EV SALES, MEDWAY CITY ESTATE, WHITEWALL CENTRE, WHITEWALL ROAD, ROCHESTER, KENT, ME2 4DZ
Are you looking to buy a second hand EV? With the UK government’s commitment to slash climate change, you might be considering buying an electric vehicle.
Electric vehicles are fast, fun to drive and require little maintenance. They produce no tailpipe emissions, a major contribution to climate change.
Before you jump in and make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle, here’s some advice for people wanting to buy a second hand EV.
BEFORE YOU BUY A SECOND HAND EV, CONSIDER WHAT YOU WANT!
And be honest!
Even if you’re sure you want to buy a second hand EV, there are still loads to choose from. It’s important to understand what you want in a vehicle before buying.
Do you want an EV for basic transportation or will it be more than that? Is it an expression of yourself and your personality?
Vehicles such as the Hyundai Ioniq, BMW i3 and the Renault ZOE are economical and ecological alternatives to gas-powered cars. Whereas, others such as the Porche Taycan or Tesla Model S are EVs that provide more than just a drive.
They’re a statement of yourself. And they come with statement prices that can set you back something in the ballpark of £100,000. That’s why it’s important to consider what you will use your EV for before you purchase one.
CONSIDER YOUR CHARGING OPTIONS
Even though EVs are becoming more popular and EV charging stations are popping up everywhere. It is still a good idea to have a charging plan prior to purchasing your EV.
The first step is to determine where you will charge your vehicles. Most people choose to charge their EV at their home overnight. This means your vehicle will be charged and ready to use in the morning!
Further development of electric vehicles means that many EVs can travel up to 100 miles or more on a single charge. It’s also becoming quicker to charge your EV, meaning you can choose to recharge at work, at the gym, or at local charging stations.
While all EVs can be powered with typical household outlets, the process can be painfully slow. Many EV owners opt to install faster 240-volt charging outlets which usually involves hiring an electrician. It’s good to consider this when weighing up whether to buy a second hand EV.
If you are unable to charge your vehicle at home, it’s not the end of the world. However, we would suggest you pay attention to the real world range of your vehicle. Keep in mind that your EVs range can differ depending on the weather conditions you’re driving in.
While the fear of running out of juice, known as range anxiety, is real, it’s often overstated. So don’t stress it too much!
WHAT TYPE OF JOURNEYS ARE YOU DOING?
Before you buy a second hand EV, you need to consider what type of journeys you are likely to be doing. All electric vehicles are great for racking up short distances, but you may want an EV with a larger range if you travel further.
It’s a good idea to look into where your closest local chargers are and what charging speeds they offer. The silent simplicity of driving electric is excellent for city and town driving. With more public charging stations, you can top up while doing the weekly shop or sitting in your favourite cafe.
If this sounds like you, then an electric vehicle with a smaller range such as the BMW i3, could be perfect!
However, if your daily commute is a few dozen miles away, you might only get away with charging your EV at home or on route. Thanks to the government’s new Workplace Charging Scheme many employers are now installing EV charging stations.
If your workplace does have EV charging points then this could be perfect for you. You’ll be able to charge your vehicle while at work, meaning it will be ready for you to drive away once you finish.
EVS ARE GREAT FOR LONGER JOURNEYS.
Whether your workplace doesn’t offer charging points or you’re planning a longer journey, there’s still plenty of EVs for you to choose from.
A Tesla Model S Long Range will guarantee drivers with over 400 miles of range on a full charge. That’s enough to get you from London to Edinburgh with ease. If you’re willing to splash the cash, the Lucid Air Grand Touring provides drivers with a whopping 517 miles of range!
It just depends what you want out of your EV.
IS AN EV CHEAPER?
EVs are not only great for cutting our carbon footprint, they can also save you a lot of cash! While some electric vehicles are pricier than gas-powered alternatives, EVs will definitely save you money in the long haul.
Just think about all the pennies you’ll be saving on fuel straight away. You can also save some money, thanks to the UK government’s pledge to support the growth of EVs.
Electric cars now pay 1% Company Car tax, or 0% for electric vans as well as being exempt from London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone fees. This usually costs drivers £12.50 a day for cars, meaning over the year you could save a huge£2,875 on top of any fuel savings.
As of November 2020, the UK government provides all EV owners with a grant of up to £2,500 for vehicles up to the value price of £30,000. You can also receive £350 off the cost of a home charger.
BEST EVS TO BUY DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
If you want an EV for zipping around the town and are likely to travel shorter distances, then we would recommend the BMW i3 or the Renault ZOE.
The funky BMW i3 really transformed the EV market when it was first launched in 2013. Since then BMW have developed the i3 into one of the best small EVs on the market. With a range of roughly 120 miles, the i3 is ideal for local town driving.
The Renault ZOE is Europe’s most popular electric vehicle and it’s not hard to see why. This year the ZOE was awarded the Best Supermini Award by TopGear Magazine and the Best Small Electric Car Award by WhatCar? With a range of approximately 100 miles, the ZOE is perfect for trips to the shop or dropping the kids to school.
However, if you’re looking for a flashy EV with a larger range, then we recommend the Tesla Model S or the Porche Taycan 4S.
Tesla’s are known for their futuristic design and high-quality technology, but they also come with a great range for owners looking to go the extra mile. The Tesla Model S can offer drivers with a range between 250 – 380 miles. This can vary depending on the model, condition of the EV and the driving conditions.
Want something sporty with a long range? Then the Porsche Taycan 4S is the perfect choice for you. With a range of roughly 240 miles there’s not a lot the Taycan 4S can’t do. Jam packed with a high-quality, sleek interior it offers drivers the ultimate experience.
BUY A SECOND HAND EV WITH EV SALES
Whether you like the sound of an i3, a ZOE or a Tesla we have plenty of EV options for everyone. You can view our full stocklist here, or you can give us a call on 01634 914 063 to see what we have in stock.
When you buy a second hand EV through us, you are guaranteed a vehicle with:
- 6+ month MOT
- 7 day back money back guarantee
- 100 day warranty
WANT TO TRY BEFORE YOU BUY?
Need an EV for a longer journey but don’t want to splash out the cash on one right away? Or maybe you’re not ready to make the commitment just yet.
Our sister company, EVision Electric Vehicles, specialise in EV hire across the UK. With collection points in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire you can choose an EV suited to you.
They have a huge range of EVs available, including BMWs, Teslas, Audis and more! You can take a look round their website here and hire an EV today!
