be prepared to take a slightly longer road test than you would with a gas-powered vehicle. Ask your potential seller to have the EV fully charged and then complete at least a 50-km circuit and use the instrument-panel readout to gauge the true battery range.