Quick answer: Before you buy a used EV, check the battery warranty dates, ask how the car was charged, look at the range at full charge, check for warning messages, inspect the charge port, run a PPSR check and get an independent battery health report.
The battery is the most expensive part of an electric car, and you can't see how worn it is by looking at it. These checks take the guesswork out of buying second-hand.
1. Check the battery warranty dates
Battery warranties usually run from the date the car was first registered, not the date you buy it. Ask the seller for the first registration date and check the warranty terms for that model: the number of years, the kilometre limit and the minimum capacity it covers. A car with years of battery warranty left is worth more than one about to run out.
2. Ask how the car was charged
Ask whether it was mostly charged at home or mostly at public fast chargers. Regular DC fast charging isn't a deal-breaker, because modern cars manage battery temperature carefully, but it's useful context alongside a health test. A car that was regularly left sitting at 100% in summer heat is also worth asking about.
3. Look at the range at full charge
If you can, ask the seller to have the car charged to 100% when you inspect it, then compare the range shown with the range the car had when new. Remember that the dashboard figure is an estimate based on recent driving and temperature, so use it as a rough signal, not a verdict.
4. Check for warnings
Switch the car on and look for battery, charging or high-voltage system warnings on the dashboard and in the car's menus. Ask whether any battery-related work has been done under warranty, and ask for the paperwork if it has.
5. Inspect the charge port and cables
Look at the charge port for damage, corrosion or a loose cover, and check whether the charging cable that came with the car is included. A replacement portable charger can be an unexpected extra cost.
6. Run a PPSR check
A PPSR search (Personal Property Securities Register) shows whether there's money owing on the car, or whether it's been reported stolen or written off. It's quick, cheap and done online. Do it before you hand over any money.
When a registered car changes hands in Victoria, a Roadworthy Certificate is normally needed for the transfer. Keep in mind that a roadworthy is a safety inspection: it doesn't measure battery capacity.
7. Get an independent battery health report
This is the one check that tells you what the battery is actually like. A battery health test reads the state of health, the voltage of every cell group, temperatures and stored fault codes straight from the car's battery management system.
We do this as a mobile service across Melbourne's south-east. We can meet you at the seller's place, the test takes about 45 minutes, and you get the report by email the same day, before you decide.
Quick checklist
- First registration date and battery warranty terms
- How the car was usually charged
- Range at 100% compared with range when new
- No battery or charging warnings
- Charge port in good condition, charging cable included
- Clear PPSR check
- Independent battery health report