Precautions when Purchasing a second hand hybrid or EV vehicle

There is a lot of misinformation going around about the care and maintenance of EV batteries. Some of this misinformation is quite negative and may even put some people off buying an EV. It’s important to understand the basics of electric car batteries and electric car battery life. The reality is, if an electric vehicle’s battery is well looked after, it should easily last well past the date of the manufacturer’s warranty.

That’s why, in this article, we want to share with you some important information on:

What checks should be done when purchasing a secondhand Hybrid or EV Vehicle

1. • Obtain a battery health report from the seller or a professional. Many hybrid vehicles can provide a detailed report through their onboard diagnostic systems.

1. • Have the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic who specializes in hybrid vehicles. They can check the battery’s state of charge, voltage, and overall health.

1. • Review the vehicle’s service records to see if there have been any issues with the battery or if it has been replaced.

1. • Take the vehicle for a test drive. Pay attention to how the battery charges and discharges. Any erratic behaviour or significant drop in charge could indicate problems.

1. • Check if the battery is still under warranty. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties on hybrid batteries, which can provide peace of mind.

1. • • Use a hybrid battery scanner or ask a professional to use one. This tool can give detailed information about each cell in the battery pack.

1. • • • Consider the age and mileage of the vehicle. Hybrid batteries typically last between 8-10 years or around 100,000 to 150,000 miles. A higher mileage or older vehicle may have a more worn battery.

1. • • • • Get a vehicle history report from previous owners and check the service book

Find out more about HEV and EV servicing.

In New Zealand, electric cars need to pass the same safety testing and standards as every other vehicle on the road.

In addition to this, electric cars have specific standards which they must comply with. These include:

• Limiting chemical spills from their batteries.
• Secure placement of the batteries in the event of an accident.
• Keeping the chassis an appropriate distance from the high-voltage system to avoid electric shock.

When it comes to maintaining an electric vehicle, the basic maintenance is easier to keep up with than petrol-driven cars because there are fewer moving mechanical parts and less fluids to change, such as oil and transmission fluid.

The important thing to note about maintaining an electric vehicle and ensuring you get the best out of an electric vehicle battery, is that all servicing or repair work should be carried out by a mechanic who is fully trained and qualified for working on an electric vehicle.

The batteries within an EV can carry an exceptionally high voltage and need to be handled carefully. Always book your car into a proper service centre for your EV servicing.

Learn about the benefits of a hybrid or electric vehicle.