2023 Used EV Buyer's Guide

2023

Guide Overview

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, it’s essential to know what to look for in a quality

used electric vehicle — AAA’s Used EV Buyer’s Guide highlights many of those areas, including:

Driving Range & Charging

Driving range and charging are one of the most common concerns for prospective EV buyers.

The good news — most EVs have more than enough range for daily driving habits.

Î Overnight charging at home that uses a 240-volt source (known as Level

2) can get most EVs back to full capacity by morning.

Î While public charging is not as readily available as gas stations, it is growing quickly. With

extra planning, EV owners can eliminate any concerns about running out of charge.

Used EV Ownership Costs

Fueling a gas vehicle costs roughly three times as much as charging a similar EV.

Î Tax incentives of up to $4,000 are available to consumers to purchase used EVs.

Î EVs typically cost less to maintain, but used EV owners have to consider the

potential cost of eventually replacing the battery, which can be expensive.

Î Overall, used EVs are generally less expensive to own than similar used gas-powered vehicles.

Shopping for a Used EV

EVs are still relatively new to the market, so car buyers may ﬁnd that used

EVs consist primarily of compact sedans and crossovers.

Î Before shopping, car buyers should list their vehicle needs (i.e., driving range, size,

performance) to ensure they select the right vehicle for the best price.

Î When buying a used EV, it is imperative to ﬁnd a vehicle with a warranty that still has a lot of

time before it expires and speciﬁcally covers the replacement of the traction battery.

USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023

Contents

Guide Overview 3

Introduction 4

What is an EV?

Driving Range and Charging 5

Driving Range

EV Charging

Ownership Costs of Used EVs 8

Electric vs. Gas Vehicle Ownership Costs

Purchase Prices

Depreciation

Fuel Costs

Maintenance Costs

Tax Incentives

Repair and Maintenance 12

Battery Repair and Replacement

EV Maintenance and Repairs

Warranties

Tires

Finding a Used EV 14

Availability

Where to Shop

Choosing a Used EV

Evaluating Vehicle Condition

Recalls

Additional Resources

USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023

Driving Range and Charging

Nearing the top of the list of consumer concerns regarding EVs are a limited driving range and

ﬁnding a charger when needed. Many EVs have less driving range than comparable gas-powered

vehicles, especially for models produced closer to 2010 — the start of the modern EV era. A used EV

is also likely to have less range than it did when it was new due to the age of the battery.

Before purchasing an EV, buyers need to consider the vehicle’s purpose. Will they often drive in cold

weather? Do they need to drive it on long trips? Where is the closest charging option? Understanding

how they need to use their vehicle will help buyers determine if electric is the right choice for them.

Driving Range

According to the US Department of Energy, for the 2021 model year, the average driving range for a

gasoline vehicle was 403 miles compared to 234 miles for all EVs (about 42% less)

. Note that the driving

range of EVs varies greatly by model. For example, a 2021 MINI Cooper SE has an EPA range of 110 miles,

while a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range has an EPA range of 353 miles. According to the AAA Foundation

for Trac Safety’s 2020-2021 American Driving Survey, people drive an average of 32.7 miles daily. This

suggests that for most drivers, an EV has more than enough range for a typical day of driving.

If someone starts the day with a fully charged EV, even with a long daily commute, they should make

it through their day without stopping to charge. But there are a couple of situations where an EV’s

range limitation should be considered.

Long Distance Trips

EV owners must rely on public charging when

driving beyond their vehicle’s range, whether

on a road trip or just an extended day trip.

Public charging may be easy to ﬁnd in densely

populated areas or along high-trac highways.

But the nearest public charging station in rural

areas could be far away or nonexistent.

Another consideration is the time it takes

fully recharge an EV. In contrast, drivers of

gas-powered vehicles can ﬁnd a nearby gas

station almost anywhere and refuel in just a

few minutes. But with proper planning, taking

a long-distance trip in an EV is possible. Using

tools like the US Department of Energy’s

Alternative Fuels Data Center, drivers can ﬁnd

public chargers along their route.

AAA also oers tools to help with planning

road trips. The AAA TripTik Travel Planner is a

free point-to-point directions tool that travelers

can use to map their routes, save favorite or

frequent trips, discover destination information,

including points of interest and the location of

EV charging stations.

