Electric vehicles (EVs) share more similarities with smartphones than they do with traditional cars. Their batteries, pound for pound, use the same chemical makeup as the ones in your phone or tablet. They function well—until they don't. After a few years, that advanced phone you own won’t hold a charge as long, and its performance will slow down. When that happens, mobile carriers often let you upgrade to a newer model with better features for little to no cost.

Purchasing a new EV operates similarly, except upgrading it will cost you a significant amount of money. Like most cars, new EVs lose their value over time, but many EVs depreciate even faster, and their efficiency can decline, sometimes drastically. This makes buying a used EV an attractive option.

Automakers release updates for their EVs almost annually, unlike conventional vehicles, which usually get upgrades every three or four years. Advances in battery technology happen so quickly that each model year often offers improvements in range, charging speed, acceleration, and tech features, sometimes at a lower cost than before.

As a result, older EVs become outdated virtually overnight. This doesn't mean they're poor-quality cars, but because EVs still make up a small percentage—less than one percent—of the total U.S. vehicle market, you might find deals on them that are harder to come by with gasoline cars.

EVs may not be suitable for everyone, but it’s essential to know why so that you can make an informed decision about whether a used EV fits your needs and budget.

The Age of the Battery

Just like with anything else, age is a key factor with older EVs, and understanding how battery age affects the driving range is critical. EV batteries, like all batteries, lose their capacity over time, meaning they can't hold or maintain as much energy. That's similar to how conventional car starter batteries need replacement every few years. Once weakened, they can't be restored to their original strength.

Though EV batteries are usually durable and seldom need replacement, they aren’t immune to aging. Picture your car's gas tank shrinking slowly. When you first got the car, you could fill up to 16 gallons. But over time, you need to fill up more often, and now it only holds 11 gallons. What’s happening?

In as little as three to five years, an EV can lose up to 30 percent of its initial battery capacity. This means that a vehicle that once had a 100-mile range might only offer 70 miles now, something that gasoline cars never experience.

It’s not just time that impacts battery capacity. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can also degrade EV batteries. For example, an EV that’s been driven in places like Montana or Arizona, where weather fluctuates dramatically, might have a more worn-out battery compared to one used in milder regions like California or Kentucky.

The number of charging cycles also matters. Batteries have a limited number of cycles, and the rate of charging (especially fast-charging) can influence their longevity. Higher-voltage fast charging produces more heat, which can speed up the battery’s decline when done too often. So, knowing how a used EV was treated can help manage expectations around battery life.

Climate: Where You Live or Where the EV Was Driven

Weather affects both the long-term battery health and everyday use of EVs. In freezing conditions, an EV battery can lose up to a third of its charge while fully charged, even before driving starts. Using heating or air conditioning further reduces mileage because these systems consume a lot of power.

Hot climates can also affect performance. When driving in temperatures above 100°F, EVs might struggle with frequent acceleration, leading to overheating. In such cases, the vehicle might reduce power to prevent damage.

Battery Warranties: Understanding the Details

All EVs come with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery, which can be transferred to future owners. This isn’t an act of generosity by automakers; it’s a federal requirement since the battery is considered part of the emissions system, which is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.

In California and other states following its Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) standards, the warranty extends to 10 years or 150,000 miles. Make sure to read the fine print, though, as some manufacturers only replace the battery if it completely fails, while others might do so if the capacity falls below a certain threshold.

Driving Style and Distance: How Do You Drive?

Some EVs can travel over 370 miles on a single charge, while others may only reach 100 miles. You need to figure out how much range you actually need. Do you drive long distances regularly? Take frequent road trips? Or stay mostly local? Remember, you won’t always have a full charge when you need to go somewhere, and planning around that can quickly become frustrating.

Your driving habits also matter. Aggressive acceleration uses up more energy, while steady driving on flat terrain will give you more range than driving on hills. So if you tend to drive fast or live in a hilly area, range could become a concern.

Home and Work Charging: What’s Your Setup?

Having access to charging at home or work is essential for EV ownership. EVs work best when charged overnight so they’re ready to go in the morning.

Home charging stations can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on installation and electrical requirements. If you live in an apartment or a place without regular access to a charging station, a used EV may not be the right choice for you.

Public Charging Availability

Outside of home or work, public charging stations are crucial for EV drivers. Some vehicles have exclusive charging networks, while others can use various stations.

However, not all charging plugs are the same. There are four different types of plugs for EVs, and not all are compatible. You’ll need to research the availability of stations in your area or where you typically drive to ensure compatibility with the EV you want.

Apps like EVGo, Chargepoint, Electrify America, and PlugShare can help you locate stations, but keep in mind that some stations charge at different speeds, and they may be full or malfunctioning when you need them. If you plan on relying heavily on public charging, do so cautiously.

Charging Costs and Speed

The time it takes to charge an EV depends on both the charger’s capacity and the EV's onboard system, which controls how much electricity can be used at once. Similar to buying an air conditioner, a larger charger will "cool" (or charge) the battery faster, while a smaller one may struggle to keep up.

Is This Your Primary or Secondary Vehicle?

The biggest question is whether this used EV will be your primary car. If so, you’ll need to consider the limitations and challenges that come with EV ownership. Unlike gasoline cars, EVs can't be refueled quickly, and if the battery is depleted, the car might be out of commission for hours.

However, if it’s a secondary vehicle, those concerns lessen because you’ll have the flexibility of another car for longer trips. In the end, your choice should hinge on whether owning an EV will simplify or complicate your daily routine.