Buying a used electric car is still too expensive for some
Max Adams explains that, when you’re choosing a used car, it’s horses for courses
We all live different lives, with differing requirements for a car, and while EVs make sense in many situations, they aren’t quite the solution for everyone and every budget just yet. As if to prove the point, two friends and I all bought used cars this year. One went electric, I stuck with diesel, and the third went back from an EV to a V6 coupe. And we all had good reasons.
The mate who picked an EV wanted a reliable car, because his wife’s new job meant a commute. We encouraged his choice of a Volkswagen ID.3 because it’s practical, only needs servicing every two years, and they can charge it overnight at 8p per/kWh, or for free by, er, scrounging electricity at her mum’s house. Unless you can siphon, try doing that with an ICE car…
My situation is different, because I don’t have a high annual mileage, nor do I face a regular commute. When I do drive, it’s usually for long trips, which discounts cheaper, early EVs with limited ranges and slow charging speeds. The least expensive EV that would work for me is the Vauxhall Corsa Electric (or Corsa-e as it was formally known), but I’d need to shell out around £9,000 for one that hasn’t been written
off and has reasonable mileage. Frankly, I couldn’t justify spending that much on something that doesn’t get used a lot.
On top of that, used EV ownership has become less appealing because you now have to pay £195 a year in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), which is significantly more than on the £35-per-annum diesel Volvo V40 I bought for only £4,000.
Finances also dictated the decision of my other friend, who gave up his EV. Originally he picked a new Mazda MX-30 on dealer finance because of its unusual styling and striking interior. Its range wasn’t a problem, and he got by topping up from a three-pin plug in his garage. However, he was put off by the steep depreciation and found he could cut his monthly payments by getting a bank loan on a used car.
He would have liked an equally unusual Honda e to replace the Mazda, but you need about £13,000 for a good one, so he bought a cheaper Mercedes E-Class Coupe to smoke around in until the e drops to his level.
The issues my friend and I have faced will be solved when more modern EVs come onto the used market, and we both look forward to the time when our budgets can stretch to desirable cars like the Renault 5. Or perhaps even the Porsche Taycan. If an EV fits into your lifestyle, go for it. But for the time being, it’s okay to hang fire until you find the one that’s right for you.
No matter which type of fuel you prefer, we have plenty of great brand-new and used car deals available right now via the Auto Express Buy a Car service...