Introduction

EVs are gaining popularity. The promise of reduced environmental impact and fuel cost savings has

led many people to consider purchasing an EV. In some cases, the price of a new EV can be much

higher than a comparable gas-powered vehicle.

Those who want an EV but need a more aordable option may ﬁnd buying used a better option.

First-time EV buyers will likely have questions, and this guide aims to answer those questions plus

cover essential topics related to buying an EV.

What is an EV?

Two types of vehicles are considered electric — battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid

electric vehicles (PHEV). BEVs are powered entirely by electricity and are likely what people think of

when they hear the term EV. It has a battery pack that supplies power to the motor(s) and propels

the vehicle.

PHEVs are similar in that they have a battery pack that supplies power to the motor, but they have

the addition of a small gas engine to extend range. They are hybrids because they use gas engines

and electric motors. The big dierence is that they can run on battery alone for a limited range

(typically 20 to 50 miles). This guide will focus primarily on BEVs, which is what the EV will refer to

from here.

US Department of Energy, “FOTW #1221, January 17, 2022: Model Year 2021 All-Electric Vehicles Had a Median Driving Range about 60% That of Gasoline Powered Vehicles,” January

17, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/fotw-1221-january-17-2022-model-year-2021-all-electric-vehicles-had-median. [Accessed Oct 2022].

USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023

continues to do so. Public chargers allow drivers

to charge their EVs away from home and often

at a faster rate, whether on a long-distance

road trip or just topping o to make it home

from work. However, public charging is more

expensive than charging at home.

Level 2 chargers are the most common type

available at public stations. They are not ideal

for completely replenishing a vehicle’s battery

unless it is plugged in for several hours. But if a

driver needs to add a small amount of range to

ﬁnish their trip, then public Level 2 chargers are

a good solution.

The other type of public charger is the DC fast

charger. As the name implies, DC is the quickest

method for charging an EV, adding 180 to 240

miles of range per hour

. They can fully charge

most EVs within an hour; however, the vehicle’s

capability can limit the charge rate. DC charging

is typically more expensive than Level 2 and can

degrade the battery if used too often.

Prospective EV buyers should consider whether

they will be relying on public charging regularly

and know the availability in their area. The

US Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels

Data Center provides a map of public charging

stations, a helpful resource for determining

public charging in a particular area.

Charging Costs

The cost to charge an EV can vary based on the

vehicle and the local electricity rates. But one

thing is true – it costs less to charge an EV than

to fuel a gas-powered vehicle. Let’s compare the

cost to charging/refueling similar electric and

gas vehicles.

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV has a range of 259

miles and an EPA eciency rating of 28 kWh/

mi. The comparable 2022 Chevrolet Trax LT

(gas-powered) has an EPA eciency of 27 MPG

or 0.037 gallons per mile

. According to the US

Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average

household electricity rate was $0.163 per

kWh as of November 2022, while the national

average price for regular-grade gasoline was

$3.853 per gallon

In this scenario, when charging at home, the

Bolt EV will cost about 4.6 cents per mile to

charge, while the Trax will cost more than triple

to fuel at about 14.3 cents per mile. This fuel

savings is one of the major selling points of EVs.

This calculation assumes that the EV is being

charged at home. Public charging rates are

typically higher and can vary greatly depending

on the location, type of charger, and even time

of day. States have dierent laws about how

charging rates are set, with some charging by

the kWh and others by the minute. Because of

this, it is dicult to determine the typical rate

for public charging.

Weather

Climate can have a signiﬁcant eect on the

driving range of an EV. AAA research found

that an outside temperature of 20⁰F and heat

used inside the vehicle reduced driving range by

an average of 41%. AAA’s research also found

that with an outside temperature of 95°F and

air-conditioning used inside the vehicle, driving

range decreases by 17%. Weather is important

when planning long-distance travel in an EV,

especially in cold climates.

Alleviating Range Anxiety

When it comes to knowing how much EV

range is enough, drivers must understand their

personal needs, preferences, and daily habits.

The key is choosing a vehicle that ﬁts the

situation. For those with a short commute, an

EV may make sense for everyday use with the

option of renting a gas vehicle for occasional

long-distance travel. For a two-vehicle

household, owning one EV and one gas vehicle

might provide the best of both worlds – saving

on fuel costs for daily driving but having the

option of a gas-powered vehicle for longer trips.

EV Charging

One of the most signiﬁcant questions when it comes to EVs is charging. While most EV charging is

done at home, a AAA survey found that 60% of people cite a lack of convenient places to charge as

one of their top reasons not to buy electric. Another point of confusion is over the number and types

of EV charging connectors. This section will discuss the dierent options for EV charging and their

pros and cons. Additional information about EV charging (including charging levels and types of

connectors) can be found at the US Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.

Home charging

Charging at home saves EV owners time since

it can be done overnight or when the car is not

in use. It also saves on charging costs since

electricity used at home is much cheaper than

public charging.

There are two types of home charging - Level

1 and Level 2. Level 1 chargers, which come

with most EVs, plug into a standard 120-

volt household outlet (meaning no special

installation is required). This option is the most

convenient and aordable but much slower than

the other options. The typical rate of charge is

2 to 5 miles of range per hour, meaning those

who drive longer distances may not be able to

recharge their vehicle overnight fully.

Level 2 chargers operate on a 240-volt source.

Some units plug directly into 240-volt outlets,

which may require installation if not already

available in the home, and others need to be

hardwired to the service panel. The upfront

installation cost may be worth it since Level 2

charging is up to ten times faster than Level 1.

Depending on the unit, Level 2 chargers provide

roughly 10 to 20 miles of range per hour. Most

drivers will have plenty of time to get their EV

back to full charge overnight.

Public Charging

While not nearly as common as gas stations,

the availability of public EV chargers has

signiﬁcantly grown in recent years and

US Department of Transportation, “Electric Vehicle Charging Speeds,” February 2, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.transportation.gov/rural/ev/toolkit/ev-basics/

charging-speeds#:~:text=Level%201,vehicle%20(PHEV)%20from%20empty.. [Accessed October 2022].

US Department of Energy & US Environmental Protection Agency, “www.fueleconomy.gov,” [Online]. Available: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/powerSearch.jsp. [Accessed

Oct 2022].

US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Average energy prices for the United States, regions, census divisions, and selected metropolitan areas Nov 2022. [Online]. Available: https://

www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/data/averageenergyprices_selectedareas_table.htm. [Accessed Nov 2022].

USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023

Ownership Costs of Used EVs

EV owners can expect to save on fuel costs since the electricity needed to charge their battery

is considerably cheaper than gasoline or diesel fuel. But other costs associated with vehicle

ownership need to be considered. Vehicle ownership costs can be broken down into six categories:

depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance and repairs, taxes and fees, and ﬁnance charges. Each will

vary based on the vehicle, the owner’s state of residence, driving tendencies, and other factors.

AAA’s 2022 Your Driving Costs study compared new vehicle ownership costs of nine dierent vehicle

categories and found that EVs had the second-lowest total ownership costs. The most signiﬁcant

savings were in fuel, repair, maintenance, fees, and taxes (due to available rebates for some EVs).

On the other hand, EVs were found to have the highest depreciation costs. But for those looking to

purchase a used vehicle, some of these costs will change.

Electric vs. Gas Vehicle Ownership Costs

Using AAA’s online Your Driving Costs calculator, the cost to own two popular EVs from the model

year 2017 was compared to similar gas-powered vehicles. These US average cost estimates are

based on 15,000 miles driven annually and an EPA-standard 55%/45% city/highway driving ratio. The

cost estimates assume that the vehicles were purchased used in January 2023, driven for ﬁve years,

and traded in.

In both comparisons, the EVs oer signiﬁcant savings in fuel costs – nearly $7,000 over ﬁve years.

They also save on maintenance costs compared to their gas-powered counterparts. When all cost

categories are added up, both of the used EVs are estimated to cost less to own than their gas-

powered comparison.

Opting for a used EV can save money. Still, car buyers should thoroughly research their options and

use tools like AAA’s online Your Driving Costs calculator to compare ownership costs for dierent

vehicles and situations.

Purchase Prices

In the past, on average, EVs depreciated much faster than their gas-powered counterparts, meaning

used EVs could be purchased at low prices compared to used gas vehicles. But recently, high gas

prices and general inﬂation of used automobile prices have increased the purchase prices of used

EVs. Despite this, buyers can expect to spend thousands less on a used EV than on a new one. A

lower purchase price means a smaller down payment, fewer ﬁnancing costs, and fewer taxes.

GasolineElectric

MSRP $30,680 $21 ,420

Total $31,083 $43,676

Fuel

Maint & Repair

Depreciation

Insurance

Fees & Taxes

Finance Charges

$3,475

$8,431

$9,376

$7,042

$1,531

$1,228

$10 ,337

$12,985

$10, 378

$7, 280

$1 ,270

$1,426

2017 Nissan LEAF S 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport S

Subcompact Comparison: 5-year cost to ownership

Compact Comparison: 5-year cost to ownership

GasolineElectric

MSRP $3 6,620 $22,900

Total $37,932 $39,280

Fuel

Maint & Repair

Depreciation

Insurance

Fees & Taxes

Finance Charges

$3,300

$9,534

$13,922

$7,11 6

$2,009

$2,051

$10,176

$12,685

$7,047

$6,883

$1,220

$1,269

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT 2017 Chevrolet Trax LT

warranties or conditions of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to such data, including the implied warranties of merchantable quality

and tness for a particular purpose.

warranties or conditions of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to such data, including the implied warranties of merchantable quality

and tness for a particular purpose.

USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023

Depreciation

Depreciation (the dierence between the price paid for a vehicle and the price it is eventually sold

for) is typically the single largest vehicle ownership cost. In the past, EVs were known to depreciate

faster than gas vehicles, but the increasing popularity of EVs means that this is not necessarily true

anymore. In reality, depreciation is vehicle-speciﬁc. Due to brand name, perceived quality, or other

factors, some vehicles will lose value more quickly than others.

On the one hand, a used EV buyer beneﬁts from depreciation by obtaining a lower purchase price.

On the other hand, that savings could be negated in the long run by similarly low future resale value.

EV shoppers can ﬁnd estimates for depreciation over ﬁve years of ownership for vehicles going back

ﬁve model years at AAA’s Your Driving Costs online tool.

Fuel Costs

As discussed in the Driving Range and Charging section, EVs can save money on fuel costs. In the

above estimates, charging costs for both EVs are about one-third of their gas-powered counterparts,

but note that these estimates assume mostly home charging. Public charging can cost signiﬁcantly

more than home charging, reducing savings compared to gas.

The upfront cost of installing a home unit saves money in the long run and is likely the best option for

most owners. Those unable to install a dedicated EV charger in their home can ﬁnd Level 1 charging

options that plug into standard 120-volt wall outlets, though they typically charge much slower.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs for EVs are generally less than for gas vehicles. This is because electric

powertrains have fewer moving components than combustion engines and don’t require as much

ongoing maintenance (like oil changes). In our examples above, each EV is estimated to cost at least

20% less in maintenance, repair, and tires than the gas comparisons.

There are, however, potential expenses not necessarily accounted for in the above estimates

once a vehicle is outside of warranty. In the case of gas vehicles, major repairs like transmission

replacements can cost thousands. Similarly, an EV battery that has reached the end of its life can

cost thousands to replace. This and other maintenance topics are discussed in further detail in

section IV.

Tax Incentives

In August of 2022, the Inﬂation Reduction Act was signed into law and changed how federal tax

credits for alternative fuel vehicles (including EVs) work. As of January 2023, purchasers of new

EVs could get a maximum tax rebate of $7,500

. But things like where the vehicle and battery were

assembled, where battery materials were sourced from, the purchase price, and the purchaser’s

income can reduce the rebate or disqualify a purchase altogether.

Buyers of used EVs can receive up to $4,000 or 30% of the price of the vehicle when purchasing

an EV that is a minimum of two years old. And there are no requirements related to assembly and

materials, so more models should qualify. The purchase price must not exceed $25,000, and the

purchaser’s income must be below $150,000 ﬁling jointly, $112,500 for the head of a household, and

$75,000 for single ﬁlers and others. The used vehicle tax credit is only available for the ﬁrst sale after

the new purchase

Used EV shoppers can ﬁnd a list of qualifying used EVs at the IRS’s Index of Qualiﬁed Manufacturers

and Previously Owned Clean Vehicles. Buyers should also research state-level incentives, as some

states provide additional credits for EV purchases. Buyers can ﬁnd more information on federal and

state-level EV incentives at the US Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Data Center.

117th Congress, H.R.5376 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Inﬂation Reduction Act of 2022. 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-

bill/5376/text/pl?overview=closed. [Accessed Oct 2022].

US Department of Energy, Pre-Owned Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Tax Credit [Online]. Available: https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/13038. [Accessed

October 2022].

USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023

Repair and Maintenance

EVs tend to require less maintenance than gas-powered ones. An electric powertrain has fewer

components than an internal combustion engine (meaning fewer parts to wear out or break). EVs also

don’t require regular oil changes, meaning fewer visits to the mechanic. Depending on how it’s driven,

EV owners may even have to replace their brake pads less often due to the use of regenerative braking.

However, there are some caveats. Most notable is the traction battery that powers the vehicle’s

motors. While it does not typically need ongoing maintenance, it does wear out over time, and

when the time comes, the cost to replace it can be very high. This section will discuss this and other

maintenance-related topics that prospective used EV owners should know.

Battery Repair and Replacement

Instead of a gas tank, EVs store their energy in a traction battery pack. Unlike the

twelve-volt battery used by most cars to start engines and power accessories, a

traction battery is much larger, operates at a much higher voltage, and powers an

EV’s motor(s).

The traction battery (like other batteries) gradually loses its capacity as it is

charged and discharged. This is why an EV that is a few years old typically has less

range than when new. And things like how the battery is charged and the climate

it resides in can decrease its longevity. But how long the traction battery will last

is a dicult question since a relatively small number of EVs have been around long

enough to reach this point.

EV Maintenance and Repairs

Whether still under warranty or not, the best bet is to have drivetrain and traction

battery issues serviced at an authorized dealership that services that brand.

EVs are still quite new and sell in relatively low numbers, so mechanics (whether

independent or dealership) may not have much experience with them. But taking

an EV to a dealership ensures they have access to the vehicle’s appropriate

service information and equipment. This will change over time as EVs become

more prevalent and more independent shops build the skills and tools required to

service EVs.

An independent service provider should be equipped to handle maintenance on

equipment not speciﬁc to EVs (such as brakes, suspension, and tires). Owners

may even ﬁnd independent shops that specialize in EVs. No matter where they

choose to take their EV, owners should research shops before bringing in their

vehicles to ensure they are experienced, certiﬁed, and equipped to handle their

speciﬁc needs. EV owners can ﬁnd a quality repair shop using the AAA Approved

Auto Repair Facility Locator.

Warranties

Manufacturers are federally mandated to oer an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty

on traction batteries, with some oering 10-year/150,000-mile or even lifetime

warranties. Traction battery replacements can cost thousands (or tens of thousands)

of dollars, so buyers need to know the duration and terms of the warranty.

Some automakers (such as Hyundai/Kia and Tesla) provide warranties beyond the

federal mandate on speciﬁc models. This provides owners peace of mind that they

will not have to pay for a battery replacement for many years.

Buyers should check to see whether a used vehicle is still under warranty

(especially on the traction battery), but beware that not all warranties are passed

along to subsequent owners. Buyers can contact a dealership and provide the

vehicle’s VIN to check the remaining warranty. An active warranty can mean peace

of mind for however many miles (or years) are left on it and could be the deciding

factor when comparing used EVs.

Tires

EVs are typically equipped with specialized tires from the factory. Because eciency

and driving range is at a premium, manufacturers tend to install low rolling resistance

tires on their electric models. Besides that, EVs are signiﬁcantly heavier than their gas

counterparts due to the weight of the electric motor and large battery pack, and they

need tires that are rated to support that extra weight.

This means that replacing the tires of an EV will likely cost more than for gas

vehicles. However, if the tires are replaced with cheaper, non-specialized tires,

owners could get worse eciency (less range) and have to replace those tires

sooner due to faster wear.

USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023

Finding a Used EV

Availability

EVs make up a small fraction of the used car market. EVs currently account for less than 1% of

vehicles in operation. Shoppers can expect their options to be limited, especially if they live in an area

with a lower EV prevalence. Historically, there has been little variety in EVs, with sedans and small

SUVs making up the majority. This is changing, though, with recent additions of electric pickups,

SUVs, and sports vehicles.

Four of the most popular used EV models in the US include the Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Bolt EV,

Tesla Model X, and Nissan LEAF – all of which are sedans or compact SUVs. Buyers looking for larger

used vehicles may have diculty ﬁnding electric options, but the variety of EV models and vehicle

types has been growing yearly. Looking for newer used vehicles could oer more options.

Where to Shop

Car buyers can ﬁnd used EVs at dealerships, used car lots, and online listings. Since inventory is more

limited, car buyers may have to spend more time searching and traveling to ﬁnd an EV that meets

their needs.

Choosing a Used EV

Price

First, a buyer must decide how much they want

to spend. For example, the 2017 Tesla Model

S 75 is a high-performance large sedan with

a range of 249 miles and an original MSRP of

about $70,000. Currently, a used model might

cost $50,000 or more

. The more moderately

priced 2017 Nissan LEAF S is an economical

compact hatchback with a stated range of 107

miles and an original MSRP of about $30,000.

A used model might currently cost less than

$15,000

Size & Performance

Before shopping, buyers should decide how

large of a vehicle they need. There are large

sedan models that can ﬁt a small family

comfortably, and there are compact models

with limited storage and passenger space.

Range

One of the most critical factors when selecting

a used EV is range. Some car buyers may not

need their EV to go further than a few miles

a day, especially if they own a second vehicle

that is gas-powered. Others may own just one

vehicle and rely on it for a long daily commute.

Buyers should understand their driving needs

and select a vehicle accordingly.

Brand

The brand is a major factor aecting the cost of

an EV (or any vehicle). Some brands may oer

higher quality or a sense of luxury. Some people

may prefer the styling of a particular car over

another. And some people may have a favorite.

Buyers should understand that some brands and

models tend to cost more or hold their value

better than others. For example, Tesla vehicles

cost more than many other EVs when new and

hold their value well.

Evaluating Vehicle Condition

Before purchasing a used EV, it is important to evaluate the vehicle’s condition. If available, buyers

should consider purchasing an independent pre-purchase inspection by a company specializing in

EVs or the vehicle brand they are considering buying. Buyers should also request a service record

from the seller, which can be obtained from the dealership (assuming that is where the vehicle was

taken for service). Otherwise, records can be obtained through a service like CARFAX®.

Buyers should look for records indicating future problems (like wrecks) or for battery repairs or

replacements. While battery repairs may suggest an aging battery that could require more service in

the future, a new battery replacement could mean that the buyer is getting a battery with a longer life.

Buyers should speciﬁcally request information on the state of health of the battery since this is a

potential future expense that can cost thousands. Dealerships may be able to perform a battery

evaluation, but if this isn’t available, ﬁnd out the current maximum capacity of the vehicle’s battery

and compare it to the as-new capacity as stated by the manufacturer. On the dash, many EVs will

provide the battery’s current max capacity (in kW-h). If not, a buyer should at least ask to check the

driving range (in miles) stated with the vehicle fully charged.

Comparing the capacity or range on the dash to the manufacturer-stated value when new can show

how much the battery has already degraded. The more range that has already been lost, the closer a

battery is likely to be repaired or replaced.

Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc., Used 2017 Tesla Model S [Online]. Available: https://www.kbb.com/tesla/model-s/2017/. [Accessed Oct 2022].

Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc., Used 2017 Nissan LEAF [Online]. Available: https://www.kbb.com/nissan/leaf/2017/. [Accessed Oct 2022].

USED EV BUYER’S GUIDE | 2023

Recalls

Buyers should check for recalls before purchasing a used vehicle (electric or otherwise). This can be

done by entering the vehicle’s VIN at NHTSA’s Safety Issues and Recalls search page. An active recall

may not be a reason to avoid a vehicle, but not knowing about a recall could mean driving around

with faulty or dangerous equipment or a surprise trip to the dealership soon after purchasing.

Additional Resources

Î AAA’s Your Driving Costs Calculator:

Compare customized ownership cost estimates for new and used vehicles dating back to the model year 2017.

Î Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center:

Information on EV charging, map of public chargers, explanation of EV tax incentives, and more.

Î IRS Index of Qualiﬁed Manufacturers and Previously Owned Clean Vehicles:

Check for tax rebates for speciﬁc EV models.

Î AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility Locator:

Find a quality service facility for your vehicle’s maintenance and repairs.

Î NHTSA Safety Issues & Recalls:

Check on safety issues for a vehicle you are interested in purchasing.